UK-based CBD company Cellular Goods has confirmed it has signed a letter of intent with Cannaray Limited, the owner of Cannaray Brands Ltd and Love CBD Health Ltd, to acquire 100 per cent of the issued share capital of the Cannaray subsidiaries.
Discussions over the transaction are at an advanced stage and Cellular Goods has conditionally agreed to acquire the Cannaray Subsidiaries for an initial consideration of £14.2m. This would consist of £1m in cash, together with a number of new Cellular shares, which will make Cannaray a 54 per cent shareholder in the enlarged group.
The company has also agreed to make further performance-based share payments, conditional on the Cannaray subsidiaries achieving various revenue milestones in the first full financial year of the combined entities. As a consequence, should the subsidiaries generate over £5m in revenues within the first financial year, Cannaray will become a 61 per cent shareholder.
Read more: Cellular Goods white paper explores cannabinoids for skincare
Should the subsidiaries generate over £7.5m, Cannaray will become a 64 per cent shareholder.
Chairman of Cannaray Limited, Andrew Garden, commented: “This preliminary agreement is very positive news for our shareholders, as we seek to focus on the major growth opportunities within the European cannabis market.
“The combined capabilities, knowledge, people and brands of the Cannaray subsidiaries and Cellular Goods will create a consumer business well placed to strengthen its leading position into the future.
Read more: New chief financial officer joins Cellular Goods
“Following this transaction, Cannaray Limited’s strategy will centre on the development of prescription-based cannabis for medicinal use in Europe – on the back of our unique partnership with Walgreens Boots Alliance for cannabis supply and education in Germany.
“With the German government having announced steps to legalise recreational cannabis in the near term, we are also well poised to galvanise our capital and human resources to be at the forefront of this multi-billion Euro market as it emerges.
“It has always been the intention of Cannaray Limited to list the business on a favourable stock exchange. We are excited to list our CBD division on the LSE via this reverse takeover with Cellular Goods, whilst we continue to privately build our medical and recreational cannabis divisions in the UK and Germany.
“Our intention for the future will be to list on a qualified exchange favourable for recreational cannabis businesses.”
Non-Executive Chairman of Cellular Goods, Darcy Taylor, commented: “We are pleased that we have reached this significant preliminary agreement with Cannaray Limited and look forward to working closely with them to conclude a transaction.
“This is an exciting step forward for Cellular Goods. The Cannaray Limited Board shares our vision of building a market leader listed on the London Stock Exchange.
“The enlarged company will benefit from a significant increase in group revenues, market presence, combined portfolio strength of complementary product lines addressing premium and mass consumer segments, and economies of scale in marketing, logistics and production.
“The transaction represents a significant opportunity for industry consolidation and enhanced long-term growth potential supported by complementary business fundamentals. The board looks to the future with confidence as we continue the path to becoming the sector leader.”
Taylor has assumed the role of interim CEO and will be leading the merger discussions. In view of the forthcoming change of the combined companies’ management structure, Anna Chokina has resigned from the company with immediate effect.
Outgoing Chief Executive of Cellular Goods, Anna Chokina, commented: “The proposed transaction makes a lot of strategic sense by bringing together two of the most recognised and complementary cannabinoid brands on the UK market.
“I am excited for the prospects of the proposed transaction and I am leaving Cellular Goods with healthy business fundamentals, clear and meaningful strategy, and a top performing team. I wish the incoming management every success.”
The Cannaray subsidiaries comprise two leading consumer brands – Cannaray CBD and Love CBD – within the UK CBD wellness sector. The brands offer a range of high-quality ingestible CBD products (oils, gummies, capsules) published on the UK Novel Foods register and sold through 1,500 retailer outlets and direct-to-consumer branded websites.
The directors of Cellular consider that the proposed acquisition will create long-term value for shareholders by bringing together two complementary businesses with significant growth opportunities, scale benefits and an enhanced market presence with established brands.
The Cannaray subsidiaries had combined unaudited revenues of £2.3m in 2021 and further revenue growth is expected on the back of national TV advertising, improved D2C online performance, and additional retailer listings.
Cannaray CBD is the group’s flagship brand; it was the first CBD brand to invest in major brand advertising in the UK, with a national TV and out-of-home campaign encouraging people to “Join the CBD Revolution”. The brand is sold online at www.cannaraycbd.com, Amazon and eBay, and in major retailers across the UK including Tesco, Superdrug, ASDA, Waitrose, and Harrods.
Love CBD has a loyal and highly engaged consumer base, receiving over 4,600 reviews on Trustpilot and an average score of 4.8 out of 5. The business includes its own manufacturing facility near Cambridge, UK. The brand is sold online at www.lovecbd.org, Amazon, eBay and in health food stores nationwide.
Should the transaction proceed then Cannaray Limited will appoint the majority of the ongoing Cellular Goods board of directors.
[activecampaign form=31]
