Newstrike’s investment agreement with Inner Spirit provides for cross-ownership interests and companion agreement for distribution and brand presence
TORONTO, May 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Newstrike Resources Ltd. (TSXV:HIP) (“Newstrike” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an investment agreement with Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. (“Inner Spirit”) dated May 18, 2018 (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which both Newstrike and Inner Spirit will acquire equity interests in each other and enter into a companion strategic alliance agreement for the retail distribution of Up Cannabis products and the creation and operation of Up Cannabis-branded customer lounges or “Experiential Hubs” in each of Inner Spirit’s stores.
“We believe this investment and strategic alliance have the potential to effectively elevate the profile of the Up Cannabis brand and increase consumer access to Up’s full line of cannabis and related products”, commented Jay Wilgar, Newstrike’s CEO. “We look forward to working with Spiritleaf to enhance Up’s distribution reach and successfully building our businesses in a complementary and strategically aligned manner.”
Inner Spirit has extensive franchise, marketing, real-estate and retail experience that it intends to capitalize on by establishing a chain of branded adult-use cannabis dispensaries across Canada under the “Spiritleaf” banner. Spirit Leaf was the first Canadian retail cannabis company to be granted membership into the Canadian Franchise Association and has over 100 franchises in various stages of development.
“Partnering with Newstrike & Up Cannabis is a unique opportunity for both organizations to showcase the amazing initiatives that they have undertaken. It will allow our mutual customers to visit Spiritleaf stores and, through each Up Cannabis Experiential Hub, experience how cannabis, music, education and community can come together and have a positive impact”, said Darren Bondar, President & CEO of Inner Spirit.
Under the proposed strategic alliance, Newstrike and Spirit Leaf will create and operate Up Cannabis Experiential Hubs within Spiritleaf’s stores where consumers can enjoy the Company’s quality lifestyle brands. The store-in-store experiences will complement the existing Spiritleaf design elements and provide education about cannabis, showcase both companies’ love of music and their various community and charitable endeavours.
Mutual Investment
On closing, Newstrike will make an aggregate investment in Inner Spirit valued at $2.25 million comprised of:
- $1,125,000 in cash; and
- Newstrike common shares with an aggregate value $1,125,000.
The Newstrike common shares to be issued on closing will be issued at a price of $.90 which is equal to the five-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) calculated as at May 18, 2018, being the date that the investment agreement was executed. Newstrike will also issue up to 1,125,000 warrants to purchase Newstrike common shares (the “Newstrike Warrants”). The Newstrike Warrants will have an exercise price of .99, which represents a premium of 10% to the issue price of the Newstrike common shares. The Newstrike Warrants will have a term of 24 months and will vest on a performance-based schedule triggered by the opening of a pre-determined number of future Spirit Leaf locations, all of which is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) and in accordance with applicable securities laws
In consideration for Newstrike’s investment in Inner Spirit, Inner Spirit will issue to Newstrike, subject to approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) and in accordance with the applicable securities laws, 15,000,000 units of Inner Spirit (“Units”) on the same terms as such securities are to be offered under Inner Spirit’s proposed initial public offering at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of Inner Spirit and one-half of a common share purchase warrant, exercisable at $0.30 per share for a period of two (2) years following the date of issuance, subject to adjustment.
Distribution
The strategic alliance agreement will include terms providing for, subject to applicable regulations governing retail distribution of cannabis, including without limitation, the approval and Royal Assent of Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, and requisite retail licensing of Spiritleaf outlets, the preferential distribution of Up Cannabis products and merchandising opportunities, as well as a commitment by Inner Spirit to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Closing
The closing of the transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including but not limited to: the completion of satisfactory due diligence, the receipt of all necessary approvals, the approval of the TSX-V and the CSE, the approval of applicable securities regulatory authorities and the execution of a mutually agreeable strategic alliance agreement. The closing date is expected to be immediately prior to the closing of the proposed initial public offering of Inner Spirit’s common shares on the CSE.
For further information, please contact:
Jay Wilgar, Chairman and CEO
Telephone: (905) 844-8866 ext. 12
Email: ir@newstrike.ca
About Newstrike and Up Cannabis
Newstrike is the parent company of Up Cannabis Inc., a licensed producer of cannabis that is licensed to both cultivate and sell cannabis in all acceptable forms. Up Cannabis is in turn the parent company of Up Cannabis Niagara Inc. Newstrike, through Up Cannabis and together with select strategic partners, including Canada’s iconic musicians The Tragically Hip, is developing a diverse network of high quality cannabis brands. For more information visit www.up.ca or www.newstrike.ca.
About Inner Spirit and Spirit Leaf
Dedicated to creating cultural hubs in every community in which it operates, Inner Spirit is establishing a chain of recreational cannabis dispensaries under its Spiritleaf brand. Supporting local entrepreneurs by applying its award-winning franchise and retail models, Inner Spirit has more than 100 partnerships in place for Spiritleaf locations across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Inner Spirit will also operate multiple corporate dispensaries. With a diverse portfolio of quality and curated lifestyle cannabis products – including Spiritleaf’s own locally and sustainably sourced lines – Spiritleaf is positioned to be an iconic Canadian brand and the most trusted source for recreational cannabis. More information can be found on Inner Spirit’s website at www.innerspiritholdings.com.