Equity Incentive Awards
The following table summarizes details of the following securities that are not listed or quoted on a marketplace issued by the Company
the during the 12-month period prior to the date of this Prospectus Supplement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DATE OF GRANT
|
|
SECURITY
|
|
ISSUANCE PRICE PER
SECURITY
|
|
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
|
|
February 19, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
February 19, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$12.77
|
|
|
425,000
|
|
February 24, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$13.31
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
February 24, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
February 28, 2019
|
|
Deferred Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
3,516
|
|
March 1, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
April 17, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$11.45
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
April 23, 2019
|
|
Notes
|
|
US$9.38
|
|
|
5,330,490
|
(1)
|
April 26, 2019
|
|
Notes
|
|
US$9.38
|
|
|
31,982,942
|
(1)
|
April 29, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
31,600
|
|
May 31, 2019
|
|
Deferred Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
29,392
|
|
June 19, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
June 19, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$9.70
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
June 19, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$9.15
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
August 7, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
208,959
|
|
August 7, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$9.13
|
|
|
736,146
|
|
August 31, 2019
|
|
Deferred Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
35,752
|
|
October 17, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
476,111
|
|
October 17, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$6.63
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
November 14, 2019
|
|
Restricted Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
307,805
|
|
November 14, 2019
|
|
Options
|
|
$6.26
|
|
|
507,982
|
|
November 30, 2019
|
|
Deferred Share Units
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
45,462
|
|
-
(1)
-
Securities
issued under the offering of US$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% convertible senior notes due 2024
(the "Notes") pursuant to the indenture dated April 23, 2019 between the Company and GLAS Trust Company LLC. On April 26,
2019, the Company completed the sale of an additional US$50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes pursuant to the exercise in full of the over-allotment option. The initial conversion rate
for the Notes is 106.5644 Common Shares per US$1,000 principal amount of the Notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$9.38 per Common Share.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering, after deducting expenses of the Offering, are estimated to be approximately $
99,900,000. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for international expansion, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company intends to spend the funds available to it as
stated in this Prospectus Supplement; however, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be deemed prudent or necessary. Pending use of the net proceeds
of this Offering, such net proceeds will be invested in accordance with determinations made by our board of directors or certain executive officers.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OFFERED UNDER THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Common Shares
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of January 29, 2020, there were
253,049,157 Common Shares issued and outstanding, 6,962,043 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, 127,185 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding deferred share units and 1,829,795 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding restricted share units.
The
holders of the Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. The holders of Common Shares are also entitled to
dividends, if and when declared by the Company's board of directors and the distribution of the residual assets of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company.
We
have not paid any dividends to date on the Common Shares. We do not currently expect to pay any dividends on the Common Shares for the foreseeable future.
The
registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc.
Warrants
The Warrants issued under the Offering will be governed by a warrant indenture (the "Warrant
Indenture") to be entered into on or before the Closing Date between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent
(the "Warrant Agent"). Each Warrant will
entitle the holder to purchase one Warrant Share from treasury of the Company at the price of $9.26 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date, in accordance with the
terms and conditions set out in the Warrant Indenture.
The
following summary of certain provisions of the Warrant Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject in its entirety to the detailed provisions of the executed Warrant
Indenture. Reference is made to the Warrant Indenture for the full text of the attributes of the Warrants which, following the closing of the Offering will be filed on SEDAR under the issuer profile
of the Corporation at www.sedar.com. A register of holders of Warrants will be maintained at the principal offices of the Warrant Agent in Toronto, Ontario. The holders of Warrants will not, as such,
have any voting right or other right attached to the Common Shares until and unless the Warrants are duly exercised as provided for in the Warrant Indenture.
The
Warrant Indenture is expected to provide that the number of Warrant Shares which may be acquired by a holder of Warrants upon the exercise thereof will be subject to anti-dilution
provisions governed by the Warrant Indenture, including provisions for the appropriate adjustment of the class, number and price of the securities issuable under the Warrant Indenture upon the
occurrence of certain events including:
-
(a)
-
the
issuance of Common Shares or securities exchangeable for or convertible into Common Shares to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares
by way of a stock dividend or other distribution (other than a distribution of Common Shares upon the exercise of any outstanding warrants, options or other convertible securities);
-
(b)
-
the
subdivision, redivision or change of the Common Shares into a greater number of shares;
-
(c)
-
the
consolidation, reduction or combination of the Common Shares into a lesser number of shares;
-
(d)
-
the
issuance to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options or warrants under which such holders are entitled, during a
period expiring not more than 45 days after the record date for such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares, or securities exchangeable for or convertible into Common Shares, at a
price per Common Share to the holder (or at an exchange or conversion price per share) of less than 95% of the "current market price" (as defined in the Warrant Indenture) of Common
Shares on such record date; and
-
(e)
-
the
issuance or distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of (i) securities, including rights, options or warrants to
acquire shares of any class or securities exchangeable or convertible into any such shares or property or assets or (ii) any property or assets, including evidences of indebtedness.
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The
Warrant Indenture is also expected to include provisions for the appropriate adjustment of the class, number and price of the securities issuable under the Warrant Indenture upon the
occurrence of the following additional events:
-
(a)
-
the
reclassification of the Common Shares or exchange or change of the Common Shares into other shares;
-
(b)
-
the
amalgamation, arrangement or merger with or into any other corporation or other entity (other than an amalgamation, arrangement or merger which does not
result in any reclassification of the Company's outstanding Common Shares or an exchange or change of the Common Shares into other shares); and
-
(c)
-
the
transfer of the Company's undertakings or assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to another corporation or other entity.
The
Corporation is also expected to covenant in the Warrant Indenture, during the period in which the Warrants are exercisable, to give notice to holders of Warrants of certain stated
events, including events that would result in an adjustment to the exercise price for the Warrants or the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, a prescribed number of days
prior to the record date or effective date, as the case may be, of such event.
The
Warrant Indenture is expected to provide that, from time to time, the Warrant Agent and the Corporation, without the consent of the holders of Warrants, may be able to amend or
supplement the Warrant Indenture for certain purposes, including rectifying any ambiguities, defective provisions, clerical omissions or mistakes, or other errors contained in the Warrant Indenture or
in any deed or indenture supplemental or ancillary to the Warrant Indenture, provided that, in the opinion of the Warrant Agent, relying on legal counsel, the rights of the holders of Warrants, as a
group, are not prejudiced thereby.
The
Warrant Indenture is also expected to provide that in the event of an extraordinary transaction, as described in the Warrant Indenture and generally including any merger, arrangement
or amalgamation of the Corporation with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, tender offer or exchange offer, or reclassification of the Common Shares,
the holders of the Warrants will generally be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they
exercised the Warrants immediately prior to such extraordinary transaction.
The
principal transfer office of the Warrant Agent in Toronto, Ontario is the location at which Warrants may be surrendered for exercise or transfer.
There
will be no market through which the Warrants may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Warrants purchased in the Offering. This may affect the pricing of the
Warrants in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of the Warrants. See "Risk Factors".
No fractional Warrant Shares will be issuable upon the exercise of any Warrants, and no cash or other consideration will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.
Holders of Warrants will not have any voting or pre-emptive rights or any other rights which a holder of Common Shares would have.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company and the Investor have entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement with respect to the Units. The Investor is an
"accredited investor" as such term is defined under applicable securities legislation. Subject to certain conditions, the Investor has agreed to purchase, and the Company has agreed to sell, on the
Closing Date, 14,044,944 Units at the Offering Price. The Offering Price has been determined by the Company through arm's length negotiations with the Investor.
The
Securities Purchase Agreement contains terms, representations, warranties and conditions customary for agreements of its nature. Expenses incurred by each of the parties to the
Securities Purchase Agreement and this Offering will be to each such parties' account. The Securities Purchase Agreement also contains a covenant by the Investor that, for period of 24 months
following the Closing Date, it: (a) will vote all of its Common
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Shares
(including any Common Shares issued upon the exercise of the Warrants or any subsequently acquired Common Shares) in accordance with the recommendation of the board of directors of the Company,
including in respect of a shareholder meeting of the Company; (b) will not participate in or advise, encourage or assist (including financial assistance) any other person to effect or seek,
offer, continue to offer, agree or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect or cause to participate in any "solicitation" of "proxies" (as such terms are used in the proxy provisions
of the OBCA); and (c) will not form, join or in any way participate in a group or act jointly or in concert with any person with respect to voting securities of the Company or securities
convertible into voting securities of the Company.
This
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus qualifies the distribution of 14,044,944 Units that may be issued by the Company directly to the Investor under the
Securities Purchase Agreement. The Offering will be made and sold in the Province of Ontario only and the Units will not be offered or sold in the Province of
Québec or in any other province or territory in Canada. In the United States, we are concurrently registering the Offering pursuant to our registration statement on
Form F-10 (File No. 333-233426) declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 26, 2019. No
securities will be issued to any person other than the Investor pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement. No underwriter's fee or finder's fee will be payable in connection with the Offering. No
arrangements have been made to place funds into escrow or any similar account.
Upon
receipt, the proceeds of the Offering will be deposited into the operating account of the Company and used for international expansion, working capital and general corporate
purposes. See "Use of Proceeds".
The
closing of the Offering under the Securities Purchase Agreement is subject to customary conditions and the Closing Date is expected to occur on January 30, 2020, or such other
date as may be agreed to by the Company and the Investor. It is expected that the Company will arrange to electronically deposit the Unit Shares to or for the account of the Investor under the
book-based system through CDS (or its nominee) on the Closing Date, against payment by the Investor to the Company of the aggregate Offering Price. A warrant certificate representing the
Warrants will also be delivered to the Investor on the Closing Date. In connection with the Offering, the Company may distribute this Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus electronically.
The
Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX in Canada and the NYSE in the United States. The Company has applied to list the Unit Shares and Warrant Shares on
the TSX and the NYSE, and listing will be subject to the Company's fulfillment of all listing requirements prescribed by each such exchange. The Warrants will not be listed for trading on any
securities exchange.
If
a Warrant holder intends to resell Warrants in the United States, such holder should consult with its own legal counsel prior to such sale to ensure compliance with any
applicable U.S. state or "blue sky" securities laws.
In
addition, if a U.S. registration statement covering the issuance of the Common Shares underlying the Warrants is not effective when the Warrants are exercised, and such
exercise is consummated pursuant to an exemption under the U.S. Securities Act, the Company may impose a restrictive legend on the Common Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants, reflecting
the fact that the transferability of such Common Shares is restricted under the U.S. securities laws. The Warrants may not be exercised unless such exercise is registered or exempt from the
registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act. Under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC covering
the issuance of the Warrant Shares under the U.S. Securities Act.
The Investor has represented to the Company that it is not acting as agent or underwriter and has not engaged in the business of trading or advising in securities
with respect to this Offering. The Investor has represented to the Company that it is purchasing the Offered Units as principal for investment purposes.
CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations that generally apply to a purchaser who
acquires Units pursuant to this Offering. For purposes of this summary, references to Common Shares include Unit Shares and Warrant Shares unless otherwise indicated. This summary applies only to a
purchaser who acquired Common Shares and Warrants as beneficial owner pursuant to the Offering and who, at all relevant times, for purposes of the Income Tax Act
(Canada) (the "Tax Act") and the regulations
S-19
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thereunder
(the "Regulations"): (i) deals at arm's length with the Company; (ii) is not affiliated with the Company; and
(iii) holds the Common Shares and Warrants as capital property (a "Holder"). Generally, the Common Shares and Warrants will be capital
property to a Holder provided the Holder does not acquire or hold them in the course of carrying on a business or as part of an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.
This
summary does not apply to: (i) a purchaser that is a "specified financial institution"; (ii) a purchaser an interest in which would be a "tax shelter investment";
(iii) a purchaser that is, for purposes of certain rules (referred to as the mark-to-market rules) applicable to securities held by financial institutions, a "financial institution";
(iv) a purchaser that reports its "Canadian tax results" in a currency other than Canadian currency; (v) a purchaser that has entered into or will enter into with respect to the
purchaser's Common Shares or Warrants, a "derivative forward agreement", or (vi) that is a corporation resident in Canada and is (or does not deal at arm's length within the meaning of
the Tax Act with a corporation resident in Canada that is), or becomes as part of a transaction or event or series of transactions or events that includes the acquisition of Common Shares and
Warrants, controlled by a non-resident corporation for purposes of section 212.3 of the Tax Act, as defined in the Tax Act. Such purchasers should consult their own
tax advisors.
This
summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act and the Regulations, and counsel's understanding of the current administrative policies and assessing practices of
the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") made publicly available prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the
Tax Act and the Regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the "Proposed
Amendments") and assumes that all Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurances can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted as
proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative policy or assessing practice whether by legislative, administrative or
judicial decision or action nor does it take into account tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or foreign jurisdiction, which may differ from those discussed herein.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not, and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular Holder.
This summary is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, Holders should consult their own tax advisors for advice with respect to the tax consequences to them of
acquiring Units pursuant to this Offering having regard to their own particular circumstances.
Currency Conversion
For purposes of the Tax Act, all relevant amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of the Units (including
adjusted cost base, proceeds of disposition, and dividends, if any) must generally be expressed in Canadian dollars. Accordingly, amounts denominated in U.S. dollars must be converted into
Canadian dollars generally based on the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of Canada on the date such amounts arise or such other rate of exchange as is acceptable to the Minister of National Revenue
(Canada).
Allocation of Purchase Price for Units
A Holder who acquires Units will be required to allocate the purchase price of each Unit between the Unit Share and the one-half of one
Common Share purchase warrant on a reasonable basis in order to determine their respective costs for purposes of the Tax Act.
