Freshlocal Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce that it has held a second and final closing of its previously-announced brokered private placement by issuing an aggregate of 1,500 convertible debenture units (the “Convertible Debenture Units”) at a price of $1,000 per Convertible Debenture Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to Freshlocal of $1,500,000. As a result of the second closing, Freshlocal raised total proceeds of $13,915,000 in the private placement (the “Private Placement”).

Desjardins Capital Markets acted as lead agent and Cormark Securities Inc. acted as co-agent in connection with the Private Placement.

Each Convertible Debenture Unit is comprised of (i) one 8% subordinated unsecured convertible debenture of the Company, in a principal amount of $1,000, which is convertible into common shares of the Company (each a “Common Share”) at a conversion price of $1.90 per Common Share, subject to adjustment in certain events and maturing on December 31, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”); and (ii) 263 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the “Warrants”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.25 per share until the Maturity Date.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital, repayment of debt and/or general corporate purposes. The Convertible Debentures will be unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment of principal and interest with all other previously existing unsecured subordinated indebtedness of the Company.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the “United States” or to “U.S. persons” (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

By Dr. Fred Pescatore

As we age, our bodies and our mind change and evolve. Most people focus on outer appearance changes, such as skin elasticity, wrinkles, dark spots, and muscle loss.  They become more proactive in their skincare and fitness routines. Your brain deserves the same proactive approach.

Too many of us wait until we notice alterations in our memory and focus, then we take action. Proactive measures on your cognitive health earlier in life can make a significant difference later. A healthy lifestyle and simple actions can keep your mind sharp and boost brain health throughout life. Here are the top tips I share with my patients looking to boost brain health, focus, memory, and mood.

After a two and half year hiatus, Plant-Based World Expo North America (PBW) returned triumphantly to the Javits Center in New York on December 9 and 10. Attendees at the 100% plant-based B2B industry event were treated to best-in-class plant-based products, remarkable product innovations, informative and inspiring speakers, and exclusive networking opportunities. The exhibit space grew by more than 65% and the B2B audience more than doubled from the 2019 event.

“The turnout and response to PBW 2021 were better than we expected,” said Chris Nemchek, General Manager. “You could feel the energy and excitement on the expo floor as exhibitors, buyers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors networked, made deals, and discovered how far the plant-based industry has come since our 2019 show and where we are headed.”

Trends on display included:

Plant-based chicken everything including nuggets, southern fried bites, patties, shreds, and more from VFC, Gardein, CHKN Not Chicken, Future Farm, Beyond Chicken, Plant-It, and Tindle.

Plant-based cultured butters from Naturli’, Beurremont, and Wild Creamery.
Women-owned businesses including Plant Perks, Nomad Dumplings, Miyoko’s Creamery, No Bones Beach Club, and Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots.

Global cuisine from Thai Union, Brotalia, Century Pacific Foods, Naturise Singapore PTE. LTD, More Foods Innotech Co., Ltd., and OmniFoods.

Whether they were sampling creamy plant-based butter and cheese and mouth-watering plant-based pork filled dumplings, or listening to expert speakers, celebrity chefs, and industry leaders, attendees agreed that this was the not-to-be-missed B2B event of the year.

“The Plant-Based World Expo was amazing! The organizers were really efficient about connecting the right people with the plant-based industry. It’s a very beneficial trade event for the booming plant-based business, and it’s the right place to connect with the right people from the trade, retailers, distributors, brokers and non-profits. You can meet colleagues, share information, and improve products,” said Henrik Lund, CEO of Naturli` Foods.

“PBW was a great show this year! The energy in the room was electric,” added Katie Grobman, VP of Marketing, Abe’s Vegan Muffins. “It was a great turnout–we had buyers from Giant Eagle, Misfits Market, University of Michigan, DOE NYC, Freshly and many others—our entire team is very happy.”

Organigram Holdings Inc. is pleased to announce it has acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Laurentian Organic Inc., in a cash and share transaction for aggregate consideration of $36 million, plus earnout consideration payable, if applicable, based on Laurentian surpassing certain EBITDA thresholds in calendar 2022 and 2023. The Laurentian acquisition further strengthens Organigram’s position in the Canadian market through the expansion of the Company’s portfolio into premium products, including hash and craft cannabis, in addition to providing an important presence in the province of Quebec through scalable cultivation and operational footprint.

Laurentian was co-founded by Eric Brosseau, Mathieu Lahaie and Eric Verdier, a trio of highly passionate Quebecers who parlayed their love of cannabis into a successful cannabis company operating near the iconic Mont-Tremblant, specializing in high-quality, artisanal craft cannabis and premium Afghan hash. Organigram is excited to have a foothold in the Quebec market and is committed to building on the great progress made by the team at Laurentian through further investment in people and facilities in the province. The Company also plans to leverage its strong internal field sales force and national distribution capabilities to build on Laurentian’s existing momentum.

“The Laurentian acquisition marks yet another important milestone for Organigram as we continue to deepen the focus of our core business on delighting consumers with innovative products and brands that deliver unique and memorable experiences,” said Beena Goldenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Organigram. “Not only does Laurentian add two great new brands to our portfolio, it also brings us new premium product offerings with its Afghan hash and artisanal craft flower, as well as a footprint in the important market of Quebec. We look forward to building on the momentum that Laurentian has established to bring these products to even more Canadian provinces and territories.”

“We founded Laurentian with the goal of bringing the highest quality hash and cannabis to consumers across Canada. We are thrilled to be joining Organigram where we will have the opportunity to leverage their expertise and distribution capabilities to make this expansion goal a reality,” said Eric Brosseau, Co-Founder of Laurentian. “The Organigram team has an unrivalled customer service experience through its rigour and professional standards and dedicated national sales force and we are thrilled to be able to work with their team through the next phase of growth.”

Source: Financial post

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Louis Sterling to the Board of Directors effective today, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals.

Since 2017, Mr. Sterling has been a private investor targeting small-cap public equities and select fast-growth private companies, particularly in the health, wellness, and cannabis industries. Prior to this, he was a managing director of BondFactor, a firm specializing in insuring municipal bonds. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Sterling also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an undergraduate degree from Howard University, and has extensive experience in investment banking and private equity, having worked at Lincolnshire Management and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Mr. Sterling will be replacing Mr. Jeffrey Scott who is resigning from his position as Board Member effective immediately to focus on other business interests.

“On behalf of the entire TGOD organization, I’d like to welcome Louis to TGOD’s Board. He joins us at an exciting time as we continue to grow revenues and execute our plan to profitability. We are confident that Louis will provide valuable perspectives as we explore opportunities in the U.S. and increase our market share domestically,” said Angus Footman, Chair of the Board. “I would also like to thank Jeff for his contribution to the Board since 2018 and wish him well in his future endeavours,” added Mr. Footman.

In connection with the Appointment, the Company has granted Mr. Sterling options to purchase an aggregate of up to 300,000 common shares of the Company. Each Option is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $0.11 per common share. The Options are granted in accordance with the Company’s share option plan adopted by the board of directors of the Company on May 12, 2021.

The Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision on the appeal of the tax matter relating to Glenhuron Bank Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) that was wound up in 2013.  The Court affirmed the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal in favour of Loblaw. The Company is providing the following statement in response to the decision.

“Canadians expect us to pay our taxes fully and fairly and we do. We are pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in our favour and that this matter is now behind us.”