UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
OR
For the year ended
OR
OR
Date of event requiring this shell company report ______________________
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ontario,
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
| (Title of Class) |
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
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The number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s subordinate voting stock as of December 31, 2024, was shares.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
If this report is an annual or a transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its
financial statements in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (“U.S. GAAP”), indicate by
check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
| † | The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If the securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
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| U.S. GAAP ☐ | International Accounting Standards Board ☒ |
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If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐
Table of Contents
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GENERAL
In this Annual Report, references to “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company”, and “Grown Rogue” means Grown Rogue International Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
We use the United States dollar as our reporting and presentation currency and our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). All monetary references in this document are to U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. All references in this document to “dollars” or “$” or “U.S.$” mean United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, and references to “CAD$” mean Canadian dollars.
On January 29, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, effective immediately. As a result, we filed a transition report on Form 20-F for the transition period of November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023 (the “Transition Period”). This Annual Report presents information for year ended December 31, 2024, and includes the presentation of the Transition Period and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Much of the information included in this Form 20-F (“Report”) is based upon estimates, projections or other “forward-looking statements”. Such forward-looking statements include any projections or estimates made by us and our management in connection with our business operations. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Such estimates, projections or other forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the section titled “Risk Factors” below, which may cause our actual results, levels of activities, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution the reader that important factors in some cases have affected and, in the future, could materially affect actual results and cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in any such estimates, projections or other forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States (“U.S”), we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform those statements to actual results.
Please see Item 3 –. “Key Information — Risk Factors” for a further discussion of certain factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements. The statements contained in Item 4 – “Information on the Company”, Item 5 – “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Item 11 – “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly. “Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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PART I
| ITEM 1 | IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
| A. | DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
Not applicable.
| B. | ADVISERS |
Not applicable.
| C. | AUDITORS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 2 | OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
| A. | OFFER STATISTICS |
Not applicable.
| B. | METHOD AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 3 | KEY INFORMATION |
| A. | [RESERVED] |
| B. | CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS |
Not applicable.
| C. | REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
| D. | RISK FACTORS |
In addition to the other information presented in this Report, the following risk factors should be given special consideration when evaluating an investment in our securities.
THERE ARE NUMEROUS AND VARIED RISKS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, THAT MAY PREVENT US FROM ACHIEVING OUR GOALS. THE RISKS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WE WILL FACE. IF ANY OF THESE RISKS ACTUALLY OCCURS, OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATION MAY BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN SUCH CASE, THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR SECURITIES COULD DECLINE AND INVESTORS IN OUR SECURITIES COULD LOSE ALL OR PART OF THEIR INVESTMENT. THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE AS OF THE DATES REFERENCED HEREIN, BUT THE INFORMATION MAY CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING RISKS OR UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD THE UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS OF OUR BUSINESS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED, BELIEVED, ESTIMATED, EXPECTED, INTENDED OR PLANNED.
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Risks Factors Relating to Our Business
Business is Illegal under U.S. Federal Law. The Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the medical and adult-use marijuana industry in the United States where local state law permits such activities. Producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling, and using marijuana is a federal crime in the United States. The United States federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (the “Federal CSA”), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, on one of five schedules. Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which is viewed as having a high potential for abuse and having no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. No prescriptions may be written for Schedule I substances, and such substances are subject to production quotas imposed by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”). Schedule I drugs are the most tightly restricted category of drugs under the Federal CSA. State and territorial laws that allow the use of medical cannabis or legalize cannabis for adult recreational use are in conflict with the Federal CSA, which makes cannabis use and possession illegal at the federal level. Because cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance, the development of a legal cannabis industry under the laws of these states is in conflict with the Federal CSA, which makes cannabis use and possession illegal on a national level. Additionally, the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution establishes that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to the Constitution, and treaties made under the Constitution’s authority constitute the supreme law of the land. The Supremacy Clause provides that state courts are bound by the supreme law; in case of conflict between federal and state law, including Oregon, Michigan, and other state law legalizing certain cannabis uses, the federal law must be applied.
Until Congress amends the Federal CSA with respect to marijuana production, processing, distribution, and use, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law against companies such as the Company for violation of federal law or they may seek to bring an action or actions against the Company and/or its investors for violation of federal law or otherwise, including, but not limited to, a claim against investors for aiding and abetting another’s criminal activities. The US federal aiding and abetting statute provides that anyone who commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal. Additionally, even if the U.S. federal government does not prove a violation of the Federal CSA, the U.S. federal government may seize, through civil asset forfeiture proceedings, certain assets such as equipment, real estate, moneys and proceeds, or your assets as an investor in the Company, if the U.S. federal government can prove a substantial connection between these assets or your investment and marijuana distribution or cultivation.
On the federal legislative side, a number of bills (some bi-partisan) have been introduced in Congress over the years in an attempt to address and perhaps reconcile the tension between state-legal cannabis programs and federal illegality, including the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE) Act, the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity (CAOA) Act, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act, and the Small Business Tax Equity (SBTE) Act. Congress has not passed any material marijuana reform legislation in decades.
There has, however, been activity with respect to cannabis from the administrative branch. In 2013, then United States Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole issued a memorandum (the “Cole Memorandum”) for all United States Attorneys providing updated guidance to federal prosecutors concerning marijuana enforcement under the Federal CSA. The Cole Memorandum applied to all Department of Justice federal enforcement activity, including civil enforcement, criminal investigations, and prosecutions concerning marijuana in all states. However, the Cole Memorandum was rescinded by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on January 4, 2018. Notably, the Biden administration has tacitly reverted to the guidance provided in the Cole Memorandum. Although current Attorney General Merrick Garland has not officially reinstated the Cole Memorandum, he advised in written testimony in early 2021 that he did not “think it the best use of the Department’s limited resources to pursue prosecutions of those who are complying with the laws in states that have legalized and are effectively regulating marijuana.” The Department of the Treasury adopted recommendations based on the standards set forth in the Cole Memorandum in its guidance (the “FinCen Guidance”) provided in 2014. Despite the repeal of the Cole Memorandum, the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has confirmed that the FinCEN Guidance remains in effect and the Department of Treasury indicated it will remain in place.
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On October 6, 2022, President Biden, among other things, asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. On or about August 29, 2023, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Rachel Levine transmitted a letter to the head of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Anne Milgram, recommending that cannabis and its derivatives be removed from Schedule I of the CSA. HHS’s recommendation is to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III. Schedule III substances are deemed to have medicinal value and have potential for abuse but less than substances in Schedules I or II, and abuse that may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. HHS’s recommendation remains pending and the Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically the DEA, is in the process of assessing it. If DOJ accepts the recommendation, it will then promulgate rules to effectuate the reschedule.
There is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned. Unless and until the United States amends the Federal CSA with respect to marijuana, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If the federal government begins to enforce federal law, or if existing applicable state laws are repealed or curtailed, Grown Rogue’s business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects would be materially adversely affected. There thus remains a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law against companies such as Grown Rogue for violation of federal law or they may seek to bring an action or actions against Grown Rogue and/or its investors for violation of federal law or otherwise, including, but not limited to, a claim against investors for aiding and abetting another’s criminal activities.
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the treatment of United States cannabis-related activities, including the rescission of the Cole Memorandum, the Canadian Securities Administrators published a Staff Notice 51-352 (Revised) – Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities (“Staff Notice 51-352”) on February 8, 2018 setting out certain disclosure expectations for issuers with United States cannabis-related activities. Staff Notice 51-352 includes additional disclosure expectations that apply to all issuers with United States cannabis-related activities, including those with direct and indirect involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, as well as issuers that provide goods and services to third parties involved in the United States cannabis industry.
Certain Grown Rogue subsidiaries are directly engaged in the cultivation, manufacture, possession, sale, or distribution of cannabis in the recreational cannabis marketplace in the State of Oregon and in the medical and recreational marketplaces in the State of Michigan. Pending regulatory approval, certain Grown Rogue subsidiaries expect to be directly engaged in the cultivation, manufacture, possession, sale, or distribution of cannabis in the recreational cannabis marketplace in New Jersey and Illinois. In accordance with Staff Notice 51-352, Grown Rogue will evaluate, monitor and reassess this disclosure, and any related risks, on an ongoing basis and the same will be supplemented and amended to investors in public filings, including in the event of government policy changes or the introduction of new or amended guidance, laws, or regulations regarding marijuana regulation. Any non-compliance, citations or notices of violation which may have an impact on Grown Rogue’s licenses, business activities, or operations will be promptly disclosed by Grown Rogue.
Other Laws and Regulations. The industry in which GR Unlimited operates could require the Company and/or GR Unlimited to comply with a myriad of other federal, state and local laws and regulations, which could include, among others, laws and regulations relating to cannabis, personally identifiable information, wage and hour restrictions, health and safety matters, consumer protection and environmental matters. Compliance with such laws and regulations may be costly and a failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in fines, penalties, litigation and other liability that could materially adversely affect the Company.
The Company’s business and products are and will continue to be regulated by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (the “OLCC”), the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (the “CRA”) of Michigan, and other regulatory bodies as applicable laws continue to change and develop. Pending regulatory approval, Grown Rogue, through its subsidiaries, expects to participate in Illinois’s and New Jersey’s adult-use markets over the coming year. Regulatory compliance with the OLCC, CRA, and other regulatory bodies, and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals, can be costly and time-consuming. Further, the Company cannot predict what kind of regulatory requirements its business will be subject to in the future. Any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, regulatory approvals would significantly delay the development of markets and products and could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
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Local, state and U.S. federal laws and enforcement policies concerning marijuana-related conduct are changing rapidly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Changes in applicable law are unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Changes in applicable laws or regulations could significantly diminish the Company’s prospects. The Company has little or no control over potential changes to laws or regulations that may affect its business, including the business of GR Unlimited.
Additionally, governmental regulations affect taxes and levies, healthcare costs, energy usage and labor issues, all of which may have a direct or indirect effect on the Company’s business and its customers or suppliers. Changes in these laws or regulations, or the introduction of new laws or regulations, could increase the costs of doing business for the Company, or its customers or suppliers, or restrict the Company’s actions, causing the Company to be materially adversely affected.
Current and Future Consumer Protection Regulatory Requirements. The Company may manufacture and sell food and other products for human consumption which involves the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties, product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, substances, chemicals, other agents, or residues introduced during the growing, storage, handling or transportation phases. Even though the Company intends to grow and sell products that are safe, it has potential product liability risk from the consuming public. The Company could be party to litigation based on consumer claims, product liability or otherwise that could result in significant liability for the Company and adversely affect its financial condition and operations. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that the Company’s products caused illness or injury could adversely affect its reputation with existing and potential customers and its corporate and brand image.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) may now or in the future regulate the material content of the Company’s products pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the “CPSC”), which regulates certain aspects of certain products intended for human consumption pursuant to various U.S. federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The FDA and the CPSC can require the manufacturer of defective products to repurchase or recall these products and may also impose fines or penalties on the manufacturer. Similar laws exist in some states, cities and other countries in which the Company sells or intends to sell its products. In addition, certain state laws restrict the sale of packaging with certain levels of heavy metals and impose fines and penalties for noncompliance. A recall of any of the Company’s products or any fines and penalties imposed in connection with noncompliance could have a materially adverse effect on its business.
Operational Risks. The Company will be affected by a number of operational risks and it may not be adequately insured for certain risks, including: labor disputes; catastrophic accidents; fires; blockades or other acts of social activism; changes in the regulatory environment; impact of non-compliance with laws and regulations; natural phenomena, such as inclement weather conditions, floods, earthquakes and ground movements. There is no assurance that the foregoing risks and hazards will not result in damage to, or destruction of, the Company’s properties, grow facilities and extraction facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, adverse impacts on the Company’s operations, potential legal liability, and adverse governmental action, any of which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings and financial condition. Also, the Company may be subject to or affected by liability or sustain loss for certain risks and hazards against which the Company cannot insure or which it may elect not to insure because of the cost. This lack of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Limited Operating History. GR Unlimited has a limited operating history and had no record of prior performance as a separate enterprise prior to the reverse take-over of the Company by GR Unlimited. (See Item 4.A History and Development of the Company). GR Unlimited faces the general risks associated with any new business operating in a competitive industry, including the ability to fund operations from unpredictable cash flow and capital-raising transactions. There can be no assurance that GR Unlimited or the Company will achieve its anticipated investment objectives or operate profitably. The Company’s business must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and problems frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of development. Specifically, such risks may include, among others:
| ● | inability to fund operations from unpredictable cash flows; |
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| ● | failure to anticipate and adapt to developing markets; |
| ● | inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; and |
| ● | failure to operate profitably in a competitive industry. |
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in addressing these risks. To the extent it is unsuccessful in addressing these risks, the Company may be materially and adversely affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will sustain profitability.
We may incur tax liabilities and a reduction to our tax attributes due to limitations on tax deductions and credits under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under Section 280E of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (together with the Treasury regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder, the “Code”), no deduction or credit is allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if the trade or business (or the activities which comprise the trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act), which is prohibited by federal law or the law of any state in which that trade or business is conducted. The IRS has applied this provision to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting many expenses associated with cannabis businesses other than certain costs and expenses related to cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Section 280E can have a significantly adverse impact on the operations of cannabis companies, including the Company, and an otherwise profitable business may operate at a loss, after taking into account its U.S. income tax expenses.
On January 29, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, effective immediately. The Company filed tax returns for fiscal year 2023 to reflect the position that cannabis activities are not subject to Code Section 280E. Please see “Note 20, Income Taxes” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part III, Item 18 of this Annual Report for a discussion of such position. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge such position or that a U.S. court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS successfully challenged such position, certain of the Company’s tax deductions and credits may be disallowed, thereby reducing the Company’s reporting United States federal net operating loss carryforward amount and state net operating loss carryforward amount.
External Factors. The Company’s business strategy includes commercial scale production and sales of cannabis. The success of this strategy is subject to numerous external factors, such as the availability of suitable land packages, the Company’s ability to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, the ability to access capital, the ability to obtain required state and local permits and licenses, the prevailing laws and regulatory environment of each jurisdiction in which the Company may operate, which are subject to change at any time, the degree of competition within the industries and markets in which the Company operates and its effect on the Company’s ability to retain existing and attract new customers. Some of these factors are beyond the Company’s control.
Failure to Manage Growth Effectively. The rapid execution necessary for the Company to successfully implement its business strategy requires an effective planning and management process. The Company will be required to continually improve its financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures on a timely basis, and to expand, train and manage its personnel. There can be no assurance that the Company’s procedures or controls will be adequate to support operations. If the Company is unable to manage growth effectively, it could suffer a material adverse effect.
Changes in Industry Standards. The industry in which the Company operates could be subject to rapid changes, including, among others, changes in consumer requirements and preferences. There can be no assurance that the demand for any products or services offered by the Company will continue, or that the mix of the Company’s future product and service offerings will satisfy evolving consumer preferences. The success of the Company will be dependent upon its ability to develop, introduce and market products and services that respond to such changes in a timely fashion. Consumer preferences change from time to time and can be affected by a number of different and unexpected trends. The Company’s failure to anticipate, identify or react quickly to these changes and trends, and to introduce new and improved products on a timely basis, could result in reduced demand for the Company’s products, which in turn cause a material adverse impact to the Company.
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Dependence on Technology. The Company relies on information technology systems. All of these systems are dependent upon computer and telecommunications equipment, software systems and Internet access. The temporary or permanent loss of any component of these systems through hardware failures, software errors, the vulnerability of the Internet, operating malfunctions or otherwise could interrupt the Company’s business operations and materially adversely affect the Company.
Failure to Protect Intellectual Property. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling, and using marijuana is a crime under the Federal CSA, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will not permit the registration of any trademark that identifies marijuana products. As a result, the Company likely will be unable to protect the marijuana product trademarks beyond the geographic areas in which the Company conducts business. The use of GR Unlimited trademarks by one or more other persons could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Even if the Company obtains federal, state or international trademark or copyright registrations for any products or services it develops, such registrations may not provide adequate protection. The Company may also rely on federal, state and international trade secret, trademark and copyright laws, as well as contractual obligations with employees and third parties, to protect intellectual property. Such laws and contracts may not provide adequate protection. Despite the efforts to protect its intellectual property, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of the Company’s products or services, or obtain and use information that the Company regards as proprietary. The Company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property from third-party discovery and infringement may be insufficient and third parties may independently develop products or services similar to the Company or duplicate their products or services. In addition, third parties may assert that the Company’s products or services infringe their intellectual property.
Vulnerability to Rising Energy Costs. The Company’s marijuana growing operations consume considerable energy, making the Company vulnerable to rising energy costs. Rising or volatile energy costs may adversely impact the business of the Company and its ability to operate profitably. Increased energy costs would result in higher transportation, freight and other operating costs, including increases in the cost of ingredients and supplies. The Company’s future operating expenses and margins could be dependent on its ability to manage the impact of such cost increases. If energy costs increase, there is no guarantee that such costs can be fully passed along to consumers through increased prices.
Agricultural Operations. Since the Company’s business revolves mainly around the cultivation of cannabis, an agricultural product, the risks inherent with agricultural businesses will apply. Such risks may include plant and other diseases, insect pests, adverse weather (including but not limited to drought, high winds, earthquakes and/or wildfire) and growing conditions, and new government regulations regarding farming and the marketing of agricultural products, among others. There is a risk that these and other natural elements will have a material adverse effect on the production of the Company’s products, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
Security Risks. The business premises of GR Unlimited are a target for theft. While the Company has implemented security measures and continues to monitor and improve its security measures, its cultivation and processing facilities could be subject to break-ins, robberies and other breaches in security. If there was a breach in security and the Company fell victim to a robbery or theft, the loss of cash, cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers and cultivation and processing equipment could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operation of the Company.
Liability, Enforcement, Complaints, etc. The Company’s participation in the marijuana industry may lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints, enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or local governmental authorities. Litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions could consume considerable amounts of financial and other corporate resources, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Licenses. The Company’s success depends on its ability to obtain and maintain marijuana licenses from state and local authorities including the OLCC and CRA. If the Company fails to obtain or maintain one or more marijuana production licenses from the OLCC, CRA, or other applicable state or local government authorities, its business will be limited to Oregon’s medical marijuana market only, which may not be a viable long-term business model. The Company’s failure to obtain and maintain a marijuana license from the OLCC, CRA, or other applicable state or local governmental authorities will have a material adverse effect on the Company and possibly require it to cease operations.
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Limited Customer Base; Retail Price Volatility. The customers of the Company’s cannabis production business will be limited to other state-licensed marijuana businesses that the Company operates in, which currently includes Oregon and Michigan. The Company currently may not sell its products to any business or person located outside Oregon and Michigan. Generally, the Company will not be able to sell any of its products outside of the state of production. Consequently, the Company’s customer base is limited to the jurisdictions it operates in for any cannabis based products, which currently includes Oregon and Michigan. The retail and wholesale prices in Oregon and Michigan have demonstrated significant volatility over time. Price declines, if sustained, will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Local Laws and Ordinances. Although legal under Oregon and Michigan state law, local governments have the ability to limit, restrict, and ban medical or recreational cannabis businesses from operating within their jurisdiction. Land use, zoning, local ordinances, and similar laws could also be adopted or changed, and have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company’s contracts may be unenforceable and property may be subject to seizure. As the U.S. Federal CSA currently prohibits the production, processing and use of marijuana, contracts with third parties (suppliers, vendors, landlords, etc.) pertaining to the production, processing, or selling of marijuana-related products, including any leases for real property, may be unenforceable. In addition, if the U.S. federal government begins strict enforcement of the Federal CSA, any property (personal or real) used in connection with a marijuana-related business may be seized by and forfeited to the federal government. In this case, the Company’s inability to enforce contracts or any loss of business property (whether the Company’s or its vendors’) will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Third party service providers to the Company may withdraw or suspend their service. Because under U.S. federal law the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia is illegal, and any such acts are criminal acts under federal law, companies that provide goods and/or services to companies engaged in cannabis-related activities may, under threat of federal civil and/or criminal prosecution, suspend or withdraw their services. Any suspension of service and inability to procure goods or services from an alternative source, even on a temporary basis, that causes interruptions in the Company’s operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company’s business is highly regulated and it may not be issued necessary licenses, permits, and cards. The Company’s business and products are and will continue to be regulated as applicable laws continue to change and develop. Regulatory compliance and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals can be costly and time-consuming. Even if the Company obtains one or more licenses from the OLCC, CRA, or other applicable state or local governmental authorities, no assurance can be given that it will receive all of the other licenses and permits that will be required to operate. Further the Company cannot predict what kind of regulatory requirements its business will be subject to in the future.
The marijuana industry faces significant opposition in the United States. It is believed by many that large well-funded businesses may have strong economic opposition to the marijuana industry. The pharmaceutical industry is well funded with a strong and experienced lobby that eclipses the funding of the medical marijuana industry. Any inroads the pharmaceutical industry could make in halting or impeding the development of the marijuana industry could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The size of the target market is difficult to quantify. Because the cannabis industry is in an early stage with uncertain boundaries, there is a lack of information about comparable companies, and few, if any, established companies whose business model the Company can follow or upon whose success the Company can build. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates are accurate or that the market size is sufficiently large for its business to grow as projected, which may negatively impact its financial results.
The Company has numerous competitors. Its marijuana production business is not, by itself, unique. The Company has numerous competitors throughout Oregon, Michigan, and other states utilizing a substantially similar business model. Excessive competition may impact sales and may cause the Company to reduce prices. Any material reduction in prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company. We are operating in a highly competitive industry where we may compete with numerous other companies in the marijuana industry, who may have far greater resources, more experience, and personnel perhaps more qualified than we do. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete against these other entities. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The Company may not be able to obtain or maintain a bank account. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling, and using marijuana is a crime under the Federal CSA, most banks and other financial institutions are unwilling to provide banking services to marijuana businesses due to concerns about criminal liability under the Federal CSA as well as concerns related to federal money laundering rules under the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act. In February 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance (which is not law) with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis business, including burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. This guidance does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the DOJ, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions do not appear to be comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses, or relying on this guidance, which can be amended or revoked at any time. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, many cannabis businesses still operate on an all-cash basis. Operating on an all-cash or predominantly-cash basis makes it difficult for the Company to manage its business, pay its employees and pay its taxes, and may create serious safety issues for the Company, its employees and its service providers. Although the Company currently has several bank accounts, its inability to maintain those bank accounts, or obtain and maintain other bank accounts, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The protections of U.S. bankruptcy law may be unavailable. As discussed above, the use of marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law. Therefore, it may be argued that the federal bankruptcy courts cannot provide relief for parties who engage in marijuana or marijuana-related businesses. Recent bankruptcy court rulings have denied bankruptcies for dispensaries upon the justification that businesses cannot violate federal law and then claim the benefits of federal bankruptcy for the same activity. In addition, some courts have reasoned that courts cannot ask a bankruptcy trustee to take possession of and distribute marijuana assets as such action would violate the Federal CSA. Therefore, the Company may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts for the equal protection of creditors or debtor-in-possession financing or obtain credit from federal-charted financial institutions.
The Company may have a difficult time obtaining insurance which may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liabilities. Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as workers compensation, general liability, and directors and officers insurance, is more difficult for the Company to find, and more expensive, because it is in the cannabis industry. There are no guarantees that the Company will be able to find such insurance in the future, or that the cost will be affordable. If the Company is forced to go without such insurance, it may prevent the Company from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit its growth, may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liabilities and could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company’s websites are accessible in jurisdictions where medicinal or recreational use of marijuana is not permitted and, as a result the Company may be found to be violating the laws of those jurisdictions. The Company’s websites, which advertise its products for use in connection with marijuana, are visible in jurisdictions where the medical and recreational use of marijuana is unlawful. As a result, the Company may face legal action brought against it by such jurisdictions for engaging in an activity illegal in that jurisdiction. Such an action could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Currency Fluctuations. Due to the Company’s operations in the United States, and its intention to continue future operations outside Canada, the Company may be exposed to significant currency fluctuations. All or substantially all of the Company’s financings will be raised in Canadian dollars, but a substantial portion of the Company’s operating expenses are incurred in US dollars. There is no expectation that the Company will put any currency hedging arrangements in place. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. The Company may, in the future, establish a program to hedge a portion of its foreign currency exposure with the objective of minimizing the impact of adverse foreign currency exchange movements. However, even if the Company develops a hedging program, there can be no assurance that it will effectively mitigate currency risks.
Risks Associated with Acquisitions. As part of its overall business strategy, the Company may pursue select strategic acquisitions, which could provide additional product offerings, vertical integrations, additional industry expertise, and a stronger industry presence in both existing and new jurisdictions. Future acquisitions may expose it to potential risks, including risks associated with: (a) the integration of new operations, services and personnel; (b) unforeseen or hidden liabilities; (c) the diversion of resources from the existing business and technology; (d) potential inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset new costs; (e) the expenses of acquisitions; or (f) the potential loss of or harm to relationships with both employees and existing users resulting from its integration of new businesses. In addition, any proposed acquisitions may be subject to regulatory approval.
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Environmental Risks. The Company’s operations are subject to environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors (or the equivalent thereof) and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not materially adversely affect the Company.
Government environmental approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future, be required in connection with the Company’s operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, the Company may be curtailed or prohibited from its proposed production of medical and/or recreational marijuana or from proceeding with the development of its operations as currently proposed.
Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. The Company may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its operations and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing the production of marijuana, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production or require abandonment or delays in development.
Border crossing for non-U.S. residents may create additional challenges. Although cannabis use and sale is legal and regulated in numerous U.S. states, individuals who are not U.S. residents and employed or involved with licensed cannabis companies could be denied entry or face lifetime bans from the U.S. for their involvement with such companies. There has been increasing anecdotal evidence of non-U.S. residents who are involved in the cannabis industry being denied entry at the U.S. border or facing lifetime bans from the U.S. after disclosing to U.S. border officials the nature of their work. The Company’s Board of Directors is made up of both U.S. and non-U.S. residents, so there is no guarantee that certain members of the Company’s board would not be subject to such denials or bans. Should a director be prevented from entering the U.S., either in one instance or permanently, his or her ability to serve the Company as a board member could be hindered. This could equally impact any other non-U.S. resident employees employed by the Company.
The Company may suffer reduced profitability if it loses foreign private issuer status in the United States. If, as of the last business day of the Company’s second fiscal quarter for any year, more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly held of record by residents of the United States, the Company will no longer meet the definition of a “Foreign Private Issuer” under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This change in status could have a significant effect on the Company as it would significantly complicate the raising of capital through the offer and sales of securities and reporting requirements, resulting in increased audit, legal and administration costs. The loss of Foreign Private Issuer status could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
United States Tax Classification of the Company. The Company is treated as a United States corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under IRC Section 7874 and is expected to be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its worldwide income. The Company is also, regardless of any application of IRC Section 7874, treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “ITA”) for Canadian income tax purposes. As a result, the Company will be subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States which will have a material adverse effect on it.
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General Risk Factors
Holding Company Status. As a result of the reverse takeover transaction (the “Transaction”), the Company is currently a holding company and essentially all of its operating assets are the capital stock of its subsidiaries. As a result, investors in the Company are subject to the risks attributable to its subsidiaries. As a holding company, the Company conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries, which generate substantially all of its revenues. Consequently, the Company’s cash flows are dependent on the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to the Company. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions will depend on their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and regulations which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by such companies and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt or other contracts, in each case, which could limit the ability to pay such dividends or distributions, if at all. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of the Company’s subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to Grown Rogue.
We may require additional capital which may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. We have accumulated significant losses and negative cash flows from operations in recent years. On January 29, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, effective immediately. At December 31, 2024, we had working capital of $15,141,366, accumulated deficit of $32,847,334, and generated a loss of $10,696,794 for the year ended December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, we had working capital of $11,313,853, accumulated deficit of $20,353,629, and generated net income of $672,427 for the two months ended December 31, 2023. At October 31, 2023, we had working capital of $12,225,856, accumulated deficit of $20,996,449, and generated a net loss of $662,320 for the year ended October 31, 2023. We may not have sufficient funds to meet our liabilities for the ensuing twelve months as they become due. Our ability to continue operations and fund our liabilities may become dependent on our ability to secure additional financing and cash flow.
We have significant trade and other payables which may make it difficult to service our debts and adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing. At December 31, 2024, we had trade and other payables in the amount of $2,107,619. At December 31, 2023, we had trade and other payables in the amount of $1,358,962. At October 31, 2023, we had trade and other payables in the amount of $2,359,750. If in the future we are unable to service our debt obligations we may, among other things, need to refinance all or a portion of our debt at an increased borrowing cost, obtain additional financing, delay capital expenditures, or sell material assets. If we are not able to re-finance our debt as necessary, obtain additional financing, or sell assets on commercially acceptable terms or at all, we may not be able to satisfy our debt obligations and continue business operations.
We must continue to institute procedures designed to avoid potential conflicts involving our officers and directors. Some of our directors and officers are or may serve on the Board(s) of Directors of other companies from time to time. Pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), our directors and senior officers must disclose material interests in any contract or transaction (or proposed contract or transaction) material to us. To avoid the possibility of conflicts of interest that may arise out of their fiduciary responsibilities to each of the boards, all such directors have agreed to abstain from voting with respect to a conflict of interest between the applicable companies. In appropriate cases, we will establish a special committee of independent directors to review a matter in which several directors, or members of management, may have a conflict.
We rely on the expertise of certain persons and must ensure that these relationships are developed and maintained. We are dependent on the advice and project management skills of various consultants and joint venture partners contracted by us from time to time. Our failure to develop and maintain relationships with qualified consultants and joint venture partners will have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
We must indemnify our officers and directors against certain actions. Our articles contain provisions that state that we must indemnify every director or officer, subject to the limitations of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), against all losses or liabilities that our directors or officers may sustain or incur in the execution of their duties and subject to other applicable law. Our articles further state that no director or officer will be liable for any loss, damage, or misfortune that may happen to, or be incurred by us in the execution of his duties if he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests. Such limitations on liability may reduce the likelihood of litigation against our officers and directors and may discourage or deter our shareholders from suing our officers and directors based upon breaches of their duties to us, though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders.
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Possible volatility of price of shares of our securities. The market price for our securities may be volatile and is subject to significant fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, including the liquidity of the market for our securities, variations in our quarterly operating results, regulatory or other changes in the cannabis industry generally, announcements of business developments by us or our competitors, litigation, changes in operating costs and variations in general market conditions. Because we have a limited operating history in the cannabis industry, the market price for our securities may be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer. Changes in the market price of our securities may have no connection with our operating results. No predictions or projections can be made as to what the prevailing market price for our securities will be at any time.
Our investors may have difficulty selling our securities as there is a limited public trading market for such securities. An investor in the Company may find it difficult to resell our securities. There is only a limited public market for our securities, and no assurance can be given that a broad or active public trading market will develop in the future or, if developed, that it will be sustained. Our subordinate voting shares (“SV Shares”) trades on the OTC Markets and the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”). Our SV Shares have not been qualified under any applicable U.S. state blue-sky laws, and we are under no obligation to so qualify or register our SV Shares, or otherwise take action to improve the public market for such securities. Our SV Shares could have limited marketability due to the following factors, each of which could impair the timing, value and market for such securities: (a) lack of profits; (b) need for additional capital; (c) limited public market for such securities; (d) the applicability of certain resale requirements under the Securities Act; and (e) applicable blue sky laws and the other factors discussed in this Risk Factors section.
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Risks Factors Relating to Our Securities
As a public company we are subject to complex legal and accounting requirements that will require us to incur significant expenses and will expose us to risk of non-compliance. As a public company, we are subject to numerous legal and accounting requirements in both Canada and the United States that do not apply to private companies. The cost of compliance with many of these requirements is material, not only in absolute terms but, more importantly, in relation to the overall scope of the operations of a small company. Our relative inexperience with these requirements may increase the cost of compliance and may also increase the risk that we will fail to comply. Failure to comply with these requirements can have numerous adverse consequences including, but not limited to, our inability to file required periodic reports on a timely basis, loss of market confidence, delisting or deregistration of our securities, and/or governmental or private actions against us. We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with all of these requirements or that the cost of such compliance will not prove to be a substantial competitive disadvantage compared to privately held and larger public competitors. We have previously received and resolved a cease trade order from the Ontario Securities Commission for failure to meet filing requirements. We are also currently the subject of an SEC enforcement action seeking to revoke registration of our SV Shares .
We do not anticipate paying dividends on shares of our SV Shares. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on shares of our SV Shares in the foreseeable future. We may not have sufficient funds to legally pay dividends. Even if funds are legally available to pay dividends, we may nevertheless decide, in our sole discretion, not to pay dividends. The declaration, payment, and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of our operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors our Board of Directors may consider relevant. There is no assurance that we will pay any dividends in the future, and, if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend.
Our shareholders may experience dilution of their ownership interests because of our future issuance of additional shares of stock. Our organizational and corporate documents authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of stock, without par value. In the event that we are required to issue additional shares of stock or securities exercisable for or convertible into additional shares of stock, enter into private placements to raise financing through the sale of equity securities, the interests of our existing shareholders will be diluted and existing shareholders may suffer dilution in their net book value per share depending on the price at which such securities are sold. If we do issue additional shares, it will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all existing shareholders. As of December 31, 2024, we had 15,365,000 outstanding share purchase options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.51 per share and 725,700 outstanding restricted stock units at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.86 per share. As of December 31, 2023, we had 11,800,000 outstanding share purchase options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.18 per share. As of October 31, 2023, we had 11,205,000 outstanding share purchase options at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.17 per share. As of December 31, 2024, we had 4,000,000 outstanding share purchase warrants with a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.225 per share. As of December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023, we had 31,770,249 outstanding share purchase warrants with a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.23 per share. (See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” – “Share Capital and Reserves and Derivative Liabilities” and Item 4.A “History and Development of the Company”).
Applicable SEC rules governing the trading of “penny stocks” will limit the trading and liquidity of our SV Shares and may affect the trade price for our share capital. The SEC has adopted rules which generally define “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) of less than U.S.$5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than U.S.$5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities will be covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of U.S.$5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of U.S.$1,000,000 or annual income exceeding U.S.$200,000 or U.S.$300,000 jointly with their spouse.
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The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation.
In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the shares that are subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We expect that the penny stock rules will discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of shares of our SV Shares.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements will make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our SV Shares, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
FINRA sales practice requirements may limit a shareholder’s ability to buy and sell our securities. In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a client, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that client. Prior to recommending speculative, low-priced securities to their non-institutional clients, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the client’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative, low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some clients. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their clients buy our securities, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our securities.
Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure will result in additional expenses and pose challenges for our management. Changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC regulations, have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the U.S. public markets. Our management team needs to devote significant time and financial resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities.
Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Certain changes in the taxation of business activities may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.
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Because we are quoted on the OTC Markets instead of a national securities exchange in the United States, our U.S. investors may have more difficulty selling their stock or experience negative volatility on the market price of our stock in the United States. In the United States, our SV Shares are quoted on the OTC Markets. The OTC Markets is marketed as an electronic exchange for high growth and early stage U.S. companies and a prospective “final step toward a NASDAQ or NYSE listing” (although no assurances can be provided that such change of market shall occur). Trades are settled and cleared in the U.S. similar to any NASDAQ or NYSE stock and trade reports are disseminated through Yahoo, Bloomberg, Reuters, and most other financial data providers. The OTC Markets may be significantly illiquid, in part because it does not have a national quotation system by which potential investors can follow the market price of shares except through information received and generated by a limited number of broker-dealers that make markets in particular stocks. There is a greater chance of volatility for securities that trade on the OTC Markets as compared to a national securities exchange in the United States, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market or the NYSE American. This volatility may be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of readily available price quotations, the absence of consistent administrative supervision of bid and ask quotations, lower trading volume, and market conditions. U.S. investors in our SV Shares may experience high fluctuations in the market price and volume of the trading market for our securities. These fluctuations, when they occur, have a negative effect on the market price of our SV Shares. Accordingly, our U.S. shareholders may not be able to realize a fair price from their shares when they determine to sell them or may have to hold them for a substantial period of time until the market for our SV Shares improves.
Volatility in our share price may subject us to securities litigation, thereby diverting our resources that may have a material effect on our profitability and results of operations. The market for shares of our SV Shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and could divert management’s attention and resources.
Rule 144 sales in the future may have a depressive effect on the price of our SV Shares as an increase in supply of shares for sale, with no corresponding increase in demand may cause prices to fall. All of the outstanding shares of stock held by the present officers, directors, and affiliate stockholders are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act of 1933”), as amended. As restricted shares, these shares may be resold in the U.S. only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who is an affiliate or officer or director who has held restricted securities for six months may, under certain conditions, sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding SV Shares or the average of the four-week trading volume. There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the owner has held the restricted securities for a period of six months if the Company is a current reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Securities Act of 1933, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registration of SV Shares of present stockholders, may have a depressive effect upon the price of the stock in any market that may develop.
We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company,” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our SV Shares less attractive to investors. We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as modified by the Jump Start Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”). For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions and relief from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (i) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), (ii) having the option of delaying the adoption of certain new or revised financial accounting standards, (iii) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic and annual reports, and (iv) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. As a result, our operating results and financial statements may not be comparable to the operating results and financial statements of other companies who have adopted the new or revised accounting standards.
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We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our SV Shares pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies until the fiscal year following the determination that our voting and non-voting classes of share capital held by non-affiliates is $250 million or more measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenues are less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting classes of share capital held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
It is possible that some investors will find our SV Shares less attractive as a result of the foregoing, which may result in a less active trading market for our SV Shares and higher volatility in our stock price.
Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) could have a material adverse effect on our business and our operating results. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and current SEC regulations, we are required to prepare assessments regarding internal controls over financial reporting. In connection with our on-going assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we may discover “material weaknesses” in our internal controls as defined in standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. The PCAOB defines “significant deficiency” as a deficiency that results in more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected. The process of designing and implementing effective internal controls is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company. We cannot assure you that the measures we will take will remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify or that we will implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial process and reporting in the future.
We have previously identified significant deficiencies in our internal controls related to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Although we have employed qualified personnel and adopted policies and procedures to address these significant deficiencies, we cannot assure you that the measures we are taking will effectively or completely remediate these significant deficiencies or that we will implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial process and reporting in the future. If we fail to sufficiently maintain these remediations, or otherwise fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding internal control over financial reporting in the future, our financial statements may contain material misstatements, investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information, and we may become subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our securities and entail the expenditure of additional financial and management resources. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of the management evaluations of our internal controls.
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| ITEM 4 | INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
In November 2018 the Company entered into a Transaction combining its business operations with GR Unlimited, resulting in a reverse takeover by GR Unlimited. Prior to the Transaction, we were an emerging media and internet company with a focus on user experience and engagement, creating brands, products and destinations globally, regionally and by language that are value driven providing an informative, interactive, entertaining and engaging look at content.
As a result of the reverse takeover Transaction, we became a fully integrated, seed to experience cannabis brand with a focus on user experience. The Company delivers cannabis related products to cannabis users in the state of Oregon with intent to expand into other markets. The Company manages indoor and outdoor growing facilities in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon to take advantage of the unique microclimates inherent to each of the various farm locations that help create varied flavor and product profiles while retaining the unique core characteristics that consumers desire. In 2021, we expanded into Michigan by obtaining an interest in an operating company with an indoor grow facility.
Our SV Shares are quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol GRUSF and listed on the CSE under the symbol GRIN. Our registered office is located at 40 King St W Suite 5800, Toronto, ON M5H 3S1. Telephone (416) 364-4039, Facsimile (416) 364-8244. Our management office is located at 550 Airport Road, Medford, Oregon, United States, 97504. Our books and financial records are located in the management office. Our Canadian public filings can be accessed and viewed via the System for Electronic Data Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR+”) at www.sedar.com. Readers can also access and view our Canadian public insider trading reports via the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders at www.sedi.ca.
Our Registrar and Transfer Agent is Capital Transfer Agency ULC located at Suite 920, 390 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2Y2. Our Co-transfer Agent is Worldwide Stock Transfer, LLC located at One University Plaza, Suite 505, Hackensack, N.J. 07601.
Our U.S. public filings are available at the public reference room of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549 and on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system of the SEC at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
| A. | HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY |
The Company’s legal name is Grown Rogue International Inc. The Company’s commercial name is Grown Rogue. The Company is a Canadian corporation. We were incorporated in Ontario, Canada on September 22, 1978, under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), under the name Bonanza Red Lake Explorations Inc. (“Bonanza Red Lake”). Between the time of our incorporation and fiscal year 2013, we operated predominantly as a mining and energy company. During that time period, we underwent various share consolidations, exchanges, and issuances of our SV Shares. Our mining and energy operations took place in different parts of Canada and the United States. The Company’s name was changed from Bonanza Red Lake Explorations Inc. to Eugenic Corp; and from Eugenic Corp to Eagleford Energy Inc. and subsequently Eagleford Energy Corp.
During fiscal 2014 and 2015, the Company’s principal activities consisted of exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas properties. In 2016, the Company divested itself of its mining, petroleum and natural gas assets, changed its name to Intelligent Content Enterprises Inc. and began acquiring assets to facilitate operations as a digital media and technology company.
During January and February 2017, the Company developed a technology-based platform, through its wholly owned subsidiary DoubleTap Daily Inc., (“DoubleTap”) creating a digital media asset designed to showcase content and deliver digital media to engage social discourse while facilitating advertising and eCommerce with the intent to improve the overall user experience. The Company launched the platform during March 2017, changed its name to Novicius Corp. in May 2017 and also began implementing native advertising services and ad-overlay services on its digital media asset for commercialization.
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During the summer of 2017, DoubleTap executed its strategy to drive revenues through technologies and services that deliver content, social and digital media, eCommerce and advertising. Management continued developing the asset, by focusing activities to acquire content creators, bloggers and influencers while building a sales pipeline to position growth. DoubleTap continued activities to expand its social media reach, and web presence of its website. The digital media marketplace is crowded and competitive and although DoubleTap’s web presence was growing, management was unable to sustain or build revenues that exceeded its expenditures. In the month of September of 2017, the Company maintained its digital media, and advertising platform while pursuing further ventures of merit to enhance shareholder value. Such efforts resulted in a non-binding Letter of Intent to combine with GR Unlimited as announced on September 28, 2017. The Company divested of DoubleTap Daily Inc. and its business following the closing of the Transaction.
Effective November 15, 2018 and pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the Company combined its business operations with GR Unlimited, resulting in a reverse take-over of the Company by GR Unlimited. Pursuant to this reverse takeover, the Company issued 60,746,202 common shares at a deemed price of CAD$0.44 and 5,446,202 warrants with an exercise price of $0.55 per share.
Effective November 1, 2018, we changed our name from Novicius Corp. to Grown Rogue International Inc.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company invested $6,072,079, $770,010, $4,008,866, and $4,000,874, respectively, on property and equipment, the significant majority of which was spent on the build-out of its indoor growing and processing facilities. The Company anticipates further expenditures to be made on future opportunities evaluated by the Company. Any expenditure that exceeds available cash will be required to be funded by additional share capital or debt issued by the Company, or by other means. The Company’s long-term profitability will depend upon its ability to successfully implement its business plan. The Company’s past primary source of liquidity and capital resources has been proceeds from the issuance of share capital, debt, shareholders’ loans, and cash flow from operations.
On February 10, 2020, the Company announced that it had received a commitment from Plant-Based Investment Corp (CSE: PBIC) (“PBIC”) to invest up to CAD$1,500,000 in a non-brokered private placement offering (the “February 2020 Private Placement) of units (the “Units”) with each Unit comprising of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (the “Warrants”). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Share at a price equal to a 25% premium to the Unit price for a period of 24 months. The Company has the right to accelerate the expiry of the Warrants to thirty (30) days following written notice to the holder if the Shares close at or above CAD$0.25 per share for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days on the CSE. The offering was completed for gross proceeds of approximately CAD$1,500,000, with 15,000,000 Units issued at a price of CAD$0.10 per Unit. In addition, PBIC and the Company entered into subscription agreements to exchange approximately CAD$1,500,000 worth of each other’s shares (the “Share Swap”). Under the terms of the Share Swap, the Company received 2,362,204 common shares of PBIC at a price of $0.635 per share, and PIBC received 15,000,000 shares of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share. PBIC and the Company signed a voting and resale agreement providing that both will be required to vote the shares acquired under the Share Swap as recommended by the other party and were restricted from trading the shares for a period of eighteen months.
In February 2020, the Company, through its subsidiary GR Michigan, LLC (“GR Michigan”), signed an Option to Purchase Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) to acquire a 60% controlling interest in Golden Harvests, LLC (“Golden Harvests”). Golden Harvests is a Michigan-based, fully licensed, and operating cultivation company located in Bay City, Michigan. During the nine months ended July 31, 2021, the Company’s majority controlled subsidiary GR Michigan, LLC, terminated the Option Agreement. Simultaneously with the termination of the Option Agreement, a new entity, Canopy Management, LLC (“Canopy”), majority-owned by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), signed an option agreement to purchase Golden Harvests under similar terms (the “New Option”). Canopy had already been approved by the State of Michigan for licensing and this facilitated the Company’s ability to accelerate and exercise its option to obtain a 60% interest in Golden Harvests.
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On January 19, 2021, the Company completed the first tranche of a private placement of 2,031,784 shares for proceeds of $200,000. On February 5, 2021, the Company completed the second tranche of the private placement (the “February 2021 Private Placement 2nd Tranche) comprised of 8,200,000 units (the “Units”) at CAD$0.16 per Unit for proceeds of CAD$1,312,000 (U.S.$1,025,000). Each Unit was comprised of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share. Each warrant has an exercise price of CAD$0.20 and a term of two years. The second tranche included subscriptions by the following related parties: our CEO subscribed to 1,600,000 Units; the CFO of GR Unlimited subscribed to 2,000,000 Units; a key Company operations manager subscribed to 1,000,000 Units; and PBIC subscribed to 2,000,000 Units.
On February 5, 2021, the Company agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of the growing and retail operations of High Street Capital Partners, LLC (“HSCP”) for $3,000,000 of total agreed-upon consideration. The Company also executed a Management Services Agreement (“MSA”) with HSCP. The Company operated the growing facility under the MSA until the acquisition of the growing assets obtained regulatory approval. On April 14, 2022, the transaction closed with modifications to the original terms: the HSCP retail dispensary purchase was mutually terminated, and total consideration for the acquisition was reduced to $2,000,000. Upon closing, the Company had paid $750,000 towards the acquisition, and owed payments of $500,000 due on August 1, 2022, and U.S.$750,000 due on May 1, 2023.
On March 5, 2021, the Company announced the completion of a brokered private placement offering through the issuance of an aggregate of 21,056,890 special warrants (each a “Special Warrant”) at a price of CAD$0.225 (the “Issue Price”) per Special Warrant for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $3.7 million (CAD$4,737,800) (the “Offering”). Each Special Warrant entitled the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration, one unit of the Company (each, a “Unit”) on the exercise or deemed exercise of the Special Warrant. Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company and one warrant to purchase one common share of the Company. Each Special Warrant entitled the holder to receive upon the exercise or deemed exercise thereof, at no additional consideration, 1.10 Units (instead of one (1) Unit), if the Company had not received a receipt for a final short form prospectus qualifying distribution of the common shares and warrants (the “Qualifying Prospectus”) from the applicable securities regulatory authorities (the “Securities Commissions”) on or before April 5, 2021. Each Special Warrant was to be deemed exercised on the date that was the earlier of: (i) the date that was three (3) days following the date on which the Company obtained receipt from the Securities Commissions for the Qualifying Prospectus underlying the Special Warrants and (ii) July 6, 2021. The Company obtained receipt for the Qualifying Prospectus on April 26, 2021. Accordingly, on April 30, 2021, the Company issued 23,162,579 Units, comprised of 23,162,579 common shares and 23,162,579 warrants to purchase one common share. The warrants entitle the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of CAD$0.30 for a period of two years.
On December 9, 2021, the Company announced that it had closed a non-brokered private placement of common shares (“December 2021 Private Placement”) for total gross proceeds of $1,300,000 (CAD$1,645,800). The December 2021 Private Placement resulted in the issuance of 13,166,400 common shares of the Company at a purchase price of CAD$0.125 per share. All common shares issued pursuant to the December 2021 Private Placement were subject to a hold period of four months and one day. Our CEO invested USD$300,000 in the December 2021 Private Placement and received 3,038,400 common shares of the Company.
On December 5, 2022, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of the December Convertible Debentures with an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000. The December Convertible Debentures accrue interest at 9% per year, paid quarterly, and mature 36 months from the date of issue. The December Convertible Debentures are convertible into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of CAD$0.20 per common share. Additionally, on closing, the Company issued to the Purchasers of the December Convertible Debentures an aggregate of 6,716,499 warrants (the “December Warrants”), that represents 50% coverage of each purchaser’s convertible debenture investment. The December Warrants are exercisable for a period of three years from issuance into common shares at an exercise price of $0.25 CAD per common share. The Company has the right to accelerate the warrants if the closing share price of the common shares on the CSE is CAD$0.40 or higher for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The December Convertible Debentures and December Warrants issued pursuant to the private placement (and the underlying common shares) were subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date. The Company issued the notice of acceleration required by the warrant certificates governing these warrants on March 1, 2024, thereby accelerating the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice.
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During the year ended October 31, 2023, Purchasers of the December Convertible Debentures converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $1,040,662 and $133,977 at CAD$0.20 per share into 10,151,250 and 1,022,025 common shares respectively.
In January 2023, the Company exercised an option to acquire 87% of our CEO’s membership interest in Canopy, which provides identical economic rights as the Company originally had in the February 2020 Option Agreement (described above). Canopy acquired a 60% controlling interest in Golden Harvests in May 2021. The Company acquired a controlling 60% interest in Golden Harvests for aggregate consideration of U.S.$1,007,719 comprised of 1,025,000 common shares of the Company with a fair value of U.S.$158,182, and cash payments and cash payable of U.S.$849,537.
