Cresco Labs Inc., one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, announced today that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of CannaRoyalty Corp. d/b/a Origin House by way of a plan of arrangement. With the closing of the Arrangement, Cresco has significantly increased its footprint and accelerated its entry into the California market.
“This is a transformational deal for Cresco and represents the culmination of the better part of a year’s work for both the Cresco and Origin House teams,” said Charlie Bachtell, Cresco’s CEO and Co-founder. “With the closing of this transaction, Cresco is in a position to accelerate its entry into one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the world, while adding valuable expertise in wholesale distribution and brand development, which we expect will drive significant value for all of our shareholders as we scale across the country in the coming years. We also see meaningful synergies across our national footprint through the addition of Origin House’s ultra-premium indoor cultivation team, which we expect will assist us in our goal to consistently outperform the market on yield and quality metrics.”
Mr. Bachtell continued, “In an industry that is in flux, Cresco is one of the most fundamentally sound and best-positioned multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S. The Company has built an engine that is designed to execute operationally, develop leading brands and get them into the hands of consumers to drive growth and value across all three horizons – short, medium and long term.”
Marc Lustig, Chairman and CEO of Origin House commented, “Cresco’s focus on the middle two verticals of the value chain – brands and wholesale distribution – as the key to creating long-term shareholder value, is aligned with the philosophy we had at Origin House. Speaking as one of the largest former shareholders of Origin House and now an enthusiastic and significant Cresco shareholder, I am looking forward to the opportunity for this combined team to create value for all of our shareholders.”
Pursuant to the Arrangement, Cresco will appoint Marc Lustig, Chairman and CEO of Origin House, to the Cresco board of directors, following receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals.
The acquisition of Origin House makes Cresco a leading wholesale distributor in California, selling into over 575 dispensaries, representing approximately 65% of California’s storefront dispensaries. Origin House’s Continuum distribution platform distributes 13 third party brands, including Kings Garden.
Origin House’s 92,000 square feet of ultra-premium indoor cultivation and production facilities is expected to allow Cresco to expand its offering of Cresco branded products across California rapidly; growing market share, generating brand equity, and driving shareholder value.