For
its purposes, the Company intends to allocate $6.19 of the issue price of each Unit for the issue of each Common Share and $0.93 of the issue price of each Unit for the issue of each
one-half of one Warrant. Although the Company believes that this allocation is reasonable, it is not binding on the CRA or the Holder and the CRA may not be in agreement with such allocation. Counsel
express no opinion with respect to such allocation.
Adjusted Cost Base of Common Shares
The adjusted cost base to a Holder of a Unit Share acquired pursuant to the Offering will be determined by averaging the cost of that
Unit Share with the adjusted cost base (determined immediately before the acquisition of the Unit Share) of all other Common Shares held as capital property by the Holder immediately prior to such
acquisition.
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Table of Contents
Exercise of Warrants
No gain or loss will be realized by a Holder upon the exercise of a Warrant to acquire a Warrant Share. The Holder's cost of the
Warrant Share will equal the aggregate of such Holder's adjusted cost base of the Warrant exercised plus the exercise price paid for such Warrant Share. The Holder's adjusted cost base of such Warrant
Share so acquired will be determined by averaging the cost of the Warrant Share with the adjusted cost base (determined immediately before the acquisition of the Warrant Share) of all other Common
Shares held as capital property by such Holder as capital property immediately prior to such acquisition.
Holders Resident in Canada
This portion of the summary only applies to a Holder who, at all relevant times, for purposes of the Tax Act or any applicable
income tax treaty or convention, is, or is deemed to be, resident in Canada (a "Resident Holder"). Certain Resident Holders who might not
otherwise be considered to hold their Common Shares as capital property may, in certain circumstances, be entitled to have their Common Shares and all other "Canadian securities" (as defined in
the Tax Act) owned or subsequently acquired by the them treated as capital property by making the irrevocable election permitted by subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act. Resident
Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding this election.
Expiry of Warrants
If a Warrant expires unexercised, the Resident Holder will generally realize a capital loss equal to the adjusted cost base of such
Warrant to the Resident Holder. The taxation of capital gains and capital losses is discussed under the subheading "Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital
Losses".
Dispositions of Common Shares and Warrants
On the disposition or deemed disposition of a Warrant (other than on the exercise thereof) or of a Common Share (other than to the
Company, unless purchased by the Company in the open market in the manner in which shares are normally purchased by any member of the public in the open market, in which case other considerations may
arise), a Resident Holder will generally realize a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of
the Resident Holder's adjusted cost base of such security and any reasonable costs of disposition. See "Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital
Losses" below.
Dividends on Common Shares
A Resident Holder will be required to include in computing its income for a taxation year any dividends received (or deemed to
be received) on the Common Shares during such taxation year. In the case of a Resident Holder who is an individual (other than certain trusts), such dividends will be subject to the gross-up and
dividend tax credit rules that apply to taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations, including the enhanced gross-up and dividend tax credit applicable to any dividends designated by
the Company as "eligible dividends" in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act. There
may be limitations on the Company's ability to designate its dividends on the Common Shares as "eligible dividends".
Taxable
dividends received by a Resident Holder who is an individual (other than certain trusts) may result in such Resident Holder being liable for minimum tax under the Tax Act.
Resident Holders who are individuals should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
In
the case of a Resident Holder that is a corporation, such dividends received or deemed to be received on Common Shares held by the Resident Holder generally will be deductible in
computing its taxable income. In certain circumstances, subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act will treat a taxable dividend received by a Resident Holder that is a corporation as proceeds of
disposition or a capital gain. Resident Holders that are corporations should consult their own tax advisors having regard to their own circumstances.
Certain
corporations, including a "private corporation" or a "subject corporation" (as such terms are defined in the Tax Act), may be liable to pay additional tax under
Part IV of the Tax Act, which may be
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refundable,
on dividends received (or deemed to be received) on Common Shares to the extent that such dividends are deductible in computing the corporation's taxable income for the
taxation year.
Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses
Generally, a Resident Holder is required to include in computing its income for a taxation year one-half of the amount of any capital
gain (a "taxable capital gain") realized in the year. Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act, a Resident Holder
is required to deduct one-half of the amount of any capital loss (an "allowable capital loss") realized in a taxation year from taxable capital
gains realized by the Resident Holder in the year. Allowable capital losses in excess of taxable capital gains realized in a taxation year may be carried back and deducted in any of the three
preceding taxation years or carried forward and deducted in any subsequent taxation year against net taxable capital gains realized in such years to the extent and under the circumstances described in
the Tax Act.
The
amount of any capital loss realized by a Resident Holder that is a corporation on the disposition of a Common Share may be reduced by the amount of any dividends received
(or deemed to be received) by the Resident Holder on such Common Share or a share for which the Common Share is substituted or exchanged to the extent and under the circumstances described by
the Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where
a Common Share is owned by a partnership or trust of which a corporation, trust or partnership is a member or beneficiary. Such Resident Holders should consult their own advisors.
A
Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a "Canadian-controlled private corporation" (as defined in the Tax Act) may also be liable to pay a
refundable tax on its "aggregate investment income", which is defined in the Tax Act to include taxable capital gains.
Capital
gains realized by a Resident Holder who is an individual (other than certain trusts) may give rise to a liability for alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act. Resident
Holders who are individuals should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
Holders Not Resident in Canada
This portion of the summary only applies to a Holder who, at all relevant times, for purposes of the Tax Act and any relevant
tax treaty or convention, is not, and is not deemed to be, resident in Canada and does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the Common Shares or Warrants in a business carried on in Canada
(a "Non-Resident Holder").
Special
rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a Holder that is (i) an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere, or
(ii) an "authorized foreign bank" (as defined in the Tax Act). Such Holders should consult their own tax advisors.
Dividends on Common Shares
Dividends paid or credited on the Common Shares or deemed to be paid or credited on the Common Shares to a Non-Resident Holder will be
subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, subject to any reduction in the rate to which the Non-Resident Holder is entitled under any applicable
income tax treaty or convention. For example, under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (1980), as amended
(the "Convention"), where dividends on the Common Shares are considered to be paid to or derived by a Non-Resident Holder that is the beneficial
owner of the dividends and is a United States resident for the purposes of, and is entitled to full benefits in accordance with, the provisions of the Convention, the applicable rate of
Canadian withholding tax is generally reduced to 15%.
Dispositions of Common Shares and Warrants
A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed
disposition of (a) Common Shares (other than to the Company, unless purchased by the Company in the open market in the manner in which shares are normally purchased by any member of the public
in the open market, in which case other considerations may arise), or (b) Warrants, unless the Common Shares or Warrants, as the case may be, are "taxable Canadian property" of the Non-Resident
Holder for
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purposes
of the Tax Act and the Non-Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax treaty or convention between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Holder
is resident.
Generally,
the Common Shares and Warrants will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" of a Non-Resident Holder at a particular time provided that the Common Shares are listed at that
time on a "designated stock exchange" for purposes of the Tax Act (which currently includes the TSX and the NYSE),, unless, at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the
disposition, (a) the Non-Resident Holder, persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder did not deal with at arm's length, partnerships in which the Non-Resident Holder or persons with whom the
Non-Resident Holder did not deal with at arm's length holds a membership interest, directly or indirectly, through one or more partnerships, or the Non-Resident Holder together with all such foregoing
persons and partnerships, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the Company's capital stock and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the Common Shares was
derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada; (ii) "Canadian resource properties" (as defined in the
Tax Act); (iii) "timber resource properties" (as defined in the Tax Act); and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in or rights in property described in
(i) to (iii).
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in certain circumstances set out in the Tax Act, Common Shares and Warrants which are not otherwise taxable Canadian property could be deemed to be
taxable Canadian property. A Non-Resident Holder whose Common Shares or Warrants may be held as taxable Canadian property, should consult their own tax advisors with respect to
the consequences of disposing of Common Shares or Warrants.
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition
of our Units, Common Shares and Warrants (in this section, collectively our "Securities") by U.S. Holders (as defined below).
Because the components of a Unit are separable at the option of the holder, the holder of a Unit generally should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as the owner of the
underlying Common Share and one-half of one redeemable Warrant components of the Unit, as the case may be. As a result, the discussion below with respect to actual holders of Common Shares and
Warrants should also apply to holders of Units (as the deemed owners of the underlying Common Shares and Warrants that comprise the Units). This discussion applies to U.S. Holders that
purchase Securities pursuant to the offering and hold such Securities as capital assets. This discussion is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all
of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to specific U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special
treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, broker dealers and traders in securities or
other persons that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes, tax-exempt entities, retirement plans, regulated investment companies, real estate investment
trusts, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, holders who are subject to Section 451(b) of the Code, persons who hold Securities as part of a "straddle," "hedge,"
"conversion transaction," "synthetic security" or integrated investment, persons that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar, persons that own directly, indirectly or through
attribution 10% or more of the voting power or value of our shares, corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, partnerships and other pass-through entities
(or arrangements treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes), and investors in such pass-through entities). This discussion does not address any U.S. state or
local or non-U.S. tax consequences or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax consequences.
As
used in this discussion, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of Securities that is, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, (1) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate the income of which is subject to
U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source or (4) a trust (x) with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its
administration and one or more
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United States
persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (y) that has elected under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic
trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If
an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Securities, the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to an
investment in the Securities will depend in part upon the status and activities of such entity or arrangement and the particular partner. Any such entity or arrangement should consult its own tax
advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Securities.
Persons
considering an investment in our Securities should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences applicable to them relating to the purchase, ownership and
disposition of our Securities, including the applicability of U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and non-U.S. tax laws.
Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit
No statutory, administrative or judicial authority directly addresses the treatment of a unit or instruments similar to a Unit for
U.S. federal income tax purposes and, therefore, that treatment is not entirely clear. The acquisition of a Unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the acquisition
of one Common Share and one-half of one Warrant to acquire one Common Share. We intend to treat the acquisition of a Unit in this manner and, by purchasing a Unit, you will agree to adopt such
treatment for tax purposes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each holder of a Unit must allocate the purchase price paid by such holder for such Unit between the one Common Share and the
one-half of one Warrant based on the relative fair market value of each at the time of issuance. Under U.S. federal income tax law, each investor must make his or her own determination of such
value based on all the relevant facts and circumstances. Therefore, we strongly urge each investor to consult his or her tax adviser regarding the determination of value for these purposes. The price
allocated to the Common Share and one-half of one Warrant should be the stockholder's tax basis in such Common Share or one-half of one Warrant, as the case may be. Any disposition of a Unit should be
treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a disposition of the Common Share and one-half of one Warrant comprising the Unit, and the amount realized on the disposition should be allocated
between the Common Share and one-half of one Warrant based on their respective relative fair market values at the time of disposition (as determined by each such Unit holder based on all
relevant facts and circumstances). The separation of shares of Common Shares and Warrants comprising Units should not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the separation
of the Common Shares and Warrants comprising a Unit is considered to be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is possible that the holder of such Unit could recognize gain or
loss on such separation in a taxable exchange. In this case, such holder's holding period in the Common Share and one-half of one Warrant comprising the Unit would likely commence the day following
such taxable event. Each potential investor is urged to consult its own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to it if the separation of a Unit is considered a taxable event.
The
foregoing treatment of the Unit and a holder's purchase price allocation are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or
the courts. Because there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar to the Units, no assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree with the characterization
described above or the discussion below. Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of an investment in a Unit (including
alternative characterizations of a Unit). The balance of this discussion assumes that the characterization of the Units described above is respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences
In general, a corporation organized outside the United States will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either
(1) at least 75% of its gross income is "passive income" (the "PFIC income test") or (2) on average at least 50% of its assets,
determined on a quarterly basis, are assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income (the "PFIC asset test").
Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, royalties, rents, and gains from the sale or exchange of property that gives rise to passive income. Assets
that produce or are held for the production of passive income generally include cash, even if held as working capital or raised in a public offering, marketable securities, and
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other
assets that may produce passive income. Generally, in determining whether a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC, a proportionate share of the income and assets of each corporation in which it
owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by value) is taken into account.
We
do not believe we were a PFIC for the year ending May 31, 2019. While we also do not believe we will be a PFIC for the current taxable year, because PFIC status is determined
on an annual basis and generally cannot be determined until the end of the taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year. Because we may hold a
substantial amount of cash and cash equivalents following this offering, and because the calculation of the value of our assets may be based in part on the value of our Securities, which may fluctuate
considerably, we may be a PFIC in future taxable years under the PFIC asset test. Even if we determine that we are not a PFIC for a taxable year, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with
our conclusion and that the IRS would not successfully challenge our position. Our status as a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis. Accordingly, our U.S. counsel
expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status and also expresses no opinion with regard to our expectations regarding our PFIC status.
If
we are a PFIC in any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns Common Shares or Warrants, the U.S. Holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges
under the "PFIC excess distribution regime" upon (1) a distribution paid during a taxable year that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable
years, or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common Shares, and (2) any gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition, including a pledge, of the Common
Shares or Warrants, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC. Under the PFIC excess distribution regime, the tax on such distribution or gain would be determined by allocating the distribution or gain
ratably over the U.S. Holder's holding period for Common Shares or Warrants. The amount allocated to the current taxable year (i.e., the year in which the distribution occurs or the gain
is recognized) and any year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income earned in the current taxable year. The amount allocated to other taxable years will
be taxed at the highest marginal rates in effect for individuals or corporations, as applicable, to ordinary income for each such taxable year, and an interest charge, generally applicable to
underpayments of tax, will be added to the tax.