On May 1, 2023, the terms of the Secured Promissory Note between GR Distribution and HSCP were amended for a second time. Under the second amendment, the Secured Promissory Note will be fully settled in two principal amounts. On May 1, 2023, the $500,000 principal payment plus all accrued but unpaid interest under the first amendment was due and payable. The remaining principal balance of $500,000, which bears no interest, is due and payable as follows: $150,000 due and payable on August 1, 2023; $150,000 due and payable on November 1, 2023; and $200,000 due and payable on December 31, 2023. The balance was fully paid during the two months ended December 31, 2023.
On May 24, 2023, GR Unlimited entered into an independent contractor consulting agreement with Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc., under which GR Unlimited will support Goodness Growth in the optimization of its cannabis flower products, with a particular focus on improving the quality and yield of top-grade “A” cannabis flower across its various operating markets, starting with Maryland and Minnesota. The consulting agreement was amended on September 20, 2023.
On July 13, 2023, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures (the “July Convertible Debentures”) with an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000. The July Convertible Debentures accrue interest at 9% per year, paid quarterly, and mature 48 months from the date of issue. The July Convertible Debentures are convertible into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of CAD$0.24 per common share, at any time on or prior to the maturity date. Additionally, on closing, the Company issued to the subscribers of the July Convertible Debentures an aggregate of 13,737,500 July Warrants, that represents one-half of one warrant for each CAD$0.24 of principal amount subscribed (the “July Warrants”). The July Warrants are exercisable for a period of three years from issuance into common shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.28 per common share. The Company has the right to accelerate the warrants if the closing share price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is CAD$0.40 or higher for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. On March 1, 2024, the Company issued the notice of acceleration required by the warrant certificates governing the July Warrants, thereby accelerating the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice.
On August 17, 2023, the Company announced that it had closed the second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures for gross proceeds of $1,000,000 (the “August Convertible Debentures”), for a total aggregate principal amount under both tranches of $6,000,000 with the July Convertible Debentures. Additionally, on closing, the Company issued to subscribers under the second tranche an aggregate of 2,816,250 common share purchase warrants (the “August Warrants”). The terms of the August Convertible Debentures and August Warrants issued as part of this second tranche are the same as those issued with the July Convertible Debentures and July Warrants. On March 1, 2024, the Company issued the notice of acceleration required by the warrant certificates governing these warrants, thereby accelerating the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice.
New Jersey Retail
On October 3, 2023, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note (the “New Jersey Retail Promissory Note”) and advanced $250,000 to an individual representing the principal amount of the note. Pursuant to the New Jersey Retail Promissory Note, interest on the outstanding principal borrowed accrues at a rate of 12% per annum provided that, if the extended maturity date of the note is triggered, interest shall accrue on the outstanding balance commencing on the maturity date and ending on the extended maturity date of the New Jersey Retail Promissory Note. The Company signed a related definitive agreement on January 16, 2024 to invest in the development of an adult-use dispensary in West New York, New Jersey.
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On January 16, 2024, the Company signed a definitive agreement to invest in the development of an adult-use dispensary in West New York, New Jersey. As part of this agreement, GR Unlimited executed a secured convertible promissory note and initially advanced $500,000 to Nile of NJ LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company. The Company advanced an additional $650,000 to Nile of NJ LLC. Pursuant to the secured convertible promissory note agreement, interest on the outstanding principal borrowed shall accrue at a rate of 10%. The Company received equity investments of $600,000 into Retail Ventures from various parties including $500k from related parties to fund this investment.
On October 28, 2024, the Company through its subsidiary West New York advanced an additional $287,500 to Nile of NJ LLC under a convertible note in the amount of $287,500. West New York concurrently received equity subscriptions of $137,500 in support of this funding.
New Jersey Cultivation
On October 4, 2023, the Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement with an option to acquire 70% of ABCO Garden State, LLC (“ABCO”), pending regulatory approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the “CRC”). ABCO was granted a conditional cultivation and manufacturing license by the CRC and will receive its annual cultivation license soon. GR Unlimited executed a secured draw down promissory note with Iron Flag, LLC (“Iron Flag”), to fund tenant improvements and for general working capital at the 50,000 square foot facility leased by ABCO for use in ABCO’s cannabis cultivation operations under construction and completed in the third quarter of 2024.
Pursuant to this promissory note, GR Unlimited was required to make the maximum amount available in one or more advances in an aggregate amount not to exceed $4,000,000. Interest on the outstanding principal borrowed accrued at a rate of 12.5% per annum commencing with respect to each advance and accruing until the date the standing advances and all accrued interest is paid in full. As of the consolidated statements of financial position dated December 31, 2024, the Company has advanced the full $4M agreed to under this promissory note.
On August 24, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to assign this promissory note from Iron Flag, LLC to GR Unlimited. Under the terms of the new note, interest on the outstanding principal borrowed shall accrue at a rate of 13.5% per annum to be paid currently as a monthly payment. An additional 5% interest shall accrue on the outstanding balance of all prior advances and deferred amounts until all of the advances have been fully paid. As of December 31, 2024, ABCO was in default of paying the principal and interest payments on this promissory note resulting in an increased interest rate per annum of 18%, an addition to the 5% interest that accrued on the outstanding balance of all prior advances and deferred amounts.
On June 3, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note and advanced $400,000 to ABCO representing the principal amount of the note. Pursuant to this promissory note, interest on the outstanding principal borrowed shall accrue at a rate of 18% per annum provided that the extended maturity date is not triggered, in which interest shall accrue at a rate of 22% on the outstanding balance commencing on the maturity date and ending on the extended maturity date.
On June 24, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note and advanced $500,000 to ABCO. Pursuant to this note, GR Unlimited shall make the maximum amount available to ABCO in one or more advances in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000. Interest on the outstanding principal borrowed shall accrue at a rate of 10.5% per annum.
On October 17, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a convertible promissory note with ABCO Garden State, LLC in the amount of $1,050,000. The note is convertible into equity of ABCO at a rate of 1% per $28,571.43 of principal borrowed upon certain future regulatory milestones. The note carries an interest rate of 15% and can be drawn down in increments of $10,000.
The SEC maintains its EDGAR system on an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company. The address of such Internet site is http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Internet site is https://www.grownrogue.com/. The information on the Company’s Internet site is not included in and does not form a part of this Form 20-F.
Our registered office and principal place of business in Ontario is located at 340 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1X2. Our telephone number at that address is (416) 364-4039.
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| B. | BUSINESS OVERVIEW |
General
Immediately prior to the reverse takeover Transaction, the Company operated as an emerging media and internet company with a focus on user experience and engagement. As a result of the Transaction and through GR Unlimited, we became a multi-state cannabis company curating innovative products that allow consumers to enhance life experiences. Grown Rogue is committed to educating, inspiring and empowering consumers with information about cannabis so they can “enhance experiences” by selecting the right product. The Grown Rogue portfolio of brands have a diverse cannabis product suite that includes premium flower (indoor and sungrown) and flower pre-rolls. Grown Rogue is strategically focused on high quality, low cost production of flower and flower-based products. Flower continues to be the leading product category in most every state as compared to other products such as edible, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, or concentrates. With its best-in-class production methods, low cost cultivation, award winning product, and geographic location in the famed Emerald Triangle, Grown Rogue is well positioned to execute on becoming a leader in flower production in the cannabis sector.
Grown Rogue (through its subsidiaries) has direct involvement in the cultivation, manufacture, possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana in the United States. Grown Rogue and its subsidiaries are primarily involved in the U.S. marijuana industry as a seed to retail company with operations currently in Oregon and Michigan (both of which have legalized medical and recreational marijuana). Grown Rogue, through its subsidiaries, produces recreational marijuana and distributes it to dispensaries throughout Oregon and Michigan.
Oregon
Grown Rogue, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Grown Rogue Gardens, LLC (“GR Gardens”), operates four cultivation facilities in Oregon, comprising approximately 95,000 square feet of flowering cultivation canopy, that currently service the Oregon recreational marijuana market: two outdoor sungrown farms called “Foothill” and “Ross Lane”, and two state-of-the-art indoor facilities (“Rossanley” and “Airport”). GR Gardens currently holds five producer licenses in Oregon from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (“OLCC”), two wholesaler licenses, and two processor licenses.
During the year ended October 31, 2023, we executed a two-year lease which includes an option to purchase Ross Lane, an Oregon property which includes 35 acres, 3 tax lots and an additional OLCC producer license. On January 12, 2024, the Company executed on this purchase option for total consideration of $1,525,000 comprised of a promissory note of $1,285,000 with the remaining consideration consisting of down payment and credit for prepaids rents.
Grown Rogue’s Oregon business is headquartered in the world-renowned Emerald Triangle, which is known world-wide for the quality of its cannabis. The Emerald Triangle includes the southern part of Oregon and northern part of California. The company capitalizes on this ideal outdoor growing environment to produce high-quality, low-cost cannabis flower. The two sungrown farms produce one crop per year per farm, which is planted in June and harvested in October.
GR Gardens is responsible for production of recreational marijuana using outdoor and indoor production methodologies. Foothill and Ross Lane are outdoor farms with 40,000 square feet of flowering canopy each, for a total of 80,000 square feet, sitting on a combined land package of approximately 135 acres. Our “Trail’s End” outdoor property will not be cultivated in 2023, and we will transfer the Trail’s End license to Ross Lane for production in 2024 to streamline operational efficiencies by centralizing production facilities.
Rossanley, an approximately 17,000 square-foot indoor facility, with approximately 5,600 square feet of flowering bench space, produces high-quality indoor flower through controlled environment agriculture (“CEA”) operations. By carefully controlling temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and other criteria, we produce a year-round supply of high-quality cannabis flower with multiple harvests per month. Rossanley has eight dedicated flower rooms, which allows for an average of nearly four harvests per month resulting in approximately 4,000 pounds annually.
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Airport, acquired in 2022, is a 30,000 square foot indoor growing facility adding 30,000 square feet of CEA indoor production space and 9,152 square feet of flowering bench space. Airport is a short distance from Rossanley, which is a benefit to operating efficiency, and it is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment which facilitates the implementation of best practices developed at Rossanley.
The total annual production capacity for Grown Rogue’s Oregon operations, based on the current constructed capacity, will range between 20,000 and 24,000 pounds, depending upon various factors including sungrown seasonality and strain performance.
Michigan
As described in Item 4(A) – “History and Development of the Company”, we acquired a 60% controlling interest in Golden Harvests in May 2021. Golden Harvests operates a single, 80,000 square ft facility that currently serves the Michigan recreational and medical market. Golden Harvests currently holds two medical Class C licenses and 4 recreational class C licenses, allowing for 3,000 and 8,000 plants, respectively.
The Golden Harvests facility is approximately 60% constructed, with approximately 50,000 square feet in operation, including approximately 14,550 square feet of flowering bench space, in addition to all the ancillary support space, including office and administration to support the operations The facility produces high quality indoor flower CEA, with fourteen individual flowering rooms in operation. Harvested pounds in Michigan in 2023 totaled approximately 10,000 pounds. Golden Harvests produces bulk flower, packaged flower, and manufactures pre-rolls on site.
Services
On May 24, 2023, GR Unlimited entered into an independent contractor consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Vireo Growth Inc.1 (CSE: VREO; OTCQX: VREOF) (“Vireo Growth”). Under the Consulting Agreement, GR Unlimited will support Goodness Growth in the optimization of its cannabis flower products, with a particular focus on improving the quality and yield of top-grade “A” cannabis flower across its various operating markets, starting with Maryland and Minnesota.
Under the initial term of the Consulting Agreement, with expiration date of June 30, 2025, Vireo Growth will provide compensation to GR Unlimited for sustained consulting support, including input on systems and processes, and recommendations to improve Vireo Growth’s cultivation operations. GR Unlimited will be entitled to receive additional incentive compensation if our services result in improved cash flow performance as compared to Vireo Growth’s baseline expectations over the term of the agreement. Our cooperation in the agreement will be on an exclusive basis to Vireo Growth within the markets in which Vireo Growth operates. The agreement will automatically extend for up to two additional two-year terms, unless terminated by Vireo Growth or the Company.
A termination fee of at least $5,000,000 is payable to GR Unlimited in the event that Vireo Growth is acquired, sells all or substantially all of its assets, or is merged into another entity and is not the surviving entity of such merger. In addition, a termination fee of at least $2,500,000 is payable to GR Unlimited in the event that the Consulting Agreement terminates for certain other conditions.
As part of this strategic agreement, Vireo Growth is obligated to issue 10,000,000 warrants to purchase 10,000,000 subordinate voting shares of Vireo Growth to the Company, with a strike price equal to CAD$0.317 (U.S.$0.233), being a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Vireo Growth’s subordinate voting shares prior to the effective date of the Consulting Agreement. Similarly, the Company will issue 8,500,000 warrants to purchase 8,500,000 common shares of the Company to Vireo Growth, with a strike price equal to CAD$0.225 (U.S.$0.166), being a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day VWAP of the Company’s common shares prior to the effective date of the Consulting Agreement. These warrants were issued on October 5, 2023.
On October 11, 2024, the Company announced the termination of the advisory agreement with Vireo Growth. As consideration for the early termination, Vireo Growth forfeited and returned for cancellation 4,500,000 of the 8,500,000 share purchase warrants in Grown Rogue International Inc. that were held by Vireo Growth at a CAD$0.225 strike price and paid the Company US$800,000 in cash in accordance with the Consulting Agreement. Grown Rogue received its full fee for the work performed in the third quarter of 2024 and retained its 10,000,000 warrants in Vireo Growth Inc.
| 1 | Formerly Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF). |
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The Consulting Agreement and amendments to the Consulting Agreement provides for service revenue earned by us the Company to be calculated beginning January 2023, and we reported service revenue of $1,941,431 for the year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $96,050; for year ended October 31, 2023 - $929,016) and cost of service revenue of $206,669 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $89,120; for year ended October 31, 2023 - $308,461).
Product
Grown Rogue produces a range of cultivars for consumers to enjoy, which are traditionally classified as indicas, sativas, and hybrids. Grown Rogue has a mix of “core” and “limited” strains to provide consumers with consistent and unique purchasing options at their local dispensary. Grown Rogue flower has won multiple awards in Oregon, which is one of the most competitive cannabis production environments in the world, including the prestigious Growers Cup competition on two occasions. Grown Rogue won 1st place for highest THC content, 1st place for highest terpene content, and 3rd place in the grower’s choice category. In addition, we believe we achieved an outdoor production potency record, at the time, in the state of Oregon, when its Monkey Train cultivar tested at a THC potency of 35.13%. In 2023, Grown Rogue won 3rd place in the Oregon Grower’s Cup Outdoor category for its Sour Grape Strain. Consumers can enjoy bulk flower in both Oregon and Michigan. In the Michigan market we also offer our innovative nitrogen sealed 3.5 gram flower jars, our patented nitrogen sealed pre-rolls, 3.5 gram flower bags, and regularly packaged pre-rolls.
We recently launched a new line of strain-specific prepackaged flower, coupled with proprietary genetics, in Michigan, and launched a new branded pre-roll pack product in Oregon in 2023. In addition, Grown Rogue launched a new brand of pre-rolls, a rapidly growing category, called Yeti in 2023. According to LeafLink’s MarketScape data, Grown Rogue was the #1 flower producer in Oregon and a top 5 indoor flower wholesaler in Michigan in 2022 and in 2023.
Genetics
We are committed to developing unique, proprietary genetics as long-term genetic diversity will be a major factor in establishing brand differentiation with consumers. We have allocated research and development space to develop new strains, while also phenotype hunting to identify new and exciting strain options that will resonate with consumers. Grown Rogue has developed a compelling mix of proprietary strains, along with a library of “fan favorites” to ensure that consumer and dispensary demand will remain strong for its flower and flower-derived products. All Grown Rogue genetics are rigorously tested to establish the genetic makeup of each strain in its portfolio. We continue to focus on bringing new unique genetics to bring a steady flow of innovative flower and flower products to market. Currently we carry more than 50 unique cultivars in our genetic library and are continually adding to the library as we trial new genetics.
Distribution and Sales
Grown Rogue uses a multi-channel distribution strategy that includes direct-to-retail delivery and third-party delivery (Michigan regulations mandate independent third-party delivery); wholesalers, who have their own distribution channels; and processors, who utilize Grown Rogue products (e.g., trim) to create retail-ready products.
Regarding the direct-to-retail channel, Grown Rogue’s sales team works closely with dispensary owners and intake managers to provide consistent product, competitive prices, and personalized service using sales techniques from other industries such as pharmaceutical and liquor. Grown Rogue’s goal is to establish and maintain the client relationship as we continue to expand our footprint in the states in which we operate.
Grown Rogue has developed end user product marketing collateral and other educational information regarding Grown Rogue products as part of all sales with dispensaries that include strain type, testing results, information on the product and other necessary information to clearly articulate the product being provided. Each product is uniquely packaged while maintaining brand consistency across the product suite.
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Grown Rogue works with dispensary owners to develop promotional opportunities for the retail customers and bud tenders. Grown Rogue provides detailed tutorials to the staff and owners of the dispensaries around the product and how it is grown, processed, cured and packaged so that they are intimately familiar with the Grown Rogue process. Grown Rogue also invites dispensary owners and operators to Grown Rogue’s operating facilities so they can see first-hand the methods and processes used to create the product.
Based upon information from MarketScape, which is part of the sales analytics tool utilized by LeafLink, which handles all of our sales and invoicing, we are the largest producer in Oregon and a top five indoor flower producer in Michigan.
Branding
Developing compelling branding that engages, inspires, and creates transparency and trust with consumers is one of the most important aspects of building a successful cannabis company. Cannabis product branding has been evolving from promising high-quality flower, to providing descriptions of the effect a consumer should expect from a particular product.
While other brands have shifted into the “one word” product description, Grown Rogue has leveraged consumer insights and product feedback to evolve the messaging to provide significantly more detail so consumers can make a more informed choice about which Grown Rogue products will optimally enhance their experience.
In order to grow the Grown Rogue community and spread knowledge of its products, Grown Rogue leverages social media and other digital platforms. Grown Rouge aspires to eliminate the “dark mystery” historically associated with cannabis by empowering consumers to learn about the plant and then “enhance experiences” as they desire. The transition from prohibition to legal cannabis has provided the cannabis community with an opportunity to welcome a large group of new members and it is vital that product education is completed in an authentic and informative manner to ensure that everyone’s first cannabis experience is not only positive but also as expected.
Marketing and Advertising
Grown Rogue’s marketing channels include a comprehensive, fully responsive (mobile) interactive website. The website has been search-engine optimized (“SEO”) and includes calls to action that encourage consumers to become part of the Grown Rogue community by following the company on social media.
Grown Rogue is focused on providing education to new and existing consumers through Grown Rogue’s website but even more hands on through retail partners. We provide vendor and budtender education days where we spend one on one time with the budtenders educating them about everything Grown Rogue.
Grown Rogue strategically leverages the narrative at retail through digital and physical retail assets to further educate consumers about Grown Rogue.
Grown Rogue has established a social media presence that includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. Grown Rogue’s social identity will be defined by delivering fresh content and keeping interaction with followers/fans prompt and positive. Grown Rogue intends to attract existing cannabis industry participants as well as people not familiar with the industry by creating a positive, inclusive environment where dialogue is encouraged. The goal is to change existing stereotypes and overcome the stigmas associated with the cannabis industry.
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Licenses
Grown Rogue is dependent upon its ability (and the abilities of its subsidiaries) to obtain and maintain state and local licenses required to conduct its marijuana business in Oregon, California, and Michigan. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses any such licenses would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Trademarks and Patents
Grown Rogue actively seeks to protect its brand and intellectual property. Grown Rogue currently has three registered U.S. trademarks:
| 1. | Grown Rogue was filed on September 22, 2017 and registered on August 7, 2018 under Registration No. 5537240 |
Grown Rogue filed a patent for its nitrogen sealed glass containers on February 15, 2018 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). The nitrogen sealed glass containers preserve the freshness of the flower and essential terpenes to improve the “entourage effect.” The USPTO issued Grown Rogue United States Patent Number 10,358,282 on July 23, 2019. Several third parties have contacted us to request licensing information on this technology. We have introduced nitrogen sealed jars and pre-rolls in Michigan and plan on launching them as we enter additional new markets and may license the technology to third parties operating in markets in which Grown Rogue is not currently licensed.
Social and Environmental Policies
Grown Rogue employs sustainable business models in all of its operations. In cultivation, Grown Rogue maintains the highest standards of environmental stewardship. This includes sustainable water sources with reclamation and recapture as much as possible from runoff and recycling of water input. Grown Rogue uses only natural and sustainable products in all applications, from nutrients to integrated pest management. Grown Rogue maintains the highest level of sustainable cannabis practices through its focus on sustainable and natural cultivation methods.
Grown Rogue hires and pays living wage to all of its team members and is very involved in each of the communities where it operates.
Plans for Expansion and Economic Outlook
Grown Rogue continues to focus on taking its learnings and experience from Oregon and Michigan into new markets across the US. During the last two years, Grown Rogue has established a platform that excels at licensing, compliance, high-quality and low-cost production, understanding consumer purchasing preferences, and product innovation. This platform places Grown Rogue in a superior position to capitalize on new markets compared to our competitors. Oregon is arguably the most competitive cannabis market in the world, and we have excelled by implementing standard business practices that make the Company well suited for entering and building successful brand presence in newly legalized cannabis markets.
The expansion into Airport and acquisition of a 60% interest in Golden Harvests represent execution of management’s strategy of growth through high quality, low-cost flower production. In addition, we have added a profitable services segment, which leverages our cultivation expertise to generate margin and increase our presence to two new states at low financial risk. As other growth opportunities arise under favorable financial terms, management can activate known and repeatable systems into new assets.
We believe that the future of the cannabis industry is in branded products and that the leading brands are being developed on the west coast, which is well known for high quality cannabis. Unlike many current multi-state operators who prefer to obtain just a few licenses in a large volume of states, Grown Rogue is focused on establishing a larger number of licenses in fewer states to capitalize on the economies of scale we view as optimal to maximize profits. Over the next twelve months, Grown Rogue is focused on furthering our footprints and flower market shares in the Oregon and Michigan markets, strengthening our presence in Minnesota and Maryland (by way of the Consulting Agreement), continuing to add new products to our portfolio, and exploring and executing on strategic opportunities in new states.
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With the recent shift in political landscape, Grown Rogue has also begun analyzing the potential for federal de-regulation and the subsequent ability to export cannabis products across state lines. We believe Oregon will be a large export state. Being located in the Emerald Triangle also provides a unique product differentiator due to the ability to produce high quality low cost sungrown flower due to the environmental conditions that occur naturally in Southern Oregon. Our strategy to take advantage of what is projected to be a multi-billion dollar export business is developing, and we are excited to begin implementation of this business plan over the coming years.
| C. | ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE |
The corporate structure of the Company as of the date of this Report is as follows:
| Entity | Defined Term | Location | Purpose | Percentage Held | ||||
| Grown Rogue International Inc. | The “Company” | Ontario | Parent Company | NA | ||||
| Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC | “GR Unlimited” | Oregon | Holding Company | 100% | ||||
| Grown Rogue Gardens, LLC | “GR Gardens” | Oregon | Operating Entity | 100% | ||||
| GRU Properties, LLC | “GRU Properties” | Oregon | Property Management | 100% | ||||
| GRIP, LLC | “GRIP” | Oregon | Marketing/Branding | 100% | ||||
| Grown Rogue Distribution, LLC | “GR Distribution” | Oregon | Operating Entity | 100% | ||||
| Rogue EBC, LLC | “Rogue EBC” | Illinois | Operating Entity | 70% | ||||
| Cannequality, LLC | “Cannequality” | Illinois | Licensing Company | 70%* | ||||
| Canopy Management, LLC | “Canopy” | Michigan | Holding Company | 100% | ||||
| Golden Harvests, LLC | “Golden Harvests” | Michigan | Operating Entity | 80% | ||||
| Grown Rogue Retail Ventures, LLC | “GR Retail” | Delaware | Holding Company | 100% | ||||
| Grown Rogue West New York, LLC | “West NY” | New Jersey | Holding Company | 44%** |
| * | The Company consolidated 70% of Rogue EBC’s business activity under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 11 – Joint Arrangements. Cannequality is wholly owned by Rogue EBC, in which Cannequality is the legal entity that holds the acquired cannabis license for Rogue EBC’s joint arrangement operations. When regulatory milestones are achieved, the Company plans to dissolve Cannequality |
| ** | The Company, through its subsidiary GR Retail invested $806,250 in the equity of West NY. West NY is a lender to a retail business in New Jersey. |
| D. | PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT |
Our U.S. executive offices consist of approximately 5,000 square feet of office space located at the Airport facility. The address of our U.S. executive offices 550 Airport Road, Medford, Oregon 97504. Our Ontario executive offices are located at 340 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1X2, Canada.
Through GR Gardens, the Company operates four cultivation facilities that currently service the Oregon recreational marijuana market: Airport, Rossanley, Ross Lane, and Foothill. The Company formerly also operated Trail’s End, at which will production is not planned from 2023 forward. The Company also leases a facility used to for post-harvest processing called Lars.
The Company leases approximately 42 acres of real property in Jackson County, Oregon, commonly known as 741 West Fork Trail Creek Road, Trail, Oregon 97541, through that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 2017, between J. Obie (“Jesse”) Strickler and GRUP. This property is subleased by GRUP to GR Gardens pursuant to that certain Commercial Sublease Agreement, dated March 1, 2017, between GRUP and GR Gardens.
The Company leases approximately 64 acres of real property in Jackson County, Oregon, commonly known as 3100 N. Foothill Road, Medford, Oregon, 97504, through that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated March 17, 2021, between Naumes, Inc., and GR Gardens.
The Company leases property located at 655 Rossanley Drive, Medford, Oregon, pursuant to that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated January 31, 2017, between VWPP, LLC, and GRUP. This property is subleased by GRUP to GR Gardens pursuant to that certain Commercial Sublease Agreement, dated January 31, 2017, between GRUP and GR Gardens.
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The Company leases property located at 550 Airport Road, Medford, Oregon, pursuant to that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, assumed on April 14, 2022, between Airport Road LLC and GRUP.
The Company leases property located at 2046 Lars Way, Medford, Oregon, pursuant to that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated December 20, 2021, between Airport Road LLC and GR Gardens.
Prior to exercising its purchase option, the Company leased approximately 35 acres of real property, with an option to purchase, in Jackson County, Oregon, commonly known as 2888 Ross Lane, Central Point, Oregon, through that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated December 20, 2022, between Lender Capital, LLC, and GR Gardens. On January 12, 2024 the Company exercised its option to purchase the Ross Lane property for a total purchase price of $1,525,000. After applying deposits in escrow and rents paid adjustments, the remaining consideration due of $1,285,000 is in the form of a secured promissory note payable over 36 months.
The Company leases property located at 333 Morton St, Bay City, Michigan, pursuant to that certain Commercial Lease Agreement, dated February 1, 2020, between David Pleitner, LLC and Golden Harvests.
The Company, through Rogue EBC, leases property located at 345 Lakewood Avenue, Waukegan, IL, pursuant to the Commercial Lease Agreement dated December 11, 2023.
| ITEM 4A | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 5 | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
On January 29, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, effective immediately. As a result, we filed a transition report on Form 20-F for the transition period of November 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 (the “Transition Period”). This Annual Report presents information for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and includes the presentation of the Transition Period and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Transition Period, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 and notes thereto included under Item 18.
Certain statements made in this Item are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected herein. See, Item 3.D Key Information - Risk Factors for discussion of important factors, which could cause results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements below.
Overview
The Company, (formerly: Novicius Corp.) was amalgamated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on November 30, 2009. The Company filed articles of amendment effective November 1, 2018, and changed its name from Novicius Corp. to Grown Rogue International Inc. The Company had previously filed articles of amendment effective May 26, 2017, and changed its name from Intelligent Content Enterprises Inc., to Novicius Corp., and consolidated its shares of common stock on the basis of one (1) new share for every ten (10) old shares. The Company filed articles of amendment effective February 1, 2016, and changed its name from Eagleford Energy Corp., to Intelligent Content Enterprises Inc., and consolidated its shares of common stock on the basis of one (1) new share for every ten (10) old shares. Through the Company’s wholly owned Ontario subsidiary, DoubleTap Daily Inc. (formerly: Digital Widget Factory Inc.), the Company developed an online content management and advertising platform that powers user and advertising engagement programs in real-time to desktop, mobile and portable devices. DoubleTap operations ceased immediately prior to the effectuation of the Transaction.
The Company’s registered office is 40 King St W Suite 5800, Toronto, ON M5H 3S1, Canada. Our SV Shares are quoted on OTC Markets under the symbol GRUSF and listed on the CSE under the symbol GRIN.
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The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Grown Rogue International Inc., the legal parent, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries as at October 31, 2023: GR Unlimited, and GR Unlimited’s subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Subsidiaries”). GR Unlimited’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include GR Gardens; GR Distribution, LLC; GRUP; and GRIP. GR Unlimited also has a 100% interest in Canopy, which owns 80% of Golden Harvests.
Capital Management
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to ensure the Company will have sufficient financial capacity, liquidity and flexibility to fund its operations, growth and ongoing development opportunities. The Company’s capital requirements currently exceed its operational cash flow. As such, the Company is dependent upon future financing in order to maintain liquidity and will be required to issue equity or issue debt.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions, availability of capital and the risk characteristics of any underlying assets in order to meet current and upcoming obligations.
The Company’s Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management and favorable market conditions to sustain future development of the business. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, and October 31, 2023, the Company considered its capital structure to be comprised of shareholders’ deficiency.
BASIS OF PREPARATION
Statement of Compliance
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (“IFRIC”).
Basis of Consolidation
The subsidiaries are those companies controlled by the Company, as the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiaries and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiaries by way of its ownership and rights pertaining to the subsidiaries. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in these financial statements from the date that control commences until the date control ceases. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Basis of Measurement
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value. The Company’s significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statement attached hereto.
Change in Fiscal Year End
On January 29, 2024, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from October 31st to December 31st, effective immediately. The decision to change the fiscal year-end to a calendar year-end was to align our reporting cycle more closely with how we plan to manage our business. As a result of the change, we filed a transition report on Form 20-F for the transition period of November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. This Annual Report presents information for the year ended December 31, 2024, and includes the presentation of the Transition Period and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022.
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Functional and Presentation Currency
The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency of its Subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. All exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company are expressed in U.S. Dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and reported as currency translation reserve in shareholders’ equity.
Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which, in substance, is considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jump Start Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”). As an emerging growth company, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting and disclosure requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies, and we have elected to take advantage of those exemptions. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:
| ● | have an auditor attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”); |
| ● | submit certain executive compensation matters to shareholder advisory votes pursuant to the “say on frequency” and “say on pay” provisions (requiring a non-binding shareholder vote to approve compensation of certain executive officers) and the “say on golden parachute” provisions (requiring a non-binding shareholder vote to approve golden parachute arrangements for certain executive officers in connection with mergers and certain other business combinations) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; or |
| ● | disclose certain executive compensation related items, such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. |
Since we will not be required to comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for other public companies, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of companies that comply with public company effective dates. If we were to subsequently elect to comply with these public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our SV Sharespursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
We do not believe that being an emerging growth company will have a significant impact on our business. Also, even once we are no longer an emerging growth company, we still may not be subject to auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act unless we meet the definition of a “large accelerated filer” or an “accelerated filer” under Section 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND RECENT ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The following standards, amendments and interpretations, which may be relevant to the Company have been introduced or revised by the IASB:
| (i) | The amendment to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements specifies that the classification of current versus non-current liabilities may change (e.g. convertible debt). Prior to this amendment, the classification of liabilities was considered current when there was no unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Under the amendment to IAS 1, the IASB removed the requirement for a right to be unconditional and instead requires that a right to defer settlement must exist at the reporting date and have substance. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024. The Company adopted the amendments to IAS 1 effective January 1, 2024, which impacts the classification of the Company’s Financial Statements by recording its convertible debt as a current liability in its consolidated statements of financial position dated December 31, 2024. |
| (ii) | IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements will replace IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard aims at improving how entities communicate in their financial statements and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. The standard is applied retrospectively, with specific transition provisions, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
For management purposes, the Group is organized into business units based on its products and services and has two reportable segments, as follows:
| ● | Oregon segment represents cannabis production and sales activities in Oregon |
| ● | Michigan segment represents cannabis production and sales activities in Michigan |
| ● | Services segment provides consulting services primarily to other customers within the cannabis industry |
| ● | The other segment reports ungrouped assets |
Geographical information relating to the Company’s activities is as follows. Services represents consulting fees charged to Goodness Growth and to ABCO Garden State, LLC.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Company’s CEO and monitors the operating results of its business units separately on a monthly basis for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on profit or loss and is measured consistently with profit or loss in the consolidated financial statements.
| Geographical segments | Oregon | Michigan | Other | Services | Total | |||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets other than financial instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2024 | 7,732,780 | 4,621,983 | 2,834,108 | - | 15,188,871 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | 8,187,649 | 4,054,332 | 1,761,382 | - | 14,003,363 | |||||||||||||||
| At October 31, 2023 | 7,362,957 | 4,016,861 | 1,361,366 | - | 12,741,184 | |||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | 12,093,606 | 12,936,028 | - | 1,987,631 | 27,017,265 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 5,178,874 | 6,481,800 | - | 1,780,962 | 13,441,636 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustment | 5,931,261 | 6,271,333 | - | 1,780,962 | 13,983,556 | |||||||||||||||
| Two months ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | 1,529,088 | 2,012,949 | - | 96,050 | 3,638,087 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 766,291 | 1,597,643 | - | 6,840 | 2,370,774 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustment | 902,603 | 1,235,111 | - | 6,840 | 2,144,554 | |||||||||||||||
| Year ended October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | 11,001,261 | 11,422,908 | - | 929,016 | 23,353,185 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 5,259,439 | 6,791,700 | - | 620,375 | 12,671,514 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustments | 4,615,259 | 6,653,234 | - | 620,375 | 11,888,868 | |||||||||||||||
| Year ended October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | 8,852,104 | 8,905,179 | - | - | 17,757,283 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,039,159 | 5,083,919 | - | - | 8,123,078 | |||||||||||||||
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SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
The Company filed articles of amendment effective November 1, 2018 and changed its name from Novicius Corp. to Grown Rogue International Inc.
| a) | Share Capital |
Authorized:
The Company was previously authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares at no par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series.
Effective June 24, 2024, the Company completed the Share Reorganization to redesignate its existing class of common shares without par value in the Company’s capital as SV Shares and create a new class of unlisted multiple voting shares (“MV Shares”). As of December 31, 2024, total subordinate voting shares outstanding were 222,446,113, in which all MV Shares have been converted into SV Shares.
Subordinate Voting Shares Issued:
The following table sets out the changes in subordinate voting shares during the respective periods, presented at the number of shares issued in connection with completion of the Transaction:
| Number of Subordinate Voting Shares | Amount $ | |||||||
| Balance October 31, 2022 | 170,632,611 | 21,858,827 | ||||||
| Shares issued for employment, director, and consulting services | 200,000 | 35,806 | ||||||
| Shares issued to partially settle Convertible Debentures | 11,173,275 | 2,698,789 | ||||||
| Balance December 31, and October 31, 2023 | 182,005,886 | 24,593,422 | ||||||
| Common shares issued to partially settle July Convertible Debentures | 5,388,062 | 3,512,952 | ||||||
| Common shares issued to fully settle August Convertible Debentures | 5,682,083 | 3,836,588 | ||||||
| Common shares and SV Shares issued to fully settle December Convertible Debentures | 2,413,525 | 1,392,072 | ||||||
| Conversion of warrants to common shares | 23,270,249 | 4,530,546 | ||||||
| Common shares and SV Shares issued for stock option exercises | 3,686,308 | 633,912 | ||||||
| Balance December 31, 2024 | 222,446,113 | 38,499,492 | ||||||
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| b) | Share Purchase Warrants |
The following table sets out the changes in warrants during the respective periods:
| Warrants | Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Price (CAD$) | ||||||
| Outstanding, October 31, 2022 | 33,510,696 | $ | 0.280 | |||||
| Issued pursuant to December Convertible Debentures | 6,716,499 | 0.250 | ||||||
| Issuance pursuant to July Convertible Debentures | 13,737,500 | 0.280 | ||||||
| Issuance pursuant to August Convertible Debentures | 2,816,250 | 0.280 | ||||||
| Issuance pursuant to Consulting Agreement with Goodness Growth | 8,500,000 | 0.225 | ||||||
| Expiration of warrants | (33,510,696 | ) | (0.280 | ) | ||||
| Outstanding, December 31, and October 31, 2023 | 31,770,249 | $ | 0.230 | |||||
| Conversion to common shares and SV Shares pursuant to the December Convertible Debentures | (6,716,499 | ) | 0.250 | |||||
| Conversion of common shares pursuant to the July Convertible Debentures | (13,737,500 | ) | 0.280 | |||||
| Conversion of common shares pursuant to the August Convertible Debentures | (2,816,250 | ) | 0.280 | |||||
| Forfeit and return of cancellation of warrants pursuant to termination of Consulting Agreement with Vireo Growth Inc. (Note 13.2) | (4,500,000 | ) | 0.225 | |||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2024 | 4,000,000 | $ | 0.225 | |||||
The following tables summarize the outstanding warrants at the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, respectively:
| Number of Warrants 2024 | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Expiry Date | Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |||||||||
| 4,000,000 | 0.225 | October 5, 2028 | 3.76 | |||||||||
| 4,000,000 | $ | 0.225 | 3.76 | |||||||||
| Number of Warrants 2023 | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Expiry Date | Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |||||||||
| 6,716,499 | $ | 0.250 | December 2, 2025 | 1.92 | ||||||||
| 13,737,500 | 0.280 | July 13, 2026 | 2.53 | |||||||||
| 2,816,250 | 0.280 | August 17, 2026 | 2.63 | |||||||||
| 8,500,000 | 0.225 | October 5, 2028 | 4.77 | |||||||||
| 31,770,249 | $ | 0.230 | 3.01 | |||||||||
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| Number of Warrants 2022 | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Expiry Date | Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |||||||||
| 6,716,499 | $ | 0.250 | December 2, 2025 | 2.09 | ||||||||
| 13,737,500 | 0.280 | July 13, 2026 | 2.70 | |||||||||
| 2,816,250 | 0.280 | August 17, 2026 | 2.80 | |||||||||
| 8,500,000 | 0.225 | October 05, 2028 | 4.93 | |||||||||
| 31,770,249 | $ | 0.230 | 3.18 | |||||||||
| c) | Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
The following table summarizes the weighted average shares outstanding:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, basic | 209,441,725 | 182,005,886 | 172,708,792 | |||||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, diluted | 237,428,458 | 214,046,728 | 172,708,792 | |||||||||
| d) | Share Purchase Options |
The following table is a summary of the status of the Company’s stock options and changes during the period:
| Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price CAD$ | |||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2022 | 4,910,000 | $ | 0.18 | |||||
| Granted to employees | 3,650,000 | 0.15 | ||||||
| Granted to employees | 400,000 | 0.30 | ||||||
| Granted to service providers | 2,750,000 | 0.15 | ||||||
| Expiration of options to employees | (430,000 | ) | 0.15 | |||||
| Expiration of options to employees | (75,000 | ) | 0.22 | |||||
| Balance, October 31, 2023 | 11,205,000 | $ | 0.17 | |||||
| Granted to employees | 100,000 | 0.39 | ||||||
| Granted to service providers | 500,000 | 0.39 | ||||||
| Expiration of options to employees | (5,000 | ) | 0.15 | |||||
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 11,800,000 | $ | 0.18 | |||||
| Granted to employees | 4,495,000 | 0.84 | ||||||
| Granted to employees | 500,000 | 0.93 | ||||||
| Granted to service providers | 1,910,000 | 0.84 | ||||||
| Options exercised into common shares and SV Shares | (3,765,000 | ) | 0.15 | |||||
| Expiration of options to employees | (25,000 | ) | 0.15 | |||||
| Balance, December 31, 2024 | 15,365,000 | $ | 0.51 | |||||
34
The following table is a summary of the Company’s’ stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2024:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise Price CAD$ | Number of Options | Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | Expiry Date | Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price CAD$ | |||||||||||||||
| $ | 0.30 | 1,000,000 | 0.33 | April 2025 | 1,000,000 | $ | 0.30 | |||||||||||||
| 0.16 | 1,150,000 | 0.40 | May 2025 | 1,150,000 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 85,000 | 0.85 | November 2025 | 85,000 | 0.15 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 300,000 | 1.30 | April 2026 | 300,000 | 0.15 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 4,475,000 | 2.03 | January 2027 | 4,475,000 | 0.15 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 5,380,000 | 2.67 | August 2027 | 1,176,656 | 0.84 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 400,000 | 2.70 | September 2027 | 116,666 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.39 | 600,000 | 2.88 | November 2027 | 550,000 | 0.39 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 75,000 | 3.67 | August 2028 | 24,999 | 0.84 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.93 | 500,000 | 4.00 | December 2028 | - | 0.93 | |||||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 1,400,000 | 4.67 | August 2029 | 466,666 | 0.84 | |||||||||||||||
| $ | 0.51 | 15,365,000 | 2.36 | 9,944,987 | $ | 0.51 | ||||||||||||||
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Service revenues during the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended October 31, 2023, were derived from the Consulting Agreement (see Description of Business – Services).
Revenues during the year ended December 31, 2024, were higher than the comparative year ended October 31, 2023, due primarily to the number of pounds sold.
| For the year ended December 31, 2024 (FY 2024) | For the two months ended December 31, 2023 | For the year ended October 31, 2023 (FY 2023) | FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance | FY
2024 vs FY 2023 Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from Grown Rogue production | 25,029,634 | 3,542,037 | 22,424,169 | 2,605,465 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Revenue from services | 1,987,631 | 96,050 | 929,016 | 1,012,415 | 109 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 27,017,265 | 3,638,087 | 23,353,185 | 3,617,880 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| For
the year ended December 31, 2024 (FY 2024) | For the two months ended December 31, 2023 | For the year ended October 31, 2023 (FY 2023) | FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance | FY
2024 vs FY 2023 Variance | ||||||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Indoor | 17,816,431 | 2,846,752 | 17,813,172 | 3,259 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Outdoor | 2,841,940 | 42,678 | 2,471,790 | 370,150 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Pre-rolls | 3,257,865 | 192,952 | 821,774 | 2,436,091 | 296 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Trim and other | 1,113,398 | 459,655 | 1,317,433 | (204,035 | ) | (15 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Revenue from Grown Rogue production | 25,029,634 | 3,542,037 | 22,424,169 | 2,605,465 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||
35
The following table summarizes costs of sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023,
| For the year ended December 31, 2024 (FY 2024) | For the two months ended December 31, 2023 | For the year ended October 31, 2023 (FY 2023) | FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Change | FY
2024 vs FY 2023 Change | ||||||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold | 12,827,041 | 1,404,323 | 11,155,676 | 1,671,365 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Costs of service revenues | 206,669 | 89,210 | 308,641 | (101,972 | ) | (33 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Costs of goods sold, excl. fair value items | 13,033,710 | 1,493,533 | 11,464,317 | 1,569,393 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||
Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold during the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by 15% over the comparative year ended October 31, 2023, while revenues for the same periods increased 12%.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the, the Company reported a gross margin of $13,441,636 (two months ended December 31, 2023 - $2,370,774; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $12,671,514). Our ability to generate margin depends upon the following significant factors: direct and indirect costs incurred to grow biological assets and complete inventory; depreciation of capital investments required to grow biological assets and complete inventory; and the impact of the adjustments that result from the fair valuation of biological assets. We prioritize cost efficiency in production and efficiency of capital allocation, and to maximize sales revenues through a variety of efforts, including production of flower which is desirable to consumers, sales team incentives, and continually increasing the number of our wholesale customers.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $12,321,694 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $1,728,127; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $7,390,631, October 31, 2022 - $6,674,148). Increased general and administrative costs during the year ended December 31, 2024 were primarily due to an increase in total overheads, from growth in facility sizes and number of facilities, and of which a portion is attributed to administration. The increases are also due in part to additional staffing required to support expansion and growth, which demanded increases in management expertise in operations and corporate positions, as well as an increased utilization of professional services to support various transactions and costs of regulatory.
36
RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Company is subject to several risk factors that may have adverse effects on our business and which could harm our operating results including, but not limited to: the ability to generate and aggregate compelling content to increase the number of users of our services or users’ level of engagement with our services; the effect of technologies, tools, software, and applications could block our advertisements, impair our ability to deliver interest-based advertising, or shift the location in which advertising appears; changes in regulations or user concerns regarding privacy and protection of user data; continued and unimpeded access to the internet by us and our users. Internet access providers may be able to block, degrade, or charge for access to certain of our products and services, which could lead to additional expenses and the loss of users and advertisers and certain of our metrics are subject to inherent challenges in measurement, and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business.
As the Company has only recently generated cash flow from operations to independently finance its growth and operations, it has been reliant on access to capital in the form of both debt and equity to fund on-going operations and to fund capital investments. Although periodic volatility of financial and capital markets may severely limit access to capital, the Company has been able to attract the required investment capital in the past, however no assurances can be made that it will continue to do so in the future.
The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on the Company’s forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. The Company also cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Moreover, the forward-looking statements may not be suitable for establishing strategic priorities and objectives, future strategies or actions, financial objectives and projections other than those mentioned above (See Item 3.D “Key Information, Risk Factors”).
| A. | OPERATING RESULTS |
General
Grown Rogue derives a substantial portion of its revenues from the state-legal cannabis industry in the United States. Grown Rogue is indirectly involved (through subsidiaries) in the state-legal cannabis industry in the United States where respective state laws permit “adult-use”/“reactional” and/or medical cannabis cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sales, and possession. Currently, Grown Rogue’s subsidiaries directly participate in the cultivation, manufacture, possession, distribution, or sale of cannabis in Oregon’s adult-use market and in Michigan’s medical and adult-use market. Pending regulatory approval, Grown Rogue, through its subsidiaries, expects to participate in Illinois’s and New Jersey’s adult-use markets over the coming year.
Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the Federal CSA, making it federally illegal in the United States. A Schedule I narcotic under the Federal CSA is deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for the use of the drug under medical supervision. The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any indication. Despite federal illegality, over the past decade 38 states have legalized cannabis for medical use within their borders, 24 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have enacted measures to regulate cannabis for recreational use, and nine states have approved measures to allow for “low THC” medical use programs. As such, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level in the United States. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of cannabis at the state level, pursuant to the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, United States federal laws are paramount and in case of conflict between federal and state law in the United States, the federal law shall apply. As a result of the conflict between state and federal law regarding cannabis, investments in cannabis businesses in the United States are subject to inconsistent legislation and regulation. Active enforcement of the current federal law on cannabis may directly and adversely affect revenues and profits of Grown Rogue.
37
Selected Financial Information
The following table reflects the summary of results for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.
| Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 27,017,265 | 3,638,087 | 23,353,185 | 17,757,283 | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 1,119,942 | 642,647 | 5,280,833 | 957,149 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (10,696,794 | ) | 672,427 | (662,320 | ) | 419,951 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, basic | (0.05 | ) | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, diluted | 0.01 | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | |||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | (10,714,655 | ) | 678,533 | (666,882 | ) | 400,716 | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) per share, basic | (0.05 | ) | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) per share, diluted | 0.01 | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | |||||||||||
| Total assets | 43,315,810 | 29,615,900 | 30,162,721 | 16,370,582 | ||||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 7,979,839 | 4,514,352 | 4,610,087 | 2,114,978 | ||||||||||||
| Cash Dividends | 530,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
Revenue
The following tables summarize revenues earned during the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023.
| For the year ended December 31, 2024 |
For the two months ended December 31, 2023 |
For the year ended October 31, 2023 |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
||||||||||||||||
| $ | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from Grown Rogue production | 25,029,634 | 3,542,037 | 22,424,169 | 2,605,465 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Revenue from services | 1,987,631 | 96,050 | 929,016 | 1,012,415 | 109 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 27,017,265 | 3,638,087 | 23,353,185 | 3,617,880 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
Revenue from Grown Rogue production is detailed in the following table:
|
For
the |
For the two months ended December 31, 2023 |
For the year ended October 31, 2023 |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
||||||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Indoor | 17,816,431 | 2,846,752 | 17,813,172 | 3,259 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Outdoor | 2,841,940 | 42,678 | 2,471,790 | 370,150 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Pre-rolls | 3,257,865 | 192,952 | 821,774 | 2,436,091 | 296 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Trim and other | 1,113,398 | 459,655 | 1,317,433 | (204,035 | ) | (15 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Revenue from Grown Rogue production | 25,029,634 | 3,542,037 | 22,424,169 | 2,605,465 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||
Revenues during the year ended December 31, 2024, were higher than the comparative year ended October 31, 2023, due primarily to the number of pounds sold.
38
The following tables summarize pounds sold and average selling prices:
|
Year
ended |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 Pounds sold |
Year ended October 31, 2023 pounds sold |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Pounds |
|||||||||||||
| Indoor flower | 20,845 | 2,901 | 20,329 | 516 | ||||||||||||
| Outdoor flower | 8,132 | 158 | 7,114 | 1,018 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-rolls | 4,538 | 178 | 651 | 3,887 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 33,515 | 3,237 | 28,094 | 5,421 | ||||||||||||
|
Year ended 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 ASP ($) |
Year ended October 31, 2023 ASP ($) |
FY
2024 vs FY 2023 |
|||||||||||||
| Indoor flower | 855 | 981 | 876 | (22 | ) | |||||||||||
| Outdoor flower | 349 | 270 | 347 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-rolls | 718 | 1,084 | 1,262 | (544 | ) | |||||||||||
| Average | 714 | 952 | 751 | (38 | ) | |||||||||||
| General and Administrative | Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2022 |
||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||
| Office, banking, travel and overhead | $ | 1,859,704 | $ | 470,821 | $ | 1,960,695 | $ | 1,929,385 | ||||||||
| Professional services | 1,544,701 | 59,701 | 585,342 | 456,532 | ||||||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | 6,670,955 | 906,831 | 3,919,840 | 3,466,319 | ||||||||||||
| Total general and administrative expense | $ | 10,075,360 | $ | 1,437,353 | $ | 6,465,877 | $ | 5,852,236 | ||||||||
General and administrative costs for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased approximately 56% in comparison to the costs for the year ended October 31, 2023. Increased general and administrative costs were primarily due to additional staffing required to support expansion and growth, which demanded increases in management expertise in operations and corporate positions, as well as an increased utilization of professional services to support various transactions and costs of regulatory compliance.
