VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 12, 2022 /CNW/ - Aritzia Inc. ("Aritzia" or the "Company") (TSX: ATZ) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted its notice of intention to proceed with a normal course issuer bid.
Aritzia's Board of Directors believes that a normal course issuer bid represents an appropriate and desirable use of its available cash, after prioritizing investments in boutiques and strategic infrastructure, to increase shareholder value and is in the best interest of Aritzia and its shareholders. As at November 28, 2021, the Company had approximately $305.9 million of cash on hand. Any purchases made under the normal course issuer bid will be made by Aritzia subject to favourable market conditions at the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems.
Pursuant to the notice, Aritzia may purchase up to 3,732,725 of its subordinate voting shares ("Shares"), representing approximately 5% of the public float of 74,654,507, during the twelve month period commencing January 17, 2022 and ending January 16, 2023. As at January 11, 2022 there were 88,866,274 Shares issued and outstanding. Under the normal course issuer bid, other than purchases made under block purchase exemptions, Aritzia may purchase up to 74,660 Shares on the TSX during any trading day, which represents approximately 25% of 298,643, which represents the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the most recently completed six calendar months prior to the TSX's acceptance of the notice of the NCIB. Any Shares purchased under the normal course issuer bid will be cancelled.
Although the Company intends to purchase Shares under its normal course issuer bid, there can be no assurances that any such purchases will be completed. Any purchases made under the normal course issuer bid will be made by Aritzia at the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition and through the facilities of the TSX. The Company may rely on an automatic purchase plan during the NCIB. The automatic purchase plan would allow for purchases by the Company of Shares during certain pre-determined blackout periods, subject to certain parameters and approval of the TSX.
About Aritzia
Aritzia is a vertically integrated design house with an innovative global platform. The Company are creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic. The Company is about good design, quality materials and timeless style — all with the wellbeing of our people and planet in mind.
Founded in 1984, in Vancouver, Canada, the Company prides itself on creating immersive, and highly personal shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in its 100+ boutiques throughout North America to everyone, everywhere.
Everyday Luxury. To elevate your world.TM
Forward-looking statement
Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws, including statements related to the Company's normal course issuer bid, investments in boutiques and strategic infrastructure and other statements that are not historical facts. This information is based on management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date of this press release. However, we do not undertake to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws in Canada. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including those described in "Risk Factors" which are described in the Company's annual information form dated May 11, 2021 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021 (the "AIF"). The Company cautions that the list of risk factors and uncertainties is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. See "Forward-looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the AIF for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement.
SOURCE Aritzia Inc.
Investors, Jean Fontana, ICR, Inc., 646-277-1214, [email protected]
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