PRE-MARKET AUSTRALIAN STOCKS NEWS: Magellan Financial Group (MFG AT) agreed on a merger with Barrenjoey

Core Lithium (CXO AT) - Co. appointed Paul Brown as Chief Executive effective immediately and appointed Mark Hine as Independent Nonexecutive Director. (Dow Jones Newsplus)

Lynas Rare Earths (LYC AT) - Co. said its Malaysia operating license has been renewed for 10 years commencing March 3. (Dow Jones Newsplus)

Magellan Financial Group (MFG AT) - Co. agreed with Barrenjoey to combine, raising capital to fund an initial increased economic interest and to buy remaining shares on completion via stock issuance, implying an equity value of Barrenjoey at AUD 1.62bln, with David Gonski to become Chair and Brian Benari to become CEO of the combined group. (Dow Jones Newsplus)

Perpetual (PPT AT) - Co. is nearing a sale of its wealth management business to Bain Capital following prolonged negotiations, according to The Australian. (The Australian)

Syrah Resources (SYR AT) - Co. signed an offtake agreement with NextSource Materials for at least circa 34,000 tons and up to circa 68,000 tons over seven years starting no earlier than June 1. (Dow Jones Newsplus)