Equity-Based Compensation
Employees
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded employee equity-based payments valued at $826,060 (the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $44,845; the year ended October 31, 2023 - $202,208).
39
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted the following stock options to employees:
| Number granted |
Vesting terms | Exercise price (CAD$) |
Expiration | |||||||||
| 50,000 | 100% of the options vest on August 31, 2025 | 0.93 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 5,905,000 | 1/3 of the options vest on each of December 31, 2024, 2025 and 2026 | 0.84 | 3 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 1,400,000 | 1/3 of the options vest on each of December 31, 2024, 2025 and 2026 | 0.84 | 5 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 7,355,000 | 0.85 | |||||||||||
During the two months ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted the following stock options to employees:
| Number granted |
Vesting terms | Exercise price (CAD$) |
Expiration | |||||||||
| 100,000 | 50% on one year anniversary of grant date, 50% on second anniversary of grant date | 0.39 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 500,000 | Monthly over a year | 0.39 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 600,000 | 0.39 | |||||||||||
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company granted the following stock options to employees:
| Number granted |
Vesting terms | Exercise price (CAD$) |
Expiration | |||||||||
| 200,000 | 1/3 on each anniversary of grant date | 0.15 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 200,000 | 50% on one year anniversary of grant date, 50% on second anniversary of grant date | 0.15 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 400,000 | Fully vested on grant date | 0.15 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 6,000,000 | Vest on one year anniversary of grant date | 0.15 | 4 years from date of grant | |||||||||
| 6,800,000 | 0.15 | |||||||||||
Non Employees
For the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company recorded non-employee equity-based compensation valued at $480,547 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $59,514; the years ended October 31, 2023 - $142,385; October 31, 2022 - $49,528).
Interest
For the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company recorded interest expense of $379,161 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $69,164; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $370,616; October 31, 2022 - $402,239).
Gain on Extinguishment of Note Receivable and Debt Settlement
On August 24, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to assign the Iron Flag Drawdown Promissory Note from Iron Flag, LLC to GR Unlimited such that the original note was extinguished resulting in a gain on extinguishment of $156,165 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During the year ended October 31, 2022, the Company reported gain on debt settlement of $453,858 related primarily to settlement of debt for marketable securities. There was no gain on debt settlement to report for the two months ended December 31, 2023, nor the year ended October 31, 2023.
40
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Currency Translation Adjustment
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a currency translation loss of $17,861 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – translation gain of $6,106, the years ended October 31, 2023 – translation loss of $4,562; October 31, 2022 – translation loss of $19,235).
These translation adjustments are the result of the following. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. All exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company are expressed in U.S. Dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and reported as currency translation reserve in shareholders’ equity.
Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the net loss was $10,696,794 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – net income of $672,427; for the years ended October 31, 2023 – net loss of $662,320; October 31, 2022 – net loss of $1,014,747). Significant deductions from operating profit during 2024 included an unrealized loss on derivative liabilities, measured by non-cash fair value adjustments.
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022, reflect net income (loss) adjusted for the impact of foreign currency translation.
Total Loss per Share, Basic
Comprehensive income (loss) per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $(0.05) (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $0.00; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $(0.00); October 31, 2022 - $0.00).
41
SUMMARY OF RESULTS-CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The following tables reflect the summary of results from continuing operations for the periods set out.
| Year 2024 Quarter End Dec 31 |
Year |
Year 2024 Quarter End Jun 30 |
Year 2024 Quarter End Mar 31 |
|||||||||||||
| Revenue ($) | 5,651,948 | 6,992,714 | 7,718,129 | 6,654,474 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) ($) | 1,709,968 | (667,240 | ) | (7,573,822 | ) | (4,165,700 | ) | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, basic | (0.05 | ) | (0.00 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, diluted | 0.01 | (0.00 | ) | (0.01 | ) | 0.01 | ||||||||||
| Two Months Ended Dec 31 |
Fiscal Year 2023 Quarter End Oct 31 |
Fiscal Year 2023 Quarter End Jul 31 |
Fiscal Year 2023 Quarter End Apr 30 |
|||||||||||||
| Revenue ($) | 3,638,087 | 6,522,291 | 6,295,717 | 6,004,637 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) ($) | 672,427 | (2,012,324 | ) | 345,488 | 411,979 | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, basic & diluted | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||
COMMITMENTS
Set out below are undiscounted minimum future lease payments after December 31, 2024.
| Total future minimum lease payments |
||||
| $ | ||||
| Less than one year | 1,193,947 | |||
| Between one and five years | 6,114,002 | |||
| Total minimum lease payments | 7,307,949 | |||
| Less amount representing interest | (2,096,006 | ) | ||
| Total | $ | 5,211,943 | ||
The Company has four lease contracts with extension options remaining after December 31, 2024, which were negotiated by management to provide flexibility in managing business needs. Set out below are the undiscounted potential rental payments related to periods following the date of exercise options that are not included in the lease term:
| Within five years |
More than five years |
|||||||
| Extension options available to be exercised | $ | 1,063,201 | $ | 19,279,515 | ||||
42
The contractual maturities of the Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities, debt, leases, and unearned revenue occur over the next three years are as follows:
| Year 1 | Over 1 Year - 3 Years |
Over 3 Years - 5 Years |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2,107,619 | - | - | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 736,453 | 1,294,125 | 3,181,365 | |||||||||
| Convertible debentures | - | - | 2,459,924 | |||||||||
| Debt | 227,679 | 1,001,681 | - | |||||||||
| Business acquisition consideration payable | 536,881 | 1,693,540 | - | |||||||||
| Total | 3,608,632 | 3,989,346 | 5,641,289 | |||||||||
| B. | LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES |
Our ability to generate cash in the short term is based upon sales from production and financing proceeds, and in the long term is based upon sales from production, including production from investments in production increases, or from growth by business acquisitions, or a combination thereof. Investments to increase production or acquire business may require further financing. The Company has been generating positive cashflows from operations over the last 8 quarters and continues to maintain has been successful at financing historically through debt and equity, which has been and will be invested in the business in order to improve production yields and increase total productive capacity, as well as cover operating costs. We raised gross proceeds of $5,804,918 during the year ended December 31, 2024 ($nil during the two months ended December 31, 2023; for year ended October 31, 2023 - $8.0 million; for the year ended October 31, 2022 - approximately $1.4 million). We are typically able to sell finished goods shortly after inventory reaches its final state, and sales are primarily made on cash-on-delivery terms, or with short net terms. Our ability to fund operations, to plan capital expenditures, and to plan acquisitions, depends on future operating performance and cash flows and the availability of capital by way of debt or equity investment in the Company, which are subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control.
Cash flows
The following table summarizes certain cash flow items for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.
|
Year
ended |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (10,696,794 | ) | 672,427 | (662,320 | ) | 419,951 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 7,124,442 | 231,109 | 5,729,351 | 2,004,175 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (12,198,009 | ) | (1,145,286 | ) | (2,887,308 | ) | (1,113,283 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) by financing activities | 2,951,209 | (1,139,491 | ) | 4,433,820 | (422,541 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (2,122,358 | ) | (2,053,668 | ) | 7,275,863 | 468,351 | ||||||||||
| Effect of currency translation | (17,861 | ) | 6,106 | (2,210 | ) | 918 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning | 6,804,579 | 8,858,247 | 1,582,384 | 1,114,033 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, ending | 4,682,221 | 6,804,579 | 8,858,247 | 1,582,384 | ||||||||||||
43
Operating activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $7,124,442 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $231,109; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $5,729,351 and October 31, 2022 - $2,004,175). This number was derived by adding back non-cash items to net income, including the following significant adjustments:
| ● | $939,727 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $186,415; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $578,641 and October 31, 2022 - $750,916) in amortization of property and equipment; |
| ● | $1,980,597 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $209,985; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $1,757,672 and October 31, 2022 - $1,102,688) from depreciation expensed in costs of finished inventory sold; |
| ● | Deduction of $2,816,943 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – deduction of $686,867; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - deduction of $3,355,797 and October 31, 2022 – deduction of $3,278,572) from the unrealized change in fair value of biological assets; |
| ● | $3,358,862 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $460,467; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $2,573,151 and October 31, 2022 - $3,685,338) for changes in fair value in inventory sold; |
| ● | Deduction of 813,823 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $224,064; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - deduction of $470,358 and October 31, 2022 - $nil) from deferred income taxes; |
| ● | $1,306,607 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $104,359; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $344,593 and October 31, 2022 - $117,913) in share-based compensation and stock option vesting expense, including expense for option grants under our stock option plan implemented during 2020, as well as shares issued directly as compensation for employees, directors, and service providers; |
| ● | $2,042,556 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $216,493; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $1,026,732 and October 31, 2022 - $491,781) in accretion of interest expense on debt and convertible debentures outstanding; |
| ● | $371,412 for the loss on equity method investment (for the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 - $nil); |
| ● | $156,165 for the gain on extinguishment on note receivable (for the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 - $nil); |
| ● | Deduction of $50,057 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – loss of $87,699; for the years ended October 31, 2023 – loss of $182,025 and October 31, 2022 – loss of $6,250) from gain on disposal of property and equipment; |
| ● | $12,768,905 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – deduction of $336,981; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $4,563,498 and October 31, 2022 - $nil) from the loss on fair value of derivative liability; |
| ● | Deduction of $3,094,414 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $400,016; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - deduction of $129,113 and October 31, 2022 - $nil) from the unrealized loss on warrants asset. |
44
Changes in non-cash working capital are summarized in the following table.
|
Year
ended |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 46,078 | 466,434 | (465,465 | ) | ||||||||
| Inventory and biological assets | (192,837 | ) | (344,311 | ) | (767,636 | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (443,673 | ) | (27,549 | ) | (40,513 | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 680,871 | (1,115,128 | ) | 569,451 | ||||||||
| Income tax payable | 1,033,789 | 507,332 | 55,024 | |||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 269,883 | - | - | |||||||||
| Unearned revenue | - | - | (28,024 | ) | ||||||||
| Total | 1,394,111 | (513,222 | ) | (677,163 | ) | |||||||
Changes in accounts receivable are due to the timing and collection of sales. Changes in inventory and biological assets reflect increases due to increased productive capacity, as well as the timing of harvests, the timing of the completion growth cycles, and the timing of sales of finished inventory. Changes in liabilities, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities reflect the use of credit terms and cash flow management based upon ongoing liquidity management.
Investing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we added $6,072,079 to property and equipment, including non-cash right-of-use asset additions (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $770,010; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $4,008,866 and October 31, 2022 - $4,000,985). We expended cash flows of $1,739,014 for property and equipment additions (for the
two months ended December 31, 2023 - $126,690; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $1,456,782 and October 31, 2022 - $1,111,283).
We also expended $7,898,136 as cash advances and loans to other parties during the year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $1,018,596; for the years ended October 31, 2023 - $1,420,526 and October 31, 2022 - $Nil). Repayment of $750,577 was received during the year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $nil).
During the year ended December 31, 2024, $801,436 was expended towards acquisition of Canopy Management and Golden Harvests (for the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023 - $nil). Dividends paid to a minority owner from Golden Harvests was $530,000 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 - $nil).
During the year ended December 31, 2024, $1,980,000 was expended towards equity investment in ABCO Garden State, LLC, of which $1,257,142 was converted to equity and $722,858 remains to be applied towards the second option which can be exercised two years from the start of ABCO’s operations (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 - $nil).
Financing activities
Net cash flows provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024, were $2,951,209 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – net cash used of $1,139,491; for the years ended October 31, 2023 – net cash provided of $4,433,820 and October 31, 2022 – net cash used of $422,541).
45
Significant financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, included the following:
| ● | Proceeds of $4,657,460 from exercise of warrants; |
| ● | Proceeds of $359,958 from exercise of stock options; |
| ● | Proceeds of $787,500 from sales of membership units; |
| ● | Payment of $126,914 of debt and equity issuance costs; |
| ● | Repayments of $521,953 of convertible debentures; |
| ● | Repayments of $974,749 of lease principal; and |
| ● | Repayments of $1,230,093 of long-term debt. |
Significant financing activities for the two months ended December 31, 2023, included the following:
| ● | Repayments of $126,978 of convertible debentures; |
| ● | Repayments of $444,347 of lease principal; and |
| ● | Repayments of $568,166 of long-term debt. |
Financing activities during the comparable year ended October 31, 2023, included the following:
| ● | Proceeds of $8,000,000 from issuance of convertible debentures; |
| ● | Repayments of $261,006 of convertible debentures; |
| ● | Repayments of $1,673,344 of lease principal; and |
| ● | Repayments of $1,631,830 of long-term debt. |
Financing activities during the comparable year ended October 31, 2022, included the following:
| ● | Proceeds of $100,000 from long-term debt |
| ● | Proceeds of $1,300,000 from private placement |
46
Trends and expected fluctuations in liquidity
| Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
FY 2024 vs FY 2023 Variance |
||||||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | 20,657,175 | 15,612,537 | 17,421,537 | 3,235,638 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | (5,486,306 | ) | (4,298,684 | ) | (5,195,681 | ) | (290,625 | ) | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Working capital | 15,170,869 | 11,313,853 | 12,225,856 | 2,945,013 | 24 | % | ||||||||||||||
Working capital increased by $2,945,013 from October 31, 2023, to December 31, 2024, due primarily to the fact that the Company has advanced significant amounts due from ABCO which are classified as current assets. The current liabilities included to derive working capital excludes the current portion of convertible debt which has a maturity greater than one year but is classified as current liabilities based on the newly adopted amendment to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements effective January 1, 2024. The current liabilities also excludes the derivative liability balance related to convertible debentures.
We expect significant ongoing fluctuations in working capital over time, as we are in the early stages of growth. We have historically raised debt with principal due on maturity, and accordingly, we expect significant one-time payments as debt matures, as opposed to smooth cash outflows over time. We have historically been able to meet commitments, modify debt maturities, and raise new financing as required to respond to changes in our liquidity position, although there is no guarantee we will be able to do so in the future. We are exposed to market pricing for cannabis products, which materially impacts our liquidity and is out of our control. The market for cannabis products, including flower, which is our primary product, is relatively immature, having recently become legal to buy and sell in certain markets.
We have observed some indications of seasonality, and in addition, we have observed that market conditions can change rapidly without apparent explanations or analyzable causes. We cannot control whether we will be able to raise financing when required or sell cannabis products at profitable prices in the future; however, part of our strategy is to produce flower at sustainable gross margins over a growing productive base, which, holding other factors constant, is expected to result in improved net loss or net income, as well as net cash flows.
| C. | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES |
We do not engage in significant research and development activities. As such, included in general and administrative expenses are limited research and development expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.
| D. | TREND INFORMATION |
The trend of cannabis legalization in the United States has resulted in a significant opportunity. Forty-one U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have legalized adult-use or medical cannabis markets. In the U.S., adult-use sales are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 21.7% through year 2025, and U.S. adult-use and medical sales are projected to reach U.S.$33.9 billion by year 2025 [Source: The State of Legal Cannabis Markets from Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics, 8th Edition].
Consumer preferences change from time to time and can be affected by a number of different and unexpected trends. The Company’s failure to anticipate, identify or react quickly to these changes and trends, and to introduce new and improved products on a timely basis, could result in reduced demand for the Company’s products, which in turn could result in a material adverse effect on the Company.
| E. | CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES |
Not applicable.
47
| ITEM 6 | DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES |
| A. | DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
The following table sets forth the names of all of our directors and executive officers as of the date of the filing of this Report, with each position and office held by them in our Company, and the period of their service as a director or as an officer.
| Name | Position with the Company | Date First Elected or Appointed | ||
| J. Obie Strickler | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | November 15, 2018 | ||
| Andrew Marchington | Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary | January 1, 2025 | ||
| Ryan Kee | Director | August 18, 2021 | ||
| Abhilash Patel | Director | November 15, 2018 | ||
| Stephen Gledhill | Director | November 15, 2018 | ||
| Sean Conacher | Director | August 27, 2020 |
All of our directors serve until our next Annual General Meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with our Articles or Bylaws. Subject to the terms of their employment agreements, if any, executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until the earlier of their resignation or removal, with or without cause by the directors. Mr. Strickler, our President, devotes 100% of his work time to his duties as an officer and director of the Company.
There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between any major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any named directors or executive officers were selected.
J. Obie Strickler – President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Strickler is the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company. He is also CEO, President, and founder of GR Unlimited. He founded Canopy in 2015 to consolidate the three medical facilities he had operated since 2006 within one company. Mr. Strickler formed GR Unlimited in 2016 and entered the Oregon recreational cannabis market with a plan to build a multi-national cannabis brand. Mr. Strickler has been active in the Oregon medical marijuana market since early 2000 where he organically scaled a single 15 plant property to four separate facilities with approximately 200 outdoor plants and 30 lights operating indoors. Mr. Strickler has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Southern Oregon University and is also an Oregon Professional Geologist. During the time he was financing and overseeing Canopy’s growth he was also the regional manager for a large multi-service environmental company where he oversaw a staff of 15 people before starting his own business in 2011 to provide management services to large natural resource companies primarily in the mining sector. In this role, he was responsible for building and integrating complex technical teams to advance large, world-class, multi-billion-dollar mining projects from exploration through feasibility primarily in base and precious metals. In 2014, Mr. Strickler teamed with aerospace engineers to form HyperSciences, Inc a platform technology company focused on commercializing hypervelocity technology into a variety of industrial applications. Mr. Strickler helped secure a large contract with one of the world’s larger oil and gas providers to solve deep drilling challenges and moved this project through proof of concept before departing to focus on the opportunities in cannabis full time. Mr. Strickler will take his production experience in the cannabis industry and his integration and execution experience from the natural resource industry to build GR Unlimited into a premier cannabis company. Mr. Strickler is 43 years old and is employed on a full-time basis with the Company. Mr. Strickler has not signed a non-competition or non-disclosure agreement with the Company.
Andrew Marchington – Andrew Marchington joined the Company as the Senior Vice President, Finance in June 2023. Prior to joining the Company, Andrew served as the Chief Financial Officer of Chalice Brands Ltd and as Controller of C21 Investments, Inc. Andrew is a licensed CPA in Oregon and has served a variety of finance and accounting roles both in and outside of the cannabis industry.
48
Ryan Kee – Mr. Kee is an experienced accounting professional with a history of working in mining in various global jurisdictions. He is skilled in financial reporting, IT integrations, and team building and development. Mr. Kee has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Spanish from the University of Idaho, and is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in Washington state. He has developed financial models to quantitatively describe the cost profiles of operating mines, optimize grade cutoffs, and drive cost reductions. Most recently, he led accounting, supply chain, and IT teams for an operating gold mine in South America, and will apply the best practices learned and developed in mining to cannabis production. Mr. Kee is 40 years old and is employed with the Company.
Sean Conacher – Mr. Conacher is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services and marketing sectors. He is skilled in entrepreneurship, venture capital, public and private equity, foreign exchange, options and asset management. He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of PBIC, a publicly traded investment corporation that offers unique global exposure to the emerging global cannabis and plant-based sector. PBIC’s main objective is to provide shareholders long-term total return through its actively managed portfolio of securities, both public and private, operating in, or that derive a portion of their revenue or earnings from products or services related to the cannabis and plant-based industry. Mr. Conacher is 53 years old and intends to devote the time necessary to serve as a director of the Company.
Abhilash Patel – Director. Mr. Patel is a serial entrepreneur, venture investor, speaker, and philanthropist. He is currently Founder and Principal at Lotus Capital, an early-stage investment fund in Santa Monica, California. He is on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Food Bank, Junior Achievement of Southern California, and 10,000 Beds. Previously, Mr. Patel was founder and CEO at Ranklab, a digital marketing agency listed in Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing private companies in 2015, and Co-founder at Recovery Brands, a digital publishing company based in San Diego, CA. In 2015 both companies were acquired by AAC, Holdings Inc. and Mr. Patel remained in an active leadership position at both companies until his exit in late 2016. Mr. Patel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Columbia University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management. Mr. Patel’s work has been featured in several major publications, including Inc., Huffington Post, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, USA Today, among others. Dr. Drew., Inc. named Mr. Patel “One of 20 Inspiring Entrepreneurs Improving Health for All” and Forbes highlights him in an interview entitled “How Web Publishing is Saving Lives”. Mr. Patel is 44 years old and intends to devote the time necessary to serve as a director of the Company, which is estimated to be 10% of his time. Mr. Patel has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Company but has not signed a non-competition agreement with the Company.
Stephen Gledhill – Director. Mr. Gledhill is a founding member and Managing Director of RG Mining Investments Inc. and RG Management Services Inc., both of which are accounting, administrative and corporate secretarial services companies. In 1992, he formed Keshill Consulting Associates Inc., a boutique management consulting practice. Mr. Gledhill has over 26 years of financial-control experience and acts as CFO and Corporate Secretary for multiple publicly-traded companies, several of which he was instrumental in scaling-up and taking public. He currently serves as the CFO of Caracara Silver Inc. (TSXV:CSV) and CO2 Gro Inc. (TSXV:GROW). Prior to the inception of RGMI and RGMS, Mr. Gledhill served as the Senior Vice President and CFO of Borealis Capital Corporation, a Toronto-based merchant bank as well as Vice President of Finance of OMERS Realty Corporation (ORC), the real estate entity of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. Mr. Gledhill is a Chartered Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Math Degree from the University of Waterloo. Mr. Gledhill is 63 years old and intends to devote the time necessary to serve as a director of the Company, which is expected to be 10% of his time. Mr. Gledhill has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Company but has not signed a non-competition agreement with the Company.
49
| B. | COMPENSATION |
Executive Compensation
The following table presents a summary of all long-term compensation paid or accrued by us including our subsidiaries, for services rendered to us by our executive officers and directors in any capacity for the year ended December 31, 2024, two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023.
| Name | Period | Salary, consulting fee, retainer or commission | Bonus | Committee or meeting fees | Value
of perquisites |
Value of all other compensation | Total compensation |
||||||||||||||||||||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| J. Obie Strickler, | Year ended Dec 31, 2024 | 500,000 | 291,667 | Nil | Nil | 566,744 | (3) | 1,750,082 | |||||||||||||||||||
| President, CEO, and Director | Two months ended Dec 31, 2023 |
53,000 | 50,000 | Nil | Nil | 71,260 | (1) | 174,260 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended Oct 31, 2023 | 240,000 | 20,000 | Nil | Nil | 347,036 | (2) | 607,036 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ryan Kee(4), | Year ended Dec 31, 2024 | 14,402 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 28,488 | (3) | 42,890 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Former Chief Financial Officer and Director | Two months ended Dec 31, 2023 | 2,381 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 7,943 | (3) | 10,324 | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended Oct 31, 2023 |
152,957 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 40,133 | (3) | 193,090 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Abhilash Patel, | Year ended Dec 31, 2024 | 47,500 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 50,524 | (3) | 98,024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Director | Two months ended Dec 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 2,572 | (3) | 2,572 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended Oct 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 12,504 | (3) | 12,504 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stephen Gledhill, | Year ended Dec 31, 2024 | 78,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 50,524 | (3) | 128,524 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Director | Two months ended Dec 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | 3,000 | (7) | Nil | 2,572 | (3) | 5,572 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended Oct 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | 18,000 | (7) | Nil | 12,504 | (3) | 30,504 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sean Conacher, | Year ended Dec 31, 2024 | 47,500 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 33,111 | (3) | 80,611 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Director | Two months ended Dec 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 3,601 | (3) | 3,601 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended Oct 31, 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 42,343 | (3) | 42,343 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1) | Represents rents charged by a company owned by Mr. Strickler and share-based compensation expense. |
| 2) | Represents rents charged by a company owned by Mr. Strickler, lease payments for equipment sold by Mr. Strickler to the Company, and share-based compensation expense. |
| 3) | Represents share-based compensation expense. |
| 4) | Effective January 1, 2025, Andrew Marchington was appointed Chief Financial Officer, replacing Mr. Kee. Mr. Kee remains a Director. |
50
Outstanding Option-Based Awards
The following table summarizes options outstanding at December 31, 2024.
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 0.3 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.16 | 1,150,000 | 1,150,000 | 0.4 | May 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 85,000 | 85,000 | 0.9 | November 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 1.3 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 4,475,000 | 4,475,000 | 2.0 | January 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 5,380,000 | 1,776,656 | 2.7 | August 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 400,000 | 116,666 | 2.7 | September 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.39 | 600,000 | 550,000 | 2.9 | November 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 75,000 | 24,999 | 3.7 | August 2028 | |||||||||||||
| 0.93 | 500,000 | - | 4.0 | December 2028 | |||||||||||||
| 0.84 | 1,400,000 | 466,666 | 4.7 | August 2029 | |||||||||||||
| 0.51 | 15,365,000 | 9,944,987 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes options outstanding at December 31, 2023.
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 1,840,000 | 1,777,500 | 0.5 | July 2024 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 0.9 | November 2024 | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 1,000,000 | 850,000 | 1.3 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.16 | 1,150,000 | 1,150,000 | 1.4 | May 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 85,000 | 85,000 | 1.8 | November 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 300,000 | 150,000 | 2.3 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 6,225,000 | 400,000 | 3.0 | January 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 400,000 | - | 3.7 | September 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.39 | 600,000 | 41,666 | 3.9 | November 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.18 | 11,800,000 | 4,654,166 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes options outstanding at October 31, 2023.
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 1,840,000 | 1,782,500 | 0.7 | July 2024 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 1.1 | November 2024 | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 1,000,000 | 850,000 | 1.5 | April 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.16 | 1,150,000 | 1,150,000 | 1.6 | May 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 85,000 | 85,000 | 2.0 | November 2025 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 300,000 | 150,000 | 2.5 | April 2026 | |||||||||||||
| 0.15 | 6,225,000 | 400,000 | 3.2 | January 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.30 | 400,000 | - | 3.9 | September 2027 | |||||||||||||
| 0.17 | 11,205,000 | 4,617,500 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||
51
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Objective of the Compensation Program
The objectives of the Company’s compensation program are to attract, hold and inspire performance of J. Obie Strickler and Andrew Marchington, its Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”), of a quality and nature that will enhance the sustainable profitability and growth of the Company. The Company views it as an important objective of the Company’s compensation program to ensure staff retention.
The Compensation Review Process
To determine compensation payable, the compensation committee of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) determines an appropriate compensation reflecting the need to provide incentive and compensation for the time and effort expended by the NEOs of the Company while taking into account the financial and other resources of the Company.
The Company’s Compensation Committee is comprised of J. Obie Strickler, Sean Conacher and Stephen Gledhill. Compensation is determined in the context of our strategic plan, our growth, shareholder returns and other achievements and considered in the context of position descriptions, goals and the performance of each NEO. With respect to directors’ compensation, the Compensation Committee reviews the level and form of compensation received by the directors, members of each committee, the board chair and the chair of each board committee, considering the duties and responsibilities of each director, his or her past service and continuing duties in service to us. The compensation of directors, the CEO and executive officers of competitors are considered, to the extent publicly available, in determining compensation and the Compensation Committee has the power to engage a compensation consultant or advisor to assist in determining appropriate compensation.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The Company’s NEO compensation program is based on the objectives of: (a) recruiting and retaining the executives critical to the success of the Company; (b) providing fair and competitive compensation; (c) balancing the interests of management and shareholders of the Company; and (d) rewarding performance, on the basis of both individual and corporate performance.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s NEO compensation program consisted of the following elements:
| (a) | a management fee (the “Short-Term Incentive”). |
| (b) | a long-term equity compensation consisting of stock options granted under the Company’s stock incentive plan (“Long-Term Incentive”). |
The specific rationale and design of each of these elements are outlined in detail below.
Short-Term Incentive
Salaries form an essential element of the Company’s compensation mix as they are the first base measure to compare and remain competitive relative to peer groups. Base salaries are fixed and therefore not subject to uncertainty and are used as the base to determine other elements of compensation and benefits. The base salary provides an immediate cash incentive for the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee and the Board review salaries at least annually.
Base salary/management fees of the Named Executive Officers are set by the Compensation Committee on the basis of the applicable officer’s responsibilities, experience and past performance. In determining the base salary to be paid to a particular Named Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considers the particular responsibilities related to the position, the experience level of the officer, and his or her past performance at the Company and the current financial position of the Company.
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Long-Term Incentive
The granting of awards under the Equity Incentive Plan is a variable component of compensation intended to reward the Company’s Named Executive Officers for their success in achieving sustained, long-term profitability and increases in stock value. Stock options and other awards may be provided to enhance the Named Executive Officers motivation to achieve long-term growth of the Company and increases in shareholder value. The Company provides long-term incentive compensation through its Equity Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee recommends the granting of stock options and other awards from time to time based on its assessment of the appropriateness of doing so in light of the long-term strategic objectives of the Company, its current stage of development, the need to retain or attract particular key personnel, the number of stock options and other awards already outstanding and overall market conditions. The Compensation Committee views the granting of stock options and other awards as a means of promoting the success of the Company and higher returns to its shareholders. The Board grants stock options and other awards after reviewing recommendations made by the Compensation Committee.
Equity Incentive Plan
The Company’s omnibus equity incentive plan (the “Plan” or “Equity Incentive Plan”) was approved by a majority of our shareholders voting at the Annual and Special Meeting held on August 27, 2020. The Plan was adopted in order that we may be able to provide incentives for directors, officers, employees, consultants and other persons (an “Eligible Individual”) to participate in our growth and development by providing us with the opportunity through share options and other awards to acquire an ownership interest in us. Directors and officers currently are not remunerated for their services except as stated in “Executive Compensation” above. The Plan was approved by shareholders on September 14, 2023.
The principal features of the Equity Incentive Plan are summarized below.
Purpose
The purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to enable the Company and its affiliated companies to: (i) promote and retain employees, officers, consultants, and directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, (ii) to offer such persons incentives to put forth maximum efforts, and (iii) to compensate such persons through various share and cash-based arrangements and provide them with opportunities for share ownership, thereby aligning the interests of such persons and shareholders.
The Equity Incentive Plan permits the grant of (i) nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”) and incentive stock options (“ISOs”) (collectively, “Options”), (ii) restricted stock awards, (iii) restricted stock units (“RSUs”), (iv) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), and (v) performance compensation awards (“PCAs”), which are referred to herein collectively as “awards,” as more fully described below.
Eligibility
Any of the Company’s employees, officers, directors, consultants (who are natural persons) are eligible to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan (the “Participants”). The basis of participation of an individual under the Equity Incentive Plan, and the type and amount of any Award that an individual will be entitled to receive under the Equity Incentive Plan, will be determined by the Board or Compensation Committee based on its judgment as to the best interests of the Company.
The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Equity Incentive Plan shall be determined by the Board from time to time, but in no case shall exceed, in the aggregate, 20% of the number of shares then outstanding. Notwithstanding the above, the total number of shares issued under ISOs cannot exceed 20,000,000 shares, subject to adjustment as provided in the Equity Incentive Plan.
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Any shares subject to an Award under the Equity Incentive Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, expire unexercised, are settled in cash, or are used or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations of a Participant shall again be available for Awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. In the event of any dividend, recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, split-up, split-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, which affects the shares, or unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements of any governmental body or securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system, accounting principles or law, the Compensation Committee or Board may make such adjustment, which is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants under the Equity Incentive Plan, to (i) the number and kind of shares which may thereafter be issued in connection with Awards, (ii) the number and kind of shares issuable in respect of outstanding Awards, (iii) the purchase price or exercise price relating to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding Award, and (iv) any share limit set forth in the Equity Incentive Plan.
Awards
The Board is authorized to grant Options to purchase shares that are either ISOs or NQSOs. Options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Board or Compensation committee. Under the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, unless the Compensation Committee or Board determines otherwise in the case of an Option substituted for another Option in connection with a corporate transaction, the exercise price of the Options will not be lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the shares on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the stock options, and (b) the date of grant of the stock options. Options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by the Compensation Committee or Board and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an option granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will be ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an ISO granted to a 10% shareholder). Payment in respect of the exercise of an Option may be made in cash or by cheque, by surrender of unrestricted shares (at their fair market value on the date of exercise) or by such other method as the Compensation Committee or Board may determine to be appropriate.
A restricted stock award is a grant of shares, which are subject to forfeiture restrictions during a restriction period. The Compensation Committee or Board will determine the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for shares subject to a restricted stock award, but in any event the price may not be lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the shares on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the restricted stock, and (b) the date of grant of the restricted stock. The Compensation Committee or Board may condition the expiration of the restriction period, if any, upon: (a) the Participant’s continued service over a period of time with the Company or its affiliates; (b) the achievement by the Participant, the Company or its affiliates of any other performance goals set by the Compensation Committee; or (c) any combination of the above conditions as specified in the applicable award agreement. If the specified conditions are not attained, the Participant will forfeit the portion of the restricted stock award with respect to which those conditions are not attained, and the underlying shares will be forfeited. At the end of the restriction period, if the conditions, if any, have been satisfied, the restrictions imposed will lapse with respect to the applicable number of shares. During the restriction period, unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, a Participant will have the right to vote the shares underlying the restricted stock; however, all dividends will remain subject to restriction until the stock with respect to which the dividend was issued lapses. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, accelerate the vesting and delivery of shares of restricted stock. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or as may be determined by the Compensation Committee, upon a Participant’s termination of service with the Company, the unvested portion of a restricted stock award will be forfeited.
RSUs are granted in reference to a specified number of shares and entitle the holder to receive, on achievement of specific performance goals established by the Compensation Committee or Board or after a period of continued service with the Company or its affiliates or any combination of the above as set forth in the applicable award agreement, one share for each such share covered by the RSU; provided, that the Compensation Committee may elect to pay cash, or part cash and part shares in lieu of delivering only shares. The Compensation Committee or Board may, in its discretion, accelerate the vesting of RSUs. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or as may be determined by the Compensation Committee, upon a Participant’s termination of service with the Company, the unvested portion of the RSUs will be forfeited. The value ascribed to the shares covered by the RSU may not be lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the shares on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the RSUs, and (b) the date of grant of the RSUs.
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A SAR entitles the recipient to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, the increase in the fair market value of a specified number of shares from the date of the grant of the SAR and the date of exercise payable in shares. Any grant may specify a vesting period or periods before the SAR may become exercisable and permissible dates or periods on or during which the SAR shall be exercisable. No SAR may be exercised more than ten years from the grant date. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or as may be determined by the Compensation Committee or Board, upon a Participant’s termination of service with the Company, the unvested portion of a SAR will be forfeited. The value ascribed to the shares covered by the SARs may not be lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the shares on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the SAR, and (b) the date of grant of the SAR.
PCAs may be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan, which (i) may be denominated or payable in cash, shares, or other securities, awards or other property (including, without limitation, restricted stock and RSUs), and (ii) confer on the holder thereof the right to receive payments, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of one or more objective performance goals during such performance periods as the Compensation Committee or Board shall establish. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the value ascribed to the shares covered by the PCAs may not be lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the shares on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the PCA, and (b) the date of grant of the PCA. Subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, the performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any PCA granted, the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any PCA and any other terms and conditions shall be determined by the Compensation Committee or Board. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or as may be determined by the Compensation Committee or Board, upon a Participant’s termination of service with the Company, the unvested portion of a PCA will be forfeited.
General
The Compensation Committee or Board may impose restrictions on the grant, exercise or payment of an Award as it determines appropriate. Generally, Awards granted under the Equity Incentive Plan shall be non-transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to shares covered by any Awards, unless and until such Awards are settled in shares.
No Option (or, if applicable, SARs) shall be exercisable, no shares shall be issued, no certificates for shares shall be delivered and no payment shall be made under the Equity Incentive Plan except in compliance with all applicable laws. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Equity Incentive Plan and the Compensation Committee or Board may amend any outstanding Award at any time; provided that (i) such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation, or termination shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the Equity Incentive Plan (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any rules or requirements of applicable securities exchange), and (ii) no such amendment or termination may adversely affect Awards then outstanding without the Award holder’s permission.
In the event of any reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, plan of arrangement, take-over bid or tender offer, repurchase or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company or any other similar corporate transaction or event involving the Company (or the Company shall enter into a written agreement to undergo such a transaction or event), the Compensation Committee or the Board may, in its sole discretion, provide for any (or a combination) of the following to be effective upon the consummation of the event (or effective immediately prior to the consummation of the event, provided that the consummation of the event subsequently occurs):
| ● | termination of the Award, whether or not vested, in exchange for cash and/or other property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of the vested portion of the Award or realization of the Participant’s vested rights, |
| ● | the replacement of the Award with other rights or property selected by the Compensation Committee or the Board, in its sole discretion, |
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| ● | assumption of the Award by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices, |
| ● | that the Award shall be exercisable or payable or fully vested with respect to all shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the applicable award agreement, or |
| ● | that the Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after a date certain in the future, which may be the effective date of the event. |
Tax Withholding
The Company may take such action as it deems appropriate to ensure that all applicable federal, state, local and/or foreign payroll, withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and absolute responsibility of a Participant, are withheld or collected from such Participant.
Overview of How the Compensation Program Fits with Compensation Goals
The compensation package is designed to meet the goal of attracting, holding and motivating key talent in the highly competitive cannabis industry through salary and providing an opportunity to participate in the Company’s growth through stock options. Through the grant of stock options, if the price of the Company shares increases over time, both the Named Executive Officer and shareholders will benefit.
Incentive Plan Awards
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted 7,355,000 stock options and 1,960,075 RSUs to directors, officers, employees and service providers. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, 100,000 stock options were granted to employees and 500,000 stock options were granted to service providers. During the year ended October 31, 2023, 6,800,000 stock options were granted to employees. During the year ended October 31, 2022, the Company granted 605,000 stock options to employees.
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company does not currently provide pension plan benefits to its Named Executive Officers.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
At December 31, 2024, the Company had one executive employment agreement in place with the Chief Financial Officer, which could trigger benefits in the event of termination, or a constructive dismissal within six months of a change in control event. If triggered, a payment equal to 50% of the Chief Financial Officer’s compensation for the twelve months prior to the change in control event would be due within sixty calendar days after the effective date of the triggering event.
The Company has no compensatory plan where a named executive officer or director is entitled to receive compensation in the event of resignation, retirement, termination, change of control or a change in responsibilities following a change in control.
Director Compensation
The Company does not compensate its Board of Directors based on the number of meetings attended. Aggregate compensation paid to each director during the year ended December 31, 2024, is included in the Executive Compensation table above. As of the date of this Report, none of the Company’s directors has a service contract with the Company or its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
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Retirement Policy for Directors
The Company does not have a retirement policy for its directors.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
The Company does not maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
Pension Plans, Retirement Plans, and Similar Benefits
Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have set aside or accrued any amounts to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits.
| C. | BOARD PRACTICES |
Board of Directors
The mandate of our Board of Directors, prescribed by the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), is to manage or supervise the management of our business and affairs and to act with a view to our best interests. In doing so, the board oversees the management of our affairs directly and through its committees. The Board of Directors has met at least once annually or otherwise as circumstances warrant to review our business operations, corporate governance and financial results.
Mr. Strickler, Mr. Patel, and Mr. Gledhill were appointed as directors on November 15, 2018. Mr. Conacher was appointed as a director on August 27, 2020 and Mr. Kee was appointed as a director on August 18, 2021. Our directors serve until our next Annual General Meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with our Articles or Bylaws. Our chief executive officer, our president and our chief financial officer were appointed by our Board of Directors to serve until the earlier of their resignation or removal, with or without cause by the directors.
As of the date of this Report our Board of Directors consists of five directors, three of which are considered “independent directors” in that they are “independent from management and free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the directors ability to act with a view to our best interests, other than interests and relationships arising from their shareholding.” It is our practice to attempt to maintain a diversity of professional and personal experience among our directors.
The Company holds meetings as required, at which the opinions of the directors are sought by management and duly acted upon for all material matters relating to the Company.
Directorships
At December 31, 2024, the following director and officer of the Company also served as a director and/or officer of other reporting issuers, as follows:
| Stephen Gledhill | CFO and Corporate Secretary of POSaBIT Systems Corporation (CSE) | |
| Director of Bhang Inc. (CSE) |
Board of Directors Mandate
The Board of Directors assumes responsibility for stewardship of the Company, including overseeing all of the operation of the business, supervising management and setting milestones for the Company. The Board of Directors reviews the statements of responsibilities for the Company including, but not limited to, the code of ethics and expectations for business conduct.
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The Board of Directors approves all significant decisions that affect the Company and its subsidiaries and sets specific milestones towards which management directs their efforts.
The Board of Directors ensures, at least annually, that there are long-term goals and a strategic planning process in place for the Company and participates with management directly or through its committees in developing and approving the mission of the business of the Company and the strategic plan by which it proposes to achieve its goals, which strategic plan takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the Company’s business. The strategic planning process is carried out at each Board of Directors meeting where there are regularly reviewed specific milestones for the Company.
The strategic planning process incorporates identifying the main risks to the Company’s objectives and ensuring that mitigation plans are in place to manage and minimize these risks. The Board also takes responsibility for identifying the principal risks of the Company’s business and for ensuring these risks are effectively monitored and mitigated to the extent practicable. The Board appoints senior management.
The Company adheres to regulatory requirements with respect to the timeliness and content of its disclosure. The Board approves all of the Company’s major communications, including annual and quarterly reports and press releases. The Chief Executive Officer authorizes the issuance of news releases. The Chief Executive Officer is generally the only individual authorized to communicate with analysts, the news media and investors about information concerning the Company.
The Board and the audit committee of the Company (the “Audit Committee”) examines the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control processes and information systems.
The Board as a whole, given its small size, is involved in developing the Company’s approach to corporate governance. The number of scheduled board meetings varies with circumstances. In addition, special meetings are called as necessary. The Chief Executive Officer establishes the agenda at each Board meeting and submits a draft to each director for their review and recommendation for items for inclusion on the agenda. Each director has the ability to raise subjects that are not on the agenda at any board meeting. Meeting agendas and other materials to be reviewed and/or discussed for action by the Board are distributed to directors in time for review prior to each meeting. Board members have full and free access to senior management and employees of the Company.
Position Descriptions
The Board has not developed written position descriptions for the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or the President (the “Officers”). The Board is currently of the view that the respective corporate governance roles of the Board and management, as represented by the Officers, are clear and that the limits to management’s responsibility and authority are well-defined.
Each of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee has a chair and a mandate.
Orientation and Continuing Education
We have developed an orientation program for new directors including a director’s manual (“Director’s Manual”) which contains information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the board, each board committee, the board chair, the chair of each board committee and our president. The Director’s Manual contains information regarding its organizational structure, governance policies including the Board Mandate and each Board committee charter, and our code of business conduct and ethics. The Director’s Manual is updated as our business, governance documents and policies change. We update and inform the board regarding corporate developments and changes in legal, regulatory and industry requirements affecting us.
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Ethical Business Conduct
We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) for our directors, officers and employees. The board encourages following the Code by making it widely available. It is distributed to directors in the Director’s Manual and to officers, employees and consultants at the commencement of their employment or consultancy. The Code reminds those engaged in service to us that they are required to report perceived or actual violations of the law, violations of our policies, dangers to health, safety and the environment, risks to our property, and accounting or auditing irregularities to the chair of the Audit Committee. In addition to requiring directors, officers and employees to abide by the Code, we encourage consultants, service providers and all parties who engage in business with us to contact the chair of the Audit Committee regarding any perceived and all actual breaches by our directors, officers and employees of the Code. The chair of our Audit Committee is responsible for investigating complaints, presenting complaints to the applicable board committee or the board as a whole, and developing a plan for promptly and fairly resolving complaints. Upon conclusion of the investigation and resolution of a complaint, the chair of our Audit Committee will advise the complainant of the corrective action measures that have been taken or advise the complainant that the complaint has not been substantiated. The Code prohibits retaliation by us, our directors and management, against complainants who raise concerns in good faith and requires us to maintain the confidentiality of complainants to the greatest extent practical. Complainants may also submit their concerns anonymously in writing. In addition to the Code, we have an Audit Committee Charter and a Policy of Procedures for Disclosure Concerning Financial/Accounting Irregularities.
Since the beginning of our most recently completed fiscal year, no material change reports have been filed that pertain to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Code. The board encourages and promotes a culture of ethical business conduct by appointing directors who demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards in their business dealings and personal affairs.
Directors are required to abide by the Code and expected to make responsible and ethical decisions in discharging their duties, thereby setting an example of the standard to which management and employees should adhere. The board is required by the Board Mandate to satisfy our CEO and other executive officers are acting with integrity and fostering a culture of integrity throughout the Company. The board is responsible for reviewing departures from the Code, reviewing and either providing or denying waivers from the Code, and disclosing any waivers that are granted in accordance with applicable law. In addition, the board is responsible for responding to potential conflict of interest situations, particularly with respect to considering existing or proposed transactions and agreements in respect of which directors or executive officers advise they have a material interest. The Board Mandate requires that directors and executive officers disclose any interest and the extent, no matter how small, of their interest in any transaction or agreement with us, and that directors excuse themselves from both board deliberations and voting in respect of transactions in which they have an interest. By taking these steps the board strives to ensure that directors exercise independent judgment, unclouded by the relationships of the directors and executive officers to each other and us, in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which directors and executive officers have an interest.
Compensation
The Board determines director and executive officer compensation by recommendation of the Compensation Committee. The Company’s Compensation Committee reviews the amounts and effectiveness of compensation. The Board reviews the adequacy and form of compensation and compares it to other companies of similar size and stage of development. There is no minimum share ownership requirement of directors.
The Compensation Committee generally convenes at least once annually to review director and officer compensation and status of stock options. The Compensation Committee also responds to requests from management and the Board to review recommendations of management for new senior employees and their compensation. The Compensation Committee has the power to approve and/or amend these recommendations.
The Company has felt no need to retain any compensation consultants or advisors at any time since the beginning of the Company’s most recently completed financial year.
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Committees of the Board
Our Board of Directors discharges its responsibilities directly and through committees of the Board of Directors, currently consisting of the Audit Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee
The mandate of the Audit Committee is formalized in a written charter. The members of the Audit Committee are Sean Conacher, Ryan Kee (Chair) and Stephen Gledhill. Based on his professional experience, the board has determined that Ryan Kee and Stephen Gledhill are each an Audit Committee Financial Expert and that Sean Conacher are financially literate. The Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to serve as an objective party to monitor our financial reporting process and control systems, review and appraise the audit activities of our independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the lines of communication among the independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the Board of Directors for financial reporting and control matters including investigating fraud, illegal acts or conflicts of interest.
Compensation Committee
The mandate of the Compensation Committee is formalized in a written charter. The members of the Compensation Committee are J. Obie Strickler, Sean Conacher and Stephen Gledhill. Compensation is determined in the context of our strategic plan, our growth, shareholder returns and other achievements and considered in the context of position descriptions, goals and the performance of each individual director and officer. With respect to directors’ compensation, the Compensation Committee reviews the level and form of compensation received by the directors, members of each committee, the board chair and the chair of each board committee, considering the duties and responsibilities of each director, his or her past service and continuing duties in service to us. The compensation of directors, the CEO, CFO and executive officers of competitors are considered, to the extent publicly available, in determining compensation and the Compensation Committee has the power to engage a compensation consultant or advisor to assist in determining appropriate compensation.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The mandate of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the “CGNC”) is formalized in a written charter. The members of the CGNC are Sean Conacher, Abhilash Patel and Stephen Gledhill. The CGNC assists the Board in overseeing the Company’s corporate governance functions; identify, review and evaluate candidates to serve as directors, assessing the performance of the Board and management, and developing a set of corporate governance principles. The CGNC is responsible for, among other things:
| ● | Identify and review director nominees |
| ● | Consider recommendations for Board nominees and proposals submitted by the Company’s shareholders |
| ● | Assess the performance of the Board |
| ● | Recommend chair and membership of board committees |
| ● | Review director independence |
| ● | Review succession planning for the Board and key leadership roles on the Board and its committees |
| ● | Review the Board’s leadership structure and recommend changes to the Board |
| ● | Consider and review continuing education for directors |
| ● | Review and assess our corporate governance guidelines |
| ● | Review insurance coverage for the directors and executive officers |
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Assessments
The CGNC and the Board assesses, on an annual basis, the contributions of the board as a whole, the Audit Committee and each of the individual directors, in order to determine whether each is functioning effectively. The Board monitors the adequacy of information given to directors, communication between the board and management and the strategic direction and processes of the board and committees. The Audit Committee will annually review the Audit Committee Charter and recommend, if any, revisions to the board as necessary.
Relevant Education and Experience of Audit Committee Members
See Item 6.A – Directors and Senior Management for biographies of Audit Committee members.
Audit Committee Charter
| ● | Our Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) has been adopted by our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee of the board (the “Committee”) will review and reassess this charter annually and recommend any proposed changes to the board for approval. The Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to: |
| ● | Oversee (i) the integrity of our financial statements; (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and (iii) the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence. |
| ● | Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor our financial reporting processes and internal control systems. |
| ● | Review and appraise the audit activities of our independent auditors and the internal auditing functions. |
| ● | Provide open lines of communication among the independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the board for financial reporting and control matters. |
Role and Independence: Organization
The Committee assists the Board of Directors on fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing, internal control and financial reporting practices. It may also have such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to it by the board.
