LGC Capital Ltd.
Symbol: TSX-V: LG
- Terminates option with House of Hemp as it no longer meets LGC's investment criteria
MONTREAL, March 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - LGC Capital Ltd. (TSXV: LG) ("LGC") announces that it has formally terminated its option to acquire a 30% interest in South Africa-based House of Hemp (Pty) Ltd, in favour of focusing LGC's resources and cash-strong balance sheet on developing its fast-growing investments in Australia, Montreal/Canada, Jamaica and Europe. LGC also announces that it is examining new near-term cash-flowing investment opportunities in Europe and southern Africa. As previously announced, LGC's 50/50 joint venture with AfriAg (Pty) Ltd had the exclusive right to acquire a 60% interest in House of Hemp.
The South African Government has not put in place the legislative framework for the legalization of medical cannabis in that country. Although House of Hemp is still actively seeking a full set of commercial licenses, its lack of licenses at present means that it does not meet LGC's strict criteria for near-term production and cash-flow.
As a result, House of Hemp no longer fits with LGC's investment objectives. LGC has a number of other investment opportunities that it believes will offer better short-term returns for its shareholders. The amounts invested by LGC in its due diligence review of House of Hemp were not material.
John McMullen, LGC's CEO, commented; "LGC has a number of very exciting projects that are now moving rapidly towards commercial medical cannabis production. These businesses are LGC's prime focus. We are looking forward to Little Green Pharma harvesting its first commercial crop in Australia in the next few weeks, and AAA Trichomes breaking ground at its new facility in Montreal over the coming weeks. In addition, LGC is working hard with the Global Canna Labs team in Jamaica to complete our detailed due diligence and assist its management team with its first commercial planting expected to commence next month. Italy's Evolution Bnk, which already has a cash flow, is on track to begin planting its first cannabis crops this summer. Our investments in Little Green Pharma and AAA Trichomes and our pending investments in Global Canna Labs and Evolution Bnk, in Australia, Canada, Jamaica and Italy, all have the potential for significant production of medical cannabis as each operation grows. Our CLV Frontier Brands joint venture with Creso Pharma Limited and Baltic Beer Company Ltd is on track to be in full commercial production and distribution this summer.
Mr. McMullen continued, "With respect to terminating the House of Hemp transaction, the absence of medical cannabis legislation in South Africa unfortunately means that House of Hemp's business is no longer one that suits LGC's business objectives of investing in near-term cash-flowing businesses. Not every investment LGC investigates will be concluded, and if businesses do not 100% stack-up for any reason whatsoever with respect to due diligence, budgets, timing or production potential, LGC will walk away from these opportunities to focus on better suited investment opportunities around the globe that meet our strict investment criteria."
Closing of LGC's transactions with Global Canna Labs and Evolution Bnk, respectively, is subject to the parties entering into definitive agreements, standard closing conditions, and regulatory approval, including that of the TSX Venture Exchange.
About LGC (http://www.lgc-capital.com)
LGC Capital Ltd. is a Canadian incorporated public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: LG). LGC's objective is to become a diversified business group with core business divisions that provide shareholders with exposure to a diverse range of businesses, products and services.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to LGC Capital Ltd. ("LGC") and its operations, strategy, investments, financial performance and condition. These statements generally can be identified by use of forward- looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intends", "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The actual results and performance of LGC could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, among other things, general economic and market factors, competition, government regulation and the factors described under "Risk Factors and Risk Management" in LGC's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, as filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to LGC and persons acting on its behalf. Unless otherwise stated, all forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and LGC does not have any obligation to update such statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE LGC Capital Ltd
John McMullen, Chief Executive Officer, Tel.: (416) 803-0698, Email: [email protected]; London contact: Anthony Samaha, Chief Financial Officer, Tel.: +44 (0) 20 7440 0640; Investor Relations: Dave Burwell, The Howard Group Inc., Tel.: (403) 221-9015, Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915, Email: [email protected]
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