The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that a pair of equity analysts hiked their ratings on Barrick Gold following Monday's announcement that it plans to acquire rival gold miner Randgold Resources for about $6-billion in an all-stock deal. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that TD analyst Greg Barnes raised his recommendation to "buy" from "hold," with a share target price of $14, rising from $13.50. Analysts on average target the shares at $13.84. Mr. Barnes says in a note: "Despite the elevated geopolitical risk attached to the transaction, we believe that the merger will ultimately result in a more competitive and better-positioned senior gold company. We like the proposed transaction and the direction of New Barrick." Believing the deal will add significant credibility to Barrick's "turnaround narrative," Citi Group analyst Alexander Hacking moved the stock to "buy" from "neutral," with a $14 share target, up from $11. In justifying his move, Mr. Hacking says the deal is a win given the addition of new chief executive officer Mark Bristow, who he calls the "most successful CEO" in the sector. He notes that the transaction removes an acquisition overhang.