If
we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds Common Shares or Warrants, we must generally continue to be treated as a PFIC by that holder for all succeeding
years during which the U.S. Holder holds the Common Shares or Warrants, unless we cease to meet the requirements for PFIC status and the U.S. Holder makes a "deemed sale" election with
respect to the Common Shares but not with regard to our Warrants). If the election is made, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to sell the Common Shares or Warrants it holds at their fair market
value on the last day of the last taxable year in which we qualified as a PFIC, and any gain recognized from such deemed sale would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution regime. After the deemed
sale election, the U.S. Holder's Common Shares or Warrants would not be treated as shares of a PFIC unless we subsequently become a PFIC.
If
we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds Common Shares and one of our non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries is also a PFIC (i.e., a
lower-tier PFIC), such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC and would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution
regime on distributions by the lower-tier PFIC and on gain from the disposition of shares of the lower-tier PFIC even though such U.S. Holder would not receive the proceeds of those
distributions or dispositions. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to our non-U.S. subsidiaries.
If
we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the PFIC excess distribution regime on distributions or gain recognized on Common Shares (but not with
regards to our Warrants) if such U.S. Holder makes a valid "mark-to-market" election for our Common Shares. A mark- to-market election is available to a U.S. Holder only for "marketable
stock." Our Common Shares will be marketable stock as long as they remain listed on the NYSE and are regularly traded, other than in de minimis
quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. If a mark-to-market election is in effect, a U.S. Holder generally would take into account, as ordinary income each year,
the excess of the fair market value of Common Shares held at the end of such taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such Common Shares. The U.S. Holder would also take into account, as an
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ordinary
loss each year, the excess of the adjusted tax basis of such Common Shares over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the excess of amounts
previously included in income over ordinary losses deducted as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder's tax basis in Common Shares would be adjusted to reflect any income or
loss recognized as a result of the mark-to-market election. Any gain from a sale, exchange or other disposition of Common Shares in any taxable year in which we are a PFIC would be treated as ordinary
income and any loss from such sale, exchange or other disposition would be treated first as ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains previously included in income) and
thereafter as capital loss.
A
mark-to-market election will not apply to Common Shares for any taxable year during which we are not a PFIC, but will remain in effect with respect to any subsequent taxable year in
which we become a PFIC. Such election, however, will not apply to any non-U.S. subsidiaries that we currently own, may organize or acquire in the future. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder may
continue to be subject to tax under the PFIC excess
distribution regime with respect to any lower-tier PFICs that we currently own, may organize or acquire in the future notwithstanding the U.S. Holder's mark-to-market election for the
Common Shares.
However,
a mark-to-market election generally cannot be made for equity interests in any lower-tier PFICs that we own, unless shares of such lower-tier PFIC are themselves "marketable".
As a result, even if a U.S. Holder validly makes a mark-to-market election with respect to our Common Shares, the U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to
its indirect interest in any of our investments that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as
to the availability and desirability of a mark-to-market election, as well as the impact of such election on interests in any lower-tier PFICs.
The
tax consequences that would apply if we are a PFIC would also be different from those described above if a U.S. Holder were able to make a valid qualified electing fund
("QEF") election with regards to our Common Shares (but not with regards to our Warrants). At this time we do not expect to provide
U.S. Holders with the information necessary for a U.S. Holder to make a QEF election, prospective investors should assume that a QEF election will not be available.
Each
U.S. person that is an investor of a PFIC is generally required to file an annual information return on IRS Form 8621 containing such information as the
U.S. Treasury Department may require. The failure to file IRS Form 8621 could result in the imposition of penalties and the extension of the statute of limitations with respect to
U.S. federal income tax.
The U.S. federal income tax rules relating to PFICs are very complex. Prospective U.S. investors are strongly urged to consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the impact of PFIC status on the purchase, ownership and disposition of Common Shares, the consequences to them of an investment in a PFIC, any elections available with
respect to the Common Shares and the IRS information reporting obligations with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Common Shares of a PFIC.
Taxation of Distributions
Subject to the discussion above under "Passive Foreign Investment Company
Consequences," a U.S. Holder that receives a distribution with respect to Common Shares generally will be required to include the gross amount of such distribution in
gross income as a dividend when actually or constructively received to the extent of the U.S. Holder's pro rata share of our current and/or accumulated earnings and profits
(as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder's
pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the
U.S. Holder's Common Shares. To the extent the distribution exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder's Common Shares, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain. Because we may
not account for our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, U.S. Holders should expect all distributions to be reported to them as dividends.
Distributions on Common Shares that are treated as dividends generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States for foreign tax credit purposes and generally will
constitute passive category
income. Such dividends will not be eligible for the "dividends received" deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations.
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The amount of any dividend income paid in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the
date of actual or constructive receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a
U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is
converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt. Such gain or loss would generally be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. The amount of any distribution of property
other than cash (and other than certain pro rata distributions of common shares or rights to acquire common shares) will be the fair market value of such property on the date of
distribution.
Dividends
paid by a "qualified foreign corporation" are eligible for taxation at a reduced capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income
provided that certain requirements are met. However, if we are a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year (see discussion above under
"Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences"), we will not be treated as a qualified foreign corporation, and therefore the reduced capital gains
tax rate described above
will not apply. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends with regard to its particular circumstances.
A
non-United States corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) generally
will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (a) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of
the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information provision, or (b) with respect to any dividend it pays on Common
Shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We believe that we qualify as a resident of Canada for purposes of, and are eligible for the benefits
of, the U.S. Treaty, which the IRS has determined is satisfactory for purposes of the qualified dividend rules and that it includes an exchange of information provision, although there can be
no assurance in this regard. Further, our Common Shares will generally be considered to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on NYSE,
as we intend the Common Shares to be. Therefore, subject to the discussion above under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences," if the
U.S. Treaty is applicable, or if the Common Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, dividends paid on Common Shares will generally be
"qualified dividend income" in the hands of individual U.S. Holders, provided that certain conditions are met, including conditions relating to holding period and the absence of certain risk
reduction transactions.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Securities
Subject to the discussion above under "Passive Foreign Investment Company
Consequences," a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of
Common Shares or Warrants in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized (i.e., the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received) on the sale,
exchange or other disposition and such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares or Warrants. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain taxable at a reduced
rate for non-corporate U.S. Holders or long-term capital loss if, on the date of sale, exchange or other disposition, the Common Shares or Warrants were held by the U.S. Holder for more
than one year. Any capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder that is not long- term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to
limitations. Any gain or loss recognized from the sale or other disposition of Common Shares or Warrants will generally be gain or loss from sources within the United States for
U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
Generally,
the amount of gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder is an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value
of any property received in such disposition (or, if the Common Shares or Warrants are held as part of Units at the time of the disposition, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition that
is allocated to the Common Shares or Warrants based upon the then fair market values of the Common Shares and Warrants included in the Units) and (ii) the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax
basis in its Common Shares or Warrants so disposed of. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in its
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Common
Shares or Warrants generally will equal the U.S. Holder's acquisition cost (that is, as discussed above, the portion of the purchase price of a Unit allocated to a Common Share or
one-half of one Warrant or, as discussed below, the U.S. Holder's initial basis for Common Shares received upon exercise of Warrants) less, in the case of a Common Share, any prior
distributions treated as a return of capital.
Exercise or Lapse of a Warrant.
A U.S. Holder generally will not recognize taxable gain or loss upon the acquisition of Common Shares upon exercise of a Warrant
for cash. The U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common Shares received upon exercise of the Warrant generally will be an amount equal to the sum of the U.S. Holder's initial investment in
the warrant (i.e., the portion of the U.S. Holder's purchase price for Units that is allocated to the Warrant, as described above under "Allocation of Purchase
Price and Characterization of a Unit") and the exercise price. The U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common Shares received upon exercise of the Warrants will begin
on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of the Warrants and will not include the period during which the U.S. Holder held the Warrants. If a Warrant
is allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such holder's tax basis in the Warrant.
Possible Constructive Distributions
The terms of each Warrant provide for an adjustment to the exercise price of the Warrant in certain events, as described in the Warrant
Indenture. An adjustment which has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. The U.S. Holders of the Warrants would, however, be treated as receiving a constructive
distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the Warrant holders' proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of
Common Shares that would be obtained upon exercise) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of our Common Shares which is taxable to the U.S. Holders of such Common Shares as
described under "Taxation of Distributions" above. Such constructive distribution would be subject to tax as described under that section in the same
manner as if the U.S. Holders of the Warrants received a cash distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest. For certain information reporting purposes, we are
required to determine the date and amount of any such constructive distributions. Proposed Treasury regulations, which we may rely on prior to the issuance of final regulations, specify how the date
and amount of constructive distributions are determined.
Medicare Tax
Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally are subject
to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which may include their gross dividend income and net gains from the disposition of Securities. If you are a United States
person that is an individual, estate or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of this Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment
in our Securities.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Holders may be required to file certain U.S. information reporting returns with the IRS with respect to an
investment in our Securities, including, among others, IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets). As described above under "Passive Foreign
Investment Company Consequences", each U.S. Holder who is a shareholder of a PFIC must file an annual report containing certain information. U.S. Holders paying
more than US$100,000 for our Securities may be required to file IRS Form 926 (Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation) reporting this payment. Substantial
penalties may be imposed upon a U.S. Holder that fails to comply with the required information reporting.
Dividends
on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Securities generally must be reported to the IRS unless the U.S. Holder establishes a basis for exemption.
Backup withholding may apply to amounts subject to reporting if the holder,
-
(a)
-
fails
to provide an accurate United States taxpayer identification number or otherwise establish a basis for exemption, or
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(b)
-
is
described in certain other categories of persons.
However,
U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability if the required
information is furnished by the U.S. Holder on a timely basis to the IRS.
U.S. Holders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the backup withholding tax and information reporting rules.
EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF AN INVESTMENT IN COMMON SHARES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR'S
OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.
AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS
Messrs. Irwin D. Simon, Tom Looney, Walter Robb and David Hopkinson are directors of the Company, and each resides outside of
Canada. Each of Messrs. Simon, Looney, Robb and Hopkinson has appointed Aphria at 98 Talbot St. W., Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1M8, as his agent for service of process in
Canada. Prospective investors are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada against any person or company that is incorporated, continued or otherwise
organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada, even if the party has appointed an agent for service of process.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-10 under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, relating to
the offering of our securities, of which this Prospectus Supplement forms a part. This Prospectus Supplement does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Reference is made to such registration statement and the exhibits thereto for further information with
respect to us and the Common Shares.
We
are required to file with the various securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada, annual and quarterly reports,
material change reports and other information. We are also an SEC registrant subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, accordingly, file with, or furnish to, the SEC certain
reports and other information. Under the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States and Canada, these reports and other information (including financial information)
may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which differ from those in the United States. You may read and copy any document
we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of the same documents
from the public reference room by paying a fee. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or contact them at www.sec.gov for further information on the public reference room and copying charges.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL LIABILITIES
The Company is a corporation existing under the OBCA. Many of the Company's directors, officers and experts are residents of Canada or
other non-United States jurisdictions, and all or a substantial portion of their assets, and all of the Company's assets, are located outside the United States. The Company has appointed
an agent for service of process in the United States (as set forth below), but it may be difficult for holders of Common Shares who reside in the United States to effect service
within the United States upon the Company or those directors and officers and experts who are not residents of the United States.
The
Company has been advised by its Canadian counsel, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, that there is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada by a court in original actions, or in
actions to enforce judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated upon United States federal securities laws. The Company filed with the SEC, concurrently with its
registration statement on Form F-10 of which this Prospectus Supplement
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and
the accompanying Prospectus are a part, an appointment of agent for service of process on Form F-X. Under the Form F-X, the Company appointed CT Corporation System, 1015
15th Street N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 as its agent for service of process in the United States in connection with any investigation or administrative
proceeding conducted by the SEC, and any civil suit or action brought against or involving the Company in a United States court arising out of or related to or concerning the offering of the
Units under this Prospectus Supplement.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon on our behalf by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP with
respect to Canadian legal matters.
INTEREST OF EXPERTS
The partners and associates of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (Canadian counsel for Aphria), as a group, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, less than one percent of the outstanding securities of Aphria.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
is independent of Aphria within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, and are
independent with respect to the Company within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the SEC and the PCAOB.
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This short form prospectus is a base shelf prospectus. This short form prospectus has been filed under legislation in each of
the provinces and territories of Canada that permits certain information about these securities to be determined after this prospectus has become final and that permits the omission from this
prospectus of that information. The legislation requires the delivery to purchasers of a prospectus supplement containing the omitted information within a specified period of time after agreeing to
purchase any of these securities.
No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise. This short
form base shelf prospectus constitutes a public offering of these securities only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein only by persons permitted to sell such
securities.
Information has been incorporated by reference in this short form base shelf prospectus from documents filed with securities commissions
or similar authorities in Canada and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without
charge from the Corporate Secretary of Aphria Inc. at 98 Talbot St. W., Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1M8, or by telephone at 1-844-427-4742, and are also available
electronically at www.sedar.com.
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New Issue and/or Secondary Offering
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November 22, 2019
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SHORT FORM BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS
APHRIA INC.
US$500,000,000
COMMON SHARES
WARRANTS
SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS
DEBT SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
UNITS
This short form base shelf prospectus (this "Prospectus") relates to the offering for sale by Aphria Inc.