The Audit Committee is to be comprised of at least three directors.
All members shall, to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors, be financially literate (i.e. will have the ability to read and understand a balance sheet, an income statement, a cash flow statement and the notes attached thereto), and at least one member shall have accounting or related financial management expertise to qualify as “financially sophisticated”. A person will qualify as “financially sophisticated” if an individual possesses the following attributes:
| ● | an understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles; |
| ● | an ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; |
| ● | experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities; |
| ● | an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and |
| ● | an understanding of audit committee functions. |
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The Committee members will be elected annually at the first meeting of the Board following the annual meeting of shareholders. Each member of the Committee serves at the pleasure of the Board and, in any event, only so long as he or she is a director.
One member of the Committee shall be appointed as chair. The chair shall be responsible for leadership of the Committee, including scheduling and presiding over meetings and making regular reports to the Board. The chair will also maintain regular liaison with the CEO, CFO, President and the lead independent audit partner.
Responsibilities and Powers
Although the Committee may wish to consider other duties from time to time, the general recurring activities of the Committee in carrying out its oversight role are described below.
| ● | Annual review and revision of the Charter as necessary with the approval of the board. |
| ● | Review and obtain from the independent auditors annually a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and us, consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard 1. The Committee shall actively engage in a dialogue with the independent auditors with respect to any relationship that may impact the objectivity and the independence of the auditors and shall take, or recommend that the board take, appropriate actions to oversee and satisfy itself as to the auditors’ independence. |
| ● | Recommending to the board the independent auditors to be retained (or nominated for shareholder approval) to audit our financial statements. Such auditors are ultimately accountable to the board and the Committee, as representatives of the shareholders. |
| ● | Evaluating, together with the board and management, the performance of the independent auditors and, where appropriate, replacing such auditors. |
| ● | Ensuring that the independent auditors are prohibited from providing the following non-audit services and determining which other non-audit services the independent auditors are prohibited from providing: |
| ○ | Bookkeeping or other services related to our accounting records or consolidated financial statements; |
| ○ | Financial information systems design and implementation; |
| ○ | Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports; |
| ○ | Actuarial services; |
| ○ | Internal audit outsourcing services; |
| ○ | Management functions or human resources; |
| ○ | Broker or dealer, investment advisor or investment banking services; |
| ○ | Legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and |
| ○ | Any other services which the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines to be impermissible. |
| ● | Approving any permissible non-audit engagements of the independent auditors. |
| ● | Meeting with our auditors and management to review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year, and the audit procedures to be used, and to approve audit fees. |
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| ● | Reviewing the audited consolidated financial statements and discussing them with management and the independent auditors. Consideration of the quality of our accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting. Based on such review, the Committee shall make its recommendation to the Board as to the inclusion of our audited consolidated financial statement in our Report to Shareholders. |
| ● | Discussing with management and the independent auditors the quality and adequacy of and compliance with our internal controls. |
| ● | Establishing procedures: (i) for receiving, handling and retaining of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal controls, or auditing matters, and (ii) for employees to submit confidential anonymous concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
| ● | Review and discuss all related party transactions involving us. |
| ● | Engaging independent counsel and other advisors if the Committee determines that such advisors are necessary to assist the Committee in carrying out its duties. |
| ● | Publicly disclose the receipt of warning about any violations of corporate governance rules. |
Authority
The Committee will have the authority to retain special legal, accounting or other experts for advice, consultation or special investigation. The Committee may request any officer or employee of ours, our outside legal counsel, or the independent auditor to attend a meeting of the Committee, or to meet with any member of, or consultants to, the Committee. The Committee will have full access to our books, records and facilities.
Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least yearly, or more frequently as the Committee considers necessary. Opportunities should be afforded periodically to the external auditor and to senior management to meet separately with the independent members of the Committee. Meetings may be with representatives of the independent auditors, and appropriate members of management, all either individually or collectively as may be required by the Chairman of the Committee.
The independent auditors will have direct access to the Committee at their own initiative.
The Chairman of the Committee will report periodically the Committee’s findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors.
| D. | EMPLOYEES |
As of December 31, 2024, we had 205 employees compared to 138 and 204 employees as of December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023, respectively.
| E. | SHARE OWNERSHIP |
Our SV Shares are owned by Canadian residents, U.S. residents and residents of other countries. The only class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are the Company’s subordinate voting shares. All holders of our SV Shares have the same voting rights with respect to their ownership of subordinate voting shares.
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The following table sets forth as of April 29, 2025, certain information with respect to the amount and nature of beneficial ownership of our SV Shares held by (i) each person who is a director or an executive officer of ours; and (ii) all directors and executive officers of ours, as a group. Our SV Shares subject to options, warrants, or convertible securities currently exercisable or convertible or exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of filing of this Report are deemed outstanding for computing the share ownership and percentage of the person holding such options, warrants, or convertible securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
| Name and Owner | Identity | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of SV Shares(1) |
Percentage | ||||||||
| J. Obie Strickler | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | 34,731,416 | (2) | 14.00 | % | ||||||
| Andrew Marchington | Chief Financial Officer | 60,000 | (3) | 0.02 | % | ||||||
| Ryan Kee | Former Chief Financial Officer and Director | 1,097,500 | (3) | 0.44 | % | ||||||
| Abhilash Patel | Officer/Director | 754,971 | (4) | 0.30 | % | ||||||
| Stephen Gledhill | Director | 294,386 | (5) | 0.12 | % | ||||||
| Sean Conacher | Director | 485,000 | (6) | 0.20 | % | ||||||
| All officers and directors as a group (6 persons) | 37,386,273 | 15.08 | % | ||||||||
| (1) | Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named have sole ownership, voting and investment power with respect to their stock, subject to applicable laws relative to rights of spouses. Percentage ownership is based on SV Shares of 247,852,938 outstanding as of April 29, 2025. |
| (2) | Mr. Strickler owns options to acquire 1,500,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 per share, which expire on January 10, 2027, in addition to options to acquire 1,400,000 common shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.84 per share, which expire August 31, 2029. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Strickler exercised 500,000 stock options into common shares. Mr. Strickler owns 1,115,150 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2026. |
| (3) | Mr. Kee owns options to acquire 170,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.84, which expire August 31, 2027. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Kee exercised 1,000,000 stock options into common shares. Mr. Kee owns 93,750 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2026. |
| (4) | Mr. Patel owns options to acquire 170,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.84, which expire August 31, 2027. Mr. Patel owns 40,100 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2025 and 93,750 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2026. |
| (5) | Mr. Gledhill owns options to acquire 170,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.84, which expire August 31, 2027. Mr. Gledhill owns 40,100 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2025 and 93,750 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2026. |
| (6) | Mr. Conacher owns options to acquire 170,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.84, which expire August 31, 2027. Mr. Conacher owns 133,850 restricted stock units that vest on January 1, 2026. |
| (7) | Mr. Marchington owns options to acquire; 500,000 SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.39 which expire November 16, 2027; 500,000 options to acquire SVS at an exercise price of CAD$0.84 which expire August 31, 2027, and 500,000 options to acquire SV Shares at an exercise price of CAD$0.93, which expire December 31, 2028. Mr. Marchington owns 78,125 restricted stock units that vest on June 30, 2025. |
As of the date of the filing of this Report, to the knowledge of our management, there are no arrangements which, could at a subsequent date result in a change in control of us. As of such date, and except as disclosed herein, our management has no knowledge that we are owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another company or any foreign government.
| F. | DISCLOSURE OF REGISTRANT’S ACTION TO RECOVER ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION |
Not applicable.
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| ITEM 7 | MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
| A. | MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS |
There were 247,852,938 issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares as of April 29, 2025. As of April 29, 2025, to the best of our knowledge, Mr. Strickler, Bengal Catalyst Fund, LP and Aaron Edelheit were the only persons who held directly or indirectly or exercised control or direction over, subordinate voting shares carrying 5% or more of the voting rights attached to all issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares except as stated under Item 6.E above or set out in the table below. The subordinate voting shares, owned by our major shareholders have identical voting rights as those owned by our other shareholders.
| Name | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of SV Shares |
Note | Percentage | ||||||||
| J. Obie Strickler | 34,731,416 | 1 | 14.01 | % | |||||||
| Bengal Catalyst Fund, LP | 24,365,000 | 2 | 9.83 | % | |||||||
| Aaron Edelheit | 35,065,532 | 3 | 14.15 | % | |||||||
| (1) | Mr. Strickler owns options to acquire 2,900,000 subordinate voting shares. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Strickler acquired indirect beneficial ownership of 500,000 SV Shares. During the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, Mr. Strickler acquired 1,771,500 and 5,395,150 common shares, respectively. |
| (2) | During the year ended December 31, 2024, Bengal Catalyst Fund, LP acquired Nil SV Shares. During the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, Bengal Catalyst Fund, LP acquired 13,473,000 and 10,892,000 common shares, respectively. |
| (3) | Mr. Edelheit holds his respective SV Shares as the general partner of the following funds: Mindset Value Fund and Mindset Value Wellness Fund. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Edelheit acquired 18,171,979 SV Shares. During the year ended October 31, 2023, Mr. Edelheit acquired 16,893,553 common shares. |
Based on a review of the information provided to us by our transfer agent, as of April 29, 2025, there were 1,170 registered holders of record of our subordinate voting shares, of which 79, holding approximately 13% of our SV Shares, had a registered addresses in the United States. These numbers are not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our SV Shares nor are they representative of where such beneficial holders reside, since many of these SV Shares were held of record by brokers or other nominees (including The Canadian Depository for Securities).
We are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person. There are no arrangements known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in the control of us.
| B. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Except as disclosed below, there are no existing or potential material conflicts of interest between the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and a director or officer of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company incurred the following related party transactions.
Transactions with CEO
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, GRU Properties, the Company leases an outdoor grow property located in Trail, Oregon, owned by the Company’s President and CEO (“Trail”). The lease was extended during the year ended October 31, 2021, with a term through December 31, 2025. Lease charges of $72,000 (two months ended December 31, 2023 – $12,000; years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $72,000 and $72,000 respectively) were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability for Trail at December 31, 2024, was $68,074 (December 31, 2023 - $129,401; October 31, 2023 - $139,014).
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During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Company leased an outdoor post-harvest facility located in Medford, Oregon (“Lars”), a facility which is beneficially owned by the CEO, with a term through June 30, 2026. Lease charges for Lars of $196,691 (two months ended December 31, 2023 - $31,827; for the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $190,035 and $184,500) were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability for Lars at December 31, 2024, was $284,728 (December 31, 2023 - $445,708; October 31, 2023 - $470,134).
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the CEO leased equipment to the Company, which had a balance due of $nil at December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2024 and October 31, 2023 - $nil). Lease payments of $nil were made against the equipment leases during the year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023; for the years October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $9,971 and $28.871 respectively).
Leases liabilities payable to the CEO were $352,802 in aggregate at December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023 - $575,109; October 31, 2023 - $609,148).
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company, through GR Unlimited, acquired 87% of the membership units of Canopy from the CEO. All payments necessary for GR Unlimited to exercise its option to acquire 87% of Canopy were equal to payments made by Canopy to purchase a controlling 60% interest of Golden Harvests for aggregate consideration of $1,007,719 comprised of 1,025,000 common shares of the Company with a fair value of $158,181 and cash payments of $849,536. Following GR Unlimited’s acquisition of 87% of the membership units of Canopy in January of 2023, Canopy became owned 87% by GR Unlimited; 7.5% by officers and directors; and 5.5% by the CEO. (Also see Note 23.1).
During April 2024, the Company, through GR Unlimited, acquired the remaining 13% of the membership units in Canopy. As part of this transaction, the Company purchased the CEO’s 5.5% membership interest in Canopy. The consideration due to the CEO is comprised of an upfront cash payment of $66,000 and deferred cash payments of $264,000. (Also see Note 5.1).
Transactions with Spouse of CEO
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred expenses of $109,998 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $24,039; for the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $98,846 and $60,000 respectively) for salary paid to the spouse of the CEO. At December 31, 2024, accounts and accrued liabilities payable to this individual were $3,846 (December 31, 2023 - $3,846; October 31, 2023 - $2,692).
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the spouse of the CEO exercised 500,000 stock options into SVS. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company also issued 300,000 stock options. Subsequent to the date of balance sheet, the Company issued 15,000 restricted stock units. During the year ended October 31, 2023, the spouse of the CEO was granted 500,000 stock options. During the year ended December 31, 2024, stock options and restricted stock units expense for the spouse of the CEO was $46,847 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $5,144; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $25,008).
Transactions with Michigan General Manager
Through its subsidiary, Golden Harvests, the Company leased Morton, owned by the Company’s GM, that is located in Michigan, with a lease term through December 2029. Lease charges of $216,000 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $32,000; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $180,000) were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability of Morton at December 31, 2024, was $1,199,697 (December 31, 2023 - $350,668; October 31, 2023 - $377,043).
Through its subsidiary, Golden Harvests, the Company also leased Morton Annex located in Michigan, which is owned by the Company’s GM. The lease term was extended during the two months ended December 31, 2023, through November 2024. Lease charges of $250,000 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $330,000; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $740,000) were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability of Morton Annex at December 31, 2024, was $nil (December 31, 2023 - $239,871; October 31, 2023 - $29,774).
During April 2024, the Company, through Canopy, acquired an additional 20% of the membership units in Golden Harvest from the GM for aggregate consideration of $1,644,695, comprised of deferred cash payments of $2,000,0000 plus true-up amounts. Distributions of $530,000 were paid to the GM during the year ended December 31, 2024, and true-up amounts of $530,000 were paid to the GM.
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Compensation of Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel consist of the President and CEO; the CFO, the COO, GM and the SVP* of the Company. The compensation to key management is presented in the following table:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| Salaries and consulting fees | $ | 1,199,069 | $ | 240,105 | $ | 880,195 | $ | 1,118,694 | ||||||||
| Royalty fees paid to GM | 263,000 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Stock options and restricted stock units expense | 373,683 | 32,894 | 161,422 | 33,125 | ||||||||||||
| $ | 1,835,752 | $ | 272,999 | $ | 1,041,617 | $ | 1,151,819 | |||||||||
Stock options granted to key management personnel and close family members of key management personnel include the following. During the year ended December 31, 2024, 1,400,000 options were granted to the CEO; 170,000 options granted to the CFO, and 300,000 options granted to the GM. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the CFO exercised 1,000,000 stock options into common shares. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, no options were granted to key management personnel. During the year ended October 31, 2023, 1,500,000 options were granted to the CEO; 750,000 options were granted to the CFO; 750,000 options were granted to the SVP; and 175,000 options to the GM.
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company issued 200,000 shares to the GM, which represented a portion of consideration for the acquisition of Golden Harvests.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, 333,900 restricted stock units were granted to the CEO (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – nil; year ended October 31, 2023 - nil). Subsequent to the date of balance sheet, 781,250 restricted stock units were granted to the CEO and 93,750 restricted stock units were granted to the CFO.
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and lease liabilities due to key management at December 31, 2024, totaled $1,834,412 (December 31, 2023 - $1,230,808; October 31, 2023 - $1,118,763).
Debt Balances and Movements with Related Parties
The following table sets out portions of debt pertaining to related parties:
| CEO | Director | GM | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | 46,799 | 140,404 | 360,000 | 640,806 | ||||||||||||
| Interest | 15,649 | 46,947 | 64,800 | 158,693 | ||||||||||||
| Payments | (55,778 | ) | (167,333 | ) | (64,800 | ) | (399,466 | ) | ||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | 6,670 | 20,018 | 360,000 | 400,033 | ||||||||||||
| Interest | 399 | 1,190 | 10,800 | 13,183 | ||||||||||||
| Payments | (7,069 | ) | (21,208 | ) | (10,800 | ) | (53,216 | ) | ||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | - | - | 360,000 | 360,000 | ||||||||||||
| Borrowed | 264,000 | 120,000 | 1,134,952 | 1,518,952 | ||||||||||||
| Interest | 7,981 | 3,628 | 802,841 | 814,450 | ||||||||||||
| Payments | (48,839 | ) | (22,200 | ) | (594,800 | ) | (665,839 | ) | ||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | 223,142 | 101,428 | 1,702,993 | 2,027,563 | ||||||||||||
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Pursuant to the loan and related agreements transacted during the year ended October 31, 2020, the CEO, SVP, and a director obtained 5.5%; 1%; and 2.5% of GR Michigan, respectively; third parties obtained 4% as part of the agreements, such that GR Michigan has a 13% non-controlling interest. These parties, except the CEO, obtained the same interests in Canopy; the CEO obtained 92.5% of Canopy Management, of which 87% was acquired by the Company in January 2023; all payments necessary for the Company to exercise its option to acquire 87% of Canopy were equal to payments made by Canopy to purchase a controlling 60% interest of Golden Harvests. Interest payments of $64,800 were made on the business acquisition consideration payable of $360,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $10,400; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $64,800).
Transactions with Directors
During the year ended December 31, 2024, options of 250,000 were exercised into subordinate voting shares by an independent Director. Options of 510,000 were also granted to independent Directors during the year ended December 31, 2024. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, no options were granted to independent directors. During the year ended October 31, 2023, 1,250,000 stock options were granted to three board of directors.
Restricted stock units of 120,300 were also granted to independent Directors during the year ended December 31, 2024. Subsequent to the date of balance sheet, 281,250 restricted stock units were granted to independent Directors. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, no restricted stock units were granted to independent Directors.
Compensation to the board of directors during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $78,000, (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – $3,000; for the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022 - $18,000 and $18,000)
Transactions with ABCO Garden State, LLC
Please refer to sections “New Jersey Retail” and “New Jersey Cultivation” under Item 4: Information on the Company, History and Development of the Company for transactions relating to Investment in ABCO and Notes 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4 for promissory notes executed to ABCO.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, GR Unlimited charged fees of $729,400 to ABCO under its consulting agreement which is included as part of the Company’s service revenues.
| C. | INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL |
Not Applicable.
| ITEM 8 | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
| A. | CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
The Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022, and the notes thereto required as part of this Annual Report are filed under Item 18 of this Annual Report.
Litigation
There are no pending legal proceedings to which we or our subsidiaries are a party or of which any of our property or assets is the subject. There are no legal proceedings to which any of the directors, officers or affiliates or any associate of any such directors, officers or affiliates of either our company or our subsidiary is a party or has a material interest adverse to us.
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Dividends
We have not paid any dividends on our SV Shares nor common stock during the past five years. We do not intend to pay dividends on shares of our SV Shares in the foreseeable future as we anticipate that our cash resources will be used to finance growth.
| B. | SIGNIFICANT CHANGES |
There have been no significant changes that have occurred since the date of our financial statements included with this Report.
| ITEM 9 | THE OFFER AND LISTING |
Subordinate Voting Shares
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares without par value, of which 222,446,113 were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024. All shares are initially issued in registered form. There are no restrictions on the transferability of shares of our stock imposed by our Articles of Amalgamation. Holders of subordinate voting shares are entitled to one vote for each subordinate voting share held of record on all matters to be acted upon by our shareholders. Holders of subordinate voting shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors, in their discretion.
Subordinate voting shares entitle their holders to: (i) vote at all meetings of our shareholders except meetings at which only holders of specified classes of shares are entitled to vote, having one vote per subordinate voting share, (ii) receive dividends at the discretion of our Board of Directors; and (iii) receive our remaining property on liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
| A. | OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS |
Our subordinate voting shares are quoted for trading on the OTC Markets under the symbol “GRUSF” and listed on the CSE, under the symbol “GRIN”. During the past three years, there have been two suspensions of trading for failure to timely file financial reports: trading of our common stock ceased over the OTC Markets in March 2020 and the CSE ceased trading of our common stock in March 2020, both associated with the same filing delay. On March 24, 2020, the Company rectified the default situation that gave rise to the suspension of trading, and trading on the CSE and OTC Markets resumed. The SEC amendments to Rule 15c2-11 went into effect September 28, 2021, and on that date, quotations on the OTC Markets were no longer publishable due to lack of current information about the Company. Quotations on the OTC Markets resumed after the filing of delinquent disclosures.
There is currently only a limited public market for our subordinate voting shares in the United States. There can be no assurance that a more active market will develop in the future.
| B. | PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
Not Applicable.
| C. | MARKETS |
See Item 9.A.
| D. | SELLING SHAREHOLDERS |
Not Applicable.
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| E. | DILUTION |
Not Applicable.
| F. | EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE |
Not Applicable.
| ITEM 10 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| A. | SHARE CAPITAL |
Not applicable.
| B. | MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION |
Certificate of Incorporation
We were incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 22, 1978 under the name Bonanza Red Lake Explorations Inc. The corporation number as assigned by Ontario is 396323.
Articles of Amendment dated January 14, 1985
By Articles of Amendment dated January 14, 1985, our Certificate of Incorporation (as amended, the “Articles”) was amended as follows:
| 1. | The minimum number of directors of the Company shall be 3 and the maximum number of directors of the Company shall be 10. |
| 2. | (a) | Delete the existing objects clauses and provide that there are no restrictions on the business we may carry on or on the powers that we may exercise; |
| (b) | Delete the term “head office” where it appears in the Articles and substitute therefor the term “registered office”; |
| (c) | Delete the existing special provisions contained in the Articles and substitute therefor the following: |
The following special provisions shall be applicable to the Company:
Subject to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act, as amended or re-enacted from time to time, the directors may, without authorization of the shareholders:
| (i) | borrow money on the credit of the Company; |
| (ii) | issue, re-issue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Company; |
| (iii) | give a guarantee on behalf of the Company to secure performance of an obligation of any person; |
| (iv) | mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any property of the Company owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of the Company; and |
| (v) | by resolution, delegate any or all such powers to a director, a committee of directors or an officer of the Company. |
| 3. | (a) | Provide that the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares; |
| (b) | Provide that the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of preference shares. |
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Articles of Amendment dated August 16, 2000
By Articles of Amendment dated August 16, 2000, our Articles were amended to consolidate our issued and outstanding shares of our common stock on the basis on one common share for every three issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, and change our name from Bonanza Red Lake Explorations Inc. to Eugenic Corp.
Our Articles of Amendment state that there are no restrictions on the business that may carry on, but do not contain a stated purpose or objective.
Articles of Amalgamation dated November 30, 2009
By Articles of Amalgamation dated November 30, 2009, we amalgamated with our wholly owned subsidiary Eagleford Energy Inc. (formerly: 1406768 Ontario Inc.), and changed the entity’s name to Eagleford Energy Inc.
Our Articles of Amalgamation state that there are no restrictions on the business that may carry on or on the powers the Company may exercise.
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of our common stock and an unlimited number of preference shares of which Nil were outstanding as of the date of this Report (the “Preference Shares”).
A description of the rights, preferences and privileges relating to the Company’s Preference Shares is as follows:
| (a) | Our Preference Shares have a par value of one-tenth of one cent (1/10) and are redeemable, voting, non-participating shares. |
| (b) | No dividends at any time shall be declared, set aside or paid on our Preference Shares. |
| (c) | In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding of the Company or other distribution of assets or property of the Company among shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of the Preference Shares shall be entitled to receive from the assets and property of the Company a sum equivalent to the aggregate par value of the Preference Shares held by them respectively before any amount shall be paid or any property or assets of the Company distributed to holders of any shares of our common stock or shares of any other class ranking junior to the Preference Shares. After payment to the holders of the Preference Shares of the amount so payable to them as above provided, they shall not be entitled to share in any further distribution of the assets or property of the Company. |
| (d) | The Company may not redeem the Preference Shares prior to the expiration of five years from the respective dates of issuance thereof, without the prior consent of the holders of the Preference Shares to be redeemed. The Company shall redeem all of the then outstanding Preference Shares five years from the respective dates of issue. |
| (e) | The Company may at any time or times purchase for cancellation all or any part of the Preference Shares outstanding from time to time from the holders thereof, at a price not exceeding the par value thereof, with the consent of the holders thereof. |
| (f) | The holders of the Preference Shares shall be entitled to receive notice of and attend all meetings of shareholders of the Company and shall have one (1) vote for each Preference Share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. |
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Other Provisions
The following special provisions shall be applicable to the Company:
Subject to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act, as amended or re-enacted from time to time, the directors may, without authorization of the shareholders:
| (i) | borrow money on the credit of the Company; |
| (ii) | issue, re-issue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Company; |
| (iii) | give a guarantee on behalf of the Company to secure performance of an obligation of any person; |
| (iv) | mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any property of the Company owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of the Company; and |
| (v) | by resolution, delegate any or all such powers to a director, a committee of directors or an officer of the Company. |
Articles of Amendment dated effective March 16, 2012
By Articles of Amendment dated effective March 16, 2012, our Articles were amended:
| a) | To change each issued and outstanding common share in the capital of the Company into two (2) common share of the Company (the “Stock Split”) effective as of the close of business on March 16, 2012; and |
| b) | To provide that no fractional shares shall be issued as a result of the Stock Split, and if any fractional share would otherwise result from the Stock Split, such fractional share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share and distributed to the holder of the fractional interest as his or her interest appears. |
Articles of Amendment dated effective November 1, 2018
Effective November 1, 2018, we changed our name from Novicius Corp. to Grown Rogue International Inc.
Bylaws
At the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on February 24, 2012, shareholders approved a resolution to repeal and replace the Company’s By-Law No. 1 and Special By-Law No. 1 (the “Old By-Laws”) with a new By-Law No. 1 (the “Bylaws”) in order to reflect the current circumstances and practices of the Company and certain amendments to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the “OBCA”), which came into force on August 1, 2007.
No director of ours is permitted to vote on any resolution to approve a material contract or transaction in which such director has a material interest (Bylaws, Article 3.17).
Neither our Articles nor our Bylaws limit the directors’ power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body. The Bylaws provide that directors shall receive remuneration as the Board of Directors shall determine from time to time (Bylaws, Article 3.19).
Under our Articles and Bylaws, our Board of Directors may, without the authorization of our shareholders, (i) borrow money upon our credit; (ii) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of ours; whether secured or unsecured (iii) give a guarantee on behalf of us to secure performance of obligations; and (iv) charge, mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, property of ours to secure obligations(Bylaws, Article 13.1).
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The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held at such time in each year as the Board, the Chairman of the Board (if any), the Chief Executive Officer, or the President may from time to time determine, for the purpose of considering the financial statements and reports required by the OBCA to be placed before the annual meeting, electing directors, appointing an auditor and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting (Bylaws, Article 9.1).
The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board (if any) or the President shall have power to call a special meeting of shareholders at any time (Bylaws, Article 9.2).
Shareholders of record must be given notice of any meeting not less than 21 days or more than 50 days before the date of the meeting or as otherwise prescribed by applicable laws. Notice of a meeting of shareholders called for any purpose other than consideration of the financial statements and auditors’ report, election of directors and reappointment of the incumbent auditor shall state or be accompanied by a statement of the nature of such business in sufficient detail to permit the shareholder to form a reasoned judgment thereon and the text of any special resolution or by-law to be submitted to the meeting (Bylaws, Article 9.4). Our Board of Directors is permitted to fix a record date for any meeting of the shareholders that is between 30 and 60 days prior to such meeting or as otherwise prescribed by applicable laws. (Bylaws, Article 9.6). The only persons entitled to be present at a meeting of shareholders shall be those entitled to vote thereat, the directors and the auditor of the Company and others who, although not entitled to vote are entitled or required under any provision of the OBCA or the Articles or the Bylaws to be present at the meeting. Any other person may be admitted only on the invitation of the chairman of the meeting or with the consent of the meeting (Bylaws, Article 9.9).
Neither our Articles nor our Bylaws discuss limitations on the rights to own securities or exercise voting rights thereon, and there is no provision of our Articles or Bylaws that would delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us, or that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition, or corporate restructuring involving us or any of its subsidiaries. Our Bylaws do not contain a provision indicating an ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Articles of Amendment dated effective August 25, 2014
By Articles of Amendment dated effective August 25, 2014, our Articles were amended to change our name from Eagleford Energy Inc., to Eagleford Energy Corp., and
| a) | To change every ten (10) issued and outstanding common share in the capital of the Company into one (1) common share of the Company (the “Stock Consolidation”) effective as of the close of business on August 25, 2014; and |
| b) | To provide that no fractional shares shall be issued as a result of the Stock Consolidation and if any fractional share would otherwise result from the Stock Split, such fractional share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share and distributed to the holder of the fractional interest as his or her interest appears. |
Articles of Amendment dated effective February 1, 2016
By Articles of Amendment dated effective February 1, 2016, our Articles were amended to change our name from Eagleford Energy Corp., to Intelligent Content Enterprises Inc., and
| a) | To change every ten (10) issued and outstanding common share in the capital of the Company into one (1) common share of the Company (the “Stock Consolidation”) effective as of the close of business on February 1, 2016; and |
| b) | To provide that no fractional shares shall be issued as a result of the Stock Consolidation and if any fractional share would otherwise result from the Stock Split, such fractional share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share and distributed to the holder of the fractional interest as his or her interest appears. |
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Articles of Amendment dated effective June 27, 2024
By Articles of Amendment dated effective June 27, 2024, our Articles were amended to redesignate its existing class of common shares without par value in the Company’s capital as subordinate voting shares and created a new class of unlisted multiple voting shares..
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of SV Shares and an unlimited number of MV Shares, issuable in series with the following attributes:
Terms of Subordinate Voting Shares
| (1) | An unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares, without nominal or par value, having attached thereto the special rights and restrictions as set forth below: |
| (a) | Voting Rights. Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation. At each such meeting, holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share held, except a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Corporation shall have the right to vote. |
| (b) | Alteration to Rights of Subordinate Voting Shares. As long as any Subordinate Voting Shares remain outstanding, the Corporation will not, without the consent of the holders of the Subordinate Voting Shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the Subordinate Voting Shares. |
| (c) | Dividends. Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to receive as and when declared by the directors, dividends in cash or property of the Corporation. No dividend will be declared or paid on the Subordinate Voting Shares unless the Corporation simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) on the Multiple Voting Shares. |
| (d) | Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Corporation ranking in priority to the Subordinate Voting Shares be entitled to participate rateably along with all other holders of Multiple Voting Shares (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) and Subordinate Voting Shares. |
| (e) | Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of Subordinate Voting Shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Corporation now or in the future. |
| (f) | Subdivision or Consolidation. No subdivision or consolidation of the Subordinate Voting Shares or Multiple Voting Shares shall occur unless, simultaneously, the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares are subdivided or consolidated in the same manner or such other adjustment is made so as to maintain and preserve the relative rights of the holders of the shares of each of the said classes. |
| (g) | Conversion. Each issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares may at any time, at the option of theholder, be converted at the inverse of the Conversion Ratio then in effect. The conversion right may be exercised at any time and from time to time by notice in writing delivered to the transfer agent accompanied by the certificate or certificates representing the Subordinate Voting Shares or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership as the transfer agent may require, in respect of which the holder wishes to exercise the right of conversion. The notice must be signed by the registered holder of the Subordinate Voting Shares in respect of which the right of conversion is being exercised or by his, her or its duly authorized attorney and must specify the number of Subordinate Voting Shares which the holder wishes to have converted. Upon receipt of the conversion notice and share certificate(s) or other evidence of ownership satisfactory to the transfer agent, and after paying any applicable stamp tax or similar duty on or in respect of such conversion, the Corporation will issue a share certificate or other evidence of ownership representing Multiple Voting Shares on the basis set out above to the registered holder of the Subordinate Voting Shares. If fewer than all of the Subordinate Voting Shares represented by a certificate accompanying the notice are to be converted, the holder is entitled to receive a new certificate representing the shares comprised in the original certificate which are not to be converted. Subordinate Voting Shares converted into Multiple Voting Shares hereunder will automatically be cancelled. |
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Terms of Multiple Voting Shares
| (1) | An unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares, without nominal or par value, having attached thereto the special rights and restrictions as set forth below: |
| (a) | Voting Rights. Holders of Multiple Voting Shares shall be entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation. At each such meeting, except for a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Corporation shall have the right to vote, holders of Multiple Voting Shares will be entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share into which such Multiple Voting Share could ultimately then be converted, which for greater certainty, shall initially equal 1,000 votes per Multiple Voting Share. |
| (b) | Alteration to Rights of Multiple Voting Shares. As long as any Multiple Voting Shares remain outstanding, the Corporation will not, without the consent of the holders of the Multiple Voting Shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the Multiple Voting Shares. Consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Multiple Voting Shares shall be required for any action that authorizes or creates shares of any class having preferences superior to or on a parity with the Multiple Voting Shares. In connection with the exercise of the voting rights contained in this paragraph (b) each holder of Multiple Voting Shares will have one vote in respect of each Multiple Voting Share held. |
| (c) | Dividends. The holder of Multiple Voting Shares shall have the right to receive dividends, out of any cash or other assets legally available therefor, pari passu (on an as converted basis, assuming conversion of all Multiple Voting Shares into Subordinate Voting Shares at the Conversion Ratio) as to dividends and any declaration or payment of any dividend on the Subordinate Voting Shares. No dividend will be declared or paid on the Multiple Voting Shares unless the Corporation simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) on the Subordinate Voting Shares. |
| (d) | Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of Multiple Voting Shares will, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Corporation ranking in priority to the Multiple Voting Shares, be entitled to participate rateably along with all other holders of Multiple Voting Shares(on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) and Subordinate Voting Shares. |
| (e) | Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of Multiple Voting Shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of Subordinate Voting Shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Corporation now or in the future. |
| (f) | Conversion. Holders of Multiple Voting Shares Holders shall have conversion rights as follows (the “Conversion Rights”): |
| (i) | Right to Convert. Each issued and outstanding Multiple Voting Share may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted into fully paid and non-assessable Subordinate Voting Shares as is determined by multiplying the number of Multiple Voting Shares by the Conversion Ratio applicable to such share, determined as hereafter provided, in effect on the date the Multiple Voting Share is surrendered for conversion. The initial “Conversion Ratio” for shares of Multiple Voting Shares shall be 1,000 Subordinate Voting Shares for each Multiple Voting Share; provided, however, that the Conversion Ratio shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in this Section (g). |
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| (ii) | Mandatory Conversion. Notwithstanding any other term herein, the Corporation may require each holder of Multiple Voting Shares to convert all, and not less than all, the Multiple Voting Shares at the applicable Conversion Ratio (a “Mandatory Conversion”) if at any time all the following conditions are satisfied (or otherwise waived by special resolution of holders of Multiple Voting Shares): |
| (A) | the Subordinate Voting Shares issuable upon conversion of all the Multiple Voting Shares are registered for resale and may be sold by the holder thereof pursuant to an effective registration statement and/or prospectus covering the Subordinate Voting Shares under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”); |
| (B) | the Corporation is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (C) | the Subordinate Voting Shares are listed or quoted (and are not suspended from trading) on a recognized North American stock exchange. |
| C. | MATERIAL CONTRACTS |
During the two year period preceding the filing date of this Report, we entered into the following material contracts:
On April 14, 2022, the Company purchased indoor growing assets from HSCP. Purchase consideration included a secured promissory note payable with a principal sum of $1,250,000, of which $500,000 was due on August 1, 2022 and $750,000 was due on May 1, 2023, before amendment of the agreement, which is described below. The collateral for the secured promissory note payable is comprised of the assets purchased.
On August 1, 2022, the terms of the secured promissory note between GR Distribution and HSCP, were amended (the “First Amendment”). As amended, the secured promissory note will be fully settled by two principal amounts of $500,000 (the “First Principal Payment”) and $750,000 due on May 1, 2023. Beginning on August 1, 2022, and continuing until repaid in full, the unpaid portion of the First Principal Amount will accrue simple interest at a rate per annum of 12.5%, payable monthly. In the event the Company raises capital, principal payments shall be made as follows. If the capital raise is less than or equal to $2 million, then 25% of the capital raise shall be paid against the First Principal Payment; if the capital raise is greater than $2 million and less than or equal to $3 million, then $250,000 shall be paid against the First Principal Payment; and if the capital raise is greater than $3 million, then $500,000 shall be paid against the First Principal Payment.
On March 4, 2024, the Company signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture (the “JV”) with EBC Ventures, signaling the Company’s entrance into the Illinois market. The JV entered into a definitive agreement on February 22, 2024 to acquire 100% of CannEquality, LLC, which holds a craft growers license with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (“IDOA”). The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval from the IDOA. Pursuant to the definitive purchase agreement, Grown Rogue will own 70% of the JV and has agreed to contribute up to US$6,000,000 to support the development of the facility. The buildout will initially include ~5,000 square feet of canopy and 4,700 square feet of dedicated processing and manufacturing space, with the ability to increase to a total of 14,000 square feet of canopy allowed under the license. The JV agreement includes multiple purchase options, which ultimately give Grown Rogue the ability to acquire 100% of the membership interests of the JV.
On March 27, 2025, the Company closed a US$7.0M credit facility with a national, FDIC-insured commercial bank. The Company intends to use the proceeds to support existing growth initiatives, provide additional working capital, and refinancing a small amount of existing debt. The obligations owing under the credit facility are secured by way of a general security agreement. The credit facility has a term of four years and bears interest at a rate equal to the greater of a) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 4.9% and b) 9.0% per annum. Based on the current SOFR rate of 4.3%, this implies a current interest rate of 9.2% per annum. The facility amortizes over a six-year period and there are no prepayment penalties. Interest will be paid on a monthly basis.
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| D. | EXCHANGE CONTROLS |
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, or affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of our SV Shares, other than withholding tax requirements (See “Taxation” below).
Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act, there are no limitations imposed under the laws of Canada, the Province of Ontario, or by our constituent documents on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote our SV Shares.
The Investment Canada Act (the “ICA”), which became effective on June 30, 1985, regulates the acquisition by non-Canadians of control of a Canadian business enterprise. In effect, the ICA requires review by Investment Canada, the agency which administers the ICA, and approval by the Canadian government, in the case of an acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian where: (i) in the case of a direct acquisition (for example, through a share purchase or asset purchase), the assets of the business are CAD $5 million or more in value; or (ii) in the case of an indirect acquisition (for example, the acquisition of the foreign parent of the Canadian business) where the Canadian business has assets of CAD $5 million or more in value or if the Canadian business represents more than 50% of the assets of the original group and the Canadian business has assets of CAD $5 million or more in value. Review and approval are also required for the acquisition or establishment of a new business in areas concerning “Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity” such as book publishing, film production and distribution, television and radio production and distribution of music, and the oil and natural gas industry, regardless of the size of the investment.
As applied to an investment in us, three methods of acquiring control of a Canadian business would be regulated by the ICA: (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets used in carrying on the Canadian business; (ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on the Canadian business; or (iii) the acquisition of voting shares of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on a Canadian business. An acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of an entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the ICA. An acquisition of less than one-third of the voting shares of a corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it can be established that on the acquisition the corporation is not, in fact, controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares. For partnerships, trusts, joint ventures or other unincorporated entities, an acquisition of less than a majority of the voting interests is deemed not to be an acquisition of control.
In 1988, the ICA was amended, pursuant to the Free Trade Agreement dated January 2, 1988 between Canada and the United States, to relax the restrictions of the ICA. As a result of these amendments, except where the Canadian business is in the cultural, oil and gas, uranium, financial services or transportation sectors, the threshold for direct acquisition of control by U.S. investors and other foreign investors acquiring control of a Canadian business from US investors has been raised from CAD $5 million to CAD $150 million of gross assets, and indirect acquisitions are not reviewable.
In addition to the foregoing, the ICA requires that all other acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians are subject to formal notification to the Canadian government. These provisions require a foreign investor to give notice in the required form, which notices are for information, as opposed to review, purposes.
| E. | TAXATION |
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to a holder of our SV Shares which are quoted on the OTC Markets, who, at all material times, is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (the “Treaty”) entitled to the full benefit of the Treaty and is not a resident, or deemed to be a resident, of Canada, deals at arm’s length and is not affiliated with the Company, did not acquire our SV Shares by virtue of employment, is not a financial institution, specified financial institution, registered non-resident insurer, authorized foreign bank, partnership or a trust as defined in the ITA, holds our SV Shares as capital property and as beneficial owner, and does not use or hold, is not deemed to use or hold, his or her Company in connection with carrying on a business in Canada and, did not, does not and will not have a fixed base or permanent establishment in Canada within the meaning of the Treaty (a “non-resident holder”).
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This description is based upon the current provisions of the ITA, the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), management’s understanding of the current publicly announced administration and assessing policies of Canada Revenue Agency, and all specific proposals (the “Tax Proposals”) to amend the ITA and Regulations announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof. This description is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and, except for the Tax Proposals, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action, nor does it take into account any income tax laws or considerations of any province or territory of Canada or foreign tax considerations which may differ significantly from those discussed below.
The following discussion is for general information only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder of Company of the Company, and no opinion or representation with respect to the Canadian Federal Income Tax consequences to any such holder or prospective holder is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of Company are urged to consult with their own tax advisors about the federal, provincial and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of Company.
Dividends
Dividends paid on our SV Shares to a non-resident holder will be subject to a 25% withholding tax pursuant to the provision of the ITA. The Treaty provides that the normal 25% withholding tax rate is generally reduced to 15% on dividends paid on shares of a corporation resident in Canada (such as the Company) to beneficial owners who are residents of the United States. However, if the beneficial owner is a resident of the United States and is a corporation which owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company, the withholding tax rate on dividends is reduced to 5%.
Capital Gains
A non-resident of Canada is subject to tax under the ITA in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of a share of a corporation if the shares are considered to be “taxable Canadian property” of the holder within the meaning of the ITA and no relief is afforded under an applicable tax treaty. For purposes of the ITA, a subordinate voting share of the Company will be taxable Canadian property to a non-resident holder if more than 50% of the fair market value of the subordinate voting share during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition of the subordinate voting share, was derived directly or indirectly from real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties or any options or interests in such properties.
In the case of a non-resident holder to whom our subordinate voting represent taxable Canadian property and who is a resident in the United States and not a former resident of Canada, no Canadian taxes will be payable on a capital gain realized on such shares by reason of the Treaty unless the value of such shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada within the meaning of the Treaty at the time of the disposition.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general discussion of certain possible U.S. federal income tax consequences, under current law, generally applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of our subordinate voting shares. This discussion does not address all potentially relevant U.S. federal income tax matters and does not address consequences peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of U.S. federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences (See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” above).
The following discussion is based upon the sections of the IRC, Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. The following discussion is for general information only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder or prospective holder of our SV Shares, and no opinion or representation with respect to the United States Federal income tax consequences to any such holder or prospective holder is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of our SV Shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the Federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our SV Shares.
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U.S. Holders
As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” means a holder of our SV Shares who is a citizen or individual resident (as defined under United States tax laws) of the United States; a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof; an estate the income of which is taxable in the United States irrespective of source; or a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (b) the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and has properly elected to continue to be treated as a United States person. This summary does not address the United States tax consequences to, and U.S. Holder does not include, persons subject to specific provisions of federal income tax law, including but not limited to tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals, persons or entities that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, persons who hold our SV Shares as part of a straddle, hedging or a conversion transaction, and persons who acquire their SV Shares as compensation for services. This discussion is limited to U.S. Holders who own our SV Shares as capital assets and who hold our SV Shares directly (e.g., not through an intermediary entity such as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or trust). This discussion does not address the consequences to a person or entity of the ownership, exercise or disposition of any options, warrants or other rights to acquire our SV Shares.
Distributions on our SV Shares
Subject to the discussion below regarding passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), the gross amount of any distribution (including non-cash property) by us (including any Canadian taxes withheld therefrom) with respect to our SV Shares generally should be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as foreign source dividend income to the extent such distribution is paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits of ours, as determined under United States Federal income tax principles. Distributions received by non-corporate U.S. Holders may be subject to United States Federal income tax at lower rates than other types of ordinary income (generally 15%) in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010 if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the Company not being classified as a PFIC, it being a “qualified foreign corporation,” the U.S. Holder’s satisfaction of a holding period requirement, and the U.S. Holder not treating the distribution as “investment income” for purposes of the investment interest deduction rules. To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution first will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our SV Shares and to the extent that such distribution exceeds the Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our SV Shares, will be taxed as capital gain. In the case of U.S. Holders that are corporations, such dividends generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction.
If a U.S. Holder receives a dividend in Canadian dollars, the amount of the dividend for United States federal income tax purposes will be the U.S. dollar value of the dividend (determined at the spot rate on the date of such payment) regardless of whether the payment is later converted into U.S. dollars. In such case, the U.S. Holder may recognize additional ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date on which the dividend is paid and the date the dividend amount is converted into U.S. dollars.
Disposition of our SV Shares
Subject to the discussion below regarding PFIC’s, gain or loss, if any, realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of our SV Shares (including, without limitation, a complete redemption of our SV Shares) generally will be subject to United States Federal income taxation as capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our SV Shares and the amount realized on the disposition. Net capital gain (i.e., capital gain in excess of capital loss) recognized by a non-corporate U.S. Holder (including an individual) upon a sale or other disposition of our SV Shares that have been held for more than one year will generally be subject to a maximum United States federal income tax rate of 15% subject to the PFIC rules below. Deductions for capital losses are subject to certain limitations. If the U.S. Holder receives Canadian dollars on the sale or disposition, it will have a tax basis in such dollars equal to the U.S. dollar value. Generally, any gain or loss realized on a subsequent disposition of the Canadian dollars will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
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U.S. “Anti-Deferral” Rules
Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) Regime. If we, or a non-U.S. entity directly or indirectly owned by us (“Related Entity”), has 75% or more of its gross income as “passive” income, or if the average value during a taxable year of ours or the Related Entity’s “passive assets” (generally, assets that generate passive income) is 50% or more of the average value of all assets held by us or the Related Entity, then the United States PFIC rules may apply to U.S. Holders. If we or a Related Entity is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be subject to increased tax liability in respect of gain recognized on the sale of his, her or its SV Shares or upon the receipt of certain distributions, unless such person makes a “qualified electing fund” election to be taxed currently on its pro rata portion of our income and gain, whether or not such income or gain is distributed in the form of dividends or otherwise, and we provide certain annual statements which include the information necessary to determine inclusions and assure compliance with the PFIC rules. As another alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder may make a mark-to-market election to include in income each year as ordinary income an amount equal to the increase in value of its SV Shares for that year or to claim a deduction for any decrease in value (but only to the extent of previous mark-to-market gains). We or a related entity can give no assurance as to its status as a PFIC for the current or any future year. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the PFIC issue and its applicability to their particular tax situation.
Controlled Foreign Corporation Regime (“CFC”). If a U.S. Holder (or person defined as a U.S. person under Section 7701(a) of the IRC) owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock (a “U.S. Shareholder”) and U.S. Shareholders own more than 50% of the vote or value of our Company, we would be a “controlled foreign corporation”. This classification would result in many complex consequences, including the required inclusion into income by such U. S. Shareholders of their pro rata shares of “Subpart F income” of our Company (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) and our earnings invested in “U.S. property” (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, gain from the sale or exchange of our SV Shares by a US person who is or was a U. S. Shareholder at any time during the five year period before the sale or exchange may be treated as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and profits of ours attributable to the stock sold or exchanged. It is not clear the CFC regime would apply to the U.S. Holders of our SV Shares, and is outside the scope of this discussion.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to us may be entitled to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld, at the option of the U.S. Holder. Generally, it will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States federal income tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer’s income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and generally applies to all foreign taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year.
There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder’s United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder’s foreign source income bears to its worldwide taxable income. This limitation is designed to prevent foreign tax credits from offsetting United States source income. In determining this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process.
In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific “baskets” of income such as passive income, high withholding tax interest, financial services income, shipping income, and certain other classifications of income. Foreign taxes assigned to a particular class of income generally cannot offset United States tax on income assigned to another class. Under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Act”), this basket limitation will be modified significantly after 2006.
Unused foreign tax credits can generally be carried back one year and carried forward ten years. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the ability to utilize foreign tax credits, especially in light of the changes made by the Act.
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Backup Withholding
Payment of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting requirement and to backup withholding unless the U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred.
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the US Federal income tax liability of the U.S. Holder and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
| F. | DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS |
Not applicable.
| G. | STATEMENT BY EXPERTS |
Not applicable.
| H. | DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY |
The documents and exhibits referred to in this Report are available for inspection at the registered and management office at 340 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1X2 during normal business hours.
| I. | SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 11 | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and as such, we are not required to provide the information required under this Item.
| ITEM 12 | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
| A. | DEBT SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
| B. | WARRANTS AND RIGHTS |
Not applicable.
| C. | OTHER SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
| D. | AMERICAN DEPOSITORY SHARES |
Not applicable.
81
PART II
| ITEM 13 | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 14 | MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 15 | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, J. Obie Strickler, and Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Marchington, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to us, required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective.
Our independent auditor was not engaged to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Had an independent auditor been engaged to do so, additional control deficiencies may have been identified.
82
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Our control systems are designed to provide such reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include, but are not limited to, the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
| ITEM 16 | [RESERVED] |
| ITEM 16A. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Ryan Kee is an “audit committee financial expert”, as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F, and is “independent,” as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Global Market. Ryan Kee is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Please see Item 6.A – Directors and Senior Management for Mr. Kee’s biographical information.
| ITEM 16B. | CODE OF ETHICS |
We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) for our directors, officers and employees. The board encourages following the Code by making it widely available. It is distributed to directors in the Director’s Manual and to officers, employees and consultants at the commencement of their employment or consultancy. The Code reminds those engaged in service to us that they are required to report perceived or actual violations of the law, violations of our policies, dangers to health, safety and the environment, risks to our property, and accounting or auditing irregularities to the chair of the Audit Committee. In addition, to requiring directors, officers and employees to abide by the Code, we encourage consultants, service providers and all parties who engage in business with us to contact the chair of the Audit Committee regarding any perceived and all actual breaches by our directors, officers and employees of the Code. The chair of our Audit Committee is responsible for investigating complaints, presenting complaints to the applicable board committee or the board as a whole, and developing a plan for promptly and fairly resolving complaints. Upon conclusion of the investigation and resolution of a complaint, the chair of our Audit Committee will advise the complainant of the corrective action measures that have been taken or advise the complainant that the complaint has not been substantiated. The Code prohibits retaliation by us, our directors and management, against complainants who raise concerns in good faith and requires us to maintain the confidentiality of complainants to the greatest extent practical. Complainants may also submit their concerns anonymously in writing. In addition to the Code, we have an Audit Committee Charter and a Policy of Procedures for Disclosure Concerning Financial/Accounting Irregularities.
