The Green Organic Dutchman Enters Into a Definitive Agreement To Merge With BZAM Cannabis
- Creates sixth largest Canadian Licensed Producer(1) with right sized facilities in the largest provinces and a complete portfolio of popular products and brands(2)(3)(5)
- TGOD’s market strength in Quebec and Ontario complements BZAM’s strength in western Canada markets, with opportunities to expand distribution
- Combined entity forecasts net revenue of at least $100 million for calendar year 2023 and adjusted EBITDA positive by mid 2023(2)(3)(4)
- Expected annualized savings of at least $10 million in COGS and SG&A through rationalization and economies of scale(2)(3)(4)
- Addition of BZAM materially strengthens TGOD’s financial position including improved debt ratios
- Combined entity will be led by experienced leadership team with track record in execution and disciplined cost management
TORONTO and VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “TGOD”) (CSE: TGOD) (US-OTC: TGODF), a sustainable Canadian cannabis company and leading producer of premium, organically grown cannabis, and BZAM Holdings (“BZAM”), a privately owned producer of some of Canada’s best flower and 2.0 products, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a binding and definitive share exchange agreement dated October 18, 2022 (the “Agreement”) with BZAM’s sole shareholder (the “BZAM Shareholder”), pursuant to which TGOD will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of BZAM from the BZAM Shareholder, in exchange for common shares (the “Combined Entity Shares”) of TGOD (the “Transaction”). The Transaction will result in the BZAM Shareholder ultimately holding an approximate 49.5% of the issued and outstanding Combined Entity Shares upon closing of the Transaction, with the ability to earn additional Combined Entity Shares subject to achievement of certain financial milestones (the “Milestones”) in 2023. All financial information in this press release is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Strategic and Financial Benefits (2)(3)(5)
The combined entity resulting from the Transaction (the “Combined Entity”) is estimated to be the sixth largest Canadian cannabis company(1) based on June to August 2022 retail sales, with scale and breadth across major provinces and a complete portfolio of market leading brands and products. BZAM and TGOD each believe the Transaction is expected to provide strategic and financial benefits, including those outlined below.
Creates a Leading Canadian Recreational Cannabis Licensed Producer(2)(3)(4): TGOD and BZAM generated $30.2 million and $32.2 million, respectively, of net revenue in calendar 2021, and $31.6 million and $32.7 million, respectively, of net revenue from January to September 2022. The Combined Entity generated $85.7 million pro forma unaudited net revenue for the 12 months leading to September 2022. Taken together, BZAM and TGOD have experienced one of the fastest growth rates in the Canadian cannabis market(5).
Create market’s most compelling product and brand portfolio: Leveraging both BZAM and TGOD’s passion for quality cannabis, innovative products and brand building, the Combined Entity will serve Canadian consumers with a complete portfolio of flower and 2.0 products. BZAM’s best selling vapes(6), infused pre-rolls and high quality flower across every price point are sold under the BZAM, -ness, Table Top, Dunn Cannabis, and FRESH brands, which have a strong market presence in British Columbia and Alberta(6). TGOD’s organic premium flower and hash, under TGOD and Highly Dutch brands, are popular in Ontario and Quebec(6), while TGOD’s joint venture with Wyld has delivered some of the fastest growing cannabis edibles across Canada since their commercial launch in December 2021(7).
Footprint across Canada with right-sized facilities in the largest provinces(2)(3): The Combined Entity will have local production presence in the largest provinces, and over 400 listed SKUs across Canada. The Combined Entity’s facilities are right-sized to demand without the need for material capital expenditure. The facilities offer complete, scalable capabilities for the Combined Entity’s broad range of cannabis products.
Substantial Synergies(1)(2)(3): The combination of BZAM and TGOD is expected to deliver at least C$10 million of annualized cost synergies within the first three quarters following completion of the Transaction, aiding in the achievement of positive adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) by mid 2023. The Combined Entity expects to achieve cost synergies in the key areas of cultivation and production, cannabis and product purchasing, sales, marketing and corporate expenses. BZAM’s Pitt Meadows, British Columbia facility will also provide TGOD with low-cost THC distillate and extraction capabilities, which is expected to improve cannabis 2.0 product margins. The Combined Entity expects to share a unified sales force leading to improvements of geographical coverage and increased retail distribution. The Transaction is expected to result in a stronger balance sheet and provide the Combined Entity with access to lower cost capital.