(the "Company" or "Aphria") from time to time, during the
25-month period that this Prospectus, including any amendments thereto, remains valid, of up to US$500,000,000 (or the equivalent in other
currencies based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of the offering) in the aggregate of: (i) common shares ("Common Shares") in the
capital of the Company; (ii) warrants ("Warrants") to purchase Common Shares and/or other Securities (as defined below);
(iii) subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") convertible into Common Shares and/or other Securities; (iv) debt securities
("Debt Securities"), which may consist of bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of any kind, nature or description and which may be
issuable in series; (v) securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares and/or other Securities ("Convertible Securities"); and
(vi) units ("Units") comprised of one or more of any of the other Securities, or any combination of such Securities (the Common Shares,
Warrants, Subscription Receipts, Debt Securities, Convertible Securities, and Units are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities"). The
Securities may be offered in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined based on market conditions at the time of sale and set forth in one or more accompanying prospectus supplements (each, a
"Prospectus Supplement"). In addition, the Securities may be offered and issued in consideration for the acquisition of other businesses, assets or
securities by the Company or any one of its subsidiaries. The consideration for any such acquisition may consist of the Securities separately, a combination of Securities or any combination of, among
other things, Securities, cash and assumption of liabilities. One or more securityholders (each a "Selling Securityholder") of the Company may also offer
and sell Securities under this Prospectus. See "Selling Securityholders".
All
information permitted under applicable laws to be omitted from this Prospectus will be contained in one or more Prospectus Supplements that will be delivered to purchasers together with this
Prospectus except in cases where an exemption from such delivery has been obtained. Each Prospectus Supplement will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus for the purposes of securities
legislation as of the date of the Prospectus Supplement and only for the purposes of the distribution of the Securities to which the Prospectus Supplement pertains.
The Company is permitted, under a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the "MJDS") adopted by the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the
United States, to prepare this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements, which are different from those of the
United States.
The Company prepares its financial statements, which are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board, and such financial statements are subject to the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and
auditor independence standards. The Company's financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States issuers.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be affected adversely because the Company is a corporation amalgamated
under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and all of its
executive offices, administrative activities and assets are located outside the United States. In addition, most of the directors and officers of the Company are residents of jurisdictions
other than the United States and all or a substantial portion of the assets of those persons are or may be located outside the United States. See "Enforceability of Civil
Liabilities".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE "SEC") OR ANY STATE OR CANADIAN SECURITIES COMMISSION
OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS THE SEC OR ANY STATE OR CANADIAN SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
Investors should be aware that the acquisition of the Securities described herein may have tax consequences both in the United States and in Canada. Such tax consequences
for investors who are residents in, or citizens of, the United States may not be described fully herein or in any applicable Prospectus Supplement. You should read the tax discussion in any
applicable Prospectus Supplement; however, this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not fully describe these tax consequences, and you should consult your tax adviser prior to
making any investment in the Securities.
The
specific terms of any Securities offered will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of Common
Shares offered, the offering price, whether the Common Shares are being offered for cash, and any other terms specific to the Common Shares offered; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the number of
Warrants being offered, the offering price, the designation, number and terms of the other Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, and any procedures that will result in the adjustment
of those numbers, the exercise price, the dates and periods of exercise, whether the Warrants are being offered for cash, and any other terms specific to the Warrants offered; (iii) in the case
of Subscription Receipts, the number of Subscription Receipts being offered, the offering price, the terms, conditions and procedures for the conversion of the Subscription Receipts into other
Securities, the designation, number and terms of such other Securities, whether the Subscription Receipts are being offered for cash, and any other terms specific to the Subscription Receipts offered;
(iv) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific designation of the Debt Securities, the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities, the maturity, the offering price (in the
event the offering is a fixed price distribution), the manner of determining the offering price(s) (in the event the offering is a non-fixed price distribution), whether payment on the Debt
Securities will be senior, senior subordinated or subordinated to the Company's other liabilities and obligations, whether the Debt Securities will bear interest, the interest rate or method of
determining the interest rate, any interest payment date(s), covenants, events of default, any terms of redemption, any conversion or exchange rights and any other specific terms; (v) in the
case of Convertible Securities, the number of Convertible Securities offered, the offering price (in the event the offering is a fixed price distribution), the manner of determining the
offering price(s) (in the event the offering is a non-fixed price distribution), the procedures for the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities into or for Common Shares and/or
other Securities and any other specific terms; and (vi) in the case of Units, the number of Units being offered, the offering price, the number and terms of the Securities comprising the Units,
whether the Units are being offered for cash, and any other terms specific to the Units offered. A Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities may include terms pertaining to
the Securities being offered thereunder that are not within the terms and parameters described in this Prospectus. Where required by statute, regulation or policy, and where the Securities are offered
in currencies other than Canadian dollars, appropriate disclosure of foreign exchange rates applicable to the Securities will be included in the Prospectus Supplement describing the Securities.
The Company does not intend on issuing "novel" securities pursuant to this Prospectus, as such term is defined under National Instrument 44-102Shelf
Distributions ("NI 44-102").
No underwriter or agent has been involved in the preparation of this Prospectus or performed any review of the contents of this Prospectus.
Mr. Irwin D. Simon, Mr. Tom Looney, Mr. Walter Robb and Mr. David Hopkinson are directors of the Company and each reside outside of Canada. Each of
Mr. Simon, Mr. Looney, Mr. Robb and Mr. Hopkinson has appointed Aphria at 98 Talbot St. W., Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1M8, as his agent for service of process
in Canada. Prospective investors are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgements obtained in Canada against any person or company
that is incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada, even if the party has appointed an agent for service
of process.
ii
The
Company and the Selling Securityholders may offer and sell the Securities to or through underwriters or dealers purchasing as principals, and may also sell directly to one or more purchasers or
through agents or pursuant to applicable statutory exemptions. See "Plan of Distribution". The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of
Securities will identify each underwriter, dealer or agent, as the case may be, engaged by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities,
and will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including, to the extent applicable, any fees, discounts or any other compensation payable to underwriters, dealers or agents in
connection with the offering, the method of distribution of the Securities, the identity of the Selling Securityholders, the initial issue price (in the event that the offering is a fixed price
distribution), the proceeds that the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders will, or expect to receive and any other material terms of the plan of distribution.
The
Securities may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices or at a non-fixed price or prices. If offered on a non-fixed price basis, the Securities may be
offered at market prices prevailing at the time of sale (including, without limitation, sales deemed to be "at-the-market distributions" as defined in NI 44-102, including sales made directly on the
Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"), the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), or other trading
markets for the Securities), at prices determined by reference to the prevailing price of a specified security in a specified market or at prices to be negotiated with purchasers, in which case the
compensation payable to an underwriter, dealer or agent in connection with any such sale will be decreased by the amount, if any, by which the aggregate price paid for Securities by the purchasers is
less than the gross proceeds paid by the underwriter, dealer or agent to the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders. The price at which the Securities will be offered and sold may vary from
purchaser to purchaser and during the period of distribution.
In
connection with any offering of Securities, other than an "at-the-market distribution" (as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation), unless otherwise specified in a
Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters, dealers or agents, as the case may be, may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Securities
at a level other than those which otherwise might prevail on the open market. Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time. A purchaser who acquires Securities forming
part of the underwriters', dealers' or agents' over-allocation position acquires those securities under this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular offering of Securities,
regardless of whether the over-allocation position is ultimately filled through the exercise of the over-allotment option or secondary market purchases. See "Plan of
Distribution". No underwriter or dealer involved in an "at-the-market distribution" under this Prospectus, no affiliate of such an underwriter or dealer and no person or company
acting jointly or in concert with such underwriter or dealer will over-allot Securities in connection with such distribution or effect any other transactions that are intended to stabilize or maintain
the market price of the Securities.
The
issued and outstanding Common Shares are traded on the TSX and on the NYSE under the symbol "APHA". On November 21, 2019, the last trading day prior to the date of this Prospectus, the
closing price of the Common Shares was $6.59 and US$4.95 on the TSX and the NYSE, respectively.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each series or issue of Securities (other than Common Shares) will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Accordingly, there is currently no market through which the Securities (other than Common Shares) may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell such Securities purchased under this Prospectus.
This may affect the pricing of such Securities in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of such Securities and the extent of issuer regulation. See
"Risk Factors".
Investing in the Securities is speculative and involves significant risks. Readers should carefully review and evaluate the risk factors contained in this Prospectus, the
applicable Prospectus Supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference herein before purchasing any Securities. See "Forward-Looking Information"
and "Risk Factors".
Neither the Company nor any Selling Securityholder is making an offer of the Securities in any jurisdiction where such offer is not permitted.
Unless
otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement relating to any Securities offered, certain legal matters relating to Canadian and Ontario law in connection with the offering of the Securities
will be passed upon on behalf of Aphria by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Certain legal matters relating to United States law in connection with the offering of the Securities will be
passed upon on behalf of Aphria by DLA Piper LLP (US), New York, New York.
Market
data and certain industry forecasts used in this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein were obtained from market
research, publicly available information and industry publications. The Company believes that these sources are generally reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information is not
guaranteed. The Company has not independently verified this information and does not make any representation as to the accuracy of this information.
The
Company's head office is located at 98 Talbot St. W., Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1M8. The Company's registered office is located at 1 Adelaide Street East,
Suite 2310, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2V9.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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GENERAL MATTERS
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1
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
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1
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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2
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ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
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3
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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3
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DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
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5
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SHARE STRUCTURE
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9
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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
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9
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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9
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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10
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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
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11
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
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11
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PRIOR SALES
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16
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TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
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16
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DIVIDENDS
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16
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CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
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16
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RISK FACTORS
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16
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INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
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23
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LEGAL MATTERS
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24
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DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
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24
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TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
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24
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GENERAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise noted or the context indicates otherwise, the "Company" and
"Aphria" refer to Aphria Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the terms "cannabis",
"CBD", "licence" and "THC" have the meanings given to
such terms in the Cannabis Act (Canada) (the "Cannabis Act") and the Cannabis Regulations (Canada) made
under the Cannabis Act (the "Cannabis Regulations").
Prospective
investors should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement in connection with an
investment in the Securities. No person is authorized by the Company to provide any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement in
connection with the issue and sale of the Securities offered hereunder. Prospective investors should assume that the information appearing in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement is accurate
only as of the date on the front of those documents and that information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of that document unless specified
otherwise. The Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
All
currency amounts in this Prospectus are stated in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking
statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") which are based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections,
assumptions and beliefs. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect," "likely", "may," "will," "should," "intend," or "anticipate", "potential",
"proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of
strategy. No assurance can be given that the expectations in any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct and, as such, the forward-looking statements included in this Prospectus or any
Prospectus Supplement should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking statements include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance, or other statements that
are not statements of fact. Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Prospectus, or in the case of documents incorporated by reference herein, as of the date of each such
document. Forward-looking statements in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein include, but are not limited to, statements with
respect to:
-
-
the competitive and business strategies of the Company;
-
-
the intention to grow the business, operations and potential activities of the Company;
-
-
the ongoing expansion of the Company's facilities, including the Extraction Centre of Excellence (as described on
page 19 of the AIF), its costs and receipt of approval from Health Canada to complete such expansion and increase production and sale capacity;
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the expected production capacity of the Company;
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the success of the entities the Company acquires and the Company's collaborations;
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the market for the Company's current and proposed market offerings, as well as the Company's ability to capture
market share;
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the benefits and applications of the Company's product offering and expected sales mix thereof;
-
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the development of affiliated brands, product diversification and future corporate development;
-
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the competitive conditions of the industry and the Company's market expertise;
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whether the Company will have sufficient working capital and its ability to obtain financing required in order to develop
its business and continue operations;
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the applicable laws, regulations, licensing and any amendments thereof related to the cultivation, production and sale of
cannabis products;
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the potential time frame for the implementation of regulations with respect to the regulatory framework for edible
cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topical products;
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the applicable laws and regulations, and the potential time frame for the implementation of such laws and regulations, to
legalize and regulate medical or recreational cannabis (and the consumer products derived therefrom) internationally;
-
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the grant, renewal and impact of any licence or supplemental licence to conduct activities with cannabis or any amendments
thereof;
-
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the anticipated future gross sales and margins of the Company's operations and the potential for significant losses;
-
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the performance of the Company's business and operations; and
-
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the ability of the Company to continue to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees,
including members of senior management.
Forward-looking
statements contained in certain documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus are based on the key assumptions described in such documents. Certain of the
forward-looking statements contained herein and incorporated by reference concerning the cannabis industry and the general expectations of Aphria concerning the cannabis industry and the Company's
business and operations are based on estimates prepared by Aphria using data from publicly available governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based
on data and knowledge of this industry which Aphria believes to be reasonable. However, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics, such
data is inherently imprecise. While Aphria is not aware of any misstatement regarding any industry or government data presented herein, the cannabis industry involves risks and uncertainties and is
subject to change based on various factors.
Readers
are cautioned that the above list of cautionary statements is not exhaustive. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from what
is projected in forward-looking statements. The purpose of forward-looking statements is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking statements may
not be appropriate for any other purpose. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus, in any Prospectus Supplement or in any document
incorporated by reference. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove
to have been correct. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by
this cautionary statement. Holders of the Securities should read this entire
Prospectus, and each applicable Prospectus Supplement, and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax and legal risks and other aspects associated with holding
Securities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed a registration statement on Form F-10 with the SEC under the United States Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "1933 Act"), relating to the Securities. This Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus,
which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement, certain items of which are contained in the exhibits to the
registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. See "Documents Filed as Part of the Registration Statement". Statements
included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, readers should
refer to the exhibits for a complete description of the matter involved. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. Each time the Company sells Securities under the
registration statement, the Company will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The Prospectus Supplement may also add, update or
change information contained in this Prospectus.
