Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson was among the shareholders objecting to the deal, stating that the 17% premium Newmont was paying for Goldcorp was too high. The stock-for-stock merger left former Goldcorp shareholders owning 35% of Newmont Goldcorp. Paulson expressed the concerns of many investors, observing that 35% of the cost savings of Newmont's partnership with Barrick would accrue to former Goldcorp shareholders. This, combined with the 17% premium made the price that Newmont paid for Goldcorp unattractive. However, Paulson would not have objected to the merger if the 17% premium had not been paid.