I also did a lot of researchI would say it is legit. Now the story that goes with it? I have no idea. The pics and the plane though are all pointing at the multinational. Now what happenned? I'm guessing if they stayed late they are in deep negotiations. What does that mean?
1. We know Diageo is deep negotiations
2. We now suspect that Altria is as well (if they plane story is to be believed)
3. We know that Aphria rejected the advances of Molson/Coors and Coca Cola. I'm not suggesting that I know why, but I'd venture to guess that their terms were unfavourable to APH so they rejected and moved on. Aphria does NOT want to a JV...they want an equity partner(s).
4.RADIO SILENCE speaks very loudly.
5.Volume and rumours
So with all this surmising I will give you my 2 cents.
We've have been under the watchful eye of a few giants for many months. As the deals get rejected APH realised that if they don't start executing their own game plan they'll get buried by the financial clout of Canopy. Aphria began to step up their "share price enhancement" strategy. They did this by divesting US assets and by working to get a NYSE listing. This put tremendous pressure on the companies doing their very detailed due diligence. It was a sh!t or get off the pot moment for Diageo and Altria...and whomever else was sniffing around. With only weeks until all this goes live the big boys need to increase their attention to finalizing their offers. I think in the last 4 months APH has been getting offers or at least companies floating test balloons to see if they are on the same page as APHRIA. All haven't been. Diageo and Altria are. I think we are in the midst of a bidding war. In the end we'll get our deal..when? Who knows...however, we are going to get a great deal of this I am very confident...just instincts mind you.
I'm guessing whoever came in last whether it be Altria or Diageo or another multinational....I think the deal is with them. I think we are past the point of testing the waters. It's time to put up or move on. The NYSE listing is perfectly timed. If a major who is also listed on the NYSE buys in, just the name association will drive APH's stock price up enough that the buy in will cheap in the end. Example, if they buy in for 30% at $30 a share they'd spend under 2 billion...If the stock runs to $45 they just made a ton of quick valuation without any work. I hope we annouce a new partner before the NYSE listing.
Atheena