The
Company is subject to informational requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange
Act"), and applicable Canadian requirements and, in accordance therewith, the
2
Company
files reports and other information with the SEC and with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Under the MJDS adopted by the United States and Canada, documents and other
information that the Company files with the SEC may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which are different from those of the United States. As a foreign
private issuer, the Company is exempt from the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and the Company's officers, directors and principal
shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act. Reports and other information filed by the Company
with, or furnished to, the SEC may be accessed on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers may read and download any public document that the Company has filed with the securities commission or
similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces and territories of Canada on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
The Company was amalgamated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and all of its executive offices, administrative
activities and assets are located outside the United States. In addition, most of the directors and officers of the Company are residents of jurisdictions other than the United States
and all or a substantial portion of the assets of those persons are or may be located outside the United States.
As
a result, investors who reside in the United States may have difficulty serving legal process in the United States upon the Company or its directors or officers, as
applicable, or enforcing judgments obtained in United States courts against any of them or the assets of any of them located outside the United States, or enforcing against them in the
appropriate Canadian court judgments obtained in United States courts, including, but not limited to, judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of
the United States, or bringing an original action in the appropriate Canadian courts to enforce liabilities against the Company or any of its directors or officers, as applicable, based upon
United States federal securities laws.
In
the United States, the Company has filed with the SEC, concurrently with Aphria's registration statement on Form F-10, an appointment of agent for service of process on
Form F-X. Under such Form F-X, the Company has appointed CT Corporation System as its agent for service of process in the United States in connection with any investigation or
administrative proceeding conducted by the SEC, and any civil suit or action brought against the Company in a U.S. court arising out of or related to or concerning the offering of the
Securities under the registration statement.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Information has been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus from documents filed with the securities
commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada. The following documents, each of which has been filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the
provinces and territories of Canada and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, are specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Prospectus:
-
(a)
-
the annual information form (the
"AIF")
of the Company dated July 31, 2019 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019;
-
(b)
-
the Company's audited consolidated financial
statements for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon and the notes thereto;
-
(c)
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the Company's management's discussion and
analysis for the year ended May 31, 2019;
-
(d)
-
the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for
the three-month period ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, together with the notes thereto;
-
(e)
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the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the
three-month period ended August 31, 2019; and
-
(f)
-
the management information circular of the
Company dated October 4, 2019 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on November 14, 2019.
3
Any documents of the type referred to in paragraphs (a)-(f) above or similar material and any documents required to be incorporated by reference herein
pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions, including any annual
information form, all material change reports (excluding confidential reports, if any), all annual and interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis relating thereto, or
information circular or amendments thereto, if filed by the Company with any
securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada after the date of this Prospectus and before the expiry of this Prospectus, are deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus.
Upon
a new annual information form and annual consolidated financial statements being filed by the Company with the applicable Canadian securities commissions or similar regulatory
authorities in Canada during the period that this Prospectus is effective, the previous annual information form, the previous annual consolidated financial statements and all interim consolidated
financial statements and in each case the accompanying management's discussion and analysis, and material change reports (collectively,
"New Filings"), filed prior to the commencement of the financial year of the Company in which the new annual information form is filed shall be
deemed to no longer be incorporated into this Prospectus for purpose of future offers and sales of Securities under this Prospectus and will be superseded by the New Filings. Upon interim
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying management's discussion and analysis being filed by the Company (collectively, "New Interim
Filings") with the applicable Canadian securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities during the period that this Prospectus is effective, all interim consolidated
financial statements and the accompanying management's discussion and analysis filed prior to such New Interim Filings shall be deemed to no longer be incorporated into this Prospectus for
purposes of future offers and sales of Securities under this Prospectus and will be superseded by the New Interim Filings. In addition, upon a new management information circular for an annual
meeting of shareholders being filed by the Company with the applicable Canadian securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities during the period that this Prospectus is effective
(the "New MIC"), the previous management information circular filed in respect of the prior annual meeting of shareholders shall no longer
be deemed to be incorporated into this Prospectus for purposes of future offers and sales of Securities under this Prospectus and will be superseded by the New MIC.
The Company may incorporate by reference into this Prospectus, or the registration statement on Form F-10 of which it forms a part, other
information from documents that the Company will file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act, if and to the extent expressly
provided therein. To the extent that any document or information incorporated by reference into this Prospectus is included in any report on Form 6-K, Form 40-F or Form 20-F
(or any respective successor form) that is filed with or furnished to the SEC after the date of this Prospectus, such document or information shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference as
an exhibit to the registration statement on Form F-10 of which this Prospectus forms a part.
A Prospectus Supplement containing the specific terms of any offering of the Securities will be delivered to purchasers of the Securities together with this
Prospectus and will be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus as of the date of the Prospectus Supplement and only for the purposes of the offering of the Securities to which that
Prospectus Supplement pertains.
In
addition, certain marketing materials (as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation) may be used in connection with a distribution of Securities under
this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement(s). Any "template version" of "marketing materials" (as those terms are defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation)
pertaining to a distribution of Securities, and filed by the Company after the date of the Prospectus Supplement for the distribution and before termination of the distribution of such Securities,
will be deemed to be incorporated by reference in that Prospectus Supplement for the purposes of the distribution of Securities to which the Prospectus Supplement pertains.
Any statement contained in this Prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, in any Prospectus Supplement hereto or in any other subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed
to be, incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not constitute a part of this Prospectus, except as so modified or
superseded. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document or statement that it
modifies or supersedes.
4
The making of such a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an
untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which
it is made.
Neither
the Company nor any Selling Securityholder has provided or otherwise authorized any other person to provide investors with information other than as contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement. If an investor is provided with different or inconsistent information, such investor should not rely on it.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
The following is a summary of information about Aphria and does not contain all the information about Aphria
that may be important to prospective investors. Prospective investors should read the more detailed information including, but not limited to, the AIF, financial statements and management's discussion
and analysis, that are incorporated by reference into and are considered to be a part of this Prospectus.
Aphria
Aphria is licensed to produce and sell medical and adult-use cannabis and cannabis-derived extracts in Canada under the provisions of
the Cannabis Act. Aphria received its licence to produce and sell medical cannabis on November 26, 2014, followed by its licence to sell cannabis extracts on August 18, 2016. These
licences (the "Licences") were extended to include the adult-use market on October 17, 2018. The Licences currently do not contain a cap
on production or sales. The Licences have a current term that ends on March 25, 2020.
Aphria's
head office is based in Leamington, Ontario, adjacent to the Company's original 1,100,000 square foot Leamington greenhouse facility known as "Aphria One". On
March 4, 2019, Health Canada granted an amendment permitting the Company to commence production in an additional 800,000 square feet of facilities at Aphria One, as part of the
Company's Part IV and Part V Expansions (each as defined in the AIF).
Aphria
holds third-party independent good manufacturing practice ("GMP") certification of its Leamington, Ontario growing and processing
facilities. The certification is for the current GMP standards of CFR 21 parts 210/211 established by the United States Food and Drug Administration for Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients and Finished Pharmaceuticals. Aphria One is in the process of obtaining EU-GMP certification ("EU-GMP") for the supply of bulk products to
the Company's remaining EU-GMP sites for production of finished product.
Broken Coast
In addition to the Licences, the Company equally holds a licence issued pursuant to the Cannabis Act in the name of its subsidiary,
Broken Coast Cannabis Ltd. ("Broken Coast"). Broken Coast operates a fully licensed indoor cannabis production facility on Vancouver Island. The
facility sits on a 4.5 acre parcel of owned land that has the necessary surrounding infrastructure to support further expansion. Broken Coast's licence was renewed on April 20, 2018 and
provides for total production space of 44,000 square feet.
Avanti
Through the acquisition of Nuuvera Inc., the Company acquired Brampton-based ARA Avanti
Rx Analytics Inc. ("Avanti"), which currently holds four Canadian licences: (i) Cannabis Processing Licence; (ii) Cannabis
Analytical Testing Licence; (iii) Drug Establishment Licence; and, (iv) Medical Device Establishment Licence.
In
addition to allowing the Company to possess and handle cannabis and cannabis derivative products, these licences allow Avanti to engage in the possession, production, packaging, sale,
transportation and delivery and testing of drugs and medical devices. The Company is also able to complete testing/analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Avanti
is currently in the process of securing EU-GMP, which will then be used as the Canadian staging site for international bound GMP certified products. The Company's EU-GMP
certification will cover the extraction, post processing, testing, packaging and shipping process.
5
Aphria Germany
On April 5, 2019, Aphria announced that its German subsidiary, Aphria Deutschland GmbH ("Aphria
Germany") was selected by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices ("BfArM") to receive a licence for the
domestic cultivation of medical cannabis. Subsequently, Aphria Germany secured the licence for the domestic cultivation of medical cannabis from BfArM and, Aphria was granted a cultivation licence for
five of the 13 total lots awarded by BfArM.
ASG
On June 21, 2018, the Company announced that its Malta-based subsidiary, ASG Pharma Ltd.
("ASG"), received the first import licence for medical cannabis issued by the Malta Medicines Authority. The licence allows ASG to import medical
cannabis for analytical testing and research. Like Avanti, ASG is in the process of securing EU-GMP and will be the central importer and distributor of Canadian product in Europe.
Aphria Diamond
On November 1, 2019, 1974568 Ontario Ltd., Aphria's majority-owned Leamington-based subsidiary ("Aphria
Diamond"), received its licence from Health Canada to possess, cultivate, propagate, harvest, and sell cannabis. The licence has a current term that ends on November 1,
2020.
International Regulatory Framework
The Company only conducts business in jurisdictions outside of Canada where such operations are legally permissible in accordance with
the laws of the applicable jurisdiction and Canadian regulatory obligations with the TSX. As noted above, the Company has activities in jurisdictions outside of Canada, namely in Germany, Malta,
Italy, Jamaica, Lesotho, Colombia and Argentina. In addition to the foregoing jurisdictions, Aphria owns subsidiaries in Bermuda (Hampstead Holdings Ltd.), Israel (Nuuvera Israel Ltd.),
Portugal (APLAphria Portugal, Lda.), South Africa (CannInvest Africa Ltd.), Denmark (CC Pharma Nordic ApS), and United Kingdom (Goodfields Supply Co. Ltd.),
but does not currently conduct business in those jurisdictions. Aphria does not currently maintain its own operations in Australia but rather owns a minority investment in a company that has
operations in Australia. The Company acquired an option and right of first refusal to purchase a Brazilian incorporated entity, with the option and right of first refusal vesting only upon the entity
obtaining a licence to cultivate and distribute cannabis lawfully in Brazil. The following table outlines the regulatory status of cannabis in the foreign jurisdictions where Aphria conducts business,
or in the case of Brazil, where it has the
6
option
to conduct business in the future. The activities of Aphria or its local partner or affiliate in those jurisdictions can be found at pages 24-27 of the AIF.
|
|
|
Country
|
|
Regulatory Status and Framework
|
Argentina
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use.
|
|
|
Legislation restricts
cultivation to government agencies which oversee the production of medicinal grade cannabis.
|
|
|
On June 6, 2019,
the Ministry of Health in Argentina approved a resolution authorizing public and private health insurance companies to import and stock nonregistered medical cannabis inventory on a "compassionate use" basis
|
Brazil
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use.
|
|
|
The Brazilian Health
Surveillance Agency, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ("ANVISA"), legalized the prescription and the import of products containing the substances cannabidiol and
tetrahydrocannabinol.
|
|
|
ANVISA has indicated
that it is preparing regulations for the cultivation and limited sale of medical cannabis in Brazil. In the interim ANVISA has authorized a limited number of companies to conduct research and development of cannabis-based therapeutics using imported
cannabis.
|
Colombia
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use and scientific purposes.
|
|
|
In 2016, the Colombian
congress adopted Law 1787 legalizing cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.
|
|
|
Under Law 1787, the
Ministry of Justice and Law oversees the cultivation of psychoactive cannabis and non-psychoactive cannabis cultivation (namely hemp) including activities such as seed production and grain production. The Ministry of Health issues the licence for
manufacture of cannabis derivates. This licence covers the manufacturing, acquisition, import, export, storage, transportation, marketing and distribution of cannabis derivatives. The Ministry of Justice and Law is equally responsible for the
marketing and delivery of cannabis seeds and the use of such seed for scientific purposes.
|
Denmark
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use.
|
|
|
Danish law permits the
authorized use of select cannabis-based medicines. In January 2018, the Danish government initiated a trial permitting doctors to prescribe additional types of medical cannabis to a defined patient group. The trial will continue for the next four
years and is supported by federal funding.
|
|
|
In January 2019, the
Danish government implemented an executive order authorizing the bulk shipments of medical cannabis, provided that requisite permits are obtained.
|
Germany
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use.
|
|
|
The prescription,
distribution and import of medical cannabis is overseen by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (the "BfArM")
|
|
|
BfArM issues import
permits for the import of medical cannabis for distribution through pharmacies.
|
|
|
With the legalization of
cannabis, the BfArM established a cannabis agency to organize and control the cultivation of cannabis for medical use via a tender process to identify suppliers to cultivate medical cannabis within Germany.
|
7
|
|
|
Country
|
|
Regulatory Status and Framework
|
Italy
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal and industrial uses only.