83
Since the beginning of our most recently completed financial year, no material change reports have been filed that pertain to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Code. The Board of Directors encourages and promotes a culture of ethical business conduct by appointing directors who demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards in their business dealings and personal affairs. Directors are required to abide by the Code and expected to make responsible and ethical decisions in discharging their duties, thereby setting an example of the standard to which management and employees should adhere. The board is required by the Board Mandate to satisfy our CEO and other executive officers are acting with integrity and fostering a culture of integrity throughout the Company. The board is responsible for reviewing departures from the Code, reviewing and either providing or denying waivers from the Code, and disclosing any waivers that are granted in accordance with applicable law. In addition, the board is responsible for responding to potential conflict of interest situations, particularly with respect to considering existing or proposed transactions and agreements in respect of which directors or executive officers advise they have a material interest. The Board of Directors’ mandate requires that directors and executive officers disclose any interest and the extent, no matter how small, of their interest in any transaction or agreement with us, and that directors excuse themselves from both board deliberations and voting in respect of transactions in which they have an interest. By taking these steps the board strives to ensure that directors exercise independent judgment, unclouded by the relationships of the directors and executive officers to each other and us, in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which directors and executive officers have an interest. Our Code applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions of the Company. There have been no waivers of our Code granted to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or similar persons during the period covered by this Report.
Upon written request to us at our registered and management office, attention: President, we will provide by mail, to any person without charge a copy of our Code.
| ITEM 16C. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
It is the policy of the Audit Committee that all audit and non-audit services are pre-approved prior to engagement. Before the initiation of each audit, the principal accountant submits a budget of the expected range of expenditures to complete their audit engagement (including Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees) to the Audit Committee for approval. In the event that the principal accountant exceeds these parameters, the individual auditor is expected to communicate to management the reasons for the variances, so that such variances can be ratified by the Audit Committee. As a result, 100% of expenditures within the scope of the noted budget are approved by the Audit Committee.
During the year ended December 31 2024, and fiscal 2023 and 2022, there were no hours performed by any person other than the primary accountant’s fulltime permanent employees.
Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, no recommendations were made by the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor.
External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)
The aggregate fees billed or accrued for professional fees rendered by our external auditors for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023 and years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Nature of Services | Year
ended December 31, 2024 | Two
months ended December 31, 2023 | Year
ended October 31, 2023 | Year
ended October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Audit Fees(1) | $ | 113,257 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | ||||||||
| Audit-Related Fees(2) | NIL | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
| Tax Fees(3) | NIL | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
| All Other Fees(4) | NIL | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||
| TOTALS | $ | 113,257 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | ||||||||
84
Notes:
| 1. | “Audit Fees” include fees necessary to perform the annual audit and any quarterly reviews of the Company’s financial statements management discussion and analysis. This includes fees for the review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. This also includes audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. |
| 2. | “Audit-Related Fees” include fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and that are not included in “Audit Fees”. |
| 3. | “Tax Fees” include fees for all professional services rendered by the Company’s auditors for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
| 4. | “All Other Fees” include all fees for products and services provided by the Company’s auditors not included in “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees”. |
| ITEM 16D. | EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16E. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16F. | CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT |
Appointment of DMCL LLP
Effective November 14, 2019, directors of the Company approved the appointment of DMCL LLP (“DMCL”), as successor auditors for the year ended October 31, 2019.
During the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted DMCL regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided us that DMCL concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and related instructions to Item 16-F of Form 20-F) with DMCL or a “reportable event” (as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).
Our First Notice of Change of Auditor dated November 4, 2019; the resignation of MNP effective October 31, 2019; and the acceptance of appointment of auditors from DMCL dated November 14, 2019 were previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on November 14, 2019 (Exhibit 4.48).
Resignation of DMCL LLP
DMCL tendered their resignation as auditors of the Company effective November 16, 2021.
The resignation of DMCL was considered and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
DMCL’s reports on the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles
During the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no (i) disagreements with DMCL on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in connection with their report to the subject matter of the disagreement, or (ii) reportable events.
85
Appointment of Turner, Stone and Company, L.L.P.
Effective December 6, 2021, directors of the Company approved the appointment of Turner, Stone & Company, L.L.P. (“Turner”) as successor auditors for the year ended October 31, 2021. Turner also audited the financial statements of GR Unlimited for the year ended October 31, 2018 and the period from October 31, 2016 to October 31, 2017.
During the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted Turner regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided us that Turner concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and related instructions to Item 16-F of Form 20-F) with Turner or a “reportable event” (as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).
Our First Notice of Change of Auditor dated December 7, 2021; the resignation of DMCL effective November 16, 2021; and the acceptance of appointment of auditors from Turner dated December 6, 2020 were previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on January 10, 2022 (Exhibit 15.3).
| ITEM 16G. | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16H. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16I. | DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTION |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16J. | INSIDER TRADING POLICIES |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 16K. | CYBERSECURITY |
Not applicable.
86
PART III
| ITEM 17 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 18 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The following attached Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this Report on Form 20-F beginning with page F-1:
| 1. | Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Grown Rogue International Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, comprised of the following: |
| (a) | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Turner, Stone & Company, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022; |
| (b) | Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023; |
| (c) | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022; |
| (d) | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022; |
| (e) | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022; |
| (f) | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
87
| ITEM 19 | EXHIBITS |
The following exhibits are included in the Consolidated Financial Statement Report on Form 20-F:
88
| Reference # | Incorporated by Reference | |
| (1) | Previously filed on April 29, 2009 by Registrant as part of Registration Statement on Form 20-F (SEC File No. 0-53646) | |
| (2) | Previously Filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on December 1, 2009 | |
| (3) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on February 1, 2012 | |
| (4) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on March 9, 2012 | |
| (5) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on August 20, 2014 | |
| (6) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on February 4, 2016 | |
| (7) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on March 9, 2016 | |
| (8) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on December 29, 2016 | |
| (9) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 20-F on March 13, 2024 | |
| (10) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on December 4, 2020 | |
| (11) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on January 22, 2021 | |
| (12) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on December 7, 2021 | |
| (13) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on November 15, 2018 | |
| (14) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 20-F on April 30, 2024 | |
| (15) | Filed as an Exhibit hereto | |
| (16) | Previously filed by Registrant on Form 6-K on April 10, 2025 |
89
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Report on its behalf.
| Grown Rogue International Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | ||
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | ||
| Title: | President & Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: April 29, 2025
90
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Grown Rogue International Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022, comprised of the following:
F-1

GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023
and the Years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars
F-2
F-3

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Grown Rogue International, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Grown Rogue International, Inc. (the “Company”) as of at December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and October 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2024, October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, and two months ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and October 31, 2023 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31 2024, October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, and two months ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
|
Turner, Stone & Company, L.L.P. Accountants and Consultants 12700 Park Central Drive, Suite 1400 Dallas, Texas 75251 Telephone: 972-239-1660 ⁄ Facsimile: 972-239-1665 Toll Free: 877-853-4195 Web site: turnerstone.com |
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS |
F-4
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matters communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
| ● | Measurement of fair value of biological assets |
The fair value of the Company’s Biological assets through subsidiaries and joint operations amounts to USD 1,554,622 as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s biological assets consist of cannabis plants. After planting, fair value is estimated at the fair value of the market sales price of the finished product less costs to sell. Fair value less cost to sell is determined using a model which estimates the expected harvest yield for plants currently being cultivated, and then adjusts that amount for the expected selling price and also for any additional costs to be incurred, such as post-harvest costs.
Given the value of the biological assets, together with the significant judgements and estimates that are required in determining the fair value, the valuation of biological assets is considered a key audit matter. Refer to note 3 for detailed information on biological assets.
Our approach to addressing the matter included the following procedures, among others:
| ■ | Reviewed the principles used in the valuation of biological assets and analyzed the key assumptions used in the valuation model. |
| ■ | Detailed testing was performed on the key inputs into the biological assets valuation model including expected harvest yield, estimated selling prices and cost to complete to confirm the validity, accuracy and completeness of the data by comparing the data to market and other external data where applicable. |
| ■ | We recalculated the fair values recognized. |
| ■ | Reviewed the disclosures relating to biological assets in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards. |

We have served as Grown Rogue International Inc.’s auditor since 2021.
April 29, 2025
F-5
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Expressed in United States Dollars
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||
| Cash | ||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable (Note 18) | ||||||||||||
| Biological assets (Note 3) | ||||||||||||
| Inventory (Note 4) | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ||||||||||||
| Notes receivable (Note 6.2) | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment (Note 8) | ||||||||||||
| Other investments | ||||||||||||
| Notes receivable (Notes 6.2.1 and 6.2.2) | ||||||||||||
| Warrants asset (Note 13.2) | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets and goodwill (Note 9) | ||||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets (Note 20) | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of lease liabilities (Note 7) | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10) | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of convertible debentures | ||||||||||||
| Business acquisition consideration payable (Note 5) | ||||||||||||
| Derivative liability (Notes 11.1.1, 11.2 and 11.2.1) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax payable | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities (Note 7) | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt (Note 10) | ||||||||||||
| Business acquisition consideration payable | ||||||||||||
| Uncertain tax position liability | ||||||||||||
| Convertible debentures (Notes 11.1, 11.2 and 11.2.1) | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| EQUITY | ||||||||||||
| Share capital (Note 12) | ||||||||||||
| Contributed surplus (Notes 13 and 14) | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( |
) | ( |
( |
) | |||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( |
) | ( |
( |
) | |||||||
| Equity attributable to shareholders | ||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest (Note 23) | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL EQUITY | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 24)
Subsequent events (Note 25)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Expressed in United States Dollars
| Year ended December 31, |
Two months ended December 31, |
Year ended October 31, |
Year ended October 31, |
|||||||||||||
| 2024 |
2023 |
|
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Product sales (Note 2.1.6.1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Service revenue (Note 2.1.6.2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Cost of service revenues | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Gross profit, excluding fair value items | ||||||||||||||||
| Realized fair value loss amounts in inventory sold | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Unrealized fair value gain on growth of biological assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of property and equipment | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income and (expense) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Accretion expense | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Other income (expense) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on debt settlement | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of note receivable | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on marketable securities | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative liability | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on warrants asset | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on equity investment in associate | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on disposal of property and equipment | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Total other expense, net | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations before taxes | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax (Note 20) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss): | ||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation gain (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) per share attributable to shareholders – basic | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) per share attributable to shareholders – diluted | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) for the year attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Shareholders | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) for the year attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Shareholders | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Expressed in United States Dollars
| Number of common shares |
Number of |
Number of multiple voting shares |
Total shares |
Share capital |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit |
Non- controlling interests |
Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| # | # | # | # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2023 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of options to common shares (Note 12.1) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial settlement of July Convertible Debentures for common shares (Note 12.3) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full settlement of December Convertible Debentures for common shares (Note 12.2) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full settlement of August Convertible Debentures for common shares (Note 12.4) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of warrants to common shares relating to December 2022 Convertible Debentures (Note 12.5) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of warrants to common shares relating to July 2023 Convertible Debentures (Note 12.5) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of warrants to common shares relating to August Convertible Debentures (Note 12.5) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance costs on proceeds received from warrant exercises (Note 12.5) | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment in Grown Rogue West New York | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend issued from Golden Harvests, LLC to minority owner | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC buyout of Canopy Management, LLC and Canopy Management, LLC’s acquisition of 20% of Golden Harvests, LLC (Note 22.1) | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC buyout of Canopy Management, LLC and acquisition of 20% of Golden Harvests, LLC (Note 22.1) | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roll off of non-controlling interest in GR Michigan LLC | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options and RSU vesting expense | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share reorganization (Note 12.6) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share reorganization (Note 12.6) | - | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2024 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Expressed in United States Dollars
| Number of common shares |
Share capital |
Shares issuable |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit |
Non- controlling interests |
Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2023 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option vesting expense | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation gain | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2023 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of common shares |
Share capital |
Shares issuable |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit |
Non- controlling interests |
Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2022 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares underlying shares issuable (Note 12.1) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option vesting expense | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation loss | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of option to acquire 87% of Canopy membership units | - | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodness Growth warrants swap | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of convertible debentures for common shares (Note 11.1.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2023 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of common shares |
Share capital |
Shares issuable |
Contributed surplus |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit |
Non- controlling interests |
Total equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2021 | |
( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for employment, director, and consulting services (Note 12.4) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private placement of shares (Note 12.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option vesting | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation loss | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | - | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2022 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Expressed in United States Dollars
| Year ended December 31, |
Two months ended December 31, |
Year ended October 31, |
Year ended October 31, |
|||||||||||||
| 2024 |
2023 |
|
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments for non-cash items in net income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of property and equipment | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of property and equipment included in costs of inventory sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized fair value gain on growth of biological assets | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Realized fair value loss amounts in inventory sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock option and restricted stock unit expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Accretion expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on equity investment in associate | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of note receivable | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on debt settlement | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| (Gain) Loss on disposal of property and equipment | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on marketable securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gain) loss on fair value of derivative liability | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on warrants asset | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Currency translation gain (loss) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital (Note 15) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment and intangibles | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Acquisition of Canopy Management and Golden Harvests | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Dividend issued from Golden Harvests, LLC to minority owner | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Payment of acquisition payable | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash advances and loans made to other parties | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Repayment of notes receivable principal and interest | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity investment in ABCO Garden State LLC | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of bridge note | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from convertible debentures | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of membership units | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from private placement | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from brokered private placement | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of equity debt and equity issuance costs | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of long-term debt | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Repayment of convertible debentures | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Payments of lease principal | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Change in cash | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Cash, beginning | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash, ending | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 1. | CORPORATE INFORMATION AND DEFINED TERMS |
| Corporate Information |
These consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, include the accounts of Grown Rogue International Inc. and its subsidiaries. The registered office is located at 40 King St W Suite 5800, Toronto, ON M5H 3S1.
Grown Rogue International Inc.’s subsidiaries and ownership thereof are summarized in the table below.
| Entity | “Defined Term” | Location | Purpose | Percentage Held | |||||
| The “ |
NA | ||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
|||||||||
| “ |
| * | ||
| ** |
The Company is primarily engaged in the business of growing and selling cannabis products. The primary cannabis product produced and sold is cannabis flower.
F-11
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND JUDGMENTS |
| 2.1 | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
| 2.1.1 | Statement of Compliance |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Commission (“IFRIC”). These consolidated financials are filed on the system for electronic document analysis and retrieval (SEDAR+).
The Board of Directors authorized the issuance of these consolidated financial statements on April 29, 2025.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set forth below.
| 2.1.2 | Basis of Consolidation |
The subsidiaries are those companies controlled by the Company, as the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiaries and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiaries by way of its ownership and rights pertaining to the subsidiaries. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in these consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date control ceases. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
| 2.1.3 | Basis of Measurement |
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments and biological assets, which are measured at fair value as described herein.
| 2.1.4 |
Change in Fiscal Year End |
In January 2024, the Company’s board of directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, effective immediately.
| 2.1.5 | Functional and Presentation Currency |
The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and the functional currency of its subsidiaries is the United States (“U.S.”) dollar. These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. All exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company are expressed in U.S. Dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and reported as currency translation reserve in shareholders’ equity.
Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which, in substance, is considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
F-12
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.1.6 | Revenue |
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied, which is upon the transfer of control of the contracted goods or provision of contracted services. Control of goods is transferred when title and physical possession of the contracted goods have been transferred to the customer, which is determined by the shipping terms and certain additional considerations. The Company does not have performance obligations subsequent to the transfer of title and physical possession of the contracted goods.
| 2.1.6.1 | Revenues From Sales of Goods |
Revenues from sales of goods are recognized when the transfer of ownership to the customer has occurred and the customer has accepted the product.
| 2.1.6.2 | Service Revenue |
Revenues from services are recognized when services have been provided, the income is determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company’s contract terms do not include a provision for significant post-service delivery obligations.
On May 24, 2023, GR Unlimited entered into a consulting agreement with Vireo Growth Inc. (formerly Goodness Growth Inc.) Under the consulting agreement, GR Unlimited supported Vireo Growth Inc. (“Vireo Growth”) in the optimization of its cannabis flower products, with a particular focus on improving the quality and yield of top-grade “A” cannabis flower across its various operating markets, including Maryland and Minnesota. The Vireo Growth consulting agreement and amendments provided for service revenue earned to be calculated beginning January 2023. Also see Note 13.2 for further discussion on the terms and termination of the Vireo Growth consulting agreement.
On July 1, 2024, GR Unlimited entered into three consulting agreements with ABCO Garden State LLC (“ABCO”). Under the consulting agreements with ABCO, GR Unlimited shall provide ABCO consulting services for operational, compliance and accounting support in ABCO’s New Jersey cultivation operations, which commenced sales in December 2024. The ABCO consulting agreements provide for service revenue earned to be calculated beginning July 2024. Also see Note 6.2 for further discussion on the Company’s equity method investment in ABCO.
| 2.1.7 | Inventory |
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The capitalized cost for produced inventory includes the direct and indirect costs initially capitalized to biological assets before the transfer to inventory. The capitalized cost also includes subsequent costs such as materials, labor, depreciation and amortization expense on equipment involved in packaging, labelling and inspection. The total cost of inventory also includes the fair value adjustment which represents the fair value of the biological asset at the time of harvest and which is transferred from biological asset costs to inventory upon harvest. All direct and indirect costs related to inventory are capitalized as they are incurred; these costs are recorded ‘Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold’ on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) at the time cannabis is sold. The realized fair value amounts included in inventory sold are recorded as a separate line on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
| 2.1.8 | Cost of Finished Cannabis Inventory Sold |
Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold includes the value of inventory sold, excluding the fair value adjustment carried from biological assets into inventory. Cost of finished cannabis inventory sold also includes the value of inventory write downs.
F-13
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.1.9 | Biological Assets |
Biological assets are measured at fair value. The Company’s biological assets consist of cannabis plants. The Company capitalizes all the direct and indirect costs as incurred related to the biological transformation of the biological assets between the point of initial recognition and the point of harvest, including direct costs, indirect costs, allocated fixed and variable overheads, and depreciation and amortization of equipment used to grow plants through the harvest of the plants. Before planting, the capitalized costs approximate fair value. After planting, fair value is estimated at the fair value of the market sales price of the finished product less costs to complete. Subsequent to harvest, the recognized biological asset amount becomes the cost basis of finished goods inventory. Unrealized gains or losses arising from changes in fair value less costs to sell during the period are included in the consolidated statements of income (loss) as ‘Unrealized fair value gain on growth of biological assets.’ After sale, the amount of ‘Unrealized fair value gain on growth of biological assets’ sold is recognized as ‘Realized fair value amounts in inventory sold’.
| 2.1.10 | Income (Loss) per Share |
Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. For all periods presented, the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders equals the reported income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of dilutive share options and warrants are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period.
| 2.1.11 | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
Liabilities are recognized for amounts to be paid in the future for goods or services received, whether billed by the supplier or not. Provisions are recognized when the Company has an obligation (legal or constructive) arising from a past event, and the costs to settle this obligation are both probable and able to be reliably measured.
| 2.1.12 | Related Party Transactions |
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are members of key management, subject to common control, or can exert significant influence over the company. Related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.
| 2.1.13 | Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Costs include borrowing costs for assets that require a substantial period of time to become ready for use.
F-14
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
Amortization is recognized so as to recognize the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives, using the straight-line method. Amortization begins when an asset is available for use, meaning that it is in the location and condition necessary for it to be used in the manner intended by management. The estimated useful lives, residual values and method of amortization are reviewed at each period end, with the effect of any changes in estimated useful lives and residual values accounted for on a prospective basis.
The Company capitalizes costs incurred to construct assets; when such assets are not available for use as intended by management, amortization expense is not recorded until constructed assets are placed into service.
Amortization is calculated applying the following useful lives:
| Furniture and fixtures | years on a straight-line basis | |||
| Computer and office equipment | years on a straight-line basis | |||
| Production equipment and other | years on a straight-line basis | |||
| Leasehold improvements | years on a straight-line basis |
The carrying values of property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists, and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount, being the higher of their fair value less costs of disposal and their value in use. Fair value is the price at which the asset could be bought or sold in an orderly transaction between market participants. In assessing value in use, the estimated cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
Right-of-use leased assets are measured at cost, which is calculated as the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability plus any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, any initial direct costs and related restoration costs. The right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset. Depreciation is recognized from the commencement date of the lease.
| 2.1.14 | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
For all long-lived assets, except for intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use, the Company reviews its carrying amount at the end of each reporting period to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. Where such impairment exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss.
An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pretax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment losses may be reversed in a subsequent period where the impairment no longer exists or has decreased. The carrying amount after a reversal must not exceed the carrying amount (net of depreciation) that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized. A reversal of impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss.
F-15
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.1.15 | Share-based Compensation |
| 2.1.15.1 | Share Based Payment Transactions |
Transactions with non-employees that are settled in equity instruments of the Company are measured at the fair value of the goods or services rendered. In situations where the fair value of the goods or services received by the entity as consideration cannot be reliably measured, transactions are measured at fair value of the equity instruments granted. The fair value of the share-based payments is recognized together with a corresponding increase in equity over a period that services are provided, or goods are received.
| 2.1.15.2 | Equity Settled Transactions |
The costs of equity settled transactions with employees are measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date on which they are granted, using the Black Scholes option pricing model.
The costs of equity settled transactions are recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (“the vesting date”). The cumulative cost is recognized for equity settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The profit or loss charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized at the beginning and end of that period and the corresponding amount is represented in contributed surplus. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest.
| 2.1.16 | Share Issuance Costs |
Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of equity are netted against the proceeds received net of tax. Costs related to the issuance of equity and incurred prior to issuance are recorded as deferred equity issuance costs and subsequently netted against proceeds when they are received.
| 2.1.17 | Income Taxes |
Tax expense includes current and deferred tax. This expense is recognized in profit or loss, except for income tax related to the components of other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, in which case the tax expense is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity respectively.
Current tax assets and liabilities are obligations or claims for the current and prior periods to be recovered from (or paid to) taxation authorities that are still outstanding at the end of the reporting period. Current tax is computed on the basis of tax profit which differs from net profit. Income taxes are calculated using tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.
Deferred tax is recognized based on temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities. Any change in the net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities is included in profit or loss. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on enacted or substantively enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to apply to taxable profit for the periods in which the assets and liabilities will be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized when it is likely they will be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
F-16
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The Company recognizes a deferred tax asset or liability for all deductible temporary differences arising from equity securities of subsidiaries, unless it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future and the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal.
The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which judgment occurs.
| 2.1.18 | Financial Instruments |
| 2.1.18.1 | Financial Assets |
Initial Recognition
The Company initially recognizes financial assets at fair value on the date that the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Company derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred.
Classification and measurement
Under IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments, financial assets are initially measured at fair value. In the case of a financial asset not categorized as Fair Value through Profit or Loss (“FVTPL”), transaction costs are included. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVTPL are expensed in net income (loss).
Subsequent classification and measurement of financial assets depends on the Company’s business objective for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the asset:
| - | Amortized cost – Financial assets held for collection of contractual cash flows that meet the Solely Payment of Principal and Interest (“SPPI”) test are measured at amortized cost. Interest income is recognized as Other income (expense) in the financial statements, and gains/losses are recognized in net income (loss) when the asset is derecognized or impaired. |
| - | Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”) – Financial assets held to achieve a particular business objective other than short term trading are designated at FVOCI. IFRS 9 also provides the ability to make an irrevocable election at initial recognition of a financial asset, on an instrument by instrument basis, to designate an equity investment that would otherwise be classified as FVTPL and that is neither held for trading nor contingent consideration arising from a business combination to be classified as FVOCI. There is no recycling of gains or losses through net income (loss). Upon derecognition of the asset, accumulated gains or losses are transferred from Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) directly to Deficit. |
| - | FVTPL – Financial assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. |
F-17
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.1.18.2 | Financial Liabilities |
The Company initially recognizes financial liabilities at fair value on the date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Company derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities is determined based on their classification as follows:
| - | FVTPL – Derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company that do not meet hedge accounting criteria are classified as FVTPL. Gains or losses on these types of financial liabilities are recognized in net income (loss). |
| - | Amortized cost – All other financial liabilities are classified as amortized cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses are recognized in net income (loss) when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the amortization process. |
The following table summarizes the original measurement categories for each class of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities:
| Asset/Liability | Classification | |
| Accounts receivable | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||
| Notes receivable | ||
| Marketable securities | ||
| Warrants asset | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||
| Long-term debt | ||
| Business acquisition payable | ||
| Interest payable | ||
| Convertible debentures | ||
| Derivative liabilities |
Impairment
IFRS 9 introduces a three-stage ECL model for determining impairment of financial assets. The expected credit loss model does not require the occurrence of a triggering event before an entity recognizes credit losses. IFRS 9 requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses upon initial recognition of a financial asset and to update the quantum of expected credit losses at the end of each reporting period to reflect changes to credit risk of the financial asset. The adoption of the ECL model did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the loss allowance for the financial asset is measured at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the loss allowance is measured for the financial asset at an amount equal to twelve month expected credit losses. For trade receivables the Company applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses, which allows the use of a lifetime expected loss provision. Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost are reversed in subsequent periods if the amount of the loss decreases and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized.
F-18
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.1.19 | Business Combinations |
A business combination is a transaction or event in which the acquirer obtains control of one or more businesses and is accounted for using the acquisition method. The total consideration paid for the acquisition is the aggregate of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and equity instruments issued in exchange for control of the acquiree at the acquisition date. The acquisition date is the date when the Company obtains control of the acquiree. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their acquisition date fair values, except for deferred taxes and share-based payment awards where IFRS provides exceptions to recording the amounts at fair values. Goodwill represents the difference between total consideration paid and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition date fair value and is included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with the corresponding gain or loss recognized in profit or loss.
Based on the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date, management will perform a valuation analysis to allocate the purchase price based on the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Management has one year from the acquisition date to confirm and finalize the facts and circumstances that support the finalized fair value analysis and related purchase price allocation. Until such time, these values are provisionally reported and are subject to changed. Changes to fair values and allocations are retrospectively adjusted in subsequent periods.
In determining the fair value of all identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the most significant estimates generally relate to contingent consideration and intangible assets. Management exercises judgment in estimating the probability and timing of when earn-out milestones are expected to be achieved, which is used as the basis for estimating fair value. Identified intangible assets are fair valued using appropriate valuation techniques which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows of the acquiree. Valuations are highly dependent on the inputs used and assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of these assets and any changes in the discount rate applied.
Acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business combination are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Consideration paid for an asset acquisition is allocated to the individual identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. Asset acquisitions do not give rise to goodwill.
Management exercises judgment in determining the entities that it controls for consolidation and associated non-controlling interests. For financial reporting purposes, an entity is considered controlled when the Company has power over an entity and its ability to affect its economic return from the entity. The Company has power over an entity when it has existing rights that give it the ability to direct the relevant activities which can significantly affect the investee’s returns. Such power can result from contractual arrangements. However, certain contractual arrangements contain rights that are designed to protect the Company’s interest, without direct equity ownership in the entity, in which case non-controlling interests are recognized.
| 2.1.20 | Intangible Assets and Goodwill |
Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and any impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Amortization of definite life intangibles is calculated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
F-19
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid for the acquisition of an entity over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated to the Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”) or group of CGUs which are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization.
Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life or not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually at year-end, and whenever events or circumstances that make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell or dispose all or a portion of a reporting unit. Finite life intangible assets are tested whenever there is an indication of impairment.
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value of each CGU containing the assets to its recoverable amount. Indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value of each CGU containing the assets to its recoverable amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the level at which it is monitored by management, and not at a level higher than an operating segment. The Company’s goodwill is allocated to the cannabis operating segment and the U.S. cannabis and hemp-derived market CGU. The allocation of goodwill to the CGUs or group of CGUs requires the use of judgment.
An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the CGU’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amounts of the CGUs’ assets are determined based on either fair value less costs of disposal or value-in-use method. There is a material degree of uncertainty with respect to the estimates of the recoverable amounts of the CGU, given the necessity of making key economic assumptions about the future. Impairment losses recognized in respect of a CGU are first allocated to the carrying value of goodwill, and any excess is allocated to the carrying value of assets in the CGU. Any impairment is recorded in profit and loss in the period in which the impairment is identified. A reversal of an asset impairment loss is allocated to the assets of the CGU on a pro rata basis. In allocating a reversal of an impairment loss, the carrying amount of an asset shall not be increased above the lower of its recoverable amount and the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in the prior period. Impairment losses on goodwill are not subsequently reversed.
| 2.1.21 | Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements |
Amendments to International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements
The amendment to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements specifies that the classification of current versus non-current liabilities may change (e.g. convertible debt). Prior to this amendment, the classification of liabilities was considered current when there was no unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Under the amendment to IAS 1, the IASB removed the requirement for a right to be unconditional and instead requires that a right to defer settlement must exist at the reporting date and have substance. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024. The Company adopted the amendments to IAS 1 effective January 1, 2024, which impacts the classification of the Company’s Financial Statements by recording its convertible debt as a current liability in its consolidated statements of financial position dated December 31, 2024.
F-20
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.2 | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS |
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods
| 2.2.1 | Key Judgments |
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements:
| 2.2.1.1 | Leases |
Determining the lease term of contracts with renewal and termination options – Group as lessee
The Company determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain not to be exercised.
The Company has several lease contracts that include extension and termination options. The Company applies judgement in evaluating whether it is reasonably certain whether or not to exercise the option to renew or terminate the lease. That is, it considers all relevant factors that create an economic incentive for it to exercise either the renewal or termination. After the commencement date, the Company reassesses the lease term if there is a significant event or change in circumstances that is within its control and affects its ability to exercise or not to exercise the option to renew or to terminate (e.g., construction of significant leasehold improvements or significant customization to the leased asset).
Refer to Note 7 for information on potential future rental payments relating to periods following the exercise date of extension and termination options that are not included in the lease term.
| 2.2.1.2 | Consolidation of Entities in Which the Company Holds Less Than a Majority of Voting Rights (De Facto Control) |
The Company considers that it controls Grown Rogue West New York even though it owns less than 50% of the voting rights. Control is applicable due the fact the GRIN CEO Obie Strickler has been appointed as manager of GRWNY and provisions in the operating agreement of GRWNY state that members have no power to participate in management of GRWNY except as expressly authorized and a 75% supermajority of the members is required to replace the manager, which cannot be achieved without GRRV.
| 2.2.1.3 | Taxes |
The Company is subject to assessments by tax authorities, who may interpret tax legislation differently than the Company. When there is uncertainty over income tax positions, the Company assesses whether it is probable that the relevant tax authority will accept the uncertain tax position. This assessment affects the amount of income tax expense recognized by the Company. If the Company concludes that it is not probable that a tax authority will accept the uncertain tax position, the effect of the uncertain tax position is reflected in the determination of the Company’s income tax expense or recovery based on the most likely amount or, if there are a wide range of possible outcomes, the expected value. Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities are presented within provision for income taxes within the consolidated statements of operations.
F-21
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.2.2 | Estimates and Assumptions |
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
| 2.2.2.1 | Fair Value of Biological Assets |
Biological assets, consisting of unharvested cannabis plants, are dependent upon estimates of future economic benefits resulting from past events to determine the fair value through an exercise of significant judgement by the Company. In estimating the fair value of its biological assets, the Company uses market observable data to the extent it is available. Biological assets are measured at fair value less costs to sell up to the point of harvest. With respect to biological assets, where there is no active market for unharvested produce, determination of the fair values of the biological assets requires the Company to make assumptions about how market participants assign fair values to these assets. These assumptions primarily relate to estimating the stage of growth of the cannabis plant, selling and other fulfillment costs, average selling prices and expected yields for the plants.
Fair value less cost to sell is determined using a model which estimates the expected harvest yield for plants currently being cultivated and then adjusts that amount for the expected selling price and also for any additional costs to be incurred, such as post-harvest costs.
| 2.2.2.1 | Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities |
The Company values its warrants through the Black-Scholes pricing model. The inputs used are taken from observable markets such as its market price from the stock exchange. It also relies on an exchange rate from a third-party website. The Company also inputs the market price volatility which is determined by the changes in market price over its remaining life from the date of valuation. However, a level of judgment is made where the volatility is capped at the lower of 99% or expected volatility. The Company’s management believes that a higher volatility was previously driven by ill liquidity and a spectrum of distress that no longer apply to the Company.
| 2.2.2.1 | Fair Value of Warrant Assets |
The Company values its warrants through the Black-Scholes pricing model. The inputs used are taken from observable markets such as its market price from the stock exchange. It also relies on an exchange rate from a third-party website. The Company also inputs the market price volatility which is determined by the changes in market price over its remaining life from the date of valuation.
F-22
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 2.2.2.1 | Useful Life of Property and Equipment |
The Company reviews the expected useful lives of property, plant and equipment at least annually. In particular, it considers the impact of health, safety and environmental legislations, changes in cultivation methods, and technology advancements in its assessment of expected useful lives and estimated residual values.
| 2.2.2.1 | Leases – Estimating the Incremental Borrowing Rate |
The Company cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease, therefore, it uses an estimated range of rates between 9% to 11% consistently over all entities. Management’s discretion was that the business plans were stable and expected to continue.
| 2.1.22 | New Accounting Pronouncements |
IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosures
IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements will replace IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard aims at improving how entities communicate in their financial statements and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. The standard is applied retrospectively, with specific transition provisions, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
| 3. | BIOLOGICAL ASSETS |
Biological assets consist of cannabis plants, which reflect measurement at Fair Value Less Costs to Sell (“FVLCTS”). changes in the carrying amounts of biological assets for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023 are as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | ||||||||||||
| Increase in biological assets due to capitalized costs | ||||||||||||
| Change in FVLCTS due to biological transformation | ||||||||||||
| Transferred to inventory upon harvest | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Ending balance | ||||||||||||
FVLCTS is determined using a model which estimates the expected harvest yield for plants currently being cultivated, and then adjusts that amount for the expected selling price and also for any additional costs to be incurred, such as post-harvest costs.
F-23
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The following significant unobservable inputs, all of which are classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy, were used by management as part of this model:
| - | Expected costs required to grow the cannabis up to the point of harvest |
| - | Estimated selling price per pound |
| - | Expected yield from the cannabis plants |
| - | Estimated stage of growth – The Company applied a weighted average number of days out of the 60-day growing cycle that biological assets have reached as of the measurement date based on historical evidence. The Company assigns fair value basis according to the stage of growth and estimated costs to complete cultivation. |
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2024 |
December 31, |
October 31, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated selling price per pound ($/pound) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated stage of growth (%) | % | % | % | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated flower yield per harvest (pound) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | INVENTORY |
The Company’s inventory composition is as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Raw materials | ||||||||||||
| Work in process | ||||||||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||||||
| Ending balance | ||||||||||||
The cost of inventories, excluding changes in fair value, included as an expense and included in cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $
F-24
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 5. | BUSINESS COMBINATIONS |
The following table summarizes the movement in business acquisition consideration payable.
| Business acquisition consideration payable | $ | |||
| Acquisition date fair value | ||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ||
| Application of prepayments | ( |
) | ||
| Accretion | ||||
| Balance – December 31, and October 31, 2023 | ||||
| Buyout of Canopy minority interest | ||||
| Acquisition of an additional 20% membership units in Golden Harvests | ||||
| Canopy buyout payments | ( |
) | ||
| Golden Harvests 20% acquisition payments | ( |
) | ||
| Accretion | ||||
| Balance – December 31, 2024 | ||||
| Current portion | ||||
| Non-current portion | ||||
| 5.1 | Canopy Buyout |
| 5.2 | Golden Harvests |
F-25
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The APP is calculated on a distribution equivalent basis whereby the seller receives a true-up payment pro-rata based on the proportion of remaining IPP balance at the time of the distribution payment made to the Company. If distribution equivalent amounts in any quarter are in excess of the minimum interest amounts, then no minimum interest amount is due. The distribution equivalent is reduced pro-rata in accordance with amounts paid down against sellers IPP.
| 6. | OTHER INVESTMENTS, PURCHASE DEPOSITS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE |
| 6.1 | Investment in Assets Sold by HSCP |
On February 5, 2021, the Company agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of the growing and retail operations pursuant to the HSCP Transaction, for an aggregate total of $
On April 14, 2022, the HSCP Transaction closed with modifications to the original terms: the retail purchase was mutually terminated, and total consideration for the acquisition was reduced to $2,000,000. Upon closing, the Company had paid $
| 6.2 | Investment in ABCO Garden State, LLC (“ABCO”) |
On October 4, 2023, the Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement with an option to acquire 70% of ABCO, pending regulatory approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (“CRC”). As of May 31, 2024, the Company executed the first option to acquire a 44% membership interest in ABCO. ABCO received licensing approval from the CRC and has an annual NJ cultivation license with local zoning, planning approvals and sufficient power supply. The Company purchased the first option to acquire 44% of ABCO for total consideration of $
F-26
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The following table summarizes the movement in business acquisition consideration payable.
| Other investments: | $ | |||
| Balance – December 31, 2023 and October 31, 2023 | ||||
| Additions due to purchase of first option to acquire 44% of ABCO | ||||
| Purchase price for the second option to acquire an additional 26% of ABCO | ||||
| Equity method adjustments | ( |
) | ||
| Balance – December 31, 2024 | ||||
| 6.3 | Notes Receivable |
Transactions related to the Company’s notes receivable for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, include the following:
| Notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Movement in notes receivable | 6.3.1 | 6.3.2 | 6.3.3 | 6.3.4 | 6.3.5 | 6.3.6 | 6.3.7 | Total $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advances | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advances | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advances | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assignment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current portion | |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-27
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 6.3.1 | ABCO $4M Drawdown Promissory Note (New Jersey Cultivation) |
On October 3, 2023, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note with ABCO’s affiliate, Iron Flag LLC, to fund tenant improvements and for general working capital at the 50,000 square foot facility leased by ABCO for use in ABCO’s cannabis cultivation operations under construction and completed in the third quarter of 2024.
Pursuant to this promissory note, GR Unlimited was required to make the maximum amount available in one or more advances in an aggregate amount not to exceed $
On August 24, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to assign this promissory note from Iron Flag, LLC to GR Unlimited such that the original note was extinguished resulting in a gain on extinguishment of $
As at December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the new debt instrument was $
As of December 31, 2024, ABCO was in default of paying the principal and interest payments on this promissory note resulting in an increased interest rate per annum of 18%, an addition to the 5% interest that accrued on the outstanding balance of all prior advances and deferred amounts.
| 6.3.2 | ABCO Bridge Note (New Jersey Cultivation) |
On June 3, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note and advanced $
As
at December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the promissory note was $
| 6.3.3 | ABCO Drawdown Promissory Note (New Jersey Cultivation) |
On June 24, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note and advanced $
As
at December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the promissory note was $
F-28
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 6.3.4 | ABCO Convertible Note (New Jersey Cultivation) |
On October 17, 2024, GR Unlimited executed a convertible promissory note with ABCO Garden State, LLC in the amount of $
As
at December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the convertible promissory note was $
| 6.3.5 | New Jersey Retail Promissory Note (New Jersey Retail) |
On October 3, 2023, GR Unlimited executed a promissory note and advanced $
As at December 31, 2024, the
outstanding balance of the promissory note was $nil (December 31, 2023 - $
| 6.3.6 | First Nile Convertible Note (New Jersey Retail) |
On January 16, 2024, the Company signed a definitive agreement to invest in the development of an adult-use dispensary in West New York, New Jersey. As part of this agreement, GR Unlimited executed a secured convertible promissory note and initially advanced $
As at December 31, 2024, the
outstanding balance of the convertible promissory note was $
| 6.3.7 | Second Nile Convertible Note (New Jersey Retail) |
On October 28, 2024, the Company through its subsidiary West New York advanced an additional $
As at December 31, 2024, the
outstanding balance of the promissory note was $
F-29
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 7. | LEASES |
The following is a continuity schedule of lease liabilities:
| Lease liabilities | December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
|||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Balance - beginning | ||||||||||||
| Additions | ||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
|||||||
| Interest expense on lease liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - ending | ||||||||||||
| Current portion | ||||||||||||
| Non-current portion | ||||||||||||
Set out below are undiscounted minimum future lease payments after December 31, 2024:
|
Total future |
||||
| Less than one year | ||||
| Between one and five years | ||||
| Total minimum lease payments | ||||
| Less amount representing interest | ( |
) | ||
| Total | ||||
F-30
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 8. | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
| Computer and Office Equipment |
Production Equipment and Other |
Land | Leasehold Improvements |
Right-of- use Assets |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| COST | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization for the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization for the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization for the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2024, amortization capitalized into inventory was $
F-31
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 9. | INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL |
| Indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill | December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
|||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Balance – beginning | ||||||||||||
| Additions – grower licenses | ||||||||||||
| Balance – ending | ||||||||||||
Additions during the year ended December 31, 2024, resulted from the company acquiring Illinois cultivation licenses in the amount of $
| 10. | LONG-TERM DEBT |
Transactions related to the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, include the following:
| Long-term Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Movement in long-term debt | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.6 | Total $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
( |
) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
( |
) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current portion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | 12% Note Payable Owned by GR Distribution to HSCP with Original Principal Amount of $1,250,000 |
On April 14, 2022, the Company purchased indoor growing assets from HSCP (Note 6.1). Purchase consideration included a secured promissory note payable with a principal sum of $
F-32
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
On May 1, 2023, the terms of the Secured Promissory Note were again amended. Under the second amendment, the Secured Promissory Note was fully settled in two principal amounts. On May 1, 2023, the $500,000 principal payment plus all accrued but unpaid interest under the first amendment was due and payable. The remaining principal balance of $
| 10.2 | 10% Note Payable Owned by Golden Harvests with Original Principal Amount of $250,000 |
On May 1, 2021, the Company assumed a note payable owed by Golden Harvests (Note 5) with a carrying value of $
| 10.3 | 10% Note Payable Owed by GR Distribution with Original Principal Amount of $250,000 |
On January 27, 2021, debt was issued by GR Distribution with a principal amount of $
| 10.4 | 10% Note Payable Owed by GR Distribution with Original Principal Amount of $250,000 |
On November 23, 2020, debt was issued by GR Distribution with a principal amount of $
F-33
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 10.5 | 0% Stated Rate Note Payable by Canopy with Original Principal Amount of $600,000 and Royalty Payments to Lenders |
On March 20, 2020, debt with a principal amount of $
| 10.6 | Note Payable Owed by GRU Properties, LLC with Original Principal Amount of $1,285,000 |
On January 12, 2024, debt with a
principal amount of $
Transactions relating to the Company’s convertible debentures for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended October 31, 2023, include the following:
| 11. | CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES |
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Movement in convertible debt | Note 11.1 | Note 11.2 | Total | |||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Additions to debt | ||||||||||||
| Derivative liability recognition | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Debt settlement through conversion of shares (Note 11.1.1) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||
| Debt payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||
| Debt payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Debt settlement through conversion of shares | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Interest accretion | ||||||||||||
| Debt and interest payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Current portion | ||||||||||||
| Non-current portion | ||||||||||||
F-34
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 11.1 | 9% Convertible Debentures with Original Principal Amount of $2,000,000 |
On December 5, 2022, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of the Convertible debentures with aggregate principal amount of $
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued the notice of acceleration dated March 1, 2024, required by the warrant certificates governing the December Warrants, which accelerated the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice. During the year ended December 31, 2024, a total of common share purchase warrants were issued for common shares (Note 12.5).
| 11.1.1 | Debt Settlement Through Conversion of Shares |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Purchasers of the December Convertible Debentures fully converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $
The derivative liability was not remeasured at December 31, 2024, given that the December Convertible Debentures were fully settled (December 31, 2023 – $
| 11.2 | 9% Convertible Debentures with Original Principal Amount of $5,000,000 |
On July 13, 2023, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of unsecured the convertible debentures with an aggregate principal amount of $
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued the notice of acceleration dated March 1, 2024, required by the warrant certificates governing the July Warrants, which accelerated the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice. During the year ended December 31, 2024, common share purchase warrants were issued for common shares (Note 12.5).
F-35
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 11.2.1 | Debt Settlement Through Conversion of Shares |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, Purchasers of the July Convertible Debentures converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $423,515 at CAD$0.28 per share into 5,388,062 common shares.
The conversion feature of the July Convertible Debentures gives rise to the derivative liability reported on the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2024. The derivative liability is remeasured at fair value through profit and loss at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the derivative liability at December 31, 2024, was estimated to be $12,504,175 (December 31, 2023 - $5,824,496; October 31, 2023 - $6,053,927) using the following assumptions:
| Expected dividend yield | |||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | ||
| Expected life | years | ||
| Expected volatility | % |
| 11.2.2 | 9% Convertible Debentures with Original Principal Amount of $1,000,000 |
On August 17, 2023, the Company announced that it had closed the second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures for gross proceeds of $
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued the notice of acceleration dated March 1, 2024, required by the warrant certificates governing the August Warrants, which accelerated the expiry date to 90 days from the date of notice. During the year ended December 31, 2024,
| 11.2.3 | Debt Settlement Through Conversion of Shares |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, Purchasers of the August Convertible Debentures converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $
The derivative liability was not remeasured at December 31, 2024, given that the August Convertible Debentures were fully settled (December 31, 2023 - $
F-36
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 12. | SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARES ISSUABLE |
The Company was previously authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares at no par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series.
Effective June 24, 2024, the Company completed the Share Reorganization to redesignate its existing class of common shares without par value in the Company’s capital as SV Shares and create a new class of unlisted MV Shares. As of the audited consolidated statements of financial position dated December 31, 2024, total common shares outstanding were , in which all MV Shares have been converted into SV Shares.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the following share transactions occurred:
| 12.1 | 3,686,308 Subordinate Voting Shares Issued for Option Exercise |
The Company subordinate voting with an aggregate fair value of $ as holders opted to convert their options.
| 12.2 | 2,413,525 Subordinate Voting Shares Issued to Fully Settle the December Convertible Debentures |
The Company issued subordinate voting shares with an aggregate fair value of $, as all holders opted to convert their convertible debentures.
| 12.3 | 5,388,062 Subordinate Voting Shares Issued to Partially Settle the July Convertible Debentures |
The Company issued subordinate voting shares with an aggregate fair value of $, as few holders opted to convert their convertible debentures.
| 12.4 | 5,682,083 Subordinate Voting Shares Issued to Fully Settle the August Convertible Debentures |
The Company issued subordinate voting shares with an aggregate fair value of $, as all holders opted to convert their convertible debentures.
| 12.5 | 23,270,249 Subordinate Voting Shares Issued for Warrant Exercise |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued subordinate voting shares for total proceeds of $ gross of issuance costs of $
The Company issued subordinate voting shares for total proceeds of $ relating to the December Convertible Debentures which had a warrant strike price of CAD$ per share.
The Company issued subordinate voting shares for total proceeds of $ relating to July Convertible Debentures, which had a warrant strike price of CAD$ per share.
The Company also issued subordinate voting shares for total proceeds of $ relating to the August Convertible Debentures which had a warrant strike price of CAD$ per share.
F-37
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 12.6 | Share Reorganization |
On June 24, 2024, the Company completed the Share Reorganization as approved by the Company’s shareholders at its annual and special meeting. Pursuant to the Share Reorganization, the Company amended its articles to redesignate its existing class of common shares without par value in the capital of the Company as SV Shares and created a new class of unlisted MV Shares. The SV Shares can be converted into MV Shares at a conversion ratio of 1,000:1, and the MV Shares carry 1,000 votes per share.
During the two months ended December 31, 2023, no share transactions occurred.
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the following share transactions occurred:
| 12.7 | 200,000 Common Shares Issued to Settle Shares Issuable |
On January 10, 2023, the Company issued common shares with an aggregate fair value of $, which was reported as issuable as at October 31, 2022, which represented a portion of consideration for the acquisition of Golden Harvests.
| 12.8 | 10,151,250 Common Shares Issued to Settle Convertible Debentures |
On July 13, 2023, the Company issued common shares with an aggregate fair value of $, as holders opted to convert their convertible debentures.
| 12.9 | 1,022,025 Common Shares Issued to Settle Convertible Debentures |
On August 30, 2023, the Company issued common shares with an aggregate fair value of $, as holders opted to convert their convertible debentures.
