Stephen Smith - Purchase of Common Shares of Equitable Group Inc.

TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Stephen Smith announced that he has purchased, through First National Securities Corporation, 88,400 common shares of Equitable Group Inc. ("Equitable Group") at a purchase price of $63.00 per common share, including commissions.  The common shares were purchased through the facilities of the public market.  The common shares purchased represent approximately 0.54% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares of Equitable Group.

As a result of this transaction and other recent purchases, Mr. Smith now beneficially owns, directly or indirectly through First National Securities Corporation and First National Property Investments Limited, or exercises control or direction over, 3,125,600 common shares of Equitable Group, representing approximately 18.99% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares of Equitable Group.

Mr. Smith's acquisition was made for investment purposes.  Mr. Smith may, in the future, acquire ownership or control over additional securities of Equitable Group for investment purposes.

This news release is being issued under the early warning reporting provisions of applicable securities laws.  An early warning report with additional information in respect of the foregoing matter will be filed and made available under the SEDAR profile of Equitable Group at www.sedar.com.  

SOURCE Stephen Smith

To obtain a copy of the early warning report, you may also contact: Stephen Smith, c/o First National Securities Corporation, 100 University Avenue, Suite 700, North Tower, Toronto, ON M5J 1V6, Telephone: [phone]