CHICAGO, February 3, 2020–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cresco Labs (CSE:CL) (OTCQX:CRLBF) (“Cresco Labs” or the “Company”), one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, today announced that it has closed the recently announced non-brokered credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) for a senior secured term loan (the “Senior Loan”) in an initial aggregate principal amount of US$100 million, with a mutual option to increase the size of the facility to a maximum of US$200 million. The proceeds from the Senior Loan will be used to fund the expansion of operations in Illinois, closing and integration costs associated with pending acquisitions, and other strategic growth initiatives in key markets. A broad syndicate of lenders participated in the Senior Loan, including U.S. based institutional investors together with members of the Company’s management and board of directors.
Charlie Bachtell, CEO and Co-founder of Cresco Labs, commented, “The closing of this financing is an important event and was driven by the incredible opportunities we at Cresco have before us.”
We have worked to create a credit facility that strengthens our balance sheet in a non-dilutive manner – with no warrants nor convertibility to equity. This transaction demonstrates that capital is available to the top operators in this industry who demonstrate a disciplined strategic focus, a responsible allocation of capital, and a track record of operational execution.
Charlie Bachtell, CEO and Co-founder of Cresco Labs
We are especially pleased to have closed the transaction with such a high-quality group of investors who have displayed a dedicated commitment to the long-term success of Cresco as we continue to execute our vision – to build the most important company in cannabis.
Terms
The Senior Loan is for either an 18-month or 24-month term, at the lender’s option. The Loans bear interest at a rate of approximately 12.7% per annum for 18-month loans and approximately 13.2% for 24-month loans, payable quarterly in arrears. The terms of the Senior Loan were negotiated at arm’s length with the agent and lead investor and include customary restrictive covenants.
About Cresco Labs
Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis operators in the United States. Cresco is built to become the most important company in the cannabis industry by combining the most strategic geographic footprint with one of the leading distribution platforms in North America. Employing a consumer-packaged goods (“CPG”) approach to cannabis, Cresco’s house of brands is designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and includes some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, Remedi and Mindy’s, a line of edibles created by James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal. Sunnyside*, Cresco’s national dispensary brand, is a wellness-focused retailer designed to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco has launched the industry’s first national comprehensive Social Equity and Educational Development (SEED) initiative designed to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work in and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Learn more about Cresco Labs at www.crescolabs.com.