F-38
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 13. | WARRANTS |
The following table summarizes the warrant activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Number | Weighted Average Exercise Price (CAD$) |
|||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Expiration of warrants pursuant to convertible debt deemed re-issuance | ( |
) | ||||||
| Expiration of warrants issued pursuant to private placement to PBIC | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance – October 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Issuance pursuant to the December Convertible Debentures (Note 11.1) | ||||||||
| Issuance pursuant to the July Convertible Debentures (Note 11.2) | ||||||||
| Issuance pursuant to the August Convertible Debentures (Note 11.2.1) | ||||||||
| Issued pursuant to the Consulting Agreement with Goodness Growth (Note 13.2) | ||||||||
| Expiration of warrants pursuant to Feb 2021 subscription | ( |
) | ||||||
| Expiration of warrants pursuant to the Offering (Special warrant issue) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Expiration of warrants pursuant to terminate purchase agreement | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance – December 31, and October 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Conversion to common shares pursuant to the December Convertible Debentures | ( |
) | ||||||
| Conversion to common shares pursuant to the July Convertible Debentures | ( |
) | ||||||
| Conversion to common shares pursuant to the August Convertible Debentures | ( |
) | ||||||
| Forfeit and return of cancellation of warrants pursuant to termination of Consulting Agreement with Vireo Growth Inc. (Note 13.2) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2024 | ||||||||
F-39
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
At December 31, 2024, the following warrants were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Warrants outstanding |
Life (years) |
Expiry date | |||||||||
At December 31, 2023, the following warrants were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Warrants outstanding |
Life (years) |
Expiry date | |||||||||
At October 31, 2023, the following warrants were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Warrants outstanding |
Life (years) |
Expiry date | |||||||||
F-40
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 13.1 | Agent Warrants |
On March 5, 2021, as consideration for the services rendered the Agent to the Offering (a brokered private placement of special warrants), the Company issued to the Agent an aggregate of
Each Compensation Option entitled the holder thereof to purchase one Compensation Unit of the Company at the Issue Price of CAD$ for a period of twenty-four (24) months. Each Compensation Unit was comprised of one common share and one Compensation Warrant. Each Compensation Warrant entitled the holder thereof to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company at a price of CAD$ for twenty-four (24) months. The Agent Warrants expired on March 5, 2023.
| 13.2 | Goodness Growth Consulting Agreement |
The Consulting Agreement with Vireo Growth Inc. (“Vireo Growth”) was executed as of May 24, 2023, whereby GR Unlimited will support Vireo Growth in the optimization of its cannabis flower products, with a particular focus on improving the quality and yield of top-grade “A” cannabis flower across its various operating markets, starting with Maryland and Minnesota.
As part of this strategic agreement, Vireo Growth is obligated to issue warrants to purchase subordinate voting shares of Vireo Growth to the Company, with a strike price equal to CAD$0.317 (US$0.233), being a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Vireo Growth’s subordinate voting shares prior to the effective date of the Consulting Agreement. Similarly, the Company issued warrants to purchase common shares of the Company to Vireo Growth, with a strike price equal to CAD$0.225 (US$0.166), being a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day VWAP of the Company’s common shares prior to the effective date of the Consulting Agreement.
On October 11, 2024, the Company announced the termination of the advisory agreement with Vireo Growth. As consideration for the early termination, Vireo Growth will forfeit and return for cancellation of the 8,500,000 share purchase warrants in Grown Rogue International Inc. that are held by Vireo Growth at a CAD$0.225 strike price. Additionally, Vireo Growth will pay the Company US$
The Company first measured and recognized the fair value ($
The Warrants Asset is remeasured at fair value through profit and loss at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the Warrants Asset at December 31, 2024, was estimated to be $
| Expected (strike) price | |||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | ||
| Expected life | years | ||
| Expected volatility | % |
F-41
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 14. | STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (“RSU”) |
| 14.1 | Stock Options |
The following table summarizes the stock option movements for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Number | Exercise price (CAD$) |
|||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Forfeitures by service provider | ( |
) | ||||||
| Forfeitures by employees | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Granted to service providers | ||||||||
| Expiration of options to employees | ( |
) | ||||||
| Expiration of options to employees | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Granted to service providers | ||||||||
| Expiration of options to employees | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Granted to service providers | ||||||||
| Options exercised into common shares | ( |
) | ||||||
| Expiration of options employees | ( |
) | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||
F-42
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 14.1.1 | Stock Options Granted |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, options were granted to employees and service providers (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 – ; for the year ended October 31, 2023 – ).
The fair value of the options granted during the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $ (CAD$), which was estimated at the grant dates based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions:
| Expected dividend yield | Nil% | ||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | ||
| Expected life | years | ||
| Expected volatility | % |
The vesting terms of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2024, are set out in the table below:
| Number granted | Vesting terms | |||
The vesting terms of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2023, are set out in the table below:
| Number granted | Vesting terms | |||
F-43
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The vesting terms of options granted during the year ended October 31, 2023, are set out in the table below:
| Number granted | Vesting terms | |||
| 14.1.2 |
Stock Options Issued and Outstanding |
At December 31, 2024, the following Stock Options were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | ||||||||||||
F-44
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
At December 31, 2023, the following Stock Options were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | ||||||||||||
At October 31, 2023, the following Stock Options were issued and outstanding:
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Options outstanding |
Number exercisable |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Expiry period | ||||||||||||
| 14.2 | Restricted Stock Units |
The following table summarizes the restricted stock units movements for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023:
| Number | Exercise
price (CAD$) |
|||||||
| Balance – December and October 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Granted to service providers | ||||||||
| Granted to employees | ||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2024 | ||||||||
During
the year ended December 31, 2024,
The fair value of the restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $
F-45
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The vesting terms of the restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2024, are set out in the table below:
| Number granted | Vesting terms | |||
There were no restricted stock units issued during the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023.
| 14.3 | Restricted Stock Units Issued and Outstanding |
| Exercise price (CAD$) |
Restricted Stock Units outstanding |
Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Vesting End Date | |||||||||
| 15. | CHANGES IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL |
The changes to the Company’s non-cash working capital for the year ended December 31, 2023, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, are as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Inventory and biological assets | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ( |
( |
) | |||||||||||||
| Interest payable | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax payable | ||||||||||||||||
| Uncertain tax position liability | ||||||||||||||||
| Unearned revenue | ( |
) | ( |
|||||||||||||
| Total | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
F-46
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 16. | SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE |
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Fair value of common shares issued to settle convertible debentures | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of common shares issued and issuable for services | ||||||||||||||||
| Note payable to PMW LLC to acquire assets (Note 10.7) | ||||||||||||||||
| Note payable to Lender Capital, LLC to acquire Ross Lane Property (Note 10.6) | ||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets acquired through leases (Note 7) | ||||||||||||||||
| Note payable to HSCP used to acquire assets (Note 10.5) | ||||||||||||||||
| 17. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company incurred the following related party transactions:
| 17.1 | Transactions with the CEO |
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, GRU Properties, the Company leases an outdoor grow property located in Trail, Oregon, owned by the Company’s President and CEO (“Trail”). The lease was extended during the year ended October 31, 2021, with a term through December 31, 2025. Lease charges of $
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Company leased an outdoor post-harvest facility located in Medford, Oregon (“Lars”), a facility which is beneficially owned by the CEO, with a term through June 30, 2026. Lease charges for Lars of $
During the year ended
October 31, 2021, the CEO leased equipment to the Company, which had a balance due of $nil at December 31, 2024
(December 31, 2024 and October 31, 2023 - $nil). Lease payments of $nil were made against the equipment leases during the
year ended December 31, 2024 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023; for the years October 31, 2023, and 2022 -
$
Leases liabilities payable to the CEO were $
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company, through GR Unlimited, acquired 87% of the membership units of Canopy from the CEO. All payments necessary for GR Unlimited to exercise its option to acquire 87% of Canopy were equal to payments made by Canopy to purchase a controlling 60% interest of Golden Harvests for aggregate consideration of $
During April 2024, the Company, through GR Unlimited, acquired the remaining 13% of the membership units in Canopy. As part of this transaction, the Company purchased the CEO’s 5.5% membership interest in Canopy. The consideration due to the CEO is comprised of an upfront cash payment of $
F-47
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 17.2 | Transactions with Spouse of the CEO |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred expenses of $
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the spouse of the CEO exercised
During the year ended December 31, 2024, stock options and restricted stock units expense for the spouse of the CEO was $
| 17.3 | Transactions with Michigan General Manager (“GM”) |
Through its subsidiary, Golden Harvests, the Company leased Morton, owned by the Company’s GM, that is located in Michigan, with a lease term through December 2029. Lease charges of $216,000 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $32,000; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $180,000) were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability of Morton at December 31, 2024, was $1,199,697 (December 31, 2023 - $350,668; October 31, 2023 - $377,043).
Through its subsidiary, Golden Harvests, the Company also leased Morton Annex located in Michigan, which is owned by the Company’s GM. The lease term was extended during the two months ended December 31, 2023, through November 2024. Lease charges of $250,000 (for the two months ended December 31, 2023 - $330,000; for the year ended October 31, 2023 - $740,000) were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. The lease liability of Morton Annex at December 31, 2024, was $nil (December 31, 2023 - $239,871; October 31, 2023 - $29,774).
During April 2024, the Company, through Canopy, acquired an additional 20% of the membership units in Golden Harvest from the GM for aggregate consideration of $
| 17.4 | Transactions with Key Management Personnel |
Key management personnel consist of the President and CEO; the CFO, the COO, and GM and the SVP of the Company. The compensation to key management is presented in the following table:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Salaries and consulting fees | ||||||||||||||||
| Royalty fees paid to GM | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock options and RSU expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||
| * | SVP’s effective last day was December 31, 2023 |
F-48
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
Stock options granted to key management personnel and close family members of key management personnel include the following. During the year ended December 31, 2024, options were granted to the CEO; options granted to the CFO, and options granted to the GM. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the CFO exercised stock options into common shares. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, no options were granted to key management personnel. During the year ended October 31, 2023, options were granted to the CEO; options were granted to the CFO; options were granted to the SVP; and options to the GM.
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the SVP purchased December 2022 Convertible Debentures with a principal balance of $
During the two months ended December 31, 2023, the SVP converted the $
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company issued shares to the GM, which represented a portion of consideration for the acquisition of Golden Harvests.
During the year ended December 31, 2024,
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and lease liabilities due to key management at December 31, 2024, totaled $
| 17.5 | Debt balances and movements with related parties |
The following table sets out portions of debt pertaining to related parties:
| CEO | SVP | Director | COO | GM | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance - October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-49
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
Principal payments of $
During April 2024, the Company, through Canopy, acquired an additional 20% of the membership units in Golden Harvest from the GM for aggregate present value consideration of $
| 17.6 | Transactions with Directors |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, options of were exercised into subordinate voting shares by an independent Director. Options of were also granted to independent Directors during the year ended December 31, 2024. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, options were granted to independent directors. During the year ended October 31, 2023, stock options were granted to three board of directors.
Restricted stock units of were also granted to independent Directors during the year ended December 31, 2024. Subsequent to the date of balance sheet, restricted stock units were granted to independent Directors. During the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the year ended October 31, 2023, no restricted stock units were granted to independent Directors.
Compensation to the board of directors during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $
| 17.7 | Transactions with ABCO Garden State, LLC |
Please see Note 6.2 for transactions relating to Investment in ABCO and Notes 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4 for promissory notes executed to ABCO. During the year ended December 31, 2024, GR Unlimited charged fees of $
F-50
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 18. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
| 18.1 | Market Risk (Including Interest Rate Risk and Currency Risk) |
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market prices. Market risk reflects interest rate risk, currency risk and other price risks.
| 18.1.1 | Interest Rate Risk |
At December 31, 2024, and 2023 and October 31, 2023, the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates to long term debt and finance lease obligations; each of these items bear interest at a fixed rate, except for one of its long-term debt which carries a floating rate of interest (see Note 10.6).
| 18.1.2 | Currency Risk |
As at December 31, 2024, the Company had a portion of its accounts payable and accrued liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars which amounted to CAD$
| 18.1.3 | Other Price Risk |
Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices, other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign currency risk and a change in the price of cannabis. The Company is not exposed to significant other price risk.
| 18.2 | Credit Risk |
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a loss for the other party by failing to pay for its obligation.
Credit risk to the Company is derived from cash and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash in deposit with United States financial institutions. The Company has established a policy to mitigate the risk of loss related to granting customer credit by primarily selling on a cash-on-delivery basis.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $
Accounts receivable primarily consist of trade accounts receivable and sales tax receivable. The Company provides credit to certain customers in the normal course of business and has established credit evaluation and monitoring processes to mitigate credit risk. Credit risk is assessed on a case-by-case basis and a provision is recorded where required.
F-51
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, and other receivables represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk; the balances of these accounts are summarized in the following table:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Cash | ||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ||||||||||||
| Notes Receivable | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2024 was $
At December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023, the Company’s trade accounts receivable and other receivable were aged as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Current | ||||||||||||
| 1-30 days | ||||||||||||
| 31 days-older | ||||||||||||
| Total trade accounts receivable | ||||||||||||
| GST /HST | ||||||||||||
| Provision for bad debts | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Total accounts receivable | ||||||||||||
Major customers are defined as customers that each individually account for greater than 10% of the Company’s annual revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2024, there was no major customer that accounted for greater than
F-52
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 18.3 | Liquidity Risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will have difficulties in paying its financial liabilities.
The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when they become due. At December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and October 31, 2023, the Company’s working capital accounts were as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Cash | ||||||||||||
| Current assets excluding cash | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Working capital | ||||||||||||
The contractual maturities of the Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities, long-term debt, and lease payable occurs over the next five years as follows:
| Year 1 | Over 1 Year - 3 Years |
Over 3 Years - 5 Years |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Convertible debentures | ||||||||||||
| Debt | ||||||||||||
| Business acquisition consideration payable | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
| 18.4 | Fair Values |
The carrying amounts for the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, amounts due to employee/director, promissory notes and convertible promissory notes approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items.
F-53
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 18.5 | Fair Value Hierarchy |
A number of the Company’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair value for both financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The Company has an established framework, which includes team members who have overall responsibility for overseeing all significant fair value measurements, including Level 3 fair values. When measuring the fair value of an asset or liability, the Company uses observable market data as far as possible. The Company regularly assesses significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; or
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The carrying values of the financial instruments at December 31, 2024 are summarized in the following table:
| Level in fair value hierarchy |
FVTPL | ||||||
| Financial Assets | |||||||
| Biological asset | Level 2 | $ | |||||
| Warrants asset | Level 2 | ||||||
| Financial Liabilities | |||||||
| Derivative liability | Level 2 | ||||||
The carrying values of the financial instruments at December 31, 2023 are summarized in the following table:
| Level in fair value hierarchy |
FVTPL | ||||||
| Financial Assets | |||||||
| Biological asset | Level 2 | $ | |||||
| Warrants asset | Level 2 | ||||||
| Financial Liabilities | |||||||
| Derivative liability | Level 2 | ||||||
F-54
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The carrying values of the financial instruments at October 31, 2023 are summarized in the following table:
| Level in fair value hierarchy |
FVTPL | ||||||
| Financial Assets | |||||||
| Biological asset | Level 2 | $ | |||||
| Warrants asset | Level 1 | ||||||
| Financial Liabilities | |||||||
| Derivative liability | Level 2 | ||||||
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no transfers of amounts between levels.
| 19. | GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Office, banking, travel, and overheads | ||||||||||||||||
| Professional services | ||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||
| 20. | INCOME TAXES |
As the Company operates in the legal cannabis industry, certain subsidiaries of the Company are subject to the limits of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 280E for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under IRC Section 280E, these subsidiaries are generally only allowed to deduct expenses directly related to cost of goods sold. This results in permanent differences between ordinary and necessary business expenses deemed non-allowable under IRC Section 280E. Therefore, the effective tax rate can be highly variable and may not necessarily correlate with pre-tax income or loss recognized for financial reporting purposes.
The Company is treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under IRC Section 7874 and is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its worldwide income. However, for Canadian tax purposes, the Company, regardless of any application of IRC Section 7874, is treated as a Canadian resident company for Canadian income tax purposes as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). As a result, the Company is subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is management’s expectation that the Company’s activities will be conducted in such a manner that income from operations will not be subjected to double taxation. The Company is also subject to state income taxation in various state jurisdictions in the United States. The Company’s income tax is accounted for in accordance with IAS 12 - Income Taxes.
F-55
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, income tax expense consisted of:
| Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2024 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Current expense: | ||||||||||||||||
| Federal | ||||||||||||||||
| State | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to prior years provision versus statutory tax returns | ||||||||||||||||
| Total current expense: | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred expense (benefit): | ||||||||||||||||
| Federal | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| State | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total deferred (benefit): | ( |
) | ( |
|||||||||||||
| Total income tax expense: | ||||||||||||||||
The difference between the income tax expense and the expected income taxes based on the statutory tax rate applied to income (loss) before income tax are as follows:
| Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
Year ended October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) from operations before taxes | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Statutory tax rates | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Expected income tax (recovery) | ( |
) | |
( |
) | |||||||||||
| Change in statutory tax rates and FX rates | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| State taxes, net of federal benefit | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Nondeductible expenses | ( |
) | ) | |||||||||||||
| Deferral adjustments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences | ||||||||||||||||
| Net operating loss | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Fiscal year to calendar year adjustment | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustment to prior years provision versus statutory tax returns | ||||||||||||||||
| Uncertain tax position | ||||||||||||||||
| Total income tax expense: | ||||||||||||||||
F-56
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The following tax assets arising from temporary differences and non-capital losses have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023, and 2022:
| Year ended December 31, 2024 |
Two months ended December 31, 2024 |
Year ended October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | ||||||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||||||
| ROU Leases | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Net Operating Loss Carryforward (federal) | ||||||||||||
| Net Operating Loss Carryforward (state) | ||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Inventory | ( |
) | ||||||||||
| ROU assets | ||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets: | ||||||||||||
| $ | ||||
| Uncertain tax position inclusive of penalties and interest: | ||||
| Balance - December 31, and October 31, 2023 | ||||
| Additions based on tax positions related to the current year | ||||
| Interest and penalties recorded in income tax expense | ||||
| Balance - December 31, 2024 | ||||
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax liabilities result primarily from amounts not deductible for accounting purposes until future periods. Deferred income tax assets result primarily from operating tax loss carry forwards and temporary differences related to property, plant and equipment and inventory, and have been offset against deferred income tax liabilities. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has estimated Canadian non-capital losses of CAD$
F-57
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
The Company operates in various United States state tax jurisdictions and is subject to examination of its income tax returns by tax authorities in those jurisdictions who may challenge any item on these returns. Because the tax matters challenged by tax authorities are typically complex, the ultimate outcome of these challenges is uncertain. In accordance with IAS 12, the Company recognizes the benefits of uncertain tax positions in our financial statements only after determining that it is more likely than not that the uncertain tax positions will be sustained upon examination. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and adjusts the level of the liability to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts surrounding the uncertain positions. The measurement of the uncertain tax position is based on the largest benefit amount to be realized upon settlement of the matter. If payment ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to income tax expense may result.
As at December 31, 2024, the Company recorded an uncertain tax liability of $
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. There are no positions for which it is reasonably possible that the uncertain tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months. The Company files income tax returns in the United States, including various state jurisdictions, and in Canada, which remain open to examination by the respective jurisdictions for the 2018 tax year to the present.
U.S. Federal and state tax laws impose restrictions on net operating loss carryforwards in the event of a change in ownership of the Company, as defined by the IRC Section 382. The Company does not believe that a change in ownership, as defined by IRC Section 382, has occurred but a formal study has not been completed.
| 21. | CAPITAL DISCLOSURES |
The Company includes equity, comprised of share capital, contributed surplus (including the fair value of equity instruments to be issued), equity component of convertible promissory notes and deficit, in the definition of capital.
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are as follows:
| ○ | to safeguard the Company’s assets and ensure the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; |
| ○ | to raise sufficient capital to finance the construction of its production facility and obtain license to produce recreational marijuana; and |
| ○ | to raise sufficient capital to meet its general and administrative expenditures. |
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the general economic conditions, the Company’s short-term working capital requirements, and its planned capital requirements and strategic growth initiatives.
The Company’s principal source of capital is from the issuance of common shares. In order to achieve its objectives, the Company expects to spend its working capital, when applicable, and raise additional funds as required.
The Company does not have any externally imposed capital requirements.
F-58
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 22. | SEGMENT REPORTING |
For management purposes, the Group is organized into business units based on its products and services and has two reportable segments, as follows:
| ● | Oregon segment represents cannabis production and sales activities in Oregon |
| ● | Michigan segment represents cannabis production and sales activities in Michigan |
| ● | Services segment provides consulting services primarily to other customers within the cannabis industry |
| ● | The other segment reports ungrouped assets |
Geographical information relating to the Company’s activities is as follows. Services represents consulting fees charged to Goodness Growth and to ABCO Garden State, LLC.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Company’s CEO and monitors the operating results of its business units separately on a monthly basis for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on profit or loss and is measured consistently with profit or loss in the consolidated financial statements
| Geographical segments | Oregon | Michigan | Other | Services | Total | |||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets other than financial instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Two months ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended October 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit before fair value adjustments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-59
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 23. | NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS |
The changes to the non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Canopy buyout of 13% minority interest and acquisition of an additional 20% of Golden Harvests | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions to Golden Harvest minority interest | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest share of Golden Harvests | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition of 87% of Canopy | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of 43.91% of West New York | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest share of West New York | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Roll off non-controlling interest in GR Michigan | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Balance, end of year | ||||||||||||||||
| 23.1 | Non-controlling interest in Golden Harvests and Canopy |
The following is summarized financial information for Golden Harvests and Canopy:
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) for the period attributed to non-controlling interest | ( |
) | ||||||||||
In April of 2024, GR Unlimited acquired the remaining 13% membership units of Canopy. Following this acquisition of the additional 13% interest in Canopy, Canopy became wholly owned by GR Unlimited.
In April of 2024, Canopy acquired an additional 20% of the membership units of Golden Harvest. Following the acquisition of an additional 20% interest in Golden Harvest on April 24, 2024, Golden Harvest became 80% owned by Canopy.
F-60
Grown Rogue International Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the two months ended December 31, 2023, and the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022
Expressed in United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated
| 23.2 | Non-controlling interest in West New York |
| December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) for the period attributed to non-controlling interest | ||||||||||||
| 24. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
On September 22, 2022, the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an Order Instituting Proceedings (“OIP”) pursuant to Section 12(j) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”), against the Company alleging violations of the 1934 Act, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder, by failing to timely file periodic reports. Section 12(j) authorizes the SEC as it deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of investors to suspend for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to revoke, the registration of a security if the SEC finds, on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the issuer of such security has failed to comply with any provision of the 1934 Act, as amended, or the rules promulgated thereunder. The Company has filed an answer to the Order Instituting Proceedings and is seeking a hearing in the matter. The Company is currently fully compliant with all of its filings and has recently filed a form F1 which is pending acceptance by the SEC. The Company anticipates that it will be able to waive this OIP after acceptance.
| 25. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
| 25.1 | Appointment of Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary |
On January 1, 2025, the Company announced the appointment of Andrew Marchington as Chief Financial Office and Corporate Secretary.
| 25.2 | Appointment of Chief Strategy Officer |
On January 31, 2025, the Company appointed Josh Rosen as Chief Strategy Officer. The Company granted
| 25.3 | Conversion of the Remaining July Convertible Debentures |
In January 2025, a Purchaser of the July Convertible Debentures converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $ at CAD$0.24 per share into subordinate voting shares. During April 2025, the remaining Purchasers of the July Convertible Debentures converted an aggregate total of convertible debenture principal of $3,300,000 at CAD$0.24 per share into 19,559,500 subordinate voting shares.
| 25.4 | Granting of Restricted Stock Units |
In January 2025, the Company settled a total of restricted stock units into subordinate voting shares (see Note 14.2.1)
| 25.5 | Credit Facility |
On March 28, 2025, the Company announced the closing of a US$
F-61
Exhibit 1.17
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
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Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery |
Articles of Amendment
Business Corporations Act
Corporation Name (Date of Incorporation/Amalgamation)
GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. (November 30, 2009)
1. The name of the corporation is changed to:
Not amended
2. The number of directors or the minimum/maximum number of directors are amended as follows:
Not amended
3. The articles are amended as follows:
A. Restrictions, if any, on business the corporation may carry on or on powers the corporation may exercise. If none, enter “None”:
Not amended
B. The classes and any maximum number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue:
The Corporation is authorized to make application for Articles of Amendment as follows:
(a) to increase the authorized capital of the Corporation by creating an unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares;
(b) to amend the rights and restrictions of the existing class of Common Shares and re-designate such class as Subordinate Voting Shares; and
(c) to provide that the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares shall be as set out below.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 1 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
C. Rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions (if any) attaching to each class of shares and directors’ authority with respect to any class of shares which may be issued in series. If there is only one class of shares, enter “Not Applicable”:
Terms of Subordinate Voting Shares
(1) An unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares, without nominal or par value, having attached thereto the special rights and restrictions as set forth below:
(a) Voting Rights. Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation. At each such meeting, holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share held, except a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Corporation shall have the right to vote.
(b) Alteration to Rights of Subordinate Voting Shares. As long as any Subordinate Voting Shares remain outstanding, the Corporation will not, without the consent of the holders of the Subordinate Voting Shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the Subordinate Voting Shares.
(c) Dividends. Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to receive as and when declared by the directors, dividends in cash or property of the Corporation. No dividend will be declared or paid on the Subordinate Voting Shares unless the Corporation simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) on the Multiple Voting Shares.
(d) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of Subordinate Voting Shares shall, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Corporation ranking in priority to the Subordinate Voting Shares be entitled to participate rateably along with all other holders of Multiple Voting Shares (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) and Subordinate Voting Shares.
(e) Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of Subordinate Voting Shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Corporation now or in the future.
(f) Subdivision or Consolidation. No subdivision or consolidation of the Subordinate Voting Shares or Multiple Voting Shares shall occur unless, simultaneously, the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares are subdivided or consolidated in the same manner or such other adjustment is made so as to maintain and preserve the relative rights of the holders of the shares of each of the said classes.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 2 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
(g) Conversion. Each issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted at the inverse of the Conversion Ratio then in effect. The conversion right may be exercised at any time and from time to time by notice in writing delivered to the transfer agent accompanied by the certificate or certificates representing the Subordinate Voting Shares or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership as the transfer agent may require, in respect of which the holder wishes to exercise the right of conversion. The notice must be signed by the registered holder of the Subordinate Voting Shares in respect of which the right of conversion is being exercised or by his, her or its duly authorized attorney and must specify the number of Subordinate Voting Shares which the holder wishes to have converted. Upon receipt of the conversion notice and share certificate(s) or other evidence of ownership satisfactory to the transfer agent, and after paying any applicable stamp tax or similar duty on or in respect of such conversion, the Corporation will issue a share certificate or other evidence of ownership representing Multiple Voting Shares on the basis set out above to the registered holder of the Subordinate Voting Shares. If fewer than all of the Subordinate Voting Shares represented by a certificate accompanying the notice are to be converted, the holder is entitled to receive a new certificate representing the shares comprised in the original certificate which are not to be converted. Subordinate Voting Shares converted into Multiple Voting Shares hereunder will automatically be cancelled.
(h) Conversion of Subordinate Voting Shares Upon an Offer. In the event that an offer is made to purchase Multiple Voting Shares, and the offer is one which is required, pursuant to applicable securities legislation or the rules of a stock exchange, if any, on which the Multiple Voting Shares are then listed, to be made to all or substantially all the holders of Multiple Voting Shares in a province or territory of Canada to which the requirement applies, each Subordinate Voting Share shall become convertible at the option of the holder into Multiple Voting Shares at the inverse of the Conversion Ratio then in effect, at any time while the offer is in effect until one day after the time prescribed by applicable securities legislation for the offeror to take up and pay for such shares as are to be acquired pursuant to the offer. The conversion right may only be exercised in respect of Subordinate Voting Shares for the purpose of depositing the resulting Multiple Voting Shares under the offer, and for no other reason. In such event, the transfer agent for the Subordinated Voting Shares shall deposit under the offer the resulting Multiple Voting Shares, on behalf of the holder.
To exercise such conversion right, the holder or his or its attorney duly authorized in writing shall:
(i) give written notice to the transfer agent of the exercise of such right, and of the number of Subordinate Voting Shares in respect of which the right is being exercised;
(ii) deliver to the transfer agent the share certificate or certificates representing the Subordinate Voting Shares in respect of which the right is being exercised or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership as the transfer agent may require, if applicable; and
(iii) pay any applicable stamp tax or similar duty on or in respect of such conversion.
No share certificates representing the Multiple Voting Shares, resulting from the conversion of the Subordinate Voting Shares will be delivered to the holders on whose behalf such deposit is being made. If Multiple Voting Shares, resulting from the conversion and deposited pursuant to the offer, are withdrawn by the holder or are not taken up by the offeror, or the offer is abandoned, withdrawn or terminated by the offeror or the offer otherwise expires without such Multiple Voting Shares being taken up and paid for, the Multiple Voting Shares resulting from the conversion will be re-converted into Subordinate Voting Shares at the then Conversion Ratio and a share certificate representing the Subordinate Voting Shares or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership will be sent to the holder by the transfer agent. In the event that the offeror takes up and pays for the Multiple Voting Shares resulting from conversion, the transfer agent shall deliver to the holders thereof the consideration paid for such shares by the offeror.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 3 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
Terms of Multiple Voting Shares
(1) An unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares, without nominal or par value, having attached thereto the special rights and restrictions as set forth below:
(a) Voting Rights. Holders of Multiple Voting Shares shall be entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation. At each such meeting, except for a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Corporation shall have the right to vote, holders of Multiple Voting Shares will be entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share into which such Multiple Voting Share could ultimately then be converted, which for greater certainty, shall initially equal 1,000 votes per Multiple Voting Share.
(b) Alteration to Rights of Multiple Voting Shares. As long as any Multiple Voting Shares remain outstanding, the Corporation will not, without the consent of the holders of the Multiple Voting Shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the Multiple Voting Shares. Consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Multiple Voting Shares shall be required for any action that authorizes or creates shares of any class having preferences superior to or on a parity with the Multiple Voting Shares. In connection with the exercise of the voting rights contained in this paragraph (b) each holder of Multiple Voting Shares will have one vote in respect of each Multiple Voting Share held.
(c) Dividends. The holder of Multiple Voting Shares shall have the right to receive dividends, out of any cash or other assets legally available therefor, pari passu (on an as converted basis, assuming conversion of all Multiple Voting Shares into Subordinate Voting Shares at the Conversion Ratio) as to dividends and any declaration or payment of any dividend on the Subordinate Voting Shares. No dividend will be declared or paid on the Multiple Voting Shares unless the Corporation simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) on the Subordinate Voting Shares.
(d) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of Multiple Voting Shares will, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Corporation ranking in priority to the Multiple Voting Shares, be entitled to participate rateably along with all other holders of Multiple Voting Shares (on an as-converted to Subordinate Voting Share basis) and Subordinate Voting Shares.
(e) Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of Multiple Voting Shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of Subordinate Voting Shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Corporation now or in the future.
(f) Conversion. Holders of Multiple Voting Shares Holders shall have conversion rights as follows (the “Conversion Rights”):
(i) Right to Convert. Each issued and outstanding Multiple Voting Share may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted into fully paid and non-assessable Subordinate Voting Shares as is determined by multiplying the number of Multiple Voting Shares by the Conversion Ratio applicable to such share, determined as hereafter provided, in effect on the date the Multiple Voting Share is surrendered for conversion. The initial “Conversion Ratio” for shares of Multiple Voting Shares shall be 1,000 Subordinate Voting Shares for each Multiple Voting Share; provided, however, that the Conversion Ratio shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in this Section (g).
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 4 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
(ii) Mandatory Conversion. Notwithstanding any other term herein, the Corporation may require each holder of Multiple Voting Shares to convert all, and not less than all, the Multiple Voting Shares at the applicable Conversion Ratio (a “Mandatory Conversion”) if at any time all the following conditions are satisfied (or otherwise waived by special resolution of holders of Multiple Voting Shares):
(A) the Subordinate Voting Shares issuable upon conversion of all the Multiple Voting Shares are registered for resale and may be sold by the holder thereof pursuant to an effective registration statement and/or prospectus covering the Subordinate Voting Shares under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”);
(B) the Corporation is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(C) the Subordinate Voting Shares are listed or quoted (and are not suspended from trading) on a recognized North American stock exchange.
The Corporation will issue or cause its transfer agent to issue each holder of Multiple Voting Shares of record a Mandatory Conversion notice at least 20 days prior to the record date of the Mandatory Conversion, which shall specify therein,
(i) the number of Subordinate Voting Shares into which the Multiple Voting Shares are convertible and (ii) the address of record for such holder. On the record date of a Mandatory Conversion, the Corporation will issue or cause its transfer agent to issue each holder of record on the Mandatory Conversion date certificates representing the number of Subordinate Voting Shares into which the Multiple Voting Shares are so converted or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership of the Subordinate Voting Shares, and each certificate representing the Multiple Voting Shares shall be null and void.
(iii) Mechanics of Conversion. The conversion right may be exercised at any time and from time to time by notice in writing delivered to the Corporation or transfer agent accompanied by the certificate or certificates representing the Multiple Voting Shares or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership as the Corporation or transfer agent may require, in respect of which the holder wishes to exercise the right of conversion. The notice must be signed by the registered holder of the Multiple Voting Shares in respect of which the right of conversion is being exercised or by his, her or its duly authorized attorney and must specify the number of Multiple Voting Shares which the holder wishes to have converted. Upon receipt of the conversion notice and share certificate(s) or other evidence of ownership satisfactory to the transfer agent, and after paying any applicable stamp tax or similar duty on or in respect of such conversion, the Corporation will issue a share certificate or other evidence of ownership representing Subordinate Voting Shares on the basis set out above to the registered holder of the Multiple Voting Shares. If fewer than all of the Multiple Voting Shares represented by a certificate accompanying the notice are to be converted, the holder is entitled to receive a new certificate representing the shares comprised in the original certificate which are not to be converted. Multiple Voting Shares converted into Subordinate Voting Shares hereunder will automatically be cancelled.
(iv) Adjustments for Distributions. In the event the Corporation shall declare a distribution to holders of Subordinate Voting Shares payable in securities of other persons, evidences of indebtedness issued by the Corporation or other persons, assets (excluding cash dividends) or options or rights not otherwise causing adjustment to the Conversion Ratio (a “Distribution”), then, in each such case for the purpose of this subsection, the holders of Multiple Voting Shares shall be entitled to a proportionate share of any such Distribution as though they were the holders of the number of Subordinate Voting Shares into which their Multiple Voting Shares are convertible as of the record date fixed for the determination of the holders of Subordinate Voting Shares entitled to receive such Distribution.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 5 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
(v) Recapitalizations; Stock Splits. If at any time or from time-to-time, the Corporation shall effect a recapitalization of the Subordinate Voting Shares; (ii) issue Subordinate Voting Shares as a dividend or other distribution on outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares; (iii) subdivide the outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares into a greater number of Subordinate Voting Shares; (iv) consolidate the outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares into a smaller number of Subordinate Voting Shares; or (v) effect any similar transaction or action (each, a “Recapitalization”), provision shall be made so that the holders of Multiple Voting Shares shall thereafter be entitled to receive, upon conversion of Multiple Voting Shares, the number of Subordinate Voting Shares or other securities or property of the Corporation or otherwise, to which a holder of Subordinate Voting Shares deliverable upon conversion would have been entitled on such Recapitalization. In any such case, appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions of this Section (g) with respect to the rights of the holders of Multiple Voting Shares after the Recapitalization to the end that the provisions of this Section (g) (including adjustment of the Conversion Ratio then in effect and the number of Multiple Voting Shares issuable upon conversion of Multiple Voting Shares) shall be applicable after that event as nearly equivalent as may be practicable.
(vi) No Fractional Shares and Certificate as to Adjustments. No fractional Subordinate Voting Shares shall be issued upon the conversion of any Multiple Voting Shares and the number of Subordinate Voting Shares to be issued shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Subordinate Voting Share. Whether or not fractional Subordinate Voting Shares are issuable upon such conversion shall be determined on the basis of the total number of shares of Multiple Voting Shares the holder is at the time converting into Subordinate Voting Shares and the number of Subordinate Voting Shares issuable upon such aggregate conversion.
(vii) Adjustment Notice. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Ratio pursuant to this Section (g), the Corporation, at its expense, shall promptly compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and prepare and furnish to each holder of Multiple Voting Shares a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, upon the written request at any time of any holder of Multiple Voting Shares, furnish or cause to be furnished to such holder a like certificate setting forth (A) such adjustment and readjustment, (B) the Conversion Ratio for Multiple Voting Shares at the time in effect, and (C) the number of Subordinate Voting Shares and the amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon the conversion of a Multiple Voting Share.
(viii) Disputes. Any holder of Multiple Voting Shares that beneficially owns more than 5% of the issued and outstanding Multiple Voting Shares may submit a written dispute as to the determination or the arithmetic calculation of the Conversion
Ratio with the basis for the disputed determinations or arithmetic calculations. The Corporation shall respond to the holder within five (5) Business Days of receipt, or deemed receipt, of the dispute notice with a written calculation of the Conversion Ratio. If the holder and the Corporation are unable to agree upon such determination or calculation of the Conversion Ratio, within five (5) Business Days of such response, then the Corporation and the holder shall, within one (1) Business Day thereafter submit the disputed arithmetic calculation of the conversion ratio to the Corporation’s independent, outside accountant. The Corporation, at the Corporation’s expense, shall cause the accountant to perform the determinations or calculations and notify the Corporation and the holder of the results no later than ten (10) Business Days from the time it receives the disputed determinations or calculations. Such accountant’s determination or calculation, as the case may be, shall be binding upon all parties absent demonstrable error. “Business Day” means any day excluding a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday in the province of Ontario.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 6 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
(g) Conversion of Upon an Offer. In addition to the conversion rights set out in Section (g), in the event that an offer is made to purchase Subordinate Voting Shares, and the offer is one which is required, pursuant to applicable securities legislation or the rules of a stock exchange, if any, on which the Subordinate Voting Shares are then listed, to be made to all or substantially all the holders of Subordinate Voting Shares in a province or territory of Canada to which the requirement applies, each Multiple Voting Share shall become convertible at the option of the holder into Subordinate Voting Shares at the Conversion Ratio then in effect, at any time while the offer is in effect until one day after the time prescribed by applicable securities legislation for the offeror to take up and pay for such shares as are to be acquired pursuant to the offer. The conversion right in this Section (h) may only be exercised in respect of Multiple Voting Shares for the purpose of depositing the resulting Subordinate Voting Shares under the offer, and for no other reason. In such event, the transfer agent for the Subordinate Voting Shares shall deposit under the offer the resulting Subordinate Voting Shares, on behalf of the holder.
To exercise such conversion right, the holder or his or its attorney duly authorized in writing shall:
(i) give written notice to the transfer agent of the exercise of such right, and of the number of Multiple Voting Shares in respect of which the right is being exercised;
(ii) deliver to the transfer agent the share certificate or certificates representing the Multiple Voting Shares in respect of which the right is being exercised or, if uncertificated, such other evidence of ownership as the transfer agent may require, if applicable; and
(iii) pay any applicable stamp tax or similar duty on or in respect of such conversion.
No share certificates representing the Subordinate Voting Shares, resulting from the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares will be delivered to the holders on whose behalf such deposit is being made. If Subordinate Voting Shares, resulting from the conversion and deposited pursuant to the offer, are withdrawn by the holder or are not taken up by the offeror, or the offer is abandoned, withdrawn or terminated by the offeror or the offer otherwise expires without such Subordinate Voting Shares being taken up and paid for, the Subordinate Voting Shares resulting from the conversion will be re-converted into Multiple Voting Shares at the inverse of Conversion Ratio then in effect and a share certificate representing the Multiple Voting Shares will be sent to the holder by the transfer agent. In the event that the offeror takes up and pays for the Subordinate Voting Shares resulting from conversion, the transfer agent shall deliver to the holders thereof the consideration paid for such shares by the offeror.
(h) Notices of Record Date. Except as otherwise provided under applicable law, in the event of any taking by the Corporation of a record of the holders of any class of securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend (other than a cash dividend) or other distribution, any right to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of any class or any other securities or property, or to receive any other right, the Corporation shall mail to each holder of Multiple Voting Shares, at least 20 days prior to the date specified therein, a notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or right, and the amount and character of such dividend, distribution or right.
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 7 of 8 |
BCA - Articles of Amendment - GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. - OCN:1810244 - June 27, 2024
D. The issue, transfer or ownership of shares is/is not restricted and the restrictions (if any) are as follows. If none, enter “None”:
Not amended
E. Other provisions:
Not amended
4. The amendment has been duly authorized as required by sections 168 and 170 (as applicable) of the Business Corporations Act.
5. The resolution authorizing the amendment was approved by the shareholders/directors (as applicable) of the corporation on:
June 24, 2024
The articles have been properly executed by the required person(s).
The endorsed Articles of Amendment are not complete without the Certificate of Amendment. Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery | Page 8 of 8 |
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Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery Ministère des Services au public et aux entreprises |
| Certificate of Amendment | Certificat de modification | |
| Business Corporations Act | Loi sur les sociétés par actions |
GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC.
Corporation Name / Dénomination sociale
1810244
Ontario Corporation Number / Numéro de société de l’Ontario
| This is to certify that these articles are effective on | La présente vise à attester que ces statuts entreront en vigueur le |
June 27, 2024 / 27 juin 2024

Director / Directeur
Business Corporations Act / Loi sur les sociétés par actions
|
The Certificate of Amendment is not complete without the Articles of Amendment
Certified a true copy of the record of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
Director/Registrar |
![]() |
Ce certificat de modification n’est pas complet s’il ne contient pas les statuts de modification
Copie certifiée conforme du dossier du ministère des Services au public et aux entreprises.
Directeur ou registrateur |
EXHIBIT 2.1
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
As of the date of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of which this Exhibit 2.1 is a part, Grown Rogue International Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) has only one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended: the Company’s subordinate voting shares (the “subordinate voting shares”).
Description of Our Share Capital
The following description of our share capital is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation (the “Articles”), and bylaws, as amended (the “Bylaws”), each of which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F of which this Exhibit 2.1 is a part, and certain related sections of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the “OBCA”).
Subordinate Voting Shares
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares, with no par value per share. As of April 29, 2025, we had 247,852,938 subordinate voting shares issued and outstanding. Our subordinate voting shares have the following special rights and restrictions:
| ● | Voting Rights. Holders of subordinate voting shares are entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company. At each such meeting, holders of subordinate voting shares are entitled to one vote in respect of each subordinate voting share held, except a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Company shall have the right to vote. |
| ● | Alteration to Rights of Subordinate Voting Shares. As long as any subordinate voting shares remain outstanding, the Company will not, without the consent of the holders of the subordinate voting shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the subordinate voting shares. |
| ● | Dividends. Holders of subordinate voting shares are entitled to receive as and when declared by the directors, dividends in cash or property of the Company. No dividend will be declared or paid on the subordinate voting shares unless the Company simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to subordinate voting share basis) on the multiple voting shares. |
| ● | Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of subordinate voting shares are, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Company ranking in priority to the subordinate voting shares be entitled to participate ratably along with all other holders of multiple voting shares (on an as-converted to subordinate voting share basis) and subordinate voting shares. |
| ● | Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of subordinate voting shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of subordinate voting shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company now or in the future. |
| ● | Subdivision or Consolidation. No subdivision or consolidation of the subordinate voting shares or multiple voting shares will occur unless, simultaneously, the subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares are subdivided or consolidated in the same manner or such other adjustment is made so as to maintain and preserve the relative rights of the holders of the shares of each of the said classes. |
| ● | Conversion. Each issued and outstanding subordinate voting share may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted at the inverse of the conversion ratio then in effect. |
Multiple Voting Shares
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of multiple voting shares, with no par value per share. As of April 29, 2025, there were no multiple voting shares issued and outstanding. Our multiple voting shares have special rights and restrictions as set forth below:
| ● | Voting Rights. Holders of multiple voting shares are entitled to notice of and to attend and speak at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company. At each such meeting, except for a meeting of which only holders of another particular class or series of shares of the Company shall have the right to vote, holders of multiple voting shares will be entitled to one vote in respect of each subordinate voting share into which such multiple voting share could ultimately then be converted, which for greater certainty, shall initially equal 1,000 votes per multiple voting share. |
| ● | Alteration to Rights of Multiple Voting Shares. As long as any multiple voting shares remain outstanding, the Company will not, without the consent of the holders of the multiple voting shares by separate special resolution, prejudice or interfere with any right or special right attached to the multiple voting shares. Consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding multiple voting shares shall be required for any action that authorizes or creates shares of any class having preferences superior to or on a parity with the multiple voting shares. In connection with the exercise of the voting rights contained in this paragraph each holder of multiple voting shares will have one vote in respect of each multiple voting share held. |
| ● | Dividends. The holders of multiple voting shares have the right to receive dividends, out of any cash or other assets legally available therefor, pari passu (on an as converted basis, assuming conversion of all multiple voting shares into subordinate voting shares at the conversion ratio) as to dividends and any declaration or payment of any dividend on the subordinate voting shares. No dividend will be declared or paid on the multiple voting shares unless the Company simultaneously declares or pays, as applicable, equivalent dividends (on an as-converted to subordinate voting share basis) on the subordinate voting shares. |
| ● | Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding-Up. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other distribution of assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of multiple voting shares will, subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of the Company ranking in priority to the multiple voting shares, be entitled to participate rateably along with all other holders of multiple voting shares (on an as-converted to subordinate voting share basis) and subordinate voting shares. |
| ● | Rights to Subscribe; Pre-Emptive Rights. The holders of multiple voting shares are not entitled to a right of first refusal to subscribe for, purchase or receive any part of any issue of subordinate voting shares, or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company now or in the future. |
| ● | Conversion. Holders of multiple voting shares have the right to convert each issued and outstanding multiple voting share into fully paid and non-assessable subordinate voting shares as is determined by multiplying the number of multiple voting shares by the conversion ratio applicable to such share, determined as hereafter provided, in effect on the date the multiple voting share is surrendered for conversion. The initial “conversion ratio” for shares of multiple voting shares shall be 1,000 subordinate voting shares for each multiple voting share, subject to certain adjustments. |
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Certain Important Provisions of our Articles, Bylaws and Canadian Law
General Meeting of Shareholders
We are incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and are governed by the OBCA. Under the OBCA, (i) a general meeting of shareholders shall be held at such place in or outside Ontario as determined by our board of directors, or, in the absence of such a determination, at our registered office; (ii) our board of directors must call an annual meeting of shareholders no later than 15 months after the last preceding annual meeting; (iii) for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of or vote at meetings of shareholders, our board of directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for that determination, provided that if we are an “offering corporation” under the rules of the OBCA, such date shall not precede by more than 50 days or by less than 21 days the date on which the meeting is to be held; (iv) notice of the time and place of a meeting of shareholders shall be sent to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting, our directors and our auditor; (v) the holders of not less than five percent (5%) of our issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares entitled to vote at a meeting may requisition our board of directors to call a meeting of shareholders for the purposes stated in the requisition; and (vi) upon the application of a director or shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice may order a meeting to be called, held and conducted in a manner that the Court directs.
Our Bylaws provide unless a greater number of shareholders and/or a greater number of shares are required to be represented by the OBCA or by our certificate of incorporation or by any other by-law of the Company, two persons present in person; and each entitled to vote thereat, either personally or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of shareholders.
Procedures to Change the Rights of Shareholders
The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions with respect to our subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares are contained in our certificate of incorporation, and such rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions may be changed by amending our certificate of incorporation. In order to amend our certificate of incorporation, the OBCA requires approval by not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by our shareholders entitled to vote thereon. Additionally, if we make particular types of amendments to our articles of incorporation, a holder of our shares may dissent to such amendments and, if such shareholder so elects and complies with all applicable requirements set out in the OBCA, we will have to pay such shareholder the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder. The types of amendments to our certificate of incorporation that would be subject to dissent rights include (but are not limited to): (i) adding, removing or changing restrictions on the issue, transfer or ownership of our shares, and (ii) adding, removing or changing any restrictions upon the business that we may carry on or upon the powers that we may exercise.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our Bylaws provide that every director and officer (and their heirs, executors, and legal representatives) will be indemnified by the Company against all liabilities, costs, charges, and expenses they incur in relation to any action or proceeding arising from their role, provided the action relates to their duties and responsibilities within the Company. However, indemnification is not available for any liability, costs, or expenses incurred if the director or officer is found to have breached a duty or responsibility under the OBCA, unless they achieve complete or substantial success as a defendant.
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Certain Important Provisions of the Investment Canada Act
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, or affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of subordinate voting shares, other than withholding tax requirements.
Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act, there are no limitations imposed under the laws of Canada, the Province of Ontario, or by our constituent documents on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote our securities.
The Investment Canada Act (the “ICA”), which became effective on June 30, 1985, regulates the acquisition by non-Canadians of control of a Canadian business enterprise. In effect, the ICA requires review by Investment Canada, the agency which administers the ICA, and approval by the Canadian government, in the case of an acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian where: (i) in the case of a direct acquisition (for example, through a share purchase or asset purchase), the assets of the business are CAD $5 million or more in value; or (ii) in the case of an indirect acquisition (for example, the acquisition of the foreign parent of the Canadian business) where the Canadian business has assets of CAD $5 million or more in value or if the Canadian business represents more than 50% of the assets of the original group and the Canadian business has assets of CAD $5 million or more in value. Review and approval are also required for the acquisition or establishment of a new business in areas concerning “Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity” such as book publishing, film production and distribution, television and radio production and distribution of music, and the oil and natural gas industry, regardless of the size of the investment.
As applied to an investment in us, three methods of acquiring control of a Canadian business would be regulated by the ICA: (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets used in carrying on the Canadian business; (ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on the Canadian business; or (iii) the acquisition of voting shares of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on a Canadian business. An acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of an entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the ICA. An acquisition of less than one-third of the voting shares of a corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it can be established that on the acquisition the corporation is not, in fact, controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares. For partnerships, trusts, joint ventures or other unincorporated entities, an acquisition of less than a majority of the voting interests is deemed not to be an acquisition of control.
In 1988, the ICA was amended, pursuant to the Free Trade Agreement dated January 2, 1988 between Canada and the United States, to relax the restrictions of the ICA. As a result of these amendments, except where the Canadian business is in the cultural, oil and gas, uranium, financial services or transportation sectors, the threshold for direct acquisition of control by U.S. investors and other foreign investors acquiring control of a Canadian business from US investors has been raised from CAD $5 million to CAD $150 million of gross assets, and indirect acquisitions are not reviewable.