|
|
|
Since 2006, the sale of
cannabis-based medicines for therapeutic purposes has been permitted in Italy under medical prescription of galenic formulations to be prepared by authorized chemists.
|
|
|
The cultivation,
production, fabrication, use, import, export, transit and trading of cannabis must be authorized by the Ministry of Health in Italy.
|
Jamaica
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal, scientific and therapeutic use.
|
|
|
The Cannabis Licensing
Authority (the "CLA") was established in 2015 under the Dangerous Drugs Act, with powers to make and oversee the implementation of regulations for licences, permits and other authorizations for the
cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and transportation of cannabis for medicinal, scientific and therapeutic purposes. Currently the regulations do not allow for the import or export of medical cannabis.
|
|
|
Licences, permits and
other authorizations are required for the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and transportation of medical cannabis. Licence applications are subjected to a rigorous review process and licencees are subject to pre-and post-licence inspection
and reporting requirements. Once an applicant completes its post-production building, the CLA inspects for final and full licence approval.
|
Lesotho
|
|
Federally acceptable for medicinal and scientific purposes.
|
|
|
In Lesotho, the Ministry
of Health administers The Drugs of Abuse Act which contemplates the licensing for the manufacture, sale, distribution, import and export of cannabis and other narcotics.
|
|
|
The Ministry of Health
has authority to issue licences in respect of the cultivation; manufacture; supply; distribution; storage; and export of cannabis.
|
Malta
|
|
Federally legal for medicinal use.
|
|
|
The Cannabis Licensing
Authority (the "CLA") was established in 2015 under the Dangerous Drugs Act, with powers to make and oversee the implementation of regulations for licences, permits and other authorizations for the
cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and transportation of cannabis for medicinal, scientific and therapeutic purposes.
|
Paraguay
|
|
Currently permissible on a "compassionate use" basis.
|
|
|
On September 13,
2019, the Health Minister announced the approval of a resolution establishing the guidelines to apply for the first commercial production licences. Licence holders must donate 2% of their total production to the Paraguayan Ministry of Health who in
turn expects to distribute such cannabis products for free to patients with conditions where there is scientific evidence beyond anecdotal evidence of the benefits of the product.
|
The
legal and regulatory requirements in the foreign countries in which the Company operates with respect to the cultivation and sale of marijuana, as well as local business culture and
practices are different from those in Canada. Prior to commencing operating in a new country, the Company, in partnership with its local legal counsel, consultants and partners, conducts legal and
commercial due diligence in order to ensure that it and its officers and directors gain a sufficient understanding of the legal, political and commercial framework and specific risks associated with
operating in such jurisdiction. Where possible, the Company seeks to work with respected and experienced local partners who can help the Company to understand and navigate the local business and
operating environment, language and cultural differences. In consultation with its advisors, the
8
Company
takes steps it deems appropriate in light of the level of activity and investment it expects to have in each country to ensure the management of risks and the implementation of necessary
internal controls. See "Risk FactorsOperations in Foreign Jurisdictions" in the AIF.
SHARE STRUCTURE
Aphria has authorized capital of an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value, of which 252,481,102 are issued and
outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus. All shares in the capital of Aphria are of the same class.
The
holders of Aphria Shares are entitled to dividends, if, as and when declared by the board of directors of Aphria, to one vote per Common Share at shareholder meetings of the Company
and, upon liquidation, to share equally in such assets of Aphria as are distributable to the holders of Common Shares.
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
There have been no material changes to the Company's share and loan capitalization on a consolidated basis since August 31,
2019, the date of the Company's most recent financial statements, except the following:
-
(a)
-
subsequent
to August 31, 2019, a total of 125,371 Common Shares were issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds
of $235,349;
-
(b)
-
subsequent
to August 31, 2019, a total of 518,488 Common Shares were issued pursuant to the exercise of RSUs for nil gross proceeds;
-
(c)
-
subsequent
to August 31, 2019, a total of 323,636 Common Shares were issued pursuant to the exercise of warrants for gross proceeds of $485,454;
-
(d)
-
subsequent
to August 31, 2019, a total of 300,000 stock options were granted on October 17, 2019 having an exercise price of $6.63 per share
and expiring on October 17, 2024, and a total of 507,982 stock options were granted on November 14, 2019 having an exercise price of $6.26 and expiring on November 14, 2024; and
-
(e)
-
subsequent
to August 31, 2019, a total of 452,488 RSUs were issued on October 16, 2019, a total of 23,623 RSUs were issued on
October 17, 2019, and a total of 1,307,805 RSUs were issued on November 14, 2019.
The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe any material change, and the effect of such material change, on the share and loan capitalization of the Company that will result from
the issuance of Securities pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The use of proceeds from the sale of Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to a specific
offering and sale of Securities. Among other potential uses, the Company may use the net proceeds from the sale of Securities for general corporate purposes, including funding ongoing operations
and/or working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time, capital projects and potential future acquisitions, including in relation to international expansion.
Management
of the Company will retain broad discretion in allocating the net proceeds of any offering of Securities under this Prospectus and the Company's actual use of the net proceeds
will vary depending on the availability and suitability of investment opportunities and its operating and capital needs from time to time. All expenses relating to an offering of Securities and any
compensation paid to underwriting dealers or agents as the case may be, will be paid out of the proceeds from the sale of Securities, unless otherwise stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
See "Risk Factors Discretion in the Use of Proceeds".
The
Company may, from time to time, issue securities (including Securities) other than pursuant to this Prospectus. The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Securities
by a Selling Securityholder.
9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company and the Selling Securityholders may from time to time during the 25-month period that this Prospectus, including any
amendments hereto, remains valid, offer for sale and issue, as applicable, up to an aggregate of US$500,000,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies based on the applicable exchange rate at
the time of the offering) in Securities hereunder.
The
Company and the Selling Securityholders may offer and sell the Securities to or through underwriters or dealers purchasing as principals, and may also sell directly to one or more
purchasers or through agents or pursuant to applicable statutory exemptions. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities will identify each underwriter, dealer or agent,
as the case may be, engaged by the Company or any Selling Securityholder in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities, and will set forth the
terms of the offering of such Securities, including, to the extent applicable, any fees, discounts or any other compensation payable to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering,
the method of distribution of the Securities, the identity of the Selling Securityholders, the initial issue price, the proceeds that the Company will receive and any other material terms of the plan
of distribution. Any initial offering price and discounts, concessions or commissions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
In
addition, the Securities may be offered and issued in consideration for the acquisition of other businesses, assets or securities by the Company or one of its subsidiaries. The
consideration for any such acquisition may consist of the Securities separately, a combination of Securities or any combination of, among other things, Securities, cash and assumption of liabilities.
In addition, one or more Selling Securityholders of the Company may sell Securities to or through underwriters or dealers purchasing as principals and may also sell the Securities to one or more
purchasers directly, through statutory exemptions, or through agents designated from time to time. See "Selling Securityholders".
The
Securities may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices or at prices which may be changed or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
at prices related to such prevailing prices or at negotiated prices, including sales in transactions that are deemed to be "at-the-market distributions" as defined in NI 44-102, including sales
made directly on the TSX, the NYSE or other existing trading markets for the Securities. The price at which the Securities will be offered and sold may vary from purchaser to purchaser and during the
period of distribution. If the Company conducts an "at-the-market distribution" under this Prospectus, it will submit an application to the Ontario Securities Commission, as principal regulator of the
Company, pursuant to National Policy 11-203Process for Exemptive Relief Applications in Multiple Jurisdictions (the
"Application") for a decision providing for the required exemptions. The Application and the exemptive relief will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement that qualifies such "at-the-market distribution".
In
connection with the sale of the Securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation from the Company, any Selling Securityholder or from other parties, including in
the form of underwriters', dealers' or agents' fees, commissions or concessions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the Securities may be deemed to be
underwriters for the purposes of applicable U.S. and/or Canadian securities legislation and any such compensation received by them from the Company or any Selling Securityholder and any profit on the
resale of the Securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions. In connection with any offering of Securities, except as otherwise set out in a Prospectus Supplement relating to a
particular offering of Securities and other than in relation to an "at-the-market" distribution, the underwriters, dealers or agents, as the case may be, may over-allot or effect transactions intended
to fix, stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Securities at a level other than those which otherwise might prevail on the open market. Such transactions may be commenced,
interrupted or discontinued at any time.
Underwriters,
dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of the Securities may be entitled, under agreements to be entered into with the Company and/or any Selling
Securityholder, to indemnification by the Company and/or any Selling Securityholder against certain liabilities, including liabilities under U.S. and/or Canadian securities legislation, or to
contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers and agents may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.
10
Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each series or issue of Securities (other than Common Shares) will be a new issue of Securities with no established
trading market. Accordingly, there is currently no market through which the Securities (other than Common Shares) may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell such Securities purchased under
this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of such Securities in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of such Securities and the extent of issuer
regulation. See "Risk Factors".
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
This Prospectus may also, from time to time, relate to the offering of the Securities by way of a secondary offering by certain Selling
Securityholders.
The
terms under which the Securities may be offered by Selling Securityholders will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement for or including any
offering of Securities by Selling Securityholders will include, without limitation, where applicable: (i) the names of the Selling Securityholders; (ii) the number and type of Securities
owned, controlled or directed by each Selling Securityholder; (iii) the number of Securities being distributed for the accounts of each Selling Securityholder; (iv) the number of
Securities to be owned, controlled or directed by each Selling Securityholder after the distribution and the percentage that number or amount represents out of the total number of outstanding
Securities; (v) whether the Securities are owned by the Selling Securityholders, both of record and beneficially, of record only or beneficially only; (vi) if a Selling Securityholder
purchased any of the Securities held by him, her or it in the 12 months preceding the date of the Prospectus Supplement, the date or dates the Selling Securityholder acquired the Securities;
(vii) if a Selling Securityholder acquired the Securities held by him, her or it in the 12 months preceding the date of the Prospectus Supplement, the cost thereof to the Selling
Securityholder in the aggregate and on a per security basis; and (viii) the disclosure required by Item 1.11 of Form 44-101F1 Short Form
Prospectus and Selling Securityholders will file a non-issuer's submission to jurisdiction form with the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Securities as at the date of this Prospectus. The
summary does not purport to be complete and is indicative only. The specific terms of any Securities to be offered under this Prospectus, and the extent to which the general terms described in this
Prospectus apply to such Securities, will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Moreover, a Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities
may include terms pertaining to the Securities being offered thereunder that are not within the terms and parameters described in this Prospectus.
Common Shares
The following is a brief summary of the material attributes of the Common Shares. This summary does not purport to be complete. Common
Shares may be sold separately or together with separately or together with other Securities, as the case may be.
The
holders of the Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company either in person or by proxy. The holders of Common Shares are also
entitled to dividends, if and when declared by the directors of the Company and the distribution of the residual assets of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company. The Common Shares rank equally as to all benefits which might accrue to the holders thereof, including the right to receive dividends, voting powers, and participation in assets and in all
other respects, on liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other disposition of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose
of winding up its affairs after the Company has paid out its liabilities. The Common Shares are not subject to call or assessment rights or any pre-emptive or conversion rights. There are no
provisions for redemption, purchase for cancellation, surrender or purchase of funds.
11
Warrants
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Warrants that may be offered pursuant to this
Prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete. The particular terms and provisions of the Warrants as may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement pertaining to such offering of Warrants, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Warrants will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
Warrants
may be offered separately or together with other Securities, as the case may be. Each series of Warrants may be issued under a separate warrant indenture or warrant agency
agreement to be entered into between the Company and one or more banks or trust companies acting as Warrant agent or may be issued as stand-alone contracts. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will
include details of the Warrant agreements, if any, governing the Warrants being offered. The Warrant agent, if any, will be expected to act
solely as the agent of the Company and will not assume a relationship of agency with any holders of Warrant certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants. A copy of any warrant indenture or any
warrant agency agreement relating to an offering of Warrants will be filed by the Company with the relevant securities regulatory authorities in Canada after it has been entered into by
the Company.
Each
applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Warrants being offered thereby, which may include, without limitation, the
following (where applicable):
-
-
the designation of the Warrants;
-
-
the aggregate number of Warrants offered and the offering price;
-
-
the designation, number and terms of the other Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, and procedures that
will result in the adjustment of those numbers;
-
-
the exercise price of the Warrants;
-
-
the dates or periods during which the Warrants are exercisable including any "early termination" provisions;
-
-
the designation, number and terms of any Securities with which the Warrants are issued;
-
-
if the Warrants are issued as a unit with another Security, the date on and after which the Warrants and the other
Security will be separately transferable;
-
-
whether such Warrants are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form, bearer form or in the form of temporary
or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
-
-
any minimum or maximum amount of Warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
-
-
whether such Warrants will be listed on any securities exchange;
-
-
any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange or exercise of the Warrants;
-
-
certain material Canadian tax consequences of owning the Warrants; and
-
-
any other material terms and conditions of the Warrants.
Subscription Receipts
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Subscription Receipts that may be offered pursuant to
this Prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete. The particular terms and provisions of the Subscription Receipts as may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement pertaining to such offering of Subscription Receipts, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Subscription Receipts
will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Subscription Receipts may be offered separately or together with other Securities, as the case may be.
12
The
Subscription Receipts may be issued under a subscription receipt agreement. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will include details of the subscription receipt agreement, if any,
governing the Subscription Receipts being offered. The Company will file a copy of any subscription receipt agreement, if any, relating to an offering of Subscription Receipts with the relevant
securities regulatory authorities in Canada after it has been entered into by the Company.