Proven Leadership Team
The Combined Entity will be led by an experienced management team and board of directors, with strong track records in the cannabis. Upon completion of the Transaction, BZAM’s current Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Matt Milich, and Chief Commercial Officer (“CCO”), Jordan Winnett, will lead the Combined Entity as CEO, CCO, along with TGOD’s current CEO and Interim Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Sean Bovingdon, who will take the role of CFO, in order to assist with the integration of BZAM and TGOD and the transitionary period of the Combined Entity. The board of directors of the Combined Entity will consist of seven members including five members from TGOD’s existing board of directors, and two members nominated by BZAM.
This is an exciting day for both companies, for our employees, and for our consumers. We are bringing together two rapidly growing companies that share a passion for cultivation, innovation and brand development.
Mr. Bovingdon, TGOD CEO
Our highly complementary businesses in terms of production footprints, products and distribution networks create a Combined Entity with a leading branded product portfolio along with significant synergies across our operations.(2)
“We are looking forward to bringing together TGOD’s organic flower and hash with our crowd pleasing vapes and the exceptional flower of our craft partners, including Dunn Cannabis and FRESH,” added Mr. Milich.(2) “Together, we expect to expand on what we have each accomplished so far, as we build a strong, EBITDA-positive cannabis company.”
Transaction Details
In consideration for all the issued and outstanding common shares of BZAM, upon Closing, TGOD will issue Combined Entity Shares to the BZAM Shareholder in two tranches, totalling an approximate 49.5% ownership stake of the Combined Entity.
In addition, the BZAM Shareholder is also entitled to earn up to $33 million in Combined Entity Shares (the “Milestone Shares”), subject to achievement of certain Milestones. The Milestones include payouts of Milestone Shares tied to annual net revenue targets and positive adjusted EBITDA targets for 2023. The Transaction is scheduled to close on or about November 3, 2022, subject to a number of customary conditions being satisfied or waived. Each Milestone Share shall be issued at a deemed price of the greater of $0.0596, that being the 15-day volume weighted average price of the common shares of TGOD immediately prior to the date the Agreement was signed, and the minimum price permitted under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”).
In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the BZAM Shareholder will enter into a contractual lock-up agreement, whereby the Combined Entity Shares received as part of Closing (the “Escrowed Shares”), and excluding the Milestone Shares, shall be subject to escrow with 1/3 of such Escrowed Shares being released on the 4-month, 8-month, and 12-month anniversaries of the date such Escrowed Shares are issued.
Consolidation (2)
In conjunction with the Transaction, the Combined Entity plans to file articles of amendment following Closing to effect a consolidation (the “Consolidation”) of all of the issued and outstanding Combined Entity Shares.
Pursuant to the Consolidation, shareholders are expected to receive one post-Consolidation Share for every ten pre-Consolidation Shares (the “Consolidation Ratio”), subject to the Combined Entity continuing to meet minimum listing requirements of the CSE. Accordingly, following the Consolidation, shareholders currently holding ten pre-Consolidation Combined Entity Shares will instead own one post-Consolidation Combined Entity Share. In the event that the Consolidation would result in the issuance of fractional Combined Entity Shares, each fractional post-Consolidation Combined Entity Share will be rounded down to the nearest whole, with any fractional Combined Entity Shares deemed to have been tendered for cancellation for no consideration. The trading price of the Combined Entity Shares is expected to reflect the Consolidation Ratio immediately upon the resumption of trading following the Consolidation.
The Consolidation is expected to be completed on or about November 8, 2022. The Consolidation was approved by the shareholders of TGOD on June 29, 2022.
All registered shareholders holding physical share certificates representing their existing Combined Entity Shares are required to send such certificates to the Company’s registrar and transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, at 702-67 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5E 1J8, Attention: Corporate Actions. Shareholders who hold their securities through a broker, investment dealer, bank or trust company should contact that nominee or intermediary for assistance in depositing their securities in connection with the Consolidation.
Financial and Legal Advisors
Clarus Securities Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to the BZAM and DuMoulin Black LLP acted as Canadian legal counsel to BZAM.
Aird & Berlis LLP acted as Canadian legal counsel to TGOD.
Conference Call
TGOD will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Transaction on Wednesday, October 19th at 11:30am EST. TGOD will provide prepared remarks followed by a Q&A session with Sean Bovingdon, CEO and interim CFO of TGOD, and Matt Milich, CEO of BZAM.
