Aurora Cannabis has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Larssen. The terms of the transaction are undisclosed, but include performance-based milestone payments, such as those related to profitability metrics, as well as certain Aurora standards.
Larssen, a Canadian company that has set the industry standard in high-tech, automated, environmentally controlled greenhouses for over 30 years, has consulted on the design, engineering, and construction oversight of many of the world's most advanced greenhouse cultivation facilities. Best known for the successful implementation of cutting-edge automation features, proprietary design characteristics that generate exceptional yields, and the use of advanced energy efficient materials and technologies, Larssen has been involved with over 1,000 projects around the globe.
Following a thorough review process, Aurora selected Larssen to design, engineer, and oversee construction of its Aurora Sky facility, which upon completion is expected to be the largest capacity and most technologically advanced cannabis facility in the world, producing ultra-low cost, premium-quality cannabis. Larssen is currently involved with over 15 cannabis industry clients globally, including 5 Canadian licensed producers. The Canadian deals will be vetted by the Company's management team. Any Canadian project deemed not to be in the best interest of Aurora shareholders will be notified that ALPS will no longer participate in such projects. We expect this process to take no longer than 3 weeks.
Upon completion of the transaction, Larssen will be integrated into a newly incorporated subsidiary, Aurora Larssen Projects, focused on providing a unique turn-key service offering to Aurora and its domestic and international partners, that will over time provide 360-degree solutions for facility design, engineering, construction, support, maintenance, security, regulatory support, cultivation, genetics, as well as provide consulting and assistance in regard to meeting requirements for GACP cultivation and EU GMP certification.
Thomas Larssen, the principal of Larssen, will serve as President of ALPS and will continue to oversee Aurora's cultivation infrastructure expansion. Management anticipates that the growth of ALPS will be driven by the continued rapid evolution of the cannabis industry in Canada and around the globe.
"The acquisition of Larssen is an immediately accretive, high-margin revenue generating opportunity that also extends our technological leadership in the cannabis sector," said Terry Booth, CEO. "We know Thomas and his team very well, as they have been instrumental in the design and engineering of our revolutionary Aurora Sky facility. This will help make the integration of Larssen with Aurora seamless. The establishment of ALPS will add significant capacity to our project execution team, enabling us to further accelerate the expansion of our global presence. I look forward to working with Thomas and his team as we pursue new opportunities going forward."
Thomas Larssen, Principal of Larssen, added, "We have been at the cutting edge of greenhouse development for over 30 years, and have never encountered a team that matches the vision, entrepreneurship and execution as demonstrated by the people at Aurora. Our decision to join forces with Aurora in this evolving industry was not difficult. Joining the Company will allow us to leverage the incredible brand recognition Aurora enjoys, both within and outside of the cannabis sector. I believe that the resources, infrastructure and strategic support available at Aurora will help establish ALPS as the world's leading horticultural engineering venture, and I look forward to making my contribution to the continued rapid expansion of the Company."
Neil Belot, Chief Global Business Development Officer said, "The acquisition of Larssen, and the creation of ALPS is another truly differentiating transaction that exemplifies the Aurora Standard, and separates us from our competition. Through the integration of our top-calibre teams, we will rapidly introduce additional high-quality, high-yield, ultra-efficient cannabis specialized greenhouse and post-harvest processing facilities to new countries and partners around the globe."
For more information:
Aurora
P.O. Box 209
Cremona, AB. T0M0R0
1-844-928-7672
auroramj.com