NEW YORK, December 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Earlier this November, cannabis advocates scored several important ballots wins on Election Day. Michigan was one of the states that voted to approve recreational use of cannabis and has now become the
10th legalized state in the U.S. In addition, Utah and Missouri
legalized medical cannabis use. According to recent data published by New Frontier Data, the three new markets are projected to
account for more than USD 1.2 Billion in additional sales for a combined total of USD 2.1 Billion in total legal sales by 2025. This increase will create more than 30,000 additional cannabis
jobs over the same period. After the midterm elections, cannabis legalization, of some form, has occurred in about 60% of the
country and based on New Frontier's research, legal retail sales revenues are currently estimated to be USD 10.3 Billion in 2018. Green Growth Brands (OTC: GGBXF), Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA), Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ:
TLRY), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC), Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB)
Medical cannabis accounted for most of the market last year, with the pain management sub-segment holding around 75% of the
medical market valuation, or USD 5.48 Million. With research and technology rapidly evolving in the
medical cannabis market, regulators are expected to tone down restrictions. Now, after Utah and
Missouri have moved to legalize medical cannabis, the move highlights the widespread appeal of
the products. "The prospects for moving cannabis legislation are better if the House can pass bills," Vivien Azer, a Cowen analyst covering the cannabis industry, told CNBC before the midterm results. "Given
popular support for cannabis legislation and a preference by many Senate Republicans to respect state's rights, a GOP Senate
could advance a cannabis bill."
Green Growth Brands (OTCQB: GGBXF) just announced breaking cannabis news late yesterday that has many financial news
outlets talking about, "Xanthic Biopharma Inc. doing business as Green Growth Brands Ltd. ("Green Growth") (CSE: GGB) announced
today that it currently intends to make an offer (the "Offer") to purchase all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the
"Aphria Shares") of Aphria Inc. ("Aphria" or the "Company") (TSX: APHA and NYSE: APHA) which it does not already own.
The Offer will provide Aphria shareholders with 1.5714 common shares of Green Growth (the "Green Growth Shares") for each
Aphria Share and represents premiums of 45.5% over Aphria's closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on
December 24, 2018 and 46.0% over Aphria's volume weighted average price on the TSX for the last 10
trading days ended December 24, 2018. The Offer values Aphria at approximately C$2.8 billion (US$2.1 billion) based on a valuation of C$7.00 per share for Green Growth Shares.
"We believe our offer will create value for both Aphria and Green Growth shareholders. We are confident that the
significant premium we are offering and the opportunity to participate in the growth of a stronger, combined company are so
compelling that we are taking our offer directly to Aphria's shareholders. Together, we can unleash synergies between our
teams, assets and geographies, forming a combined enterprise that will accelerate our collective growth strategies in
Canada, the U. S. and overseas," said Peter Horvath, CEO of Green
Growth.
Green Growth expects to complete a concurrent brokered financing of C$300 million, at a price
per share of C$7.00, to both illustrate confidence in the value of the consideration under the
Offer and to fund the business growth of the combined entity. Green Growth expects that certain of its existing shareholders will
commit to backstop the C$300 million financing concurrently with the execution of a business
combination agreement with Aphria or the take up of shares under the anticipated Offer.
Prior to announcing its intention to take the Offer directly to shareholders, Green Growth engaged Aphria's board to attempt
to negotiate a friendly business combination that included, among other things, a very short exclusivity period to allow both
parties to seriously consider the combination; a full go-shop provision in favor of Aphria; and the preservation of Aphria's
management and commitment to board representation at the combined company. Aphria's shareholders should be aware that Green
Growth offered that upon a friendly business combination with support from Aphria's board, Green Growth would invest C$50 million in equity at an Aphria per share value of C$11.00.
Why a Combined Green Growth and Aphria is Better for Shareholders. Combining Aphria with Green Growth is the fastest way to
create significant value for shareholders of both companies. The combined entity:
Creates an Unparalleled North American Player with Canadian and U.S. Operations. Aphria has a large footprint in Canada and supply agreements with all provinces and the Yukon Territory and
strong strategic partnerships establishing wholesale supply agreements. Green Growth operates vertically integrated
cannabis operations including cultivation, manufacturing and retail assets in Nevada, including
recently being awarded seven retail cannabis dispensary licenses. Together, the pro forma company will have a strong
foundation, extensive retail relationships and infrastructure to capture significant future growth as international markets
evolve. Increases Scale, Footprint, and Creates the Preeminent U.S. Consolidator. The combined company will be the largest U.S.
operator by market capitalization and the only North American cannabis operator.
