Gage Growth Corp. Announces US$55 Million Senior Secured Debt Financing
Provides Maximum Flexibility to Execute on Gage’s Growth Strategy, Including Near-Term Retail Acquisition Opportunities
DETROIT, and TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Gage Growth Corp. (“Gage” or the “Company”) (CSE: GAGE) (OTCQX: GAEGF), a leading high-quality premium cannabis brand and operator in Michigan, today announced it has closed on a senior secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) for aggregate gross proceeds of US$55 million (the “Offering”). Gage intends to use the proceeds (i) to finance the Company’s retail acquisition strategy in Michigan, (ii) to support the Company’s future growth, and (iii) for general working capital purposes. All retail acquisitions are expected to be accretive to Gage and TerrAscend Corp. (“TerrAscend”) upon and subject to the completion of its proposed acquisition of Gage.
This non-dilutive financing provides Gage with maximum flexibility to execute on near-term acquisition opportunities. We received a great deal of interest and, through our advisors, had healthy participation in this transaction by a high-quality mix of institutional investors, led by Chicago Atlantic Advisors, LLC (“Chicago Atlantic”).
Fabian Monaco, CEO of Gage
Together with TerrAscend, we are committed to building one of the most dominant cannabis companies in Michigan. With the closing of this debt financing, we are well positioned to execute swiftly and drive value for our shareholders.
John Mazarakis, Partner of Chicago Atlantic, added, “Gage has built an extraordinary organization focused on high quality product, culture, and community, centered in a growing network of retail and cultivation assets. The terms of the Term Loan reflect the Gage management team and its employees’ remarkable track-record of execution and extraordinary commitment to serving its communities.”
The Term Loan bears interest at a per annum rate equal to the greater of 7.00% plus prime rate and 10.25%, payable monthly in arrears, with a maturity date of November 30, 2022. The Term Loan is secured by a first lien on all Company assets.
The placement was arranged by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Chicago Atlantic as lead lender and administrative agent.
About Gage Growth Corp.
Gage Growth Corp. is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for cannabis consumers in the state of Michigan and Canada, and bringing internationally renowned brands to market. Through years of progressive industry experience, the firm’s founding partners have successfully built and grown operations with federal and state licenses, including cultivation, processing and retail locations. Gage’s portfolio includes city and state approvals for 19 “Class C” cultivation licenses, three processing licenses and 15 provisioning centers (dispensaries).
For more information about Gage Growth Corp., visit www.gagecannabis.com or www.gageinvestors.com.
Instagram: @gagemichigan
Facebook: @gageusa
Twitter: @gagecannabisco
About Chicago Atlantic and Green Ivy Capital LLC
Chicago Atlantic Advisers, LLC is an asset management firm specializing in direct lending and opportunistic private credit investing. Founded in 2018 by Tony Cappell, John Mazarakis, and Andreas Bodmeier, the firm seeks to capitalize on North American investment opportunities that are time-sensitive, complex, or in dislocated markets, where risk is fundamentally mispriced. Through its affiliate Green Ivy Capital, LLC, the firm manages a diversified portfolio of credit investments in the cannabis space and is actively investing across the value chain.
Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States
Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. While legal in certain states, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation.
Explanatory Note Regarding the Company’s Operations
References in this news release to the Company and its operations and portfolio are inclusive of the operations and assets of certain licensed cannabis operators that operate under the Gage brand pursuant to contractual arrangements with the Company. For additional information, please refer to the Company’s long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.
