Second Cup Announces Exchange of $8 million Term Loan for Common Shares at $1.90 per Share

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 31, 2017 /CNW/ - The Second Cup Ltd. (TSX: SCU) (Second Cup or the Company) announced today that SPE Finance LLC (SPE), an affiliate of Serruya Private Equity, and its four shareholders have agreed to exchange SPE's $8.0 million secured term loan for common shares of Second Cup.  In December 2016, Second Cup entered into a four-year, $8.0 million secured term loan with SPE.  The transaction will result in annual cost savings for Second Cup of approximately $960,000. 

The Company will issue a total of 4,210,528 common shares to the four shareholders of SPE in full satisfaction of the term loan.  Second Cup will also cancel 300,000 of the 600,000 common share purchase warrants issued to SPE in connection with the term loan, and SPE will distribute the remaining 300,000 warrants to its four shareholders pro rata.  Following completion of the debt exchange, each of the four SPE shareholders will hold approximately 6.9% of the outstanding common shares of Second Cup (including common shares currently held by it), or approximately 7.2% assuming the exercise of the warrants to be distributed to it. 

Transaction Highlights:

• Exchange of $8.0 million debt to equity at $1.90 per common share, representing a 24.2% premium to the closing market price on July 31, 2017 and a 15.5% premium to the 20-day VWAP
• $800,000 savings in annual interest expense
• An estimated $160,000 savings on account of a reduction in annual board  retainer fees
• Cancellation of 50% of the warrants previously issued to SPE
• Nomination rights for two directors
• Two-year standstill by SPE and its four shareholders
• Pre-emptive rights for future equity issuances

Approval of the Company's shareholders is required for the Debt Exchange Transaction under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") as the TSX has determined that the transaction will have a material effect on control of the Company pursuant to section 604(a) of the TSX Company Manual since the SPE shareholders collectively will hold approximately 28.89% of the outstanding common shares of the Company assuming full exercise of the warrants.  The TSX has agreed that such approval may be obtained by way of written consents in lieu of a meeting.  The Company confirms that it has received approval from shareholders owning more than 50% of the issued and outstanding common shares, excluding the shares held by the SPE shareholders.  

The Debt Exchange Transaction is expected to close on or after August 10, 2017.

"This is a tremendous boost for Second Cup and a strong expression of confidence by the Serruya family, who will now be fully aligned as shareholders," said Michael Bregman, Chairman of the Board, Second Cup.  "The issuance of shares at a 24.2% premium to current market price, is a reflection of the considerable potential at Second Cup.  Over the past few months, we have benefitted from our relationship with the Serruyas, as value added investors.  This marks an important step forward in our relationship.  After completing this transaction, Second Cup will be debt free with approximately $3 million in cash and close to $1 million in reduced annual expenses.  This provides Second Cup with a much improved financial foundation, upon which to build for the future."

"We have great confidence in Second Cup and its leadership," said Michael Serruya, Managing Director at SPE.  "By converting our debt to equity, we are fully aligned to participate in future value creation.  Already we are seeing signs of progress as we work together with Second Cup.  One example is the introduction of our Pinkberry brand in four Second Cup stores.  Early results suggest this may be one of many opportunities to generate future growth."

The two nominees of the SPE shareholders will be appointed as directors of the board of Second Cup upon closing of the debt exchange transaction.

Second Cup is also pleased to announce that Paul W. Phelan will be appointed to the board of directors of the Company upon closing of the debt exchange transaction.  Mr. Phelan will sit on the board as the nominee of PDPJJHP Ontario Limited, a holding company controlled by members of the Phelan family, the Company's second-largest shareholder upon completion of the debt exchange. 

About Second Cup Coffee Co.™

Founded in 1975, The Second Cup Ltd. is a Canadian specialty coffee retailer operating over 290 franchised and company owned cafes in Canada.  The company's vision is to be the coffee brand most passionately committed to quality and innovation.  For more information, please visit www.secondcup.com  or find the company on Facebook and Twitter.

About Serruya Private Equity

Serruya Private Equity Inc. (SPE) is a Toronto-area based, family managed group that invests capital in a broad range of asset classes, with an emphasis on retail and real estate. SPE's principals have a heritage of experience developing brands and its affiliates currently include global brands Yogen Fruz, Pinkberry and Swensens, with over one billion dollars of worldwide system revenue.

For more information please contact [email protected]

Forward-looking information

This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) relating to the business of the Company and the environment in which it operates. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect," "intend", "plan", "will", "may" and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company's expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the benefits of the debt exchange and the impact of the debt exchange on the Company's strategic plan and transformation. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions, including that the Company will be able to execute its plan, including store growth in traditional and non-traditional channels. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, a forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any such statement or to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances.

SOURCE The Second Cup Ltd.

Ba Linh Le, Chief Financial Officer, [phone] or [email protected]

Related Links

www.secondcup.com