Combines Aphria's Cultivation and Production Capacity with Green Growth's Retail Strength. The combined company will
marry Aphria's low-cost cultivation and near-term production capacity with Green Growth's vast retail know-how to capture market
share while maintaining lean margins. Aphria's current cash cost per gram is C$1.30 and is
expected to further decrease to C$0.95 per gram with projected annual capacity of over 250,000 kg
by early 2019 (Aphria Q1 2019 Investor Presentation dated October 11, 2018). Green Growth's
strong management team has a proven track record of delivering at the retail level and is already operating a best-in-class
dispensary in Las Vegas.
Poised to Benefit from Transformational Cannabis-Related Regulatory Changes in the World's Largest Cannabis Market. Green
Growth will soon be rolling out a consumer-focused line of CBD products, initially focused on topicals and balms, and is
well-positioned to benefit from further pro-cannabis U.S. regulation in the near-to-medium term.
Unites Best-in-Class Management Teams: Aphria's Pharmaceutical and Greenhouse Operational Experience and Green Growth's Proven
Retail Expertise. Aphria's team is comprised of veterans in the greenhouse industry and proven operators of large pharmaceutical
companies. Green Growth's CEO held senior positions at a number of well-known retailers including Designer Shoe Warehouse
Inc. and L Brands Inc. (Victoria's Secret). Additionally, Green Growth's largest
shareholder, the Schottenstein family, has deep relationships in the retail sector.
Benefits to Aphria Shareholders - While Aphria shareholders may be discouraged by recent events and having seen their
investment significantly impacted, they should be aware of the immediate benefits of the Offer and reasons to tender:
Significant and immediate 45.5% premium to market price.
Meaningful ownership position in a combined entity that is poised for further growth.
Potential for further downward share price impact if the Offer is not accepted.
Green Growth believes it already has support for the Offer from Aphria shareholders holding approximately 10% of the
outstanding Aphria Shares. Green Growth has additionally acquired a meaningful toehold position in Aphria. It is expected
that following the Offering Green Growth will continue to be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol GGB.
Questions? Need more help? Aphria shareholders should contact Kingsdale Advisors, the information agent and depositary for the
Offer, at 1-866-851-3214 (North American Toll-Free Number) or +1-416-867-2272 (Outside North America) or via email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.
Intention to Make an Offer - Full details of the Offer are expected to be set out in the formal Offer and take-over bid
circular which is expected to be mailed to Aphria shareholders, a copy of which is expected to be available at www.sedar.com under Aphria's profile. Green Growth expects to formally commence
the Offer and mail the Offer and take-over bid circular to Aphria shareholders over the coming weeks.
Readers are cautioned that Green Growth may determine not to make the Offer if (i) Aphria implements or attempts to implement
defensive tactics in relation to the Offer, (ii) Green Growth uncovers or its contemplated funding sources uncover or otherwise
identify information suggesting that the business, affairs, prospects or assets of Aphria have been impaired or uncovers or
otherwise identifies other undisclosed material adverse information concerning Aphria or (iii) Aphria determines to engage with
Green Growth to negotiate the terms of a combination transaction and Aphria and Green Growth determine to undertake that
transaction utilizing a structure other than a take-over bid such as a plan of arrangement. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the Offer will be made or that the final terms of the Offer will be as set out in this news release. In addition,
the contemplated consummation of a concurrent brokered financing of C$300 million, at a price per
share of C$7.00, and the contemplated backstop commitment in that regard, are subject to a variety
of contingencies and conditions, including satisfactory completion of customary due diligence as to both Aphria and Green Growth,
agreement on mutually agreeable definitive documentation, and other customary undertakings and conditions. No binding commitment
of any kind has yet been made in this regard, and readers should not assume any such commitment will be made unless and until
reflected in a binding instrument agreed by the contemplated funding sources, which cannot and should not be assumed or
assured.
The Offer will be undertaken in accordance with National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and will be
subject to a number of customary conditions, including: (i) there being deposited under the Offer, and not withdrawn, at least 66
2/3% of the outstanding Aphria Shares (calculated on a fully diluted basis), excluding Aphria Shares held by Green Growth; (ii)
receipt of all governmental, regulatory, stock exchange and third party approvals that Green Growth considers necessary or
desirable in connection with the Offer; (iii) there being no legal prohibition against Green Growth making the Offer or taking up
and paying for the Aphria Shares; (iv) Aphria not having adopted or implemented a shareholder rights plan, disposed of any
assets, incurred any material debts, implemented any changes in its capital structure or otherwise implemented or attempted to
implement a defensive tactic; (v) no material adverse change having occurred in the business, affairs, prospects or assets of
Aphria; (v) Green Growth not becoming aware of Aphria having made any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a
material fact that is required to be made to any securities regulatory authority; (vi) approval by the shareholders of Green
Growth in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange; and (vii) the statutory minimum condition that 50% of
the Aphria Shares having been tendered to the Offer, excluding Aphria Shares held by or over which control is exercised by Green
Growth (which cannot be waived). If the Offer proceeds, Green Growth expects to call during the first quarter of 2019 a
meeting of its shareholders to consider a resolution to approve the issuance of the Green Growth Shares in connection with the
Offer. Green Growth expects the Offer, when made, will remain open for an acceptance period of at least 105 days from the date of
mailing its take-over bid circular. It is within the power of the Board of Directors of Aphria to significantly shorten
this minimum bid period, allowing shareholders to receive the benefits of Green Growth's offer in only 35 days.