Each
applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Subscription Receipts being offered thereby, which may include, without
limitation, the following (where applicable):
-
-
the number of Subscription Receipts;
-
-
the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered;
-
-
the terms, conditions and procedures for the conversion of the Subscription Receipts into other Securities;
-
-
the dates or periods during which the Subscription Receipts are convertible into other Securities;
-
-
the designation, number and terms of the other Securities that may be exchanged upon conversion of each Subscription
Receipt;
-
-
the designation, number and terms of any other Securities with which the Subscription Receipts will be offered, if any,
and the number of Subscription Receipts that will be offered with each Security;
-
-
whether such Subscription Receipts are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form, bearer form or in the form
of temporary or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
-
-
terms applicable to the gross or net proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts plus any interest
earned thereon;
-
-
certain material Canadian tax consequences of owning the Subscription Receipts; and
-
-
any other material terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts.
Debt Securities
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities that may be offered pursuant to this
Prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete. The particular terms and provisions of the Debt Securities as may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement pertaining to such offering of Debt Securities, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Debt Securities will be described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Debt
Securities may be offered separately or in combination with one or more other Securities. The Company may, from time to time, issue debt securities and incur additional indebtedness
other than through the issuance of Debt Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.
The
Company may issue Debt Securities under an indenture (the "Base Indenture"), dated August 23, 2019 between the Company
and GLAS Trust Company LLC, as trustee, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture or an officers' certificate of the Company with respect to each series of Debt Securities issued pursuant to
the Base Indenture (the Base Indenture, as supplemented, the "Indenture"). The Base Indenture has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part and is incorporated by reference herein. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will
constitute the direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of the Company and shall rank pari passu and ratably without preference among
themselves and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company.
13
The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the specific terms relating to such Debt Securities and the terms of the offering, including, where applicable, some or all of the
following, among other matters:
-
-
the title of the Debt Securities;
-
-
any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities and, if no limit is specified, the Company will have
the right to re-open such series for the issuance of additional Debt Securities from time to time;
-
-
the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined or extended, on which the principal
(and premium, if any) of the Debt Securities of the series is payable;
-
-
the rate or rates at which the Debt Securities of the series will bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate
or rates will be determined, whether such interest will be payable in cash or additional Debt Securities of the same series or will accrue and increase the aggregate principal amount outstanding of
such series, the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;
-
-
the place or places the Company will pay principal, premium and interest, if any, and the place or places where Debt
Securities can be presented for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion;
-
-
the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, the currency (if other than U.S. dollars)
in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have that option;
-
-
whether the Company will be obligated to redeem, repay or repurchase the Debt Securities pursuant to any sinking or other
provision, or at the option of a holder and the terms and conditions of such redemption, repayment or repurchase;
-
-
the denominations in which the Company will issue any registered Debt Securities, if other than denominations of $2,000
and any multiple of $1,000 and, if other than denominations of $5,000, the denominations in which any unregistered Debt Security will be issuable;
-
-
the applicability of, and any changes or additions to, the provisions for defeasance;
-
-
whether the holders of any series of Debt Securities have special rights if specified events occur;
-
-
any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants;
-
-
whether the Company will issue the Debt Securities as unregistered securities, registered securities or both;
-
-
the terms, if any, for any conversion or exchange of the Debt Securities for any other securities;
-
-
whether payment of the Debt Securities will be guaranteed by any other person;
-
-
whether the payment of principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Debt Securities will be the Company's senior,
senior subordinated or subordinated obligations; and
-
-
any other terms, conditions, rights and preferences (or limitations on such rights and preferences).
Convertible Securities
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Convertible Securities that may be offered pursuant to
this Prospectus. This summary does not purport to be complete. The particular terms and provisions of the Convertible Securities as may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement pertaining to such offering of Convertible Securities, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Convertible
Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The
Convertible Securities will be convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares and/or other Securities. The Convertible Securities convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares
and/or other Securities may be offered separately or together with other Securities, as the case may be. The applicable Prospectus
14
Supplement
will include details of the agreement, indenture or other instrument to which such Convertible Securities will be created and issued.
Each
applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Convertible Securities being offered thereby, which may include, without
limitation, the following (where applicable):
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the number of such Convertible Securities offered;
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the price at which such Convertible Securities will be offered;
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the procedures for the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities into or for Common Shares and/or other
Securities;
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the number of Common Shares and/or other Securities that may be issued upon the conversion or exchange of such Convertible
Securities;
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the period or periods during which any conversion or exchange may or must occur;
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the designation and terms of any other Convertible Securities with which such Convertible Securities will be offered,
if any;
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the gross proceeds from the sale of such Convertible Securities;
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whether the Convertible Securities will be listed on any securities exchange;
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whether the Convertible Securities are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form, bearer form or in the form
of temporary or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
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certain material Canadian tax consequences of owning the Convertible Securities; and
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any other material terms and conditions of the Convertible Securities.
Units
The following is a brief summary of certain general terms and provisions of the Units that may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus.
This summary does not purport to be complete. The particular terms and provisions of the Units as may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
pertaining to such offering of Units, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Units will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Units
may be offered separately or together with other Securities, as the case may be.
Each
applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Units being offered thereby, which may include, without limitation, the following
(where applicable):
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the number of Units;
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the price at which the Units will be offered;
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the designation, number and terms of the Securities comprising the Units;
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whether the Units will be issued with any other Securities and, if so, the amount and terms of these Securities;
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terms applicable to the gross or net proceeds from the sale of the Units plus any interest earned thereon;
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the date on and after which the Securities comprising the Units will be separately transferable;
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whether the Securities comprising the Units will be listed on any securities exchange;
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whether such Units or the Securities comprising the Units are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form,
bearer form or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof;
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any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange or exercise of the Units;
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certain material Canadian tax consequences of owning the Units; and
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any other material terms and conditions of the Units.
15
PRIOR SALES
Information in respect of prior sales of the Common Shares and other Securities distributed under this Prospectus and for securities
that are convertible or exchangeable into the Common Shares or such other Securities within the previous 12-month period will be provided, as required, in a Prospectus Supplement with respect to the
issuance of the Common Shares and/or other Securities pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement.
TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
The Common Shares are currently listed on the TSX and NYSE under the trading symbol "APHA". Trading price and volume of the Common
Shares will be provided, as required, in each Prospectus Supplement.
DIVIDENDS
Aphria has never paid any dividends on its Common Shares. Aphria does not intend to pay dividends on any of its Common Shares in the
foreseeable future. Any decision to pay dividends on its Common Shares in the future will be at the discretion of the Company's board of directors and will depend on, among other things, the Company's
results of operations, current and anticipated cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, any future contractual restrictions and financing agreement covenants, solvency tests imposed by
corporate law and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.
CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Owning any of the Securities may subject holders to tax consequences. The applicable Prospectus Supplement may describe certain
Canadian federal income tax consequences to an investor of acquiring, owning and disposing of any of the Securities offered thereunder. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors
prior to deciding to purchase any of the Securities.
RISK FACTORS
Before deciding to invest in any Securities, prospective investors of the Securities should consider carefully the risk factors and the
other information contained and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to a specific offering of Securities before purchasing the Securities,
including those risks identified and discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the AIF, which is incorporated by reference herein. See
"Documents Incorporated by Reference".
An
investment in the Securities offered hereunder is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. The risks and uncertainties described or incorporated by reference herein are not the
only ones the Company may face. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company is unaware of or that are currently deemed immaterial, may also become important factors that
affect the Company and its business. If any such risks actually occur, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Prospective
investors should carefully consider the risks below and in the AIF and the other information elsewhere in this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement and consult
with their professional advisors to assess any investment in the Company.
In
addition, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this Prospectus, the documents incorporated herein and the Company's other public
disclosure. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, of both a general and specific nature, that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements or contribute to the possibility that predictions, forecasts and projections will prove to be materially inaccurate.
16
Risks Related to the Securities
Return on Securities is not Guaranteed
There is no guarantee that the Securities will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Securities is
speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate
liquidity in their investment. A holding of Securities is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
Discretion in the Use of Proceeds
Management of the Company will have broad discretion with respect to the application of net proceeds received by the Company from the
sale of Securities under this Prospectus or a future Prospectus Supplement and may spend such proceeds in ways that do not improve the Company's results of operations or enhance the value of the
Common Shares or its other securities issued and outstanding from time to time. Any failure by management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business or cause the price of the securities of the Company issued and outstanding from time to time to decline.
Dilution
The Company may sell additional Common Shares or other Securities that are convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares in subsequent
offerings or may issue additional Common Shares or other Securities to finance future acquisitions. The Company cannot predict the size or nature of future sales or issuances of securities or the
effect, if any, that such future sales and issuances will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Sales or issuances of substantial numbers of Common Shares or other Securities that are
convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares, or the perception that such sales or issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common Shares. With any additional sale
or issuance of Common Shares or other Securities that are convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in the Company.
Furthermore, to the extent holders of the Company's stock options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell the Common Shares they receive, the trading price of the
Common Shares on the TSX and/or NYSE may decrease due to the additional amount of Common Shares available in the market.
Volatile Market Price of the Common Shares
The market price of the Common Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which
are beyond the Company's control. This volatility may affect the ability of holders of Common Shares to sell their securities at an advantageous price. Market price fluctuations in the Common Shares
may be due to the Company's operating results failing to meet expectations of securities analysts or investors in any period, downward revision in securities analysts' estimates, adverse changes in
general market conditions or economic trends, acquisitions, dispositions or other material public announcements by the Company or its competitors, along with a variety of additional factors. These
broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Common Shares.
Financial
markets have historically at times experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and
that have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Common Shares may decline even if the
Company's operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that are deemed
to be other than temporary, which may result in impairment losses. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in price and volume will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and
market turmoil continue, the Company's operations could be adversely impacted and the trading price of the Common Shares may be materially adversely affected.
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Liquidity
Shareholders of the Company may be unable to sell significant quantities of Common Shares into the public trading markets without a
significant reduction in the price of their Common Shares, or at all. There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity of the Common Shares on the trading market, and that the Company
will continue to meet the listing requirements of the TSX, the NYSE or achieve listing on any other public listing exchange.
There
is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, none of the
Warrants, Subscription Receipts, Debt Securities, Convertible Securities, or Units will be listed on any securities or stock exchange or any automated dealer quotation system. As a consequence,
purchasers may not be able to resell Warrants, Subscription Receipts, Debt Securities, Convertible Securities, or Units purchased under this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement. This may affect
the pricing of the Securities, other than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these securities and the extent of issuer
regulation. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Securities, other than the Common Shares, will develop or, if developed, that any such market, including for the Common
Shares, will be sustained.
Risks Related to the Company's Business and the Cannabis Industry
Reliance on Licence
The Company's ability to cultivate, store and sell cannabis and cannabis oil in Canada is dependent on maintaining its Licence with
Health Canada and licences through its various subsidiaries. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Licence or any subsidiary licence or any failure to maintain its Licence or any subsidiary
licence may have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results. There can be no guarantees that Health Canada will extend or renew the Licences as necessary or,
if it extended or renewed, that the Licences will be extended or renewed on the same or similar terms. Should Health Canada not extend or renew the Licences or should it renew the Licences on
different terms, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Recent Announcements and Risks Regarding Vaporizer Products
On October 4, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to the public to stop using vaping liquids containing
cannabis derivatives and ingredients, such as CBD and THC, in light of a potential but unconfirmed link to lung injuries such as severe pulmonary illness. Such warnings appear to be particularly
focused on the use of vaping liquids purchased from unlicensed or unregulated retailers. Lung injuries associated with the use of cannabis derivative containing vaping liquid have equally been
reported in Canada but to a lesser extent. In response, Health Canada has issued an information update advising Canadians who use cannabis derivative containing vaping liquids to monitor themselves
for symptoms of pulmonary illness. There may be further governmental and private sector actions aimed at reducing the sale of cannabis containing vaping liquids and/or seeking to hold manufacturers of
cannabis containing vaping liquids responsible for the adverse health effects associated with the use of these vaping products. These actions, combined with potential deterioration in the public's
perception of cannabis containing vaping liquids, may result in a reduced market for the Company's vaporizer products. Federal, provincial and local regulations or actions that prohibit or restrict
the sale of the Company's vaporizer products including cannabis derivative vaping liquids, or that decrease consumer demand for the Company's products by prohibiting their use, raising the minimum age
for their purchase, raising the purchase prices to unattractive levels via taxation, or banning their sale, could adversely impact the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
The Long-term Health Impacts Associated with Use of Cannabis and Cannabis Derivative Products are Unknown
Although there is a long history of human consumption of cannabis, there is little in the way of longitudinal studies on the short-term
and long-term effects of cannabis use on human health, whether used for recreational or medicinal purposes. As such, there are inherent risks associated with using the Company's cannabis and cannabis
derivative products. The Company's cannabis and cannabis derivative products should always be used
18
only
as specifically instructed by the Company on the packaging and associated product information or product insert prepared by the Company. Consumers should never modify cannabis products or
cannabis derivative products or add substances to such products as this may result in increased health risks and unpredictable adverse reactions. Previously unknown or unforeseeable adverse reactions
arising from human consumption of cannabis products may occur and consumers should consume cannabis at their own risk or in accordance with the direction of a health care practitioner.