In addition to the foregoing, the ICA requires that all other acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians are subject to formal notification to the Canadian government. These provisions require a foreign investor to give notice in the required form, which notices are for information, as opposed to review, purposes.
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Exhibit 4.48
THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO STRICT REQUIREMENTS FOR ONGOING REGULATORY COMPLIANCE BY THE PARTIES HERETO, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REQUIREMENTS THAT THE PARTIES TAKE NO ACTION IN VIOLATION OF THE ACT (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 10(M)) OR THE GUIDANCE OR INSTRUCTION OF THE REGULATOR (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 10(M)).
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of February 22, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), by and among Cannequality LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (the “Company”), Stephanie Biegel, Veronica Smith, Cleopatra Cowley, Lisa Sargent, and Elliot Berman (“Sellers”), and Rogue EBC, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (the “Purchaser”). Sellers, Purchaser, and the Company are also sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS, Sellers are the holders of 100% of the membership interests of the Company which constitute all of the outstanding equity interests of the Company (the “Membership Interests”);
WHEREAS, the Company’s sole business since its formation has been (i) preparing to operate a state-regulated craft grower facility and (ii) the acquisition of the license described on Exhibit A hereto (together with all rights and privileges associated therewith, the “License”); and
WHEREAS, Sellers desire to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase from Sellers the Membership Interests on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (the “Purchase”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Sale and Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:
(a) Purchase Price. Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Sellers the Membership Interests for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000 (the “Purchase Price”) as set forth herein.
(b) Closing and Closing Date. The closing of the Purchase and the other transactions contemplated by of this Agreement (collectively, the “Closing”) shall take place at 12:01 a.m., Central Standard Time, on the second Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 7, or on such other date as the Parties may mutually determine (the “Closing Date”).
(c) Payment of Purchase Price.
(i) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Purchaser has paid $50,000 of the Purchase Price to Sellers (the “Initial Payment”). The Parties agree and acknowledge that the Initial Payment shall be treated as a deposit to be credited towards the Purchase Price upon the Approval Date (as defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Regulator does not approve the transfer of the Membership Interests from Sellers to Purchaser, then Sellers shall refund the Initial Payment to the Purchaser in its entirety within two (2) Business Days of the Parties receiving notice from the Regulator of its denial of the transfer.
(ii) Within two (2) Business Days of the Regulator approving the transfer of the Membership Interests from Sellers to Purchaser (the “Approval Date”), Purchaser shall pay to Sellers $700,000 of the Purchase Price via wire transfer to the account designated by Sellers (the “Approval Payment”).
(d) Payment of Company Liabilities. Although it is anticipated that the Company will have no Liabilities as of immediately prior to Closing, to the extent that the Company does have Liabilities outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing, Purchaser shall be entitled to pay off such Liabilities at Closing and reduce the Approval Payment on a dollar for dollar basis (in which case, Sellers shall cooperate with Purchaser in good faith to facilitate the making of such payments). In the event the Approval Payment is insufficient to cover such Liabilities existing at Closing, the Initial Payment shall be used to cover such additional Liabilities and if Liabilities still exist, then Purchaser may deduct such remaining amount from the Final Payments.
(e) Delivery of Membership Interests. On the Closing Date, and contingent upon Sellers receiving the Approval Payment, Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser the certificate or certificates representing the Membership Interests (if any) and duly executed membership interest powers in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B effecting the transfer of the Membership Interests to Purchaser. Thereupon, all of Sellers’ rights, title and interest in and to the Membership Interests shall terminate.
(f) Withholding. If Purchaser determines that any deduction or withholding is required in respect of a payment pursuant to this Agreement, Purchaser shall provide written notice to Seller no less than ten (10) days prior to the date on which such deduction or withholding is to be made, or within one (1) Business Day of Purchaser’s knowledge thereof, if such knowledge is received by Purchaser within such 10-day notice period, with a written explanation substantiating the requirement to deduct or withhold, and the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate to mitigate any such requirement to the maximum extent permitted by Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate tax authorities, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the person otherwise entitled to receive such payments pursuant to this Agreement.
(g) Tax Treatment.
(i) The Parties acknowledge and agree that: (i) for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, and for corresponding state and local income Tax purposes (except as required by a final determination as defined in Section 1313(a) of the Code or corresponding provisions of state and local Tax Law), the Parties shall treat the sale and purchase of the Membership Interests pursuant to this Agreement as a purchase of the assets of the Company and (ii) the sale and purchase of the Membership Interests pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a sale of limited liability company interests for all Tax purposes other than income Taxes.
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(ii) Purchaser and Sellers agree that for all purposes (tax and financial accounting) the purchase price shall be allocated pursuant to Exhibit C, which Purchaser shall prepare and provide to Sellers. Sellers, Purchaser and their Affiliates shall report, act, and file Tax Returns (including, but not limited to, IRS Form 8594) in all respects and for all purposes consistent with Exhibit C. In case of any adjustment to the Purchase Price (or any other item of consideration for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) requiring an amendment to the allocation, Purchaser shall amend the allocation in accordance with the principles set forth in this Section 1(g) and provide such amended allocation to Sellers. Neither Sellers nor Purchaser shall take any Tax position (whether in audits, Tax Returns, or otherwise) that is inconsistent with such allocation unless required to do so by a final determination as defined in Section 1313(a) of the Code.
2. Representations and Warranties of Sellers. Sellers hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Purchaser, both as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority. Each Seller that is an entity is duly organized or incorporated, validly existing and in active status as a limited liability company or corporation under the Laws of the state in which it was organized or incorporated. Each such Seller is duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction where it is required to be qualified. No Person (as defined below) owns or has any interest in the Company or its business other than Sellers.
(b) Power and Authority; Binding Effect. Each Seller has all necessary power and authority and has taken all action necessary to authorize, execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the Purchase, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Sellers and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Sellers enforceable against Sellers in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
(c) Ownership of Membership Interests. Sellers own all right, title and interest (legal and beneficial) in and to all of the Membership Interests free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, including without limitation any lien, pledge, claim, security interest, mortgage, assessment, charge, restriction or limitation of any kind, whether arising by agreement, operation of Law or otherwise (each, an “Encumbrance”). Upon delivery and payment for the Membership Interests, Purchaser shall acquire valid title to such Membership Interests, free and clear of Encumbrances. No person has any agreement, option, understanding or commitment (oral or in writing) with respect to the purchase, voting, or acquisition of any of the Membership Interests. The Membership Interests have been duly authorized and are fully-paid, non-assessable and validly issued in accordance with any applicable Law and the Articles of Organization and operating agreement (the “Organizational Documents”) of the Company. Apart from the Membership Interests, there are no other outstanding equity or phantom equity interests of any kind with respect to the Company. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, convertible securities or any other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any kind or character relating to any membership interests in the Company or obligating Sellers or the Company to issue or sell any membership interests, or any other interest, in the Company. Other than the Company’s Organizational Documents, there are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or understandings in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of any of the Membership Interests.
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(d) Authorization, Approval and Enforceability. Each Seller has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his/her/its obligations under this Agreement. Other than the consents to the transfer of the License from all Governmental Authorities (as defined below) required to approve such transfer under applicable Law (the “License Transfer Consents”), no consent, waiver, approval, order, permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or notification to, any person or entity is required on the part of Sellers in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. For purposes of this Agreement, “Governmental Authority” and “Governmental Authorities” means any federal, state, commonwealth, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, or any political subdivision thereof, or any court, agency or other entity, body, organization or group, exercising any executive, legislative, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative function of government, or any supranational body, arbitrator, court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction.
(e) No Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor compliance with the terms and provisions hereof on the part of Sellers will breach any statutes or regulations of any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign, or will conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any judgment, order, injunction, decree, Contract, or instrument to which any Seller is a party or by which it, or its assets, may be bound, or constitute a default thereunder or an event which with the giving of notice or passage of time or both would constitute a default thereunder, or require the consent of any person or entity (other than consents obtained on or before the Closing), which, in each of the foregoing cases, would have any material adverse impact on any Seller’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
(f) No Continuing Rights. Sellers acknowledge that the Purchase Price represents the entire consideration to be paid for Sellers’ Membership Interests and that, conditioned upon Sellers receiving the Purchase Price, Sellers shall have no further rights with respect to either the Membership Interests, the Company, or the License.
(g) Adequacy of Payment. Sellers agree that the amount of the Purchase Price and the consideration set forth in Section 1 is fair and equitable to Sellers. Each Seller acknowledges that arm’s-length negotiations between Purchaser, on the one hand, and Sellers, on the other, resulted in Sellers and Purchaser agreeing to the sufficiency of the Purchase Price set forth in Section 1.
(h) Receipt of Information. Each Seller acknowledges that he/she/it (i) has made the decision to sell the Membership Interests voluntarily and without inducement by Purchaser (or any of its respective Affiliates) or any other Person, (ii) has undertaken a thorough evaluation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) is an informed and sophisticated person, and (iv) has had an opportunity to consult with legal and financial experts regarding the transactions contemplated hereby.
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(i) Value of Membership Interests. Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that (i) the value of the Membership Interests may significantly increase or decrease over time, (ii) the Purchase Price may not be the highest price that Sellers could obtain for the Membership Interests in the future, and (iii) Sellers are relinquishing the opportunity to sell the Membership Interests at a higher and to receive the benefit of future appreciation, if any, in the value of the Membership Interests. Each Seller is aware that (x) the Company may sell in the future its Membership Interests at a price substantially higher or lower than the Purchase Price, and (y) if the Company is either sold or consummates a public offering in the future, the consideration received by holders of the Company’s equity interests in connection with such transaction or the initial public offering price in such public offering, as the case may be, may be substantially greater or lower than the Purchase Price.
(j) No Litigation. There is no pending or, to Sellers’ knowledge, threatened legal Proceeding (except for the Disclosed License Proceedings) by any Government Authority or third party, impacting the Company, the License, or Seller’s interest in the Membership Interests.
(k) Brokers. Sellers have not entered into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any Person which will result in the obligation to pay any finder’s fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the Purchase.
3. Representations and Warranties with Respect to the Company. Sellers and the Company jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to Purchaser, both as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority of Company to Conduct Business. The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in active status as a limited liability company under the Laws of Illinois. The Company is duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction where it is required to be qualified. No Person (as defined below) owns or has any interest in the Company or its business other than Sellers. The Company has full limited liability company power and authority, as applicable to conduct its business as it is presently being conducted and to own and lease its properties and assets. For purposes of this Agreement: (i) “Affiliate” of any Party means any Person which directly or indirectly controls, or is under common control with, or is controlled by, such Party (where “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise)); and (ii) “Person” means any Governmental Authority, individual, association, joint venture, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust or other entity.
(b) Power and Authority; Binding Effect. The Company has all necessary power and authority and has taken all action necessary to authorize, execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the Purchase, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Company enforceable against Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
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(c) Cannabis License. The Company owns the License free and clear of any Encumbrances (other than those Encumbrances set forth in the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder). Without limiting any other representation of the Company or Sellers in this Agreement, there is no claim, demand, action, suit, litigation, dispute, order, writ, injunction, judgment, assessment, decree, grievance, arbitral action, investigation or other proceeding (each, a “Proceeding”) pending or, to the knowledge of Sellers or the Company, threatened against the License, or to the knowledge of Sellers or the Company otherwise relating to or affecting in any adverse manner the License, other than In re Cannabis Craft Grower Litigation, Case No. 22 CH 06071, pending before Judge Pamela Meyerson in the Circuit Court of Cook County (the “Disclosed License Proceedings”). The Company is not a party to the Disclosed License Proceedings. After the Closing Date, the Company shall hold good and valid title to the License and shall be able to use the License under the Act.
(d) Equity Information. The Membership Interests constitute all of the ownership interest in the Company. The Membership Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued and have been issued in compliance with applicable securities Laws. The Company has made available to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of the Organizational Documents as currently in effect. Other than the Membership Interests, there are not now outstanding any other equity interests, phantom equity interests or other securities, or any options, warrants or any rights related to the Company or to any other equity interests, phantom equity interests or other securities of Company. There are no agreements of any kind relating to the issuance of any equity interests of Company or any convertible or exchangeable securities or any options, warrants or other rights relating to the equity interests of Company. There are no voting agreements, voting trusts, buy-sell agreements, options or right of first purchase agreements or other agreements of any kind relating to the Membership Interests.
(e) No Conflict or Violation. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the Purchase, and the fulfillment of the terms of this Agreement, do not and will not result in or constitute (i) a violation of or conflict with any provision of the organizational or other governing documents of Company, (ii) a breach of, a loss of rights under, or an event, occurrence, condition or act which is or, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, would become, a default under, or result in the acceleration of any obligations under, any term or provision of, any Contract, agreement, indebtedness, lease, commitment, license, franchise, permit or authorization to which Company is a party, (iii) a violation by Company of any Law, rule, regulation, ordinance, by-law, code, order, judgment, writ, injunction, decree or award applicable to Company which could result in a penalty or a loss of privilege or (iv) an imposition of any Encumbrance on the assets of Company or the Membership Interests.
(f) Consents and Approvals. Except for the License Transfer Consents, no consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any Person is required to be made or obtained by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Purchase or will be necessary to ensure the continuing validity and effectiveness following the Closing of the License.
(g) No Proceedings. There is no Proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Company or Sellers, threatened involving the Company other than the Disclosed License Proceedings.
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(h) Taxes. (i) All material Tax Returns of or with respect to the Company required to be filed have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority, and all Taxes related thereto have been timely paid; (ii) there are no Tax sharing agreements, Tax indemnity agreements or other similar agreements to which the Company is a party under which Purchaser or the Company could be liable for any Taxes or other claims of any party (excluding in each case contracts with vendors, landlords, and other persons the principal purpose of which is not to address Tax matters) that will not be terminated on or prior to the Closing; (iii) all material Taxes that the Company is (or was) required by Law to withhold or collect in connection with amounts paid or owing to or from any partner, member, employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, member or other third party have been duly withheld or collected, and have been paid over to the proper authorities to the extent due and payable; (iv) the Company is not currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return; (v) no notice has been received by the Company and no claim has been made within the past five (5) years by any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction where the Company did not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction; (vi) there is no dispute or claim concerning any material Tax liability of the Company or related to the business of the Company either claimed or raised by any Governmental Authority; (vii) there is no written Tax deficiency outstanding, proposed or assessed against or with respect to the Company, nor has the Company (or Affiliate thereof, including Sellers) either executed any unexpired waiver or comparable consent of any statute of limitations on or extending the period for the assessment or collection of any Tax with respect to the Company or been requested to enter into any such waiver or comparable consent; (viii) no Seller is a “foreign person” as that term is used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2; (ix) the Company has not applied for or received loans or payments under Covid Relief, including pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, claimed any Tax credits under Covid Relief, or deferred any Taxes under Covid Relief; and (x) the Company is currently, and at all times since its formation has been classified as a partnership for all U.S. federal, state, and local income Tax purpose.
(i) Property. Other than the License, (i) the Company does not own or have any leasehold, fee or other ownership interest in any real property, (ii) the Company does not own or have any leasehold, fee or other ownership interest in any tangible personal property, and (iii) the Company does not own or have any leasehold, license, fee, or other ownership interest in any intellectual property or other intangible personal property.
(j) Compliance with Laws and Permits. The Company has conducted its business in compliance with, and the Company has been and is in compliance in all material respects with, all applicable Laws, except Federal Cannabis Laws.
(k) Employees. The Company does not have and has never had any employees or independent contractors. The Company does not have and have never had any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
(l) Insurance. The Company does not have any insurance policies.
(m) Contracts. Other than the License and this Agreement, there are no Contracts to which (i) any Seller is a party that relate to the Company, the Company’s business, the License, or the Membership Interests or (ii) the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound.
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(n) Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney. The Company has no bank accounts, safe deposit boxes or lock box arrangements.
(o) No Subsidiaries. The Company does not own, or have any interest in any shares or have an ownership interest in any other Person.
(p) No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments. Neither the Company, any Seller, any equity owner, director, manager, officer, agent, employee, affiliate, nor any other person associated with or acting on behalf of Company has (i) used Company funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment, or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government or regulatory official or employee; (iii) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback, or other unlawful payment; or (iv) violated or is in violation of any provision of (x) the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, (y) any applicable Law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or (z) any other anti-bribery or anti-corruption statute or regulation.
(q) Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Laws. Except with respect to the Federal Cannabis Laws, the operations of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where Company conducts or has conducted business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations, or guidelines issued, administered, or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit, or Proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitrator involving the Company with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(r) Compliance with OFAC. Neither the Company, any Seller, nor any director, manager, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Company is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is, currently the subject or target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”) or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”). Since the Company’s inception, the Company has not knowingly engaged in and is not now knowingly engaged in any dealings or transactions with any Person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any country or territory that is the subject or the target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
(s) Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company has no liabilities, obligations or commitments of any nature whatsoever, asserted or unasserted, known or unknown, whether or not reasonably anticipated, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, matured or unmatured, or otherwise (“Liabilities”), except for Liabilities imposed on the Company under the terms of this Agreement.
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(t) No Litigation. There is no pending or, to Company’s knowledge, threatened legal Proceeding (except for the Disclosed License Proceedings) by any Government Authority or third party, impacting the Company, the License, or Company’s interest in the License.
(u) No Brokers. The Company has not entered into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any Person which will result in the obligation to pay any finder’s fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with the Purchase.
(v) Operations. The Company has not commenced operations utilizing the License and has not grown or sold cannabis under such License.
4. Full Disclosure. Sellers and the Company jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to Purchaser, both as of the date hereof and as of the Closing no representation or warranty made by Sellers or the Company in Section 2 or Section 3 and no statement contained in any related schedule to this Agreement or any certificate or other document furnished or to be furnished to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement contains any materially untrue statement of fact, or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not materially misleading.
5. Representation and Warranties of Purchaser. In connection with the Purchase, Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:
(a) No Broker. No person has any right or other claim against Purchaser for any commission, fee or other compensation as a finder or broker in connection with the Purchase.
(b) Authorization, Approval and Enforceability. Purchaser has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Other than the License Transfer Consents, no consent, waiver, approval, order, permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or notification to, any person or entity is required on the part of Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
(c) Ability to Bear Risk. Purchaser is financially capable of bearing the risk of loss of the entire investment represented by the Membership Interests and is able to bear the economic risk of investment in the Membership Interests for an indefinite period of time.
6. Certain Covenants.
(a) Conduct of Business Prior to Closing. From the date hereof until the Closing, except to the extent explicitly requested in writing by the Purchaser, Sellers shall not take, and shall not permit the Company to take, any action (including a material omission) that would be reasonably expected to cause (i) one or more of the representations made by Sellers or the Company in this Agreement to cease to be true, or to fail to be true as of the Closing or (ii) one or more of the conditions to Closing set forth herein to not be satisfied or to be materially delayed.
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(b) Access to Information. From the date hereof until the Closing, Sellers shall, and shall cause the Company to, upon no less than two (2) Business Days prior written notice, and during normal business hours, (a) afford Purchaser, its Affiliates, and their respective representatives access to and the right to inspect all books and records, Contracts and other documents and data related to the Company or the License; (b) furnish Purchaser, its Affiliates and their respective representatives with such financial, operating and other data and information related to the Company as the same may request; and (c) instruct the representatives of Sellers and the Company to cooperate with Purchaser in its investigation of the Company.
(c) Further Assurances; Additional Agreements. Following the Closing, each of the Parties hereto shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments, conveyances and assurances and take such further actions as may be reasonably required to carry out the provisions hereof and give effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) Tax Matters.
(i) Straddle Period. In the case of a taxable period that includes but does not end on the Closing Date (a “Straddle Period”), the amount of any Taxes of the Company not based upon or measured by income, activities, events, gain, receipts, proceeds, profits, payroll or similar items for the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date will be deemed to be the amount of such Taxes for the entire Tax period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Tax period ending on the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the number of days in such Straddle Period. The amount of any other Taxes that relate to the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date will be determined based on an interim closing of the books as of the close of business on the Closing Date.
(ii) Transfer Taxes. Purchaser shall pay and be responsible for all sales, use, value-added, business, goods and services, stamp, stamp duty, transfer, documentary, conveyancing or similar Taxes or expenses that may be imposed as a result of the sale and transfer of the Membership Interests, together with any and all penalties, interest and additions to Tax with respect thereto (“Transfer Taxes”), if any, and Purchaser (at its expense) shall timely file all Tax Returns related thereto.
(iii) Tax Contests. Each Party hereto shall give prompt notice to the other Parties hereto of the assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding with respect to any Tax liability or Tax Return of the Company (a “Tax Claim”) that relates to a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date (a “Pre-Closing Tax Period”); provided, that failure to comply with this provision shall not affect Purchaser’s rights to indemnification hereunder unless Sellers are materially prejudiced thereby. Sellers shall have the right (at his expense), to control all Tax Claims that relate solely to a Pre-Closing Tax Period (other than a Straddle Period) only if (a) Sellers provide Purchaser with evidence reasonably acceptable to Purchaser that Sellers will have adequate financial resources to defend against the Tax Claim and fulfill Sellers’ indemnification obligations hereunder, (b) the Tax Claim involves only money damages and does not seek an injunction or other equitable relief against Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s Affiliates,
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(c) the Tax Claim does not relate to or otherwise arise in connection with any criminal or regulatory enforcement Proceeding and (d) Sellers conduct the defense of the Tax Claim actively and diligently; provided, however, that Sellers shall obtain the prior written consent of Purchaser (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) before entering into any settlement of a claim or ceasing to defend such claim; and, provided further, that Purchaser shall be entitled to participate in the defense of such claim and to employ counsel of its choice (at its expense) for such purpose. If Sellers are not entitled to control the consent or resolution of a Tax Claim, Purchaser shall control such Tax Claim; provided, however, that Purchaser shall obtain the prior written consent of Sellers (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) before entering into any settlement of a claim or ceasing to defend such claim related to a Pre-Closing Tax Period (other than a Straddle Period); and, provided further, that Sellers shall be entitled to participate in the defense of such claim and to employ counsel of his own choice (at his expense) for such purpose. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Purchaser shall have the exclusive right to control in all respects, and Sellers shall not be entitled to participate in, any Tax Claim to the extent that it relates to any combined, consolidated, affiliated, aggregated or unitary group Tax Return that includes Purchaser or any Affiliate thereof (“Combined Tax Return”).
(e) Tax Cooperation. Each Party hereto shall, respectively, provide each other with such cooperation and information as each may reasonably request (i) in preparing and filing any Tax Return, any amended Tax Returns, or any claim for refund, (ii) in determining or contesting a liability for Taxes or a right to a refund of Taxes, and (iii) in preparing for, participating in, or conducting any audit or other proceeding in respect of Taxes. Such cooperation and information shall include providing copies of relevant Tax Returns or portions thereof, together with accompanying schedules and related work papers and documents relating to rulings or other determinations by Tax authorities.
(f) Obligations of Purchaser. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Closing Date, Purchaser shall cooperate with the Company and Sellers and use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement, the Act and applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the transfer of the License to Purchaser and the other transactions contemplated hereby as soon as practicable.
(g) Obligations of the Company and Sellers. During the period from the date hereof and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Closing Date, the Company and Sellers shall cooperate with Purchaser and use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement, the Act and applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the transfer of the License and the other transactions contemplated hereby as soon as practicable; and
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(h) Confidentiality and Publicity.
(i) From and after the date hereof through the Closing, Sellers, and Purchaser shall, and shall each cause their Affiliates to, hold, and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause its or their respective representatives to hold, in confidence any and all information, whether written or oral, concerning the Company, except to the extent that Sellers, or Purchaser can show that such information (a) is generally available to and known by the public through no fault of Sellers or Purchaser (as applicable), any of its Affiliates or their respective representatives; or (b) is lawfully acquired by Sellers, or Purchaser (as applicable), any of their Affiliates or their respective Representatives from and after the date hereof from sources which are not prohibited from disclosing such information by a known legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation. If Sellers or Purchaser (as applicable), or any of their Affiliates or their respective representatives are compelled to disclose any information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law, Sellers, or Purchaser (as applicable) shall promptly notify the other Parties in writing and shall disclose only that portion of such information which Sellers, or Purchaser (as applicable) are advised by their counsel is legally required to be disclosed, provided that Sellers, Purchaser (as applicable) shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information. Each Party hereto shall be responsible to the other Parties hereto for any act of any of its representatives that, if taken by a Party hereto, would be a violation of this Section 6(h). For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions in this Section 6(h) shall not prevent any disclosure to Regulatory Authorities contemplated under Section 6(i).
(ii) From and after the Closing, each Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, hold, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its or their respective representatives to hold, in confidence any and all information, whether written or oral, concerning the Company, except to the extent that such Seller can show that such information (a) is generally available to and known by the public through no fault of Sellers, any of its Affiliates or their respective representatives; or (b) is lawfully acquired by Sellers, any of its Affiliates or their respective representatives from and after the Closing from sources which are not prohibited from disclosing such information by a known legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation. If Sellers or any of their Affiliates or their respective representatives are compelled to disclose any information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law, Sellers shall promptly notify Purchaser in writing and shall disclose only that portion of such information which Sellers are advised by their counsel is legally required to be disclosed, provided that Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information (or to facilitate any such efforts made by Purchaser). Sellers shall be responsible to Purchaser for any act of any Representatives of a Seller that, if taken by a Seller, would be a violation of this Section 6(i)(ii).
(iii) The fact that the Parties have entered into this Agreement shall be part of the information that each Party is obligated to keep confidential pursuant to this Section 6(h).
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(i) Cannabis License. Purchaser and Sellers hereby acknowledge that obtaining the License Transfer Consents is required prior to the consummating the Purchase. The Parties further agree as follows:
(i) Each Party hereto shall, as promptly as possible, (i) make, or cause to be made, all filings and submissions required under any Law applicable to such party or any of its Affiliates (including, without limitation, those required to obtain the License Transfer Consents); and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be obtained, all consents, authorizations, orders and approvals from all Governmental Authorities (including without limitation the Regulator) that may be or become necessary or, in Purchaser’s discretion, advisable in respect of the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Party shall cooperate fully with the other Parties and their Affiliates in promptly seeking to obtain all such consents, authorizations, orders, and approvals. The Parties shall not take any action that would be reasonably expected to have the effect of delaying, impairing or impeding the receipt of any required consents, authorizations, orders and approvals.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the Parties’ undertakings pursuant to subsection (i), each of the Parties hereto shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to:(i) respond to any inquiries by any Governmental Authority regarding regulatory approval or other matters with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any document ancillary thereto; (ii) avoid the imposition of any order or the taking of any action that would restrain, alter or enjoin the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (iii) in the event any action of a Governmental Authority adversely affects the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Parties shall work together in good faith to have such action reverse or otherwise mitigated.
(iii) All analyses, appearances, meetings, discussions, presentations, memoranda, briefs, filings, arguments, and proposals made by or on behalf of a Party before any Governmental Authority or the staff or regulators of any Governmental Authority, in connection with the License Transfer Consents and transactions contemplated hereunder shall be disclosed to, and subject to prior approval by, Purchaser in advance of any filing, submission or attendance, it being the intent that the Parties will consult and cooperate with one another, and consider in good faith the views of one another, in connection with any such analyses, appearances, meetings, discussions, presentations, memoranda, briefs, filings, arguments, and proposals. Sellers and the Company shall give notice to Purchaser with respect to any material meeting, discussion, appearance or contact with any Governmental Authority or the staff or regulators of any Governmental Authority, with such notice being reasonably sufficient to provide Purchaser with the opportunity to attend and participate in such material meeting, discussion, appearance or contact.
7. Conditions to Closing.
(a) Conditions to Obligations of Each Party under this Agreement. The respective obligations of each Party to effect the Closing will be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived in writing by a Party with respect only to itself, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no party shall be required to waive any such condition).
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(i) Proceedings. No Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered, other than the Federal Cannabis Laws, any statute, rule, regulation, or order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and has the effect of making the Purchase illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Purchase or otherwise prohibiting Purchaser’s use of the License.
(ii) Consents and Approvals. The Parties shall have obtained the License Transfer Consents.
(b) Additional Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser. The obligations of Purchaser to effect the Closing are subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Purchaser shall not be required to waive any such condition):
(i) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Company and Sellers set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of immediately prior to the Closing as if made as of such time (except (i) to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly speak as of another date, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of such date and (ii) to the extent that such representations and warranties contain materiality qualifiers, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct in all respects subject to those materiality qualifiers).
(ii) Agreements and Covenants. The Company and Sellers shall have performed and complied with all of their covenants hereunder in all material respects through the Closing.
(iii) Documents. All of the documents, instruments and agreements to be executed and/or delivered pursuant to this Agreement, will have been executed by the Parties thereto other than Purchaser and delivered to Purchaser.
(iv) No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no change or event or effect that is materially adverse to the business or financial condition of the Company, or to the License, shall have occurred (other than any change or event caused primarily by a breach by Purchaser of Section 6(f)).
(v) No Other Litigation. There shall not be pending any legal Proceeding (except for the Disclosed License Proceedings): (x) challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the Closing; (y) relating to the Purchase and seeking to obtain from Purchaser or its Affiliates, or from the Company or its Affiliates, any damages or other relief that would be material to Purchaser or the Company; or (z) that would materially affect the License and Purchaser’s right to use the License.
(vi) Due Diligence. Seller and Company shall have delivered the materials and information provided on the due diligence list attached hereto on Exhibit D (the “Due Diligence Materials”) and Purchaser shall, in writing, affirm its satisfaction with the Due Diligence Materials or otherwise waive compliance with this Section 7(b)(vi).
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(vii) Miscellaneous. Purchaser shall have received from the Company and Sellers all such other documents, instruments and certificates of the Company and/or Sellers, and the Company and Sellers shall have taken such other action, as shall be reasonably requested by Purchaser.
(c) Additional Conditions to Obligations of Company and Sellers. The obligation of the Company and Sellers to effect the Closing is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Sellers and the Company shall not be required to waive any such condition):
(i) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement will be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date as if made as of such time (except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly speak as of another date, in which case such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of such date).
(ii) Agreements and Covenants. Purchaser will have performed and complied with all of its covenants hereunder in all material respects through the Closing Date.
(iii) Documents. All of the documents, instruments and agreements to be executed and/or delivered by Purchaser or pursuant to this Agreement, will have been executed by Purchaser and/or delivered to the Company and/or Sellers, as applicable.
(iv) Officer’s Certificate. Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate executed by an officer of Purchaser certifying Purchaser’s compliance with Sections 7(c)(i) and (ii).
8. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date:
(a) By mutual written consent of Purchaser and Sellers;
(b) By either Purchaser or Sellers if a Governmental Authority shall have issued an order or taken any other action (excluding any order or action arising under, relating to or in connection with the Federal Cannabis Laws), in each case that has become final and non-appealable and that restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the Purchase or any part of it; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8(b) will not be available to any Party whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the issuance of such order or taking of such action;
(c) By Purchaser, if (i) any of the representations and warranties of the Company or Sellers in this Agreement become untrue or inaccurate such that Section 7(b)(i) would not be satisfied or (ii) there has been a material breach on the part of the Company or Sellers of any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days following the breaching Party’s receipt of written notice of the breach, such that Section 7(b)(ii) would not be satisfied; or
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(d) By Sellers if (i) any of the representations and warranties of Purchaser in this Agreement become untrue or inaccurate such that Section 7(c)(i) would not be satisfied or (ii) there has been a material breach on the part of Purchaser of any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days following the breaching Party’s receipt of written notice of the breach, such that Section 7(c)(ii) would not be satisfied.
A termination under this Section shall become effective upon delivery of written notice by the terminating Party/Parties to the other Parties. This Section 8 and Sections 9 and 10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve a Party of liability hereunder with respect to a breach of this Agreement that occurred prior to such termination. For the removal of doubt, regardless of the basis for termination, Sellers will be entitled to keep the Initial Payment.
9. Survival; Indemnification.
(a) Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements.
(i) All representations and warranties of the Company and Sellers contained in this Agreement will survive the Closing Date for a period of twenty-four (24) months (the “General Survival Period”); provided, that (x) the representations and warranties in Sections 2(a-e), (j) and Sections 3(a-e), (s-t) (collectively, the “Company Fundamental Representations”) will survive the Closing Date indefinitely; and (y) the representations and warranties in Section 3(h) (“Tax Representations”) will survive the Closing Date until ninety (90) days following the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations (giving effect to any waiver, or extension thereof). Any claim made by Purchaser for a breach of a representation or warranty by the Company or Sellers contained in this Agreement must be delivered in writing by Purchaser to Sellers prior to the applicable expiration date set forth in this Section 9(a)(i). Any claim made by Purchaser based on fraud in the giving of such representations and warranties will survive indefinitely. All of the representations and warranties of the Company and Sellers contained in this Agreement will in no respect be limited or diminished by any past or future inspection, investigation, examination or possession of information or assets on the part of Purchaser or its representatives. All covenants and agreements made by the Company and/or Sellers contained in this Agreement will survive the Closing Date until fully performed or discharged.
(ii) All representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in Section 5 of this Agreement will survive the Closing Date for the General Survival Period; provided, that the representations and warranties in Sections 5(a-b) (collectively, the “Purchaser Fundamental Representations”) will survive the Closing Date indefinitely. Any claim made by the Sellers for a breach of a representation or warranty by Purchaser contained in Section 5 of this Agreement must be delivered in writing to Purchaser prior to the above-referenced applicable expiration date. Any claim made by Sellers based on fraud in the giving of such representations and warranties will survive indefinitely. All covenants and agreements made by Purchaser contained in this Agreement will survive the Closing Date until fully performed or discharged.
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(iii) Any written claim for breach of representation and warranty delivered prior to the above-referenced applicable expiration date to the Party against whom such indemnification is sought will survive thereafter and, as to any such claim, such expiration, if any, will not affect the rights to indemnification under this Section 9 of the Party making such claim.
(b) Indemnification by Sellers. Sellers shall, jointly and severally, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Purchaser and its Affiliates, and the directors, managers, officers, employees and representatives of Purchaser and its Affiliates (each a “Purchaser Indemnitee” and collectively, the “Purchaser Indemnitees”), from and against any and all (i) damages, liabilities, losses, claims, obligations, liens, assessments, judgments, Taxes, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees) (collectively, “Damages”) suffered or incurred by arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other undertaking made by Sellers or the Company in this Agreement, (ii) Damages arising out of Sellers’ or their Affiliates’ or their respective representatives’ fraud or willful misconduct, (iii) Liabilities of the Company that remain outstanding as of the Closing; and (iv) Indemnified Taxes. No Purchaser Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification for Damages to the extent of (i) Taxes that arise from any breach of a covenant or agreement made or to be performed by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) Taxes that arise from any action taken by Purchaser on the Closing Date following the Closing outside the ordinary course of business, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) the amount of any net operating loss, Tax basis, Tax credit or other Tax attribute (or the loss, unavailability or reduction thereof) or (iv) any Transfer Taxes that are the responsibility of Purchaser.
(c) Indemnification by Purchaser. Purchaser shall indemnify, defend, and hold Sellers harmless from and against any and all (i) Damages suffered or incurred by Sellers arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other undertaking made by Purchaser in this Agreement and (ii) Damages arising out of Purchaser’s, its Affiliates’ or their respective representatives’ fraud or willful misconduct.
(d) Limits on Indemnification. The aggregate liability of Sellers in respect of claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(b) that results from a breach of a representation or warranty that is not a Company Fundamental Representation or a Tax Representation shall not exceed $350,000.00 (the “Cap”); provided, that the foregoing limitations on indemnification shall not apply to any claims for indemnification based on any actual fraud, gross misrepresentation or willful misconduct of Sellers. The aggregate liability of Purchaser in respect of claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(c) that results from a breach of a representation or warranty that is not a Purchaser Fundamental Representation shall not exceed the Cap; provided, that the foregoing limitations on indemnification shall not apply to any claims for indemnification based on any actual fraud, gross misrepresentation or willful misconduct of Purchaser.
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(e) Notification of Claims. In the event that any Party entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement (the “Indemnified Party”) proposes to make any claim for such indemnification, the Indemnified Party will deliver to the indemnifying Party (the “Indemnifying Party”), which delivery with respect to the losses arising from breaches of representations and warranties will be on or prior to the date upon which the applicable representations and warranties expire pursuant to Section 9(a) hereof, a signed certificate, which certificate will (i) state that losses have been incurred or that a claim has been made for which losses may be incurred, (ii) specify the sections of this Agreement under which such claim is made, and (iii) specify in reasonable detail each individual item of loss or other claim including (to the extent practicable) the amount thereof and the date such loss was incurred. In addition, each Indemnified Party will give notice to the Indemnifying Party promptly following its receipt of service of any suit or proceeding initiated by a third party which pertains to a matter for which indemnification may be sought (a “Third Party Claim”); provided, however, that the failure to give such notice will not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder if the Indemnifying Party has not been prejudiced thereby. In the event of a claim for indemnification under this Agreement for which an Indemnified Party has provided notice of such claim to an Indemnifying Party under this Section 9(e) and the Indemnifying Party receiving such notice disputes all or any part of such claim, then Purchaser and Sellers will first attempt to resolve such claim through direct negotiations in good faith. No settlement reached in such negotiations under this Section 9(e) will be binding until reduced to a writing signed by the applicable Parties. If the dispute is not resolved within twenty (20) Business Days after the date of delivery of such claim, then such dispute will be resolved in accordance with Section 10(b). Nothing in this Section 9(e) will prevent any Party from seeking injunctive relief in accordance with this Agreement.
(f) Tax Treatment. Any indemnification payment made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as an adjustment to “purchase price” for all Tax purposes, unless otherwise required by applicable Law.
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, Purchaser, Sellers, the Company and their respective successors and assigns, whether or not any such person has become a party to this Agreement or has agreed in writing to join herein and to be bound by the terms, conditions and restrictions hereof. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any person other than the Parties any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties and their successors and assigns. Sellers and the Company may not assign their rights under this Agreement to any Person without the prior written consent of Purchaser. Purchaser may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate of Purchaser without the consent of any other Party.
(b) Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.
(i) Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the application, construction, validity, interpretation, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal Laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of Law provision or rule (whether of the State of Illinois or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of Laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Illinois.
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(ii) Initial Dispute Resolution. With the exception of an action for injunctive relief, the Parties agree that in the event of a dispute arising hereunder, the Parties shall in good faith employ their commercially reasonable efforts to seek resolution of the dispute for a period of 30 days prior to initiating any suit, action or proceeding. In the event of the failure of the Parties to resolve the dispute during such period, any party may proceed with other legal remedies.
(iii) If any dispute remains unresolved after 30 days, then such dispute shall be decided by arbitration before a single arbitrator in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of JAMS, which any Party may commence by delivering written notice to the other Parties. In the event of arbitration, the arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties involved in the dispute, or, if no arbitrator is jointly appointed within 10 days following a Party’s delivery of written notice of its intent to initiate arbitration, the arbitrator shall be appointed by JAMS. All parties involved in the dispute shall initially advance an equal share of the costs of arbitration (excluding each parties’ own attorneys’ fees and costs), with the arbitrator awarding all costs (including attorney fees) to the prevailing party or parties. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made using Delaware Law, shall be rendered by the arbitrator within 60 days after the submission of all evidence from all Parties to the arbitrator for decision, and shall be binding upon the Parties. If necessary, a judgment upon the decision rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the matter. Nothing in this section shall prohibit any Party from seeking temporary injunctive relief in a court of Law to preserve the status quo pending the outcome of these arbitration proceedings.
(iv) All mediations and arbitrations shall take place in Chicago, Illinois unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties. The Parties shall have the right to conduct discovery as permitted by the arbitrator.
(v) AS NEEDED TO PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO PENDING ARBITRATION, OR TO ENFORCE ANY ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, ANY LEGAL SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY MAY BE INSTITUTED IN THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, IN EACH CASE, LOCATED IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING. SERVICE OF PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICE OR OTHER DOCUMENT BY MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT. THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR ANY PROCEEDING IN SUCH COURTS AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE AND AGREE NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
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(vi) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTION, (B) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10(B).
(c) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile, electronically executed and delivered, and/or PDF signature pages shall be accepted as originals for all purposes hereof.
(d) Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), in each case only with the written consent of Purchaser, Sellers and the Company. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this section shall be binding upon the Company, Purchaser and Sellers (and any successors or assigns).
(e) Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the Party to be notified, (ii) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next Business Day, (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (iv) one (1) day after deposit with an internationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent (x) if to Purchaser or the Company, to the address set forth on the signature pages attached hereto, and (y) if to Sellers, to the address set forth on the signature pages attached hereto with respect to such Seller (or, in each case, at such other addresses as shall be specified by notice given in accordance with this Section 10(e)).
(f) Further Action. Each Party hereto agrees to execute any additional documents and to take any further action as may be necessary or desirable in order to implement the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with all Exhibits thereto, contains the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and there are no further or other agreements or understandings, written or oral, in effect between the Parties hereto, relating to the subject matter hereof except as expressly referred to herein.
(h) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
(i) Independent Counsel. Each of Sellers, the Company, and Purchaser acknowledges that such Party has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of his, her or its own choice and/or has voluntarily elected not to be represented by such counsel.
(j) Expenses. Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, Purchaser will pay all of their own legal, accounting and other expenses related to this Agreement, and Sellers will pay all of theirs and the Company’s legal, accounting and other expenses related to this Agreement until the Closing Date.
(k) Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that a Party that is not in breach of its obligations under this Agreement may demand specific performance, in which case such Party shall be entitled to an injunction, to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such Party is entitled at Law or in equity.
(l) Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part of any Party or on behalf of any Party. Each Party hereto acknowledges that he, she or it: (i) has read this Agreement; (ii) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (iii) is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.
(m) Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth below:
(i) “Act” means the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705 and related regulations pertaining to craft grower facilities..
(ii) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday, any statutory holiday in the State of Illinois or any other day on which the principal chartered banks in the State of Illinois are closed for business.
(iii) “CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748) and any similar or successor legislation enacted prior to the date hereof.
(iv) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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(v) “Contracts” means all contracts, agreements, licenses, commitments, obligations and understandings, in each case, whether written or oral.
(vi) “Covid Relief” means any legislation enacted or executive order issued in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, including (i) the CARES Act, (ii) the Continued Assistance Act, (iii) the Executive Order signed by President Trump on August 8, 2020, as may be amended or modified from time to time, and (iv) the Consolidated Appropriations Act of, 2021 which was signed into Law on December 27, 2020, as may be amended or modified from time to time, including, in each case, any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder (including any analogous provisions under state and local Law.
(vii) “Federal Cannabis Laws” means any federal Law concerning the regulation or prohibition of cannabis.
(viii) “Indemnified Taxes” means (a) all Taxes of Sellers, (b) all Taxes imposed on or with respect to the Company for a Pre-Closing Tax Period or the portion of any Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date (determined, in the case of a Straddle Period, based on the principles of Section 6(d)(i)) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the non-payment thereof), (c) any Taxes of any other person (other than the Company) for which the Company (or any predecessor thereof) is liable as a result of having been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group on or prior to the Closing Date, including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any analogous or similar state, local, or non-U.S. Law, (d) Taxes of any person (other than the Company) imposed on the Company as a transferee or successor where the relationship giving rise to the liability on the part of the Company existed or arose on or prior to the Closing Date, or by contract entered into on or prior to the Closing Date, (e) the portion of Transfer Taxes for which Sellers are responsible (if any) pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii), (f) all Taxes, including any recapture of credits with, deferred or imposed under any COVID Relief provision, and (g) any Taxes related to an adjustment pursuant to Section 481 of the Code (or similar provisions of state, local or non-U.S. Law) pursuant to an accounting method change occurring on or prior to the Closing Date.
(ix) “Law” means the common law of any state or other jurisdiction, or any provision of any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute, code, rule, regulation, order, certification standard, accreditation standard, permit, judgment, injunction, decree or other decision of any court or other tribunal or Governmental Authority.
(x) “Regulator” means the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
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(xi) “Tax” means (i) all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments (whether federal, state, local, or non-U.S.), including, without limitation, income, excise, franchise, real property, personal property (tangible or intangible), sales, transfer, gains, gross receipts, occupation, privilege, payroll, wage, unemployment, workers’ compensation, social security, national health contributions, pension and employment insurance contributions, use, value added, capital, license, lease, leasing, commercial, rent, severance, stamp, premium, windfall profits, environmental, capital stock, profits, escheat, unclaimed property, withholding, disability, registration, customs duties, employment, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated or other tax of any kind whatsoever (whether disputed or not, whether payable directly or by withholding and whether or not requiring the filing of a Tax Return), including, without limitation, any related charges, fees, interest, penalties, additions to tax or other assessments, (ii) any and all liability for the payment of any items described in clause (i) above as a result of being (or ceasing to be) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary or aggregate group (or being included (or being required to be included)) in any Tax Return related to such group and (iii) any and all liability for the payment of any amounts as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other person, any successor or transferee liability, or any liability pursuant to Contract, in respect of any items described in clause (i) or (ii) above.
(xii) “Tax Return” means any return, election, designation, form, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return, statement or any other document of any nature whatsoever relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| COMPANY: | ||
| CANNEQUALITY LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Stephanie Biegel | |
| Name: | Stephanie Biegel | |
| Title: | CEO | |
| Address: | 3728 N Wayne, Chicago IL 60613 | |
| SELLERS: | ||
| STEPHANIE BIEGEL, VERONICA SMITH, CLEOPATRA COWLEY, LISA SARGENT, and ELLIOT BERMAN | ||
| By: | /s/ STEPHANIE BIEGEL | |
| Name: | STEPHANIE BIEGEL | |
| Address: | 3728 N Wayne, Chicago IL 60613 | |
| By: | /s/ VERONICA SMITH | |
| Name: | VERONICA SMITH | |
| Address: | 6425 Bridle Path Drive Matteson, IL 60443 | |
| By: | /s/ CLEOPATRA COWLEY | |
| Name: | CLEOPATRA COWLEY | |
| Address: | 8123 S Evans Ave Apt1, Chicago IL 60619 | |
| By: | /s/ LISA SARGENT | |
| Name: | LISA SARGENT | |
| Address: | 2624 E. 74th Place Chicago IL 60649 | |
| By: | /s/ ELLIOT BERMAN | |
| Name: | ELLIOT BERMAN | |
| Address: | 1503 cedar In. Northbrook IL 60062 | |
[Signature Page to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
24
| PURCHASER: | ||
| ROGUE EBC, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Boyens | |
| Name: | Andrew Boyens | |
| Title: | Authorized Person | |
Address:
Rogue EBC, LLC
Attn: Andrew Boyens
272 Deerpath Rd. Suite 320
Lake Forest, IL 60045
[Signature Page to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
25
Exhibit A
License
[Exhibit A to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
A-1
Exhibit B
Membership Interest Power
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Transferor”) hereby sells, assigns and transfers 100% of the membership interests of Cannequality, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (the “Company” and such membership interests, the “Membership Interests”), standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of the Company and which may be represented by certificate (and if so, such certificate is delivered herewith), unto Rogue EBC, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (the “Purchaser”), and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Purchaser as its attorney-in-fact to transfer said membership interests on the books of the Company with full power of substitution.
| Dated: __________________, 20__ | ||
| MEMBER: | ||
| [______________] | ||
This Membership Interest Power was executed pursuant to the terms of that certain Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Transferor (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), Purchaser and the Company, dated effective as of _____________________.
[Exhibit B to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
B-1
Exhibit C
Purchase Price Allocation
[Exhibit C to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
C-1
Exhibit D
Legal Due Diligence Request List
| 1. | Organization, Structure and Capitalization |
| (a) | The organizational documents and a capitalization table of the Company. Confirm the Company does not have any subsidiaries, sister companies, minority investments, joint ventures or strategic alliances. |
| (b) | Agreements relating to the ownership and control of the Company, including equityholder agreements, voting agreements and rights to acquire equity. |
| (c) | Agreements relating to any business acquisition, merger, sale or purchase of substantial assets or real property, equity financings, reorganizations and other material transactions within the last five years. |
| (d) | A list of any consents and notices required in connection with the consummation of the proposed acquisition pursuant to any law or regulation to which the Company is subject. |
| 2. | Material Agreements |
| (a) | Agreements that contain provisions: (a) restricting the ability of the Company to compete, solicit or hire employees or solicit customers, suppliers or other business relationships (b) requiring minimum sales or purchases, take-or-pay or similar arrangements; (c) requiring consent for change in control or assignment, or otherwise triggering the loss of benefits or rights or granting rights in connection with a change of control; (d) most favored nation pricing; or (e) exclusivity in favor of a 3rd-party. |
| (b) | Agreements relating to the borrowing of money (including guaranties thereof), or relating to mortgaging, pledging or placing a lien on any of the Company’s assets. |
| (c) | Agreements between the Company and an affiliate or related party thereof, including any current or former director, officer, employee or equityholder (including their affiliates and relatives). |
| 3. | Litigation and Contingencies |
| (a) | Documentation regarding any pending, threatened or resolved litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings or governmental investigation or audit during the past five years by or against the Company or any of its affiliates or personnel, including a description of the dispute and nature of resolution. Confirm there are no outstanding orders, decrees or judgments affecting the Company. |
| (b) | A description of, and documentation pertaining to, any off-balance sheet or contingent liabilities. |
| 4. | Cannabis License |
| (a) | Confirmation that the subject license (“License”) to be acquired is in good standing, all fees and renewal fees have been timely paid, and there are no liens or other forms of encumbrances against the License. |
[Exhibit D to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
D-1
| (b) | A copy of the application submitted to acquire the License. |
| 5. | Real and Personal Property |
| (a) | A list and description of all real property leased by the Company (including addresses, square footage, values / rentals). Confirm the Company does not own real property. |
| (b) | A list and description of any agreements by which any Company entity permits any third-party to hold, occupy or operate any real property. |
| 6. | Intellectual Property (“IP”) |
| (a) | A list of any IP owned by the company, whether registered or unregistered. |
| (b) | Confirmation the Company has not been subject to any IP related disputes or claims, including with respect to infringement or misappropriation of IP or disputes with third party IT providers. |
| (c) | Confirmation the Company has not been subject to any cybersecurity incidents, including malware intrusions, ransomware attacks, successful phishing incidents or other data breaches. |
| 7. | Tax Returns |
| (a) | Copies of all tax returns prepared and filed by or on behalf of the Company. |
[Exhibit D to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement]
D-2
Exhibit 4.49
COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (this “Lease”) is dated this 11th day of December, 2023 (the “Lease Date”), between 345 N. Lakewood, LLC as beneficiary of title holder Chicago Title Land Trust Company Trust Number 8002382049 (“Landlord”), and Rogue EBC, LLC (“Tenant”).
