TSX: ACB
EDMONTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc.
("Aurora") (TSX: ACB) (OTCQB: ACBFF) (Frankfurt: 21P; WKN: A1C4WM) today announced
the appointment of André Jérôme as Senior Vice President, Business
Integration. In this newly created role, Mr. Jérôme will be
responsible for the integration of acquisitions, as well as for the
identification of potential synergies across existing subsidiaries
and joint venture partners.
Aurora, which has completed seven acquisitions and seven
strategic investments to date, has a strong track record in the
integration and generation of value from acquisitions. The Company
has implemented a replicable protocol that provides a streamlined
integration process. The program includes dedicated staff, as well
as resources from IT, Finance, Legal, Operations, HR and
Communications. With this newly created position, the Company is
creating formal dedicated executive leadership of the integration
function. The integration program was developed by Aurora's senior
leadership team, including Dr. Debra
Wilson, VP of HR, whose MBA research was focused on
acquisition integration.
Mr. Jérôme, a member of the Bar of Québec for the last 23 years,
joins Aurora from H2 Biopharma Inc ("H2"), where he was CEO and
co-founder. H2 is a Quebec-based,
late-stage applicant for Licensed Producer status, which was
acquired by Aurora in November 2017.
Prior to his activities in the cannabis industry, Mr. Jérôme spent
over two decades in the telecoms industry. He held various senior
executive positions in corporate affairs, playing an important role
in acquisition integration with, among others, international
telecom giant Vodafone.
"Since the H2 acquisition, André has demonstrated great
leadership, a strong commitment to the Company's success and a
relentless focus on delivering results," said Terry Booth, CEO. "M&A and business
integration are key aspects of our expansion strategy, and with
André we have found the right person to take on leadership of this
important role. His experience in leading integrations teams on
both sides of the fence within large multinational corporations
will prove an important asset in creating shareholder value from
new acquisitions. His appointment also reflects a strong commitment
to our people and our future colleagues."
Mr. Jérôme added "I am very excited to join the Aurora team, one
of the global leaders in this transformational industry. In my
short time with the Company, I have come to witness firsthand the
total commitment to excellence, and the passion of the people. I
look forward to playing my part in helping Aurora further
accelerate growth."
Mr. Jérôme was granted 250,000 options, priced at $10.13. The options will expire February 19, 2023, and vest quarterly over three
years.
About Aurora
Aurora's wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises
Inc., is a licensed producer of medical cannabis pursuant to Health
Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations
("ACMPR"). The Company operates a 55,200 square foot,
state-of-the-art production facility in Mountain View County,
Alberta, known as "Aurora
Mountain", and a second 40,000 square foot high-technology
production facility known as "Aurora Vie" in Pointe-Claire, Quebec on Montreal's West Island. In January 2018, Aurora's 800,000 square foot
flagship cultivation facility, Aurora Sky, located at the
Edmonton International Airport,
was licensed. Once at full capacity, Aurora Sky is expected to
produce over 100,000 kg per annum of cannabis. Aurora is also
completing a fourth facility in Lachute,
Quebec utilizing its wholly owned subsidiary Aurora Larssen
Projects Ltd.
Aurora also owns Berlin-based
Pedanios, the leading wholesale importer, exporter, and distributor
of medical cannabis in the European Union. The Company offers
further differentiation through its acquisition of BC Northern
Lights Ltd. and Urban Cultivator Inc., industry leaders,
respectively, in the production and sale of proprietary systems for
the safe, efficient and high-yield indoor cultivation of cannabis,
and in state-of-the-art indoor gardening appliances for the
cultivation of organic microgreens, vegetables and herbs in home
and professional kitchens.
Aurora holds a 19.88% ownership interest in Liquor Stores N.A.,
who intend developing a cannabis retail network in Western Canada. In addition, the Company holds
approximately 17.23% of the issued shares in leading extraction
technology company Radient Technologies Inc., and has a strategic
investment in Hempco Food and Fiber Inc., with options to increase
ownership stake to over 50%. Aurora is also the cornerstone
investor in two other licensed producers, with a 22.9% stake in
Cann Group Limited, the first Australian company licensed to
conduct research on and cultivate medical cannabis, and a 17.62%
stake in Canadian producer The Green Organic Dutchman Ltd., with
options to increase to majority ownership.
Aurora's common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol
"ACB".
On behalf of the Boards of Directors,
AURORA CANNABIS INC.
Terry Booth
CEO
This news release includes statements containing certain
"forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable
securities law ("forward-looking statements"), including, but not
limited to, statements with respect to the performance of the
Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by
words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend",
"believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential",
"proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain
events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are
only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the
conclusions or making the projections contained in the
forward-looking statements throughout this news release.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates
of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject
to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual events or results to differ materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is
under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or
obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as expressly required by applicable law.
Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that
term is defined in the policies of Toronto Stock Exchange) accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.