Shareholders of the Company are encouraged to contact Aphria and to urge management and the Board to allow Green Growth's
takeover bid to proceed in the minimum time frame allowed.
Advisors - Green Growth Brands has retained Canaccord Genuity as its financial advisor, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP as
its legal advisor, and Kingsdale Advisors as its strategic shareholder and communications advisor and depositary.
About Green Growth Brands - Green Growth brands expects to dominate the cannabis and CBD market with a portfolio of
emotion-driven brands that people love. Led by renowned retailer Peter Horvath, the GGB team
is full of retail renegades with decades of experience building successful brands. Join the movement at
GreenGrowthBrands.com.
Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) is a leading global cannabis company driven by an unrelenting commitment to our people,
product quality and innovation. The company recently announced its proposed acquisition of CC Pharma GmbH, a leading distributor
of pharmaceutical products to more than 13,000 pharmacies in Germany. The transaction, when closed, will strengthen the
Company's end-to-end medical cannabis operations and infrastructure in Germany, a key market in Aphria's international
expansion. Earlier this year, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Aphria Deutschland, acquired a 25.1% interest
in Berlin-based Schöneberg Hospital, providing access to both doctors and patients to support education about the benefits
of medical cannabinoids. "This acquisition strengthens our foothold in Germany, one of the most highly sought-after medical
cannabis markets in the world," said Vic Neufeld, Chief Executive Officer of Aphria. "CC Pharma is cash-flow positive and
has significant experience with regulatory requirements and international logistics. It will be a strong addition to Aphria's
presence in Germany, providing deeper access to the important pharmacist channel and advancing our ambitious global growth
strategy."
Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is a pioneer in the research, cultivation, production and distribution of medical cannabis
and cannabinoids currently serving tens of thousands of patients in twelve countries spanning five continents. The company
recently announced that after completing an acquisition of its existing import and distribution partner Alef Biotechnology SpA,
the Company has officially relaunched as Tilray Latin America SpA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tilray. Tilray Latin America will
further strengthen Tilray's position as a global leader in the medical cannabis market. Tilray currently has medical cannabis
products available in twelve countries and operates globally through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia & New Zealand, Canada,
Germany, and Portugal.
Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) announced earlier this month that it has entered into a multi-year extraction
agreement with Valens GroWorks Corp, a licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on
various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification. Under the terms of the
multi-year agreement, Valens will utilize their proprietary technology and methodologies to process the Company's whole flower
and trim into high-grade cannabis resin. Canopy Growth expects the first shipment of product for extraction will occur before the
end of December 2018. Valens previously joined Canopy Growth's CraftGrow program in October 2017. "Diversifying our extraction supply capabilities with Valens, a company positioning itself as a
specialized extractor, increases our ability to supply a consistent, high-quality inventory of oils for products such as
Softgels," commented Mark Zekulin, President & Co-CEO, Canopy Growth. "We're also excited to
see Valens progress in its licensing capabilities so that it can add its products to our CraftGrow program, increasing the
diversity of high-quality cannabis products available for medical and recreational customers in 2019."
Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB), headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, is one of the
world's largest and leading cannabis companies. Aurora Cannabis Inc. recently announced that it has reached an agreement with
Shopify Inc., one of the world's leading multi-channel, online commerce companies, to leverage the Shopify platform as Aurora's
ecommerce engine for medical and recreational cannabis distribution globally. Working closely with Aurora Cannabis'
industry-leading software engineering team, Shopify will assist in transitioning Aurora's current ecommerce site to a new,
Shopify-developed platform, improving the customer experience for Aurora's current medical and future adult consumer use
customers. One of the key benefits of the Shopify platform is its rapid and seamless scalability as Aurora executes on its
domestic and international expansion strategy. "Selecting Shopify allows Aurora to bring a world-class ecommerce solution to our
patients and future adult consumer use customers," said Darryl Vleeming, Chief Investment Officer
of Aurora Cannabis Inc. "Shopify's unique, industry leading platform provides a safe, secure and flexible ecommerce site that we
can build on as we execute our global growth initiatives and enter new markets."
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