CANAD’S Aber Diamond Corp. announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the minority shareholders interest in US jeweller, Harry Winston, for around US$157 million giving it full 100% ownership.%%The transaction values Harry Winston, on an equity basis, at approximately $330 million. Aber will finance the acquisition through a combination of cash resources and an increase to its existing credit facility without impacting the existing dividend policy. Aber purchased an initial 51% stake in Harry Winston in April 2004 for $85 million and has since increased its equity interest to approximately 53%.%%The original purchase agreement included an option allowing Aber to purchase the balance of Harry Winston in 2010. Aber said the full ownership of Harry Winston strengthened its strategic position as a diamond company comprising the two most profitable segments of the diamond pipeline - mining and retailing.%%Since the initial investment, Harry Winston sales have grown from around $128 million for the full twelve months of fiscal year 2004 (including two months that were prior to Abers acquisition), to $191 million for fiscal year 2006. The acquisition and the expanded credit facility are expected to close by the end of September 2006.