Company's Expansion Efforts may not be Successful and Company's Operations are Subject to Risk as a Result of Company's Expansion Efforts including Company's International
Expansion
There is no guarantee that the Company's expansion strategy (including receiving the expected Health Canada approvals in a timely
fashion if at all) will be completed in the currently proposed form, if at all, nor is there any guarantee that the Company will be able to expand into additional jurisdictions. There is also no
guarantee that the Company's intentions to acquire and/or construct additional cannabis production and manufacturing facilities in Canada and in other jurisdictions with federally legal cannabis
markets, and to expand the Company's marketing and sales initiatives will be successful. Any such activities will require, among other things, various regulatory approvals, licences and permits (such
as additional licences from Health Canada under the Cannabis Act, as applicable) and there is no guarantee that all required approvals, licences and permits will be obtained in a timely fashion or at
all. There is also no guarantee that the Company will be able to complete any of the foregoing activities as anticipated or at all.
The
Company's failure to successfully execute its international expansion strategy (including receiving required regulatory approvals, licences and permits) could adversely affect the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and may result in the Company failing to meet anticipated or future demand for its cannabis products, when and if it arises.
The
Company's expansion into jurisdictions outside of Canada is subject to additional business risks, including new or unexpected risks or could significantly increase the Company's
exposure to one or more existing risk factors, including economic instability, changes in laws and regulations, and the effects of competition. In addition, international expansion could subject the
Company's business to certain risks relating to fluctuating exchange rates or require a number of up-front expenses, including those associated with obtaining regulatory approvals, as well as
additional ongoing expenses, including those associated with infrastructure, staff and regulatory compliance. These factors may limit the Company's ability to successfully expand its operations into
such jurisdictions and may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Operations in Foreign Jurisdictions
The Company has operations in various emerging markets and may have operations in additional emerging markets in the future. Such
operations expose the Company to the socioeconomic conditions as well as the laws governing the cannabis industry in such countries. Inherent risks with conducting foreign operations include, but are
not limited to: high rates of inflation; extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, military repression; war or civil war; social and labor unrest; organized crime; hostage taking; terrorism;
violent crime; expropriation and nationalization; renegotiation or nullification of existing licences, approvals, permits and contracts; changes in taxation policies; restrictions on foreign exchange
and repatriation; and changing political norms, banking and currency controls and governmental regulations that favor or require us to award contracts in, employ citizens of, or purchase supplies
from, the jurisdiction.
Governments
in certain foreign jurisdictions intervene in their economies, sometimes frequently, and occasionally make significant changes in policies and regulations. Changes, if any,
in cannabis industry or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in the countries in which the Company operates may adversely affect its operations or profitability. Operations may be
affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, importation of product and
supplies, income and other taxes, royalties, the repatriation of profits, expropriation of property, foreign investment, maintenance of concessions, licences, approvals and permits, environmental
matters, land use, land claims of local people, water use and workplace safety. Failure to comply
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strictly
with applicable laws, regulations and local practices could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of licences, or the imposition of additional local or foreign parties as joint venture
partners with carried or other interests.
The
Company continues to monitor developments and policies in the emerging markets in which its operates and assess the impact thereof to our operations; however, such developments
cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corruption and Fraud in Emerging Markets
There are uncertainties, corruption and fraud relating to title ownership of real property in certain emerging markets in which the
Company operates or may operate. Property disputes over title ownership are frequent in emerging markets, and, as a result, there is a risk that errors, fraud or challenges could adversely affect the
Company's ability to operate in such jurisdictions. Any of the foregoing risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
Risks Inherent to the Cannabis Industry
The Company operates in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving market. Sometimes new risks emerge and management may not be able to
predict all of them, or be able to predict how they may cause actual results to be different from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Failure to comply with the requirements of the
licence(s) or any failure to maintain the licence(s) would have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company.
The
industry is subject to extensive controls and regulations, which may significantly affect the financial condition of market participants. The marketability of any product may be
affected by numerous factors that are beyond the Company's control and which cannot be predicted, such as changes to government regulations, including those relating to taxes and other government
levies that may be imposed. Changes in government levies, including taxes, could reduce the Corporation's earnings and could make future capital investments or the Corporation's operations uneconomic.
Limited Standardized Research on the Effect of Cannabis
To date, there is limited standardization in the research of the effects of cannabis, and future clinical research studies may lead to
conclusions that dispute or conflict with the Company's understanding and belief regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis. Research in
Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in
relatively early stages.
Future
research and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to statements in this Prospectus or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits,
viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for the Company's products.
Relative Newness of the Cannabis Industry and Market in Canada
As a licence holder authorized to process cannabis, the Company will be operating its business in a relatively new industry and market,
and the Company's success in the cannabis market will depend in part on its ability to attract and retain customers. In addition to being subject to general business risks applicable to a business
involving an agricultural product and a regulated consumer product, the Company will need to make significant investments in its business strategy. These investments include the procurement of raw
material, extraction equipment, site improvements and research and development projects. The Company expects that competitors will undertake similar investments to compete with it. Competitive
conditions, consumer preferences, customer requirements and spending patterns in this industry and market are relatively unknown and may have unique circumstances that differ from other existing
industries and markets and cause the
20
Company's
future efforts to develop its business to be unsuccessful or to have undesired consequences for it. As a result, the Company may not be successful in its efforts to attract customers or to
develop new cannabis products and produce and distribute these cannabis products, or these activities may require significantly more resources than it currently anticipate in order to
be successful.
Unfavorable Publicity or Consumer Perception
The Company believes the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of
cannabis and related products distributed to such consumers. Consumer perception of the Company's products can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory
investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory
proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favourable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future
research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favourable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or
publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for the Company's products and the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Company. The Company's
dependence upon consumer perceptions means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity, whether or not accurate or with
merit, could have a material adverse effect on the Company, the demand for the Company's products, and the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Company.
Further,
adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis and related products in general, or the Company's products
specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis or related products with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect. Such adverse publicity reports
or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers' failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed. The increased
usage of social media and other web-based tools used to generate, publish and discuss user-generated content and to connect with other users has made it increasingly easier for individuals and groups
to communicate and share opinions and views in regard to the Company and its activities, whether true or not. Although the Company believes that it operates in a manner that is respectful to all
stakeholders and that it takes care in protecting its image and reputation, it does not ultimately have direct control over how it is perceived by others. Reputational loss may result in decreased
investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations and an impediment to the Company's overall ability to advance its projects, thereby having a material
adverse impact on its financial performance, financial condition, cash flows and growth prospects.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims, some of which arise in the ordinary
course of the Company's business. Litigation is inherently uncertain, and any adverse outcomes could negatively affect the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition, brand and/or
the trading price of its securities. In addition, litigation can involve significant management time and attention and be expensive, regardless of outcome. During the course of litigation, there may
be announcements of the results of hearings and motions and other interim developments related to the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the
trading price of the Company's securities may decline. In addition, the Company evaluates these litigation claims and legal proceedings to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to
estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on these assessments and estimates, the Company may establish reserves or disclose the relevant litigation claims or legal proceedings, as
appropriate. These assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of management judgment. Actual outcomes or losses may
differ materially from the Company's current assessments and estimates.
The
Company was served statements of claim in class action lawsuits against it and certain of its current and former officers. These claims relate to alleged misconduct in connection
with the Company's acquisitions of LATAM Holdings Inc. and Nuuvera Holdings Limited, and the Company's June 2018 Offering (as defined in the
21
AIF).
At the present time, the Company is aware of seven such claims, four of which were commenced in the United States (which have since been consolidated into a single complaint) and three of which
were commenced in Canada. The US claims include alleged violations of Section 10(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Canadian
claims include alleged statutory and common law misrepresentation and oppression. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in each of these actions. With respect to the cases commenced in the
United States, the Company is self-insured for the costs associated with any award or damages arising from such actions and has entered into indemnity agreements with each of the Company's directors
and officers and, subject to certain exemptions, will cover any costs incurred by them in connection with any of the class action claims. With respect to the cases commenced in Canada, the Company's
insurance policies may not be sufficient to cover any judgments against it.
Risks Related to Regulation of Cannabis Industry
Achievement of the Company's business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by
governmental authorities and obtaining all regulatory approvals, where necessary, for the sale of its products. The Company cannot predict the impact of the compliance regime Health Canada is
implementing for the Canadian adult-use and medical cannabis industries under the Cannabis Regulations or the impact of the compliance regime that countries such as Germany, Italy, Lesotho, Malta,
Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Paraguay or Jamaica are implementing and the method in which their governmental authorities will implement the adult-use or medical cannabis industry. Similarly,
the Company cannot predict the time required to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals for its products, or the extent of testing and documentation that may be required by governmental
authorities. The impact of Health Canada's compliance regime, any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain regulatory approvals may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products
and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The
Company will incur ongoing costs and obligations related to regulatory compliance, including regulations relating to continuous disclosure and other applicable securities laws.
Failure to comply with regulations may result in additional costs for corrective measures, penalties or restrictions on the Company's operations. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous
enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to the Company's operations, increased compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities, which could have a
material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The
legal and regulatory requirements in the foreign countries in which the Company operates or will operate with respect to the cultivation and sale of cannabis, banking systems and
controls, as well as local business culture and practices are different from those in Canada. The Company must rely, to a great extent, on local legal counsel, consultants and advisors retained by it
in order to keep apprised of legal, regulatory and governmental developments as they pertain to and affect the Company's business, and to assist the Company with its governmental relations. The
Company must rely, to some extent, on those members of management and the Board who have previous experience working and conducting business in these countries, if any, in order to enhance its
understanding of and appreciation for the local business culture and practices. The Company also relies on the advice of local experts and professionals in connection with current and new regulations
that develop in respect of the cultivation and sale of cannabis as well as in respect of banking, financing, labour, litigation and tax matters in these jurisdictions. Any developments or changes in
such legal, regulatory or governmental requirements or in local business practices are beyond the Company's control. The impact of any such changes may adversely affect the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Changes in Laws, Regulations and Guidelines
The Company's operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the manufacture, management,
packaging/labelling, advertising, sale, transportation,
storage and disposal of adult-use or medical cannabis but also including laws and regulations relating to drugs, controlled substances, health and safety, the conduct of operations and the protection
of the environment. Changes to such laws, regulations and guidelines due to matters beyond the control of the Company may cause adverse effects business, financial condition and results of operations
of the Company. The Company endeavours to comply
22
with
all relevant laws, regulations and guidelines. To the best of the Company's knowledge, the Company is in compliance or in the process of being assessed for compliance with all such laws,
regulations and guidelines.
The
Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations came into force on October 17, 2018. The Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations prohibit testimonials, lifestyle branding and packaging
that is appealing to youth. The restrictions on advertising, marketing and the use of logos and brand names could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, the Cannabis Act allows for licences to be granted for outdoor cultivation, which may reduce start-up capital required for new entrants in the cannabis industry. It
may also ultimately lower prices, as capital expenditure requirements related to outdoor growing are typically much lower than those associated with indoor growing. Such results may also have a
material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
legislative framework pertaining to the Canadian adult-use cannabis market is uncertain. In addition, the governments of every Canadian province and territory have, to varying
degrees, announced regulatory regimes for the distribution and sale of cannabis for adult-use purposes within those jurisdictions. There is no guarantee that provincial legislation regulating the
distribution and sale of cannabis for adult-use purposes will be enacted according to all the terms announced by such provinces and territories, or at all, or that any such legislation, if enacted,
will create the growth opportunities that the Company currently anticipates. While the impact of any new legislative framework for the regulation of the Canadian adult-use cannabis market is
uncertain, any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect of the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
To
date, only fresh cannabis, dried cannabis and cannabis oil products are permitted for sale in Canada. Pursuant to the Cannabis Act, certain classes of cannabis products, such as
edibles, concentrates and other edibles are currently prohibited from sale, but new regulations under the Cannabis Act will come into force on October 17, 2019 to permit edibles, concentrates
and other edibles to be available for sale no earlier than December 2019. While regulations have been released, the impact of these regulatory changes on the business of the Company is unknown,
and the proposed regulations may not be implemented at all or, if they are, may change significantly.
Further,
Health Canada may change their administration, interpretation or application of the applicable regulations or their compliance or enforcement procedures at any time. Any such
changes could require the Company to revise its ongoing compliance procedures, requiring the Company to incur increased compliance
costs and expend additional resources. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to comply or continue to comply with applicable regulations.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
The following persons or companies are named as having prepared or certified a report, valuation, statement or opinion in this
Prospectus, either directly or in a document incorporated herein by reference, and whose profession or business gives authority to the report, valuation, statement or opinion made by
the expert.
The
Company's consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is
independent of Aphria within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, and are independent with respect to the Company within the meaning
of the 1933 Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the SEC and the PCAOB.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement relating to any Securities offered, certain legal matters relating to Canadian
and Ontario law in connection with the offering of Securities will be passed upon on behalf of Aphria by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Certain legal matters relating to United States
law in connection with the offering of the Securities will be passed upon on behalf of Aphria by DLA Piper LLP (US), New York, New York. In addition, certain legal matters in
connection with any offering of Securities will be passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel to be designated at the time of the offering by such underwriters, dealers or agents,
as the case may be.
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
The following documents will be filed with the SEC as part of the registration statement to which this Prospectus forms a part:
(i) the documents listed under "Documents Incorporated by Reference"; (ii) the consents of the Company's auditors; (iii) powers of attorney from directors and officers of the
Company; and (iv) the base indenture in respect of the Debt Securities. A copy of the form of any applicable warrant agreement or subscription receipt agreement will be filed by post-effective
amendment or by incorporation by reference to documents filed or furnished with the SEC under the U.S. Exchange Act.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at its office in Toronto,
Ontario.
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