People Corporation Announces Acquisition of the Apri Group of Companies
November 29 2019 - 7:30AM
People Corporation (the "Company") (TSX Venture: PEO) today
announced that it has closed the acquisition of the Apri Group of
Companies (“Apri”) (the “Transaction”). Apri is among the largest
independent group benefits consulting firms and group benefits MGAs
in Canada, generating approximately $17 million in revenue
annually. With approximately 110 employees and offices in
Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, Apri
serves over 600 businesses nationally, while its MGA, under the
brand GroupQuest, currently serves approximately 600 group benefits
advisors across Canada. In addition, Apri has developed the JungoHR
platform, offering a human resources information system (“HRIS”)
focused on mid-sized and enterprise-level businesses, complementing
People Corporation’s recent acquisition of Collage Technologies
Inc.
“In our ongoing journey to build People
Corporation into Canada’s premier independent provider of group
benefits consulting and third-party administration services, group
retirement services and human resource consulting, there are very
few opportunities to partner with an organization like Apri, which,
over a 13-year history, has established a presence in multiple
provinces, built a strong reputation for innovative, client-focused
solutions, and forged solid long-term relationships with clients,
third-party brokers, and suppliers,” said Laurie Goldberg,
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of People
Corporation. “This Transaction adds significantly to People
Corporation’s national distribution platform. It immediately
establishes us as one of the largest group benefits focused MGAs in
Canada and adds meaningfully to our national group benefits
consulting operations, in particular growing our presence in the
GTA, Vancouver and Calgary. The team at Apri has built an enviable
platform, and I would like to personally welcome the entire Apri
team to the People Corporation family.”
Apri’s principals will continue to run the
operations as part of People Corporation, and its management team
and employees will become part of the People Corporation group of
companies. All of Apri’s platforms will continue in their current
form, and clients, advisors and partners will continue to receive
the exceptional customer service, advocacy, expert advice and care
that has been a hallmark of Apri’s operating philosophy that
emphasizes innovation, service excellence and valued
relationships.
Darwyne Lang, founder and CEO of Apri added, “In
our discussions with People Corporation we have been impressed with
the team, as well as its platform and vision, which are aligned
with our own philosophy and approach to the market and the clients
that we serve. We have built a business with substantial long-term
competitive advantages and we see significant opportunity through
this partnership to be able to offer our clients and third-party
brokers market-leading, group-focused solutions and bring our
experience and expertise to leverage across the organization, while
expanding our combined footprint across Canada to service and
support plan sponsors, plan members and brokers across all
markets.”
People Corporation has agreed to acquire 100% of
the issued and outstanding shares of Apri for a purchase price of
$45.0 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. Of the total
purchase price, $38.6 million was paid in cash on closing of the
Transaction, $1.9 million was satisfied through the issuance of
208,695 common shares of People Corporation to certain of the
vendors, and the remaining $4.5 million will be paid by way of
deferred payments paid to the vendors equally over two years,
subject to certain conditions. The cash portion of the purchase
price paid on closing was funded through drawing on the Company’s
recently expanded credit facility.
About People Corporation
People Corporation
(https://www.peoplecorporation.com) is a national provider of group
benefits, group retirement and human resource services. The Company
has offices across Canada, each led by a team of experts and backed
by the resources of a national company that is traded on the TSX-V.
The Company’s industry experts provide uniquely valuable insight
while customizing an innovative suite of services to the specific
needs of its clients. Whatever your sector, whatever your scale,
putting People Corporation’s expertise and proven track record to
work will make a difference to your people and your bottom line.
Further information is available at
http://www.peoplecorporation.com/.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, such
as statements concerning anticipated future events, results,
circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical
facts. Use of words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”,
"intends", "likely", or other words of similar effect may indicate
a “forward-looking” statement. These statements are not guarantees
of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and
uncertainties, including those described in the Company's publicly
filed documents (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com). Those risks
and uncertainties include the ability to maintain profitability and
manage organic or acquisition growth, reliance on information
systems and technology, reputation risk, dependence on key clients,
reliance on key professionals and general economic conditions. Many
of these risks and uncertainties can affect the Company's actual
results and could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement made by
the Company or on its behalf. Given these risks and uncertainties,
investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements as a prediction of actual results. All forward-looking
statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary
statements. These statements are made as of the date of this news
release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no
obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made
by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or
operating results or its securities.
Investor Relations
Inquiries:
Jonathan RossInvestor Relations - People
Corporation(416) 283-0178jon.ross@loderockadvisors.com
Dennis Stewner, CPA, CA CFO and COO - People
Corporation(204)
940-3988dennis.stewner@peoplecorporation.comwww.peoplecorporation.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
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