Our roundup of Canadian small-caps of between $100-million and $2.5-billion in market capitalization making news and on the move today.
Crescent Point Energy Corp. (CPG-N; CPG-T) announced agreements to sell its Uinta Basin asset and certain southeast Saskatchewan conventional assets for a total cash consideration of approximately $912-million.
"Since we established our transition plan in September 2018, we have meaningfully improved the sustainability of our business model by revising our capital allocation process, lowering our cost structure and strengthening our balance sheet," said Craig Bryksa, CEO of Crescent Point. "The sale of the Uinta Basin and certain conventional assets is accretive for our shareholders and aligned with the key criteria we established for our asset portfolio. These transactions are a considerable step forward in our ongoing plan to focus our asset base."
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Score Media and Gaming Inc. (SCR-X) announced that a fund managed and controlled by Fengate Asset Management will invest $40-million in theScore to fund the growth and development of the company’s media and sports betting businesses.
Under the terms of the agreement, Fengate will purchase a $40-million, 8 per cent convertible unsecured subordinated debenture of the company, due Aug. 31, 2024. The private placement of the debenture is expected to close on or about Sept. 5, the company stated.
“theScore is focused on becoming a leader in mobile sports gaming in North America and this strategic investment significantly enhances our ability to execute on this plan,” said John Levy, founder and CEO of theScore.
The company also announced the appointment of senior gaming industry executive Alvin Lobo as the chief financial officer, effective immediately. Mr. Lobo joins theScore from major U.S.-based casino operator Boyd Gaming Corp, where he served as vice president of corporate finance for three years.
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IBI Group Inc. (IBG-T) announced it has completed the asset purchase of B.C.-based Aspyr Engineering Ltd., including all intellectual property.
“This acquisition furthers our competitive edge in the market by providing us with expertise, senior resources and enhanced capabilities in the areas of information communication technologies and smart buildings. We have worked closely with Aspyr on a number of major P3 projects in Canada, and have enjoyed a collaborative and productive relationship with the Aspyr team. I look forward to bringing them into the IBI family,” stated Scott Stewart, IBI Group CEO.
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Wayland Group Corp. (WAYL-C) confirmed that it has been delayed in filing its interim financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, together with the related management’s discussion and analysis or the certificates of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with Canadian securities regulators.
"Wayland and its auditors, NVS Chartered Accountants, continue to work diligently to complete the audit of Wayland’s 2018 annual financial statements as quickly as possible," the company said in a release on Saturday.
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Tree Island Steel Ltd. (TSL-T) announced that the special committee of the board has been advised that The Futura Corp. and Arbutus Distributors Ltd. have withdrawn their unsolicited non-binding proposal to acquire the common shares of the company not already owned.
“As a result of the withdrawal of the proposal by the offerors, the engagement of a financial advisor to prepare a formal valuation of the company has been terminated by the special committee and the special committee has been dissolved,” the company stated.
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Transcontinental Inc. (TCL.A-T; TCL.B-T) announced the sale of its Fremont, Cali. building to Hearst for US$75 million. The company noted that it had already transferred to Hearst the printing operations of its Fremont facility in April 2018.
The company said it anticipates using the net proceeds from the sale "to reduce its debt in line with the goal of reducing its net indebtedness ratio below 2.0 [times] by the end of fiscal year 2020, as well as to continue its transformation with targeted acquisitions."
In a separate release, Transcontinental announced it has acquired 60-per-cent of Industrial y Commercial Trilex C.A., a plastic packaging supplier in Ecuador that specializes in the production and sale of packaging materials and banana farm plastics for protection and pest control.
“The acquisition of a majority participation in Trilex, a leading supplier to the banana export industry, is aligned with our growth strategy for the Packaging Sector,” said François Olivier, CEO of Transcontinental. “Trilex expands our already well-established footprint in Latin America with a second location in Ecuador, in addition to our plants in Guatemala and Mexico, and our sales office in Costa Rica. We are pleased to acquire a majority participation in such a respected company that has fostered solid business relationships with a large customer base over the years. Today, we wish to extend a warm welcome to all of Trilex’s talented employees who are joining our team of committed, innovative and results-oriented people.”
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SunOpta Inc. (STKL-Q; SOY-T) announced the appointment of Scott Huckins as its chief financial officer, effective today. Mr. Huckins most recently served as CFO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., a $1.3-billion global retailer, from 2016 until joining SunOpta, the company stated.
Mr. Huckins will succeed Robert McKeracher, who has served as SunOpta’s CFO since 2011, the company said. "Mr. McKeracher will work closely with Mr. Huckins through the end of 2019 to ensure a seamless transition," it stated in the release.
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CRH Medical Corp. (CRH-T, CRHM-N) announced that it has acquired the remaining 49-per-cent interest in Central Colorado Anesthesia Associates, LLC, a gastroenterology anesthesia practice in Colorado. CRH initially acquired 51 per cent of this practice in September of 2017. The transaction was financed through a combination of CRH’s credit facility and cash on hand, the company stated.