Local Dial-in: 416-764-8688
North American Toll-Free Dial-in: 1-888-390-0546
Confirmation #: 32146679
About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (CSE: TGOD) (US–OTC: TGODF) is a sustainable, cannabis company with a focus on innovation, quality, consistency, integrity and transparency. By leveraging science and technology, TGOD harnesses the power of nature from seed to sale. The Company is committed to cultivating a better tomorrow by producing its products responsibly, with less waste and impact on the environment. In Canada, TGOD serves the recreational market with a brand portfolio including The Green Organic Dutchman, Highly Dutch Organics, Ripple by TGOD and Cruuzy brands.. All cannabis utilized in products for The Green Organic Dutchman and Highly Dutch Organics brands is grown through a certified organic process, which includes living soil, filtered rainwater, sunlight, and natural inputs.
TGOD’s Common Shares and certain warrants issued under the indentures dated December 19, 2019, June 12, 2020, October 23, 2020 and December 10, 2020 trade on the CSE under the symbol “TGOD”, “TGOD.WS”, “TGOD.WR”, “TGOD.WA”, and “TGOD.WB” respectively. TGOD’s Common Shares trade in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol “TGODF”. For more information on The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., please visit www.tgod.ca.
About BZAM
Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, BZAM Cannabis™ is a multi-licensed Canadian cannabis producer focused on branded consumer goods, cultivation, processing and people. The BZAM Cannabis family includes core recreational cannabis brands BZAM™, -ness™ and TABLE TOP™, and partner brands Dunn Cannabis, FRESH, SuperFlower and Snackbar. The company operates facilities in the Lower Mainland, West Kootenay and Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Its sister companies operate facilities in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as a retail BZAM store in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Regina, Saskatchewan. BZAM Cannabis is rapidly expanding with a goal of bringing quality cannabis products to a growing number of consumers across Canada.
Notes
- Based on estimated retail sales from HyFire and Weed Crawler, June to August 2022.
- This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See “Cautionary Statements”.
- This target, and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. While TGOD and BZAM believe there is a reasonable basis for this target, such target may not be met. Actual results may vary and differ materially from the targets. See “Assumptions” below.
- Certain financial information included in this press release is neither audited nor reviewed. Where possible, the information has been constructed by management from available audited or audit reviewed financial statements. Where no audited or audit reviewed information has been available, additional management accounting information has been utilized to construct financial information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information.
- Based on quarterly financial statements from Canada’s top 15 publicly traded cannabis Licensed Producers.
- From June to August 2022, BZAM had the #1 best selling vape SKU in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and the #1 and #3 best selling 28g flower SKU in British Columbia and Alberta, respectively. Over the same period, TGOD had the #2 best selling premium flower SKU in Ontario and Quebec, and the #3 best selling hash SKU in Quebec, based on BCLDB, OCS, Weed Crawler and internal management estimates.
- According to HyFire data for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, Wyld ranked #10 in retail sales of edibles in January 2022 and #4 in fastest growth of edibles in August 2022.
Assumptions
In developing the financial guidance set forth above, TGOD and BZAM made the following assumptions and relied on the following factors and considerations:
- The targets are based on TGOD and BZAM’s historical results including its year-to-date consolidated results of operations, as well as retail sales growth analysis from Statistics Canada’s June 2022 release, and Cannabis Benchmark analysis of cannabis store counts in Canada.
- The targets are subject to continued cultivation improvements, productivity improvements, as well as internal and external sourcing of biomass.
- Revenue sustainability and growth depend on a variety of factors, including among other things, location, competition, legal and regulatory requirements. Prices are projected forward at recently realized wholesale prices.
- Cost of goods sold, before taking into account the impact of value changes in biological assets (which are non-cash in nature), and, accordingly, are excluded from calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, have been projected based on estimated costs of production and capacity available from a similar supply chain.
- Selling, general and administrative expenses in future periods are assumed to decrease as a percentage of revenues due to inherent scalability of selling, general and administrative expenses and our cost cutting initiatives outlined above. Additionally, total selling, general and administrative expenses include an allocation for corporate overhead and public company costs.
- Cost of procurement, which includes consumables, packaging and flowers as well as supply chain, and ancillary agreements, are assumed to decrease in future periods as a percentage of revenues due to economies of scale, renegotiation of key contracts, and volume discounts. Office spaces will be adjusted to reflect the Combined Entity’s geographical footprint.
- Cost of product development and research and development in future periods are assumed to decrease due to economies of scope and the Combined Entity’s ability to leverage innovation across products and brands.
- Cost of logistic, shipping and inventory carrying are assumed to decrease in future periods as a percentage of revenues due to operational efficiencies and optimized distribution centers.
- Cost of labor are assumed to decrease in future periods as a percentage of revenues due to the centralization of activities, the specialization of sites, and the increased utilization of automation.