SCHEDULE OF BASIC TERMS (“SCHEDULE”)
| Building: | All existing structures located at 345 Lakewood Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 except rear building | |
| Project: | The Land consisting of approximately 4.2 acres and the Buildings contained thereon together with all parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, additional buildings added or modified and other common areas on, on or under the Land (the “Project”). | |
| Leased Premises: | The 46,260 square foot building located at the front of 345 Lakewood Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 (the “Premises”). Subject to receiving the necessary approvals from any and all applicable state or local authorities, Landlord shall retain the rear building and the rear portion of the lot consisting of approximately 270 feet in length (collectively, the “Rear Portion”) as a contractor’s yard and may construct an additional building thereon. | |
| Tenant’s Proportionate Share: | Subject to Section 6(d) of the Lease, Ninety-two percent (92%) of the Project. | |
| Commencement Date: | The “Commencement Date” shall be the date that is the first day of the calendar month following the Approval Date (as defined below). | |
| Lease Term: | One Hundred Twenty Six (126) full calendar months, beginning on the Commencement Date. | |
| Base Rent: | Eight and Fifty/100 Dollars ($8.50) per square foot for the first twelve (12) months that the Base Rent is due under this Lease (commencing on the six (6) month anniversary of the Commencement Date (see Section 4)). Initial Base Rent shall be $32,767.50 per month. Nine and 00/100 Dollars ($9.00) per square foot for the twelve (12) months starting on the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the Commencement Date. Nine and Fifty/100 Dollars ($9.50) for the twelve (12) months starting on the forty (40) month anniversary of the Commencement Date with three percent (3%) annual increases for each twelve (12) month period thereafter. |
All rent payments shall be electronically deposited in a bank account provided by Landlord or such other account as Landlord directs.
OPTION TO EXTEND. Provided that this Lease has not been terminated early and Lessee is not then in default, Lessee shall have the option to extend the term of this Lease for an additional three (3) five (5) year terms, the first of which shall commence at the expiration of the original term hereof and each additional option period shall commence on the expiration of the previous extension term. The Base Rent during each extended term shall commence at 103% of the Base Rent for the last year or the original or previous term. The Base Rent shall be increased by 3.0% on the anniversary date of the Lease annually during each extended term. The option to extend the Lease shall be exercisable by Lessee by written notice to Lessor at any time on or before one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of the original term (and each extension term with respect to the next following extension). The terms and conditions of the Lease shall continue to be in full force and effect during each extended term.
| Initial Estimated Monthly Operating Expense Payments: | 1. Utilities: To be paid separately in accordance with Section 7 herein |
| 2. Common Area Charges: $0.30 per square foot at Lease Commencement (no abatement) calculated on an annual basis (see paragraph 6). | |
| 3. Taxes: $6,669.46 (see paragraph 8) | |
| 4. Insurance: $TBD | |
| [estimates only and subject to adjustment to actual costs and expenses according to the provisions of the Lease] | |
| Initial Monthly Base Rent and Property Tax Payments: | $ |
| Security Deposit: | $125,000.00 payable as follows: |
| - $62,500.00 payable upon the execution of this Lease; and | |
| - $62,500.00 payable upon the Commencement Date. | |
| Broker(s): | None. |
| Tenant Improvement Allowance: | $925,000.00 |
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| Tenant’s Notice Address: | Rogue EBC, LLC Attn: Andrew Boyens, CEO 272 E. Deerpath Rd. Suite 320 Lake Forest, IL 60045 andrew@ebcfinancing.com |
| Landlord’s Notice Address: | 345 N. Lakewood, LLC c/o Dan Katz dank@tkgcompanies.com |
| Rent Payment Address: | 345 N.
Lakewood, LLC c/o Dan Katz dank@tkgcompanies.com |
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1. Granting Clause. In consideration of the obligation of Tenant to pay rent as herein provided and in consideration of the other terms, covenants, and conditions hereof, Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the Premises, to have and to hold for the Lease Term, subject to the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease.
2. Acceptance of Premises; Government Approvals Contingency; Landlord’s Work; and Tenant Improvement Allowance.
(a) Landlord shall complete Landlord’s Work as set for on Exhibit A hereto (“Landlord’s Work”) within the later of one hundred twenty (120) days of the parties execution of this Lease or 30 days after Tenant obtaining the approvals set forth in paragraph 2(d) below. In addition to the other contingencies listed below in this Section 2, as to leave no doubt, this Lease shall become null and void and the Commencement Date shall not occur until the Landlord’s Work (including the Punch List) has been fully completed to Tenant’s sole satisfaction.
(b) Upon completion of Landlord’s Work in Exhibit A, Landlord shall notify Tenant that the work is completed and tenant shall take possession of the premises. Tenant shall have the right to inspect and approve Landlord’s Work and shall provide a punch list of deficient items within twenty-one (21) days of Landlord notifying Tenant that the Landlord’s Work is complete (the “Punch List”). Upon Landlord’s receipt of the Punch List, the Landlord shall complete the items in the Punch List within twenty-one (21) business days or as soon as reasonably practical under the circumstances.
(c) Tenant shall have full access to the Premises prior to the Commencement Date to undertake all Tenant improvements after Landlord has completed the Landlord’s Work. Landlord has made no representation or warranty as to the suitability of the Premises for the conduct of Tenant’s business, and Tenant waives any implied warranty that the Premises are suitable for Tenant’s intended purposes.
(d) The effectiveness of this Lease shall be expressly contingent upon Tenant obtaining, (i) a special use permit to operate an adult use cannabis craft grow facility from the City of Waukegan, (ii) a transfer of location approval from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, (iii) a change of ownership approval from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and (iv) any other state or local approvals, permits, certificates, or variances required for Tenant to use the Premises for its intended cannabis-related business activities. Tenant shall apply for such permits and licenses within ten (10) business days of the execution of this Lease. If such approvals are not obtained prior to March 1, 2024, Tenant shall have the option to extend this deadline an additional thirty(30) days so long as evidence is provided that all applications remain pending and have not been rejected. If such approvals are not obtained prior to April 1, 2024, Tenant and Landlord can mutually agree to extend this deadline. Should Tenant or Landlord, each in their sole discretion, determine not to extend this deadline, either Party shall have the right to terminate this lease (which shall include termination of the guaranty pursuant to Section 25 hereof). As to leave no doubt as to the intent of the Parties, and so long as neither the LL or Tenant terminates prior to receiving the approvals, the termination right under this Section expires upon receiving all necessary approvals.
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For purposes of this Lease, the “Approval Date” shall be the date that all of the permits and licenses contemplated in this paragraph have been received by Tenant. As to leave no doubt, the Commencement date shall only occur, if the conditions in this paragraph are satisfied.
3. Use. Subject to Tenant’s compliance with all zoning ordinances and Legal Requirements (as hereinafter defined), the Premises shall be used only for the purpose of an adult use craft grow cultivation center and for such other lawful purposes as may be incidental thereto including, without limitation, the manufacturing of infused cannabis products.
(a) Tenant shall not conduct or give notice of any auction, liquidation, or going out of business sale on the Premises. Tenant will use the Premises in a careful, safe and proper manner and will not commit waste, overload the floor or structure of the Premises or subject the Premises to use that would damage the Premises. Other than as would be customary for an adult use craft grow cultivation center, Tenant shall not permit any objectionable or unpleasant odors, smoke, dust, gas, noise, or vibrations to emanate from the Premises, or take any other action that would constitute a nuisance or would disturb, unreasonably interfere with, or endanger Landlord or any tenants of the Project. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord recognizes that, because of the nature of Tenant’s use of the Premises, certain odors and aromas will emanate therefrom. Outside storage, including storage of trucks and other vehicles, is prohibited without Landlord’s prior written consent. As used in this Lease, “including” and “include” shall always be deemed to incorporate “without limitation.”
(b) Tenant, at its sole expense, shall use and occupy the Premises in compliance with all laws, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, orders, judgments, ordinances, regulations, codes, directives, permits, licenses, covenants and restrictions now or hereafter applicable to the Premises (collectively, “Legal Requirements”). The Premises shall not be used as a place of public accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state statutes or local ordinances or any regulations promulgated thereunder, all as may be amended from time to time. Tenant shall, at its expense, make any alterations or modifications, within or without the Premises, that are required by Legal Requirements related to Tenant’s specific use or occupation of the Premises. Tenant will not use or permit the Premises to be used for any purpose or in any manner that would void Tenant’s or Landlord’s insurance, increase the insurance risk, or cause the disallowance of any sprinkler credits. If any increase in the cost of any insurance on the Premises or the Project is caused by Tenant’s use or occupation of the Premises, or because Tenant vacates the Premises, then Tenant shall pay the amount of such increase to Landlord. Any entrance into or occupation of the Premises by Tenant prior to the Commencement Date shall be subject to all obligations of Tenant under this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall deliver the Premises to Tenant in a manner that is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(c) Tenant and its employees and invitees shall have the non-exclusive right to use, in common with others, any areas designated by Landlord from time to time as common areas for the use and enjoyment of all tenants and occupants of the Project, subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord may promulgate from time to time.
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4. Base Rent.
(a) Tenant shall pay Base Rent in the amount set forth above. The first month’s Base Rent and the first monthly installment of estimated Operating Expenses (as hereafter defined) shall be due and payable on the six (6) month anniversary of the Commencement Date and Tenant promises to pay to Landlord in advance, without demand, deduction or set-off, all monthly installments of Base Rent on or before the fifth (5th) day of each calendar month succeeding the first payment of the Base Rent. Payments of Base Rent for any fractional calendar month shall be prorated. All payments required to be made by Tenant to Landlord hereunder shall be payable at such address as Landlord may specify from time to time by written notice delivered in accordance herewith. The obligation of Tenant to pay Base Rent and other sums to Landlord and the obligations of Landlord under this Lease are independent obligations. Tenant shall have no right at any time to abate, reduce, or set-off any rent due hereunder except where expressly provided in this Lease. Tenant acknowledges that late payment by Tenant to Landlord of any rent due hereunder will cause Landlord to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of such costs being extremely difficult and impractical to determine. Therefore, if Tenant is delinquent in any monthly installment of Base Rent, estimated Operating Expenses or other sums due and payable hereunder (collectively, “Rent”) for more than ten (10) days, Tenant shall pay to Landlord on demand a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of such delinquent sum. The parties agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs that Landlord will incur by reason of such late payment by Tenant. The provision for such late charge shall be in addition to all of Landlord’s other rights and remedies hereunder or at law and shall not be construed as a penalty.
5. Security Deposit. Concurrently with the execution of this Lease, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord 50% of the Security Deposit. The other 50% of the Security Deposit shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord on the Commencement Date. The Security Deposit shall be held by Landlord without interest as security for the performance of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease. The Security Deposit is not an advance rental deposit nor a measure of Landlord’s damages in case of Tenant’s default. Upon each occurrence of an Event of Default (hereinafter defined), Landlord may use all or part of the Security Deposit to pay delinquent payments due under this Lease, and the cost of any damage, injury, expense or liability caused by such Event of Default, without prejudice to any other remedy provided herein or provided by law so long as Tenant is notified in writing of any such deduction. Landlord’s obligation respecting the Security Deposit is that of a debtor, not a trustee; no interest shall accrue thereon. The Security Deposit shall be the property of Tenant held in trust by the Landlord and shall be paid to Tenant without interest upon the expiration of the initial 120 month Lease Term regardless of whether Tenant exercises any extension options provided for herein this Lease but only if Tenant has timely paid all Rent and Operating Expenses on or before the due dates during the initial Lease Term. Landlord shall be released from any obligation with respect to the Security Deposit upon transfer of this Lease and the Premises to a person or entity assuming Landlord’s obligations under this Section 5 so long as Landlord transfers the Security Deposit to such person or entity who is assuming Landlord’s obligation under the Lease. In the event this Lease is Terminated due to Tenant’s inability to receive any of the required licenses as contemplated in Section 2(d), Landlord shall promptly return all or any portion of the Security Deposit then-held to Tenant without any offset or reduction. Further, upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, Landlord shall, within thirty (30) days, return the full amount of the Security Deposit to Tenant, less any deductions as permitted by this Lease.
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6. Operating Expense Payments.
(a) During each month of the Lease Term, on the same date that Base Rent is due, Tenant shall pay Landlord an amount equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the annual cost, as estimated by Landlord from time to time, of Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses for the Project.
(b) The term “Operating Expenses” means all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord with respect to real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance and shall include fees payable to tax consultants and attorneys for consultation and for contesting taxes as long as such consultants and attorneys are paid for their service as a percentage of the tax dollar saved and in a manner consistent with the custom of the Lake County market for property tax attorneys.
(c) If Tenant’s total payments of estimated Operating Expenses for any year are less than Tenant’s Proportionate Share of actual Operating Expenses for such year, then Tenant shall pay the difference to Landlord within thirty (30) days after demand, and if more, then Landlord shall retain such excess and credit it against Tenant’s next payments. For purposes of calculating Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Operating Expenses, a year shall mean a calendar year except the first year, which shall begin on the Commencement Date, and the last year, which shall end on the expiration of this Lease. If Landlord does not provide a reconciliation statement within 4 months after the end of each calendar year, Landlord waives the right to collect any such addition from the Tenant.
(d) Tenant’s “Proportionate Share” shall be the percentage set forth on the Schedule. The estimated Operating Expenses for the Premises set forth on the Schedule are only estimates and Landlord makes no guaranty or warranty that such estimates will be accurate. Landlord shall provide Tenant each calendar year with a detailed breakdown of the contemplated Operating Expense for the forthcoming calendar year as well as a detailed breakdown of expenses incurred in the previous calendar year.
(e) Audit Right.
i. Within sixty (60) days after receiving Landlord’s statement of actual Operating Expenses for a particular calendar year, Tenant shall have the right to provide Landlord with written notice (the “Review Notice”) of its intent to review Landlord’s books and records relating to the Operating Expenses and Tenant’s Proportionate Share for such calendar year. Within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a timely Review Notice, Landlord shall make such books and records available to Tenant or Tenant’s agent for its review at either Landlord’s office or at the Premises, provided that if Tenant retains an agent to review Landlord’s books and records for any calendar year, such agent must not be compensated on a contingent fee basis. If Tenant elects to review Landlord’s books and records, within sixty (60) days after such books and records are made available to Tenant, Tenant shall have the right to give Landlord written notice stating in reasonable detail any objection to Landlord’s statement of actual Operating Expenses for such calendar year. If Tenant fails to give Landlord written notice of objection within such sixty (60) day period or fails to provide Landlord with a Review Notice within the sixty (60) day period provided above, Tenant shall be deemed to have approved Landlord’s statement of Operating Expenses in all respects and shall thereafter be barred from raising any claims with respect thereto. Upon Landlord’s receipt of a timely objection notice from Tenant, Landlord and Tenant shall work together in good faith to resolve the discrepancy between Landlord’s statement and Tenant’s review. If Landlord and Tenant determine that Operating Expenses for the calendar year in question are less than reported, Landlord shall forthwith provide Tenant with a credit against future rent in the amount of any overpayment by Tenant (or if the Term has expired or otherwise been terminated, then Landlord reimburse Tenant within thirty (30) days of such mutual determination). If Landlord and Tenant determine that Operating Expenses for the calendar year in question are greater than reported, Tenant shall pay to Landlord within thirty (30) days the amount of underpayment by Tenant. If Landlord and Tenant are unable, despite their good faith effort, to agree on the determination of the Operating Expenses for the calendar year in question, then such amount shall be determined by independent certified public accountant (whose compensation shall not be based upon a contingency fee basis) mutually acceptable to Landlord and Tenant and such accountant’s determination shall be binding on the parties hereto.
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ii. If, as a result of an agreement of Landlord and Tenant or the determination of the accountant selected by Landlord and Tenant, Landlord is found to have overstated the Operating Expenses by more than five percent (5%), then Landlord shall pay for the actual costs incurred by Tenant in completing any audit pursuant to this Section 6(e) and, as applicable, the cost of the accountant engaged by Landlord and Tenant pursuant to this Section 6(e).
iii. Any information obtained by Tenant pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be treated as confidential. Tenant shall have the right to perform such review or audit of Landlord’s books, records and documents as provided for herein not more than once during each calendar year.
(f) In addition to the audit rights provided above in Section 6(e), upon reasonable prior notice to Landlord, Tenant shall have the right at its own cost and expense to contest the real property taxes for the Premises by legal proceedings or in such other manner as Tenant may deem suitable. If necessary, the legal proceedings shall be conducted in the name of and with the cooperation of Landlord, and Landlord shall reasonably cooperate with Tenant, at no cost or expense to Landlord.
7. Utilities. Effective on the Commencement Date, Tenant shall timely pay for all water, gas, electricity, heat, light, power, telephone, sewer, sprinkler services, refuse and trash collection, and other utilities and services used at the Project, all maintenance charges for utilities, and any storm sewer charges or other similar charges for utilities imposed by any governmental entity or utility provider, together with any taxes, penalties, surcharges or the like. No interruption or failure of utilities shall result in the termination of this Lease, constructive eviction or the abatement of rent. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall contract directly with a janitorial service and shall pay for all janitorial services used on or for the Premises. Landlord shall have no obligations whatsoever in connection therewith.
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8. Property Taxes. Subject to Section 6(f), Landlord shall account for and pay, as such becomes due and payable, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges (collectively referred to as “Taxes”) that are assessed against the Project during the Lease Term (because such Taxes are payable in arrears). Taxes payable during the Lease Term shall be included as part of the Operating Expenses charged to Tenant pursuant to Section 6 hereof during each year of the Lease Term based upon Landlord’s reasonable estimate of the amount of Taxes, and shall be subject to reconciliation and adjustment pursuant to Section 6 once the actual amount of Taxes is known. As to leave no doubt, Tenant shall only be responsible for paying its Proportionate Share of the Property Taxes.
9. Insurance.
(a) Landlord shall maintain all risk property insurance covering the full replacement cost of the Building (excluding foundations), less a commercially reasonable deductible if Landlord so chooses and payment for such shall be included as part of Operating Expenses as set forth in Section 6. Landlord shall not be obligated to insure any furniture, equipment, trade fixtures, machinery, goods, or supplies which Tenant may keep or maintain in the Premises or any alteration, addition, or improvement which Tenant may make upon the Premises. Landlord may, but is not obligated to, maintain such other insurance and additional coverages as it may deem necessary, including commercial liability insurance, flood insurance, and rent loss insurance.
(b) Effective as of the earlier of: (1) the date Tenant enters or occupies the Premises; or (2) the Commencement Date, and continuing during the Lease Term, Tenant, at its expense, shall obtain and maintain in full force the following insurance coverage (subject to increases in coverage amounts and additional types of coverage, as reasonably determined by Landlord from time to time): (i) all risk property insurance covering the full replacement cost of all property and improvements installed or placed in the Premises by Tenant or for Tenant’s benefit; (ii) worker’s compensation insurance with no less than the minimum limits required by law; (iii) business interruption, loss of income and extra expense insurance covering failure of Tenant’s equipment and covering all periods of interruption, with limits not less than one hundred percent (100%) of all charges payable by Tenant under this Lease for a period of twelve (12) months; and (iv) commercial liability insurance, with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and a minimum umbrella limit of $1,000,000, for a total minimum combined general liability and umbrella limit of $2,000,000 for property damage, personal injuries, or deaths of persons occurring in or about the Premises. Landlord may from time to time require increases in any such limits or additional coverages provided that such increases or additional coverages shall be consistent with the insurance requirements generally applicable to properties similar to the Project. The commercial liability policies shall name Landlord and Landlord’s agents as additional insureds, insure on an occurrence and not a claims-made basis, be issued by insurance companies which are reasonably acceptable to Landlord, not be cancelable unless thirty (30) days prior written notice shall have been given to Landlord, contain a hostile fire endorsement or amended pollution endorsement, and a contractual liability endorsement and provide primary coverage to Landlord (any policy issued to Landlord providing duplicate or similar coverage shall be deemed excess over Tenant’s policies). Such certificates, or at Landlord’s option, copies of the policies evidencing coverage shall be delivered to Landlord by Tenant at least ten (10) days prior to the Commencement Date and at least fifteen (15) days prior to each renewal of said insurance. If Tenant fails to comply with the foregoing insurance requirements or to timely deliver to Landlord copies of such policies and certificates evidencing the coverage required herein, Landlord, in addition to any remedy available pursuant to this Lease or otherwise, may, but shall not be obligated to, obtain such insurance and Tenant shall pay to Landlord on demand the premium costs thereof, plus an administrative fee of fifteen percent (15%) of the cost.
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(c) All policies required to be carried by Tenant hereunder shall be issued by and binding upon an insurance company licensed to do business in the state in which the Premises are located with a rating of at least “A-: X” or better as set forth in the most current issue of Best’s Insurance Reports, unless otherwise approved by Landlord in writing. Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done that would invalidate the insurance policies required herein. Liability insurance maintained by Tenant shall be primary coverage without right of contribution by any similar insurance that may be maintained by Landlord.
(d) The limits of insurance required by this Lease, or as carried by Tenant, shall not limit the liability of Tenant or relieve Tenant of any obligation thereunder. Any deductibles selected by Tenant shall be the sole responsibility of Tenant.
(e) Should Tenant engage the services of any contractor to perform work in the Premises, Tenant shall ensure that such contractor carries commercial general liability (including completed operations coverage for a period of three (3) years following completion of the work), business automobile liability, umbrella/excess liability, worker’s compensation and employers liability coverages in substantially the same amounts as are required of Tenant under this Lease. Such contractor shall name Landlord, its trustees, officers, directors, members, agents and employees, and Landlord’s mortgagees as additional insureds on the liability policies required hereunder. All policies required to be carried by any such contractor shall be issued by and binding upon an insurance company licensed to do business in the state in which the Premises are located with a rating of at least “A-: X” or better as set forth in the most current issue of Best’s Insurance Reports, unless otherwise approved by Landlord. Certificates of insurance, acceptable to Landlord, evidencing the existence and amount of each insurance policy required hereunder shall be delivered to Landlord prior to the commencement of any work in the Premises. Further, the certificates must include an endorsement for each policy whereby the insurer agrees not to cancel, non-renew, or materially alter the policy without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Landlord. The above requirements shall apply equally to any subcontractor engaged by contractor.
(f) The all-risk property insurance obtained by Landlord and Tenant shall include a waiver of subrogation by the insurers and all rights based upon an assignment from its insured, against Landlord or Tenant, their officers, directors, employees, managers, agents, invitees and contractors, in connection with any loss or damage thereby insured against. The failure of a party to insure its property shall not void this waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Tenant hereby waives and releases any claims against Landlord, and its officers, directors, employees, managers, agents, invitees and contractors for any loss or damage insured against or required to be insured against hereunder to the extent insurance proceeds are received therefor (whether by self-insurance or otherwise), except for damage caused by Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Landlord hereby waives and releases any claims against Tenant, and its officers, directors, employees, managers, agents, invitees and contractors for any loss or damage insured against or required to be insured against hereunder to the extent insurance proceeds are received therefor, regardless of whether the negligence or fault of Tenant caused such loss; however, Landlord’s waiver shall not apply to any deductible amounts maintained by Landlord under its insurance. The waivers set forth in this Section 9(f) shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other waivers, indemnities, or exclusions of liabilities set forth in this Lease.
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10. Landlord’s Repairs.
(a) This Lease is intended to be a net lease; accordingly, Landlord’s maintenance and repair obligations are limited to the Landlord’s Work required by Exhibit A prior to the Commencement Date. All required maintenance of the Premises after the Commencement Date shall be Tenant’s responsibility except that Landlord shall be responsible for structural and mechanical maintenance and repair for the 1st 2 years of the Lease defined as roof, structural components, HVAC systems and plumbing systems as existed on the Lease Date and not including any such items modified by Tenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any either the roof or any structural components of the Premises need to be replaced during the lifetime of this Lease due to a reason other than Tenant fault or the installation of by Tenant of its equipment and fixtures, it shall be the Landlord’s responsibility to promptly undertake and pay for any such replacements.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 10 shall: require Landlord to repair or remedy any defect to the extent such repair or remediation is necessitated due to the negligence, or willful misconduct or omissions of, or misuse of the item requiring such repair or remediation by, Tenant or any Tenant Party; require Landlord to repair or remedy any defect if the coverage afforded by any warranty or maintenance/service contract relating to the item in question has been impaired or invalidated by Tenant or any Tenant Party; require Landlord to repair or remedy any defect with respect to any items installed by or on behalf of a Tenant Party; require Landlord to repair or remedy any defect with respect to which a defect Notice is not received by Landlord on or prior to the defect deadline, time being of the essence with respect thereto; or give Tenant any defense to the payment when due of, or the right to offset any amounts against, Base Rent, Operating Expenses or other amounts due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder.
11. Tenant’s Repairs.
(a) Subject to Landlord’s obligation in Section 10, Tenant, at its sole expense, shall repair, replace and maintain in good condition all portions of the Premises including plumbing, water, and sewer lines within the Building, entries, doors, ceilings, windows, interior walls, fire sprinklers and fire protection systems, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and other building and mechanical systems. Such repair and replacements include capital expenditures and repairs whose benefit may extend beyond the Lease Term. Maintenance and repair of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and other mechanical and building systems shall be at Tenant’s expense pursuant to maintenance service contracts entered into by Tenant. The scope of services and contractors under such maintenance contracts shall be subject to Landlord’s prior written approval.
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(b) In the event that any repair or maintenance obligation required to be performed by Tenant hereunder may affect the structural integrity of the Building (e.g., roof, foundation, structural members of the exterior walls), prior to commencing any such repair, Tenant shall provide Landlord with written notice of the necessary repair or maintenance and a brief summary of the structural component or components of the Building that may be affected by such repair or maintenance. Within ten (10) business days after Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s written notice, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to elect to cause such repair or maintenance to be performed by Landlord, or a contractor selected and engaged by Landlord, but at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. If Landlord elects to perform the repair at Tenant’s expense then both parties must mutually agree to the Contractor and bid price.
12. Tenant-Made Alterations; Tenant Improvement Allowance; and Trade Fixtures.
(a) Any alterations, additions, or improvements made by or on behalf of Tenant to the Premises (“Tenant-Made Alterations”) shall be subject to Landlord’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Tenant shall cause, at its expense, all Tenant-Made Alterations to comply with insurance requirements and with Legal Requirements and shall construct at its expense any alteration or modification required by Legal Requirements as a result of any Tenant-Made Alterations.
(b) All Tenant-Made Alterations shall be constructed in a good and workmanlike manner by contractors reasonably acceptable to Landlord and only good grades of materials shall be used and in compliance with City of Waukegan codes. All plans and specifications for any Tenant-Made Alterations shall be submitted to Landlord for its approval. Landlord may monitor construction of the Tenant-Made Alterations. Landlord’s right to review plans and specifications and to monitor construction shall be solely for its own benefit, and Landlord shall have no duty to see that such plans and specifications or construction comply with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
(c) Tenant shall provide Landlord with the identities and mailing addresses of all persons performing work or supplying materials, prior to beginning such construction, and Landlord may post on and about the Premises notices of non-responsibility pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements. Tenant shall furnish security or make other arrangements satisfactory to Landlord to assure payment for the completion of all work free and clear of liens and shall provide certificates of insurance for worker’s compensation and other coverage in amounts and from an insurance company satisfactory to Landlord protecting Landlord against liability for personal injury or property damage during construction. Upon completion of any Tenant-Made Alterations, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord sworn statements setting forth the names of all contractors and subcontractors who did work on the Tenant-Made Alterations and final lien waivers from all such contractors and subcontractors.
(d) Upon surrender of the Premises, all Tenant-Made Alterations and any leasehold improvements constructed by Tenant shall be removed by Tenant at Tenant’s expense and the Premises shall be returned to the condition in which the Premises was delivered. If Landlord would like a leasehold improvement added by Tenant to remain upon surrender of the Premises, Landlord must designate that item at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of surrender.
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(e) Tenant, at its own cost and expense and without Landlord’s prior approval, may erect such shelves, bins, machinery and trade fixtures (collectively “Trade Fixtures”) in the ordinary course of its business provided that such items do not alter the basic character of the Premises, do not overload or damage the Premises, and may be removed without injury to the Premises, and the construction, erection, and installation thereof complies with all Legal Requirements and with Landlord’s requirements set forth above. Prior to the expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant, at its sole expense, shall remove its Trade Fixtures and shall repair any and all damage caused by their installation, use of removal. If Landlord would like a Trade Fixture added by Tenant to remain upon surrender of the Premises, Landlord must designate that item at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of surrender.
(f) Tenant Improvement Allowance.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a tenant improvement allowance in an amount up to $925,000.00 (the “Allowance”) to be applied towards the Tenant’s build-out of its craft grow cultivation and manufacturing facility (“Tenant Improvements”). The Allowance must be used and requested in writing from Landlord within eighteen (18) months following the Commencement Date or shall be deemed forfeited with no further obligation by Landlord with respect thereto. All Tenant Improvements for which the Allowance has been made available shall be deemed Landlord’s property. Tenant shall not be entitled to use any portion of the Allowance for anything other than the Tenant Improvements.
(ii) In no event shall Landlord be obligated to make disbursements with respect to the Tenant Improvements in an amount that exceeds the Allowance. Upon Tenant incurring costs for Tenant Improvements, Tenant shall provide Landlord with the applicable invoice or other form of documentation to establish that such costs have actually been incurred by Tenant. Within fourteen (14) days of Tenant providing Landlord with the aforementioned invoice and/or documentation, Landlord shall disburse the amount of said invoice directly to the vendor and/or contractor identified on said invoice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Tenant determines, in its sole discretion, that it would be more efficient to pay any invoices for any Tenant Improvements directly to any contractor or other person who has performed a Tenant Improvement, Tenant shall deliver documentation to Landlord sufficient to establish that Tenant has paid such amount and Landlord shall reimburse Tenant, up to the amount of the Allowance, within fourteen (14) days of its receipt of Tenant’s documentation related to same. Finally, in exchange for either Landlord or Tenant tendering payment to a contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier pursuant to this Section 12(f)(ii), Tenant shall provide Landlord with an appropriate lien waiver, if applicable, as it pertains to the work and/or services provided by said contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier.
(iii) It shall be a condition to the obligation of Landlord to make such disbursements that Tenant shall have provided Landlord with appropriate requests for payment, invoices, contractors’ affidavits and sworn statements, contractors’ and subcontractors’ lien waivers, and other documents as may be reasonably required (A) by Landlord to demonstrate the correctness of the amount requested by Tenant; and (B) to satisfy any other conditions as may be reasonably imposed by Landlord.
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13. Signs. All exterior signs, blinds, draperies and other window treatment or bars or other security installations visible from outside the Building shall be at Tenant’s expense and shall be subject to Landlord’s prior written approval which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and shall conform in all respects to Landlord’s requirements. Tenant shall not make any changes to the exterior of the Building, install any exterior lights, decorations, balloons, flags, pennants, banners, or painting, or erect or install any signs, windows or door lettering, placards, decorations, or advertising media of any type which can be viewed from the exterior of the Premises, without Landlord’s prior written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Landlord shall not be required to notify Tenant of whether it consents to any sign until it (a) has received detailed, to-scale drawings thereof specifying design, material composition, color scheme, and method of installation, and (b) has had a reasonable opportunity to review them. Upon surrender or vacation of the Premises, Tenant shall have removed all signs and repair, paint, and/or replace the building fascia surface to which its signs are attached to restore the same to their original condition. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall obtain all applicable governmental permits and approvals for sign and exterior treatments.
14. Parking. Tenant shall have exclusive use of all of the parking areas located on the Premises in common with other tenants except for parking spaces on the back lot located behind gates to be installed by Landlord.
15. Restoration.
(a) If at any time during the Lease Term the Premises are damaged by a fire or other casualty, Landlord shall notify Tenant within thirty (30) days after such damage as to the amount of time Landlord reasonably estimates it will take to restore the Premises. If the restoration time is estimated to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days from the date the Premises was damaged, either Landlord or Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease upon notice to the other party given no later than thirty (30) days after Landlord’s notice. If neither party elects to terminate this Lease or if Landlord estimates that restoration will take one hundred eighty (180) days or less, then, Landlord shall promptly restore the Premises excluding the improvements installed by Tenant or by Landlord and paid by Tenant, subject to delays arising from the collection of insurance proceeds or from Force Majeure events. Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, shall promptly perform, subject to delays arising from the collection of insurance proceeds, or from Force Majeure events, all repairs or restoration not required to be done by Landlord and shall promptly re-enter the Premises and commence doing business in accordance with this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate this Lease upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other if the Premises are damaged during the last year of the Lease Term and Landlord reasonably estimates that it will take more than thirty (30) days to repair such damage.
(b) If the Premises are destroyed or substantially damaged by any peril not covered by the insurance maintained by Landlord or any Landlord’s mortgagee requires that insurance proceeds be applied to the indebtedness secured by its mortgage (defined hereinafter), Landlord may terminate this Lease by delivering written notice of termination to Tenant within thirty (30) days after such destruction or damage or such requirement is made known by any such Landlord’s mortgagee, as applicable, whereupon all rights and obligations hereunder shall cease and terminate, except for any liabilities of Tenant which accrued prior to termination of this Lease.
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(c) If the Premises are damaged by fire or other casualty, Rent shall be abated for the period of repair and restoration; provided, however, that Tenant shall not be entitled to any abatement of Base Rent in the event such damage or destruction resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or its subtenants, assignees, employees, agents or contractors. Such abatement shall be the sole remedy of Tenant unless the damage has been caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, and except as provided herein, Tenant waives any right to terminate this Lease by reason of damage or casualty loss.
16. Condemnation. If any part of the Premises or the Project should be taken for any public or quasi-public use under governmental law, ordinance, or regulation, or by right of eminent domain, or by private purchase in lieu thereof (a “Taking” or “Taken”), and (a) the Taking would prevent or materially interfere with Tenant’s use of the Premises, (b) in Landlord’s judgment would materially interfere with or impair its ownership or operation of the Project or (c) as a result of such Taking, Landlord’s mortgagee accelerates the payment of any indebtedness securing all or a portion of the Project, then upon written notice by Landlord or Tenant this Lease shall terminate and Base Rent shall be apportioned as of said date. If part of the Premises shall be Taken, and this Lease is not terminated as provided above, the Base Rent payable hereunder during the unexpired Lease Term shall be reduced to such extent as may be fair and reasonable under the circumstances, and Landlord shall restore the Premises as near as reasonably attainable to its condition prior to the Taking; provided, however, Landlord’s obligation to so restore the Premises shall be limited to the award Landlord receives in respect of such Taking that is not required to be applied to the indebtedness secured by a mortgage. Tenant shall have the right, to the extent that same shall not diminish Landlord’s award, to make a separate claim against the condemning authority (but not Landlord) for such compensation as may be separately awarded or recoverable by Tenant for moving expenses and damage to Tenant’s Trade Fixtures, if a separate award for such items is made to Tenant.
17. Assignment and Subletting.
(a) Without Landlord’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, Tenant shall not assign this Lease, sublease the Premises or any part thereof, or mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate its leasehold interest or grant any concession or license within the Premises (each being a “Transfer”) and any agreement to do any of the foregoing shall be void and of no effect. For purposes of this Section 17, a transfer of the controlling ownership interests of Tenant shall be deemed a Transfer of this Lease unless such controlling ownership interests are publicly traded, or if at least eighty percent (80%) of Tenant’s voting stock is owned by another entity, the voting stock of such other entity is publicly traded. Notwithstanding the above, provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing Tenant may assign or sublet the Premises, or any part thereof, to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the original Tenant named herein (a “Tenant Affiliate”) having a Tangible Net Worth not less than the Tangible Net Worth of Tenant as of the date hereof, without the prior written consent of Landlord; provided, however, Tenant shall provide at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to assigning this Lease to, or entering into any sublease with, any Tenant Affiliate and shall include all documentation establishing the Tenant Affiliate’s Tangible Net Worth in such notice. “Tangible Net Worth” means the excess of total assets over total liabilities, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied (“GAAP”), excluding, however, from the determination of total assets all assets which would be classified as intangible assets under GAAP including goodwill, licenses, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, and franchises. Any subsequent Transfer by a Tenant Affiliate shall be subject to the terms of this Section 17. As to leave no doubt, any transfer of ownership interests by Tenant, regardless of the ownership percentage being transferred, between any of the entities that are owners of Tenant as of the Commencement Date (an “Intra-Tenant Transfer”), shall be permitted without the Landlord’s prior written consent; provided, however, Tenant shall provide Landlord with seven (7) days prior notice before effectuating any such Intra-Tenant Transfer.
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(b) Notwithstanding any Transfer, Tenant and any guarantor or surety of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease shall at all times remain fully responsible and liable for the payment of the rent and for compliance with all of Tenant’s other obligations under this Lease (regardless of whether Landlord’s approval has been obtained for any such Transfer). In the event that the rent due and payable by a sublessee or assignee (or a combination of the rental payable under such sublease or assignment plus the rent payable under the remaining portion of the Premises, and any bonus or other consideration therefor or incident thereto) exceeds the rental payable under this Lease (which rental shall be calculated on a per square foot basis if less than the entire Premises are subleased), then Tenant shall be bound and obligated to pay Landlord as additional rent hereunder all such excess rental and other excess consideration within ten (10) days following receipt thereof by Tenant.
(c) If this Lease is assigned or if the Premises is subleased (whether in whole or in part) or in the event of the mortgage, pledge, or hypothecation of Tenant’s leasehold interest or grant of any concession or license within the Premises or if the Premises be occupied in whole or in part by anyone other than Tenant, then upon a default by Tenant hereunder Landlord may collect rent from the assignee, sublessee, mortgagee, pledgee, party to whom the leasehold interest was hypothecated, concessionee or licensee or other occupant and, except to the extent set forth in the preceding Subsection 17(b), apply the amount collected to the next rent payable hereunder; and all such rentals collected by Tenant shall be held in trust for Landlord and immediately forwarded to Landlord. No such transaction or collection of rent or application thereof by Landlord, however, shall be deemed a waiver of these provisions or a release of Tenant from the further performance by Tenant of its covenants, duties, or obligations hereunder. Any approved assignment or sublease shall be expressly subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease. Landlord’s consent to any Transfer shall not waive Landlord’s rights as to any subsequent Transfers.
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18. Indemnification. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably acceptable to Landlord) and hold harmless Landlord, and Landlord’s agents, employees and contractors, from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, causes of action, suits, judgments, damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from any occurrence on the Premises, the use and occupancy of the Premises, or from any activity, work, or thing done, permitted or suffered by Tenant in or about the Premises or due to any other act or omission of Tenant, its subtenants, assignees, invitees, employees, contractors and agents, or from Tenant’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease (other than any loss arising from the sole or gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents). This indemnity provision shall survive termination or expiration of this Lease. The furnishing of insurance required hereunder shall not be deemed to limit Tenant’s obligations under this Section 18. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably acceptable to Tenant) and hold harmless Tenant, and Tenant’s agents, employees and contractors, from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, causes of action, suits, judgments, damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from any occurrence on the Premises, the use and occupancy of the Premises, or from any activity, work, or thing done, permitted or suffered by Landlord in or about the Premises or due to any other act or omission of Landlord, its subtenants, assignees, invitees, employees, contractors and agents, or from Landlord’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease (other than any loss arising from the sole or gross negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or its agents). This indemnity provision shall survive termination or expiration of this Lease.
19. Inspection and Access. Landlord and its agents, representatives, and contractors may enter the Premises at any reasonable time that is approved by tenant and inspect the Premises and to make such repairs as may be required or permitted pursuant to this Lease and for any other business purpose. Landlord and Landlord’s representatives may enter the Premises during business hours for the purpose of showing the Premises to prospective purchasers, lenders or, during the last year of the Lease Term, to prospective tenants. If an Option to Extend has not been exercised (or no options remain) and it is One Hundred Twenty (120) days prior to the expiration of the lease term, Landlord may erect a suitable sign on the Premises stating the Premises are available to let or that the Project is available for sale. Landlord may grant easements, make public dedications, designate common areas and create restrictions on or about the Premises, provided that no such easement, dedication, designation or restriction materially interferes with Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Premises. At Landlord’s request, Tenant shall execute such instruments as may be necessary for such easements, dedications or restrictions.
20. Quiet Enjoyment. If Tenant shall perform all of the covenants and agreements herein required to be performed by Tenant, Tenant shall, subject to the terms of this Lease, at all times during the Lease Term, have peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Premises against any person claiming by, through or under Landlord, but not otherwise.
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21. Surrender. No act by Landlord shall be an acceptance of a surrender of the Premises, and no agreement to accept a surrender of the Premises shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by Landlord. Upon termination of the Lease Term or earlier termination of Tenant’s right of possession, Tenant shall surrender the Premises to Landlord in the same condition as received, broom clean, ordinary wear and tear and casualty loss and condemnation covered by Sections 15 and 16 excepted. Tenant shall give written notice to Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to vacating the Premises and shall meet with Landlord for a joint inspection of the Premises at the time of vacating. In the event of Tenant’s failure to give such notice or to participate in such joint inspection, Landlord’s inspection shall be deemed conclusive for purposes of determining Tenant’s responsibility for repairs and restoration. No such performance by Landlord shall create any liability on the part of Landlord whatsoever. Any Trade Fixtures, Tenant-Made Alterations and property not so removed by Tenant as permitted or required herein shall be deemed abandoned and may be stored, removed, and disposed of by Landlord, and Tenant waives all claims against Landlord for any damages resulting from Landlord’s retention and disposition of such property. All obligations of Tenant hereunder not fully performed as of the termination of the Lease Term shall survive the termination of the Lease Term, including indemnity obligations, payment obligations with respect to Operating Expenses and all obligations concerning the condition and repair of the Premises. If Tenant fails to perform any obligation prior to the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Landlord may, but shall not be obligated to, perform such obligation and Tenant shall pay Landlord all costs associated therewith.
22. Holding Over. If Tenant fails to vacate the Premises after the termination of the Lease Term, Tenant shall be a tenant at sufferance, and Tenant shall pay, in addition to any other rent or other sums then due Landlord, a daily Base Rental equal to 125% of the Base Rent in effect on the expiration or termination date. Tenant shall also be liable for all Operating Expenses incurred during such holdover period. No holding over by Tenant, whether with or without consent of Landlord, shall operate to extend this Lease except as otherwise expressly provided, and this Section 22 shall not be construed as consent for Tenant to retain possession of the Premises.
23. Events of Default. Each of the following events shall be an event of default (“Event of Default”) by Tenant under this Lease:
(a) Tenant shall fail to pay any installment of Rent or any other payment required herein when due, and such failure shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days from the date that Tenant was served with notice by Landlord of such nonpayment.
(b) Tenant or any guarantor or surety of Tenant’s obligations hereunder shall (i) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) commence any case, proceeding or other action seeking to have an order for relief entered on its behalf as a debtor or to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, liquidation, dissolution or composition of it or its debts or seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or of any substantial part of its property (collectively a “proceeding for relief”); (iii) become the subject of any proceeding for relief which is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of its filing or entry; or (iv) die or suffer a legal disability (if Tenant, guarantor, or surety is an individual) or be dissolved or otherwise fail to maintain its legal existence (if Tenant, guarantor or surety is a corporation, partnership or other entity).
(c) Any insurance required to be maintained by Tenant pursuant to this Lease shall be cancelled or terminated or shall expire or shall be reduced or materially changed, except, in each case, as permitted in this Lease.
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(d) Tenant shall fail to occupy or shall abandon or vacate the Premises or shall fail to continuously operate its business at the Premises for the permitted use set forth herein, whether or not Tenant is in monetary or other default under this Lease.
(e) Tenant shall fail to discharge or bond over any lien placed upon the Premises in violation of this Lease within thirty (30) days after any such lien or encumbrance is filed against the Premises.
(f) Tenant shall fail to execute any instrument of subordination or attornment or any estoppel certificate within the time periods set forth in Section 28 or Section 30 respectively following Landlord’s request for the same.
(g) Tenant shall breach any of the requirements of Section 31 and such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) days or more after notice from Landlord to Tenant.
(h) Tenant shall fail to comply with any provision of this Lease other than those specifically referred to in this Section 23, and except as otherwise expressly provided herein, such default shall continue for more than thirty (30) days after Landlord shall have given Tenant written notice of such default.
24. Landlord’s Remedies.
(a) Upon each occurrence of an Event of Default and so long as such Event of Default shall be continuing, Landlord may at any time thereafter at its election: terminate this Lease or Tenant’s right of possession, (but Tenant shall remain liable as hereinafter provided) and/or pursue any other remedies at law or in equity. Upon the termination of this Lease or termination of Tenant’s right of possession, it shall be lawful for Landlord, without formal demand or notice of any kind, to re-enter the Premises by summary dispossession proceedings or any other action or proceeding authorized by law and to remove Tenant and all persons and property therefrom. If Landlord re-enters the Premises, Landlord shall have the right to keep in place and use, or remove and store, all of the furniture, fixtures and equipment at the Premises.
(b) If Landlord terminates this Lease, Landlord may recover from Tenant the sum of: all Rent and all other amounts accrued hereunder to the date of such termination.
(c) Exercise by Landlord of any one or more remedies hereunder granted or otherwise available shall not be deemed to be an acceptance of surrender of the Premises and/or a termination of this Lease by Landlord, whether by agreement or by operation of law. Any law, usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding, Landlord shall have the right at all times to enforce the provisions of this Lease in strict accordance with the terms hereof; and the failure of Landlord at any time to enforce its rights under this Lease strictly in accordance with same shall not be construed as having created a custom in any way or manner contrary to the specific terms, provisions, and covenants of this Lease or as having modified the same. Tenant and Landlord further agree that forbearance or waiver by Landlord to enforce its rights pursuant to this Lease or at law or in equity, shall not be a waiver of Landlord’s right to enforce one or more of its rights in connection with any subsequent default. A receipt by Landlord of Rent or other payment with knowledge of the breach of any covenant hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach, and no waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and signed by Landlord. The terms “enter,” “re-enter,” “entry” or “re-entry,” as used in this Lease, are not restricted to their technical legal meanings. Any reletting of the Premises shall be on such terms and conditions as Landlord in its sole discretion may determine (including a term different than the remaining Lease Term, rental concessions, alterations and repair of the Premises, lease of less than the entire Premises to any tenant and leasing any or all other portions of the Project before reletting the Premises). Landlord shall not be liable, nor shall Tenant’s obligations hereunder be diminished because of, Landlord’s failure to relet the Premises or collect rent due in respect of such reletting. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall reduce Landlord’s obligation to mitigate its damages.
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25. Guaranty and Collateral. Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC hereby unconditionally guarantees the due and punctual payment of all Rent, (as defined in the Lease), and all other sums due (including interest and penalties) and to be paid by Tenant pursuant to the Lease and the performance by Tenant of all the terms, conditions, covenants and agreements of the Lease for a period of five (5) years from the Rent Commencement date.
26. Tenant’s Remedies/Limitation of Liability. Landlord shall not be in default hereunder unless Landlord fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder within fourteen (14) days after written notice from Tenant specifying such failure (unless such performance will, due to the nature of the obligation, require a period of time in excess of fourteen (14) days, then after such period of time as is reasonably necessary). All obligations of Landlord hereunder shall be construed as covenants, not conditions; and Tenant may not terminate this Lease for breach of Landlord’s obligations hereunder. All obligations of Landlord under this Lease will be binding upon Landlord only during the period of its ownership of the Premises and not thereafter. The term “Landlord” in this Lease shall mean only the owner, for the time being of the Premises, and in the event of the transfer by such owner of its interest in the Premises, such owner shall thereupon be released and discharged from all obligations of Landlord thereafter accruing, but such obligations shall be binding during the Lease Term upon each new owner for the duration of such owner’s ownership. Any liability of Landlord under this Lease or arising out of the relationship between Landlord and Tenant shall be limited solely to Landlord’s interest in the Building, and in no event shall any personal liability be asserted against Landlord in connection with this Lease nor shall any recourse be had to any other property or assets of Landlord. In the event that Tenant prevails in an action brought due to a breach of the Landlord, Tenant shall be entitled to recover its costs as well as its reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in enforcing the terms of the Lease.
27. Waiver of Jury Trial. TENANT AND LANDLORD WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OR TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT ARISING OUT OF THIS LEASE OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT, OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO.
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28. Subordination.
(a) This Lease and Tenant’s interest and rights hereunder are and shall be subject and subordinate at all times to the lien of any mortgage, now existing or hereafter created on or against the Project, and all amendments, restatements, renewals, modifications, consolidations, refinancing, assignments and extensions thereof, without the necessity of any further instrument or act on the part of Tenant, provided that the subordination of this Lease to any future mortgage shall be conditioned upon Tenant’s possessory rights under this Lease not being disturbed as the result of any foreclosure of such mortgage so long as Tenant is not in default under this Lease beyond applicable notice or cure periods. Tenant agrees, at the election of the holder of any such mortgage, to attorn to any such holder. The provisions of this Section 28 shall be self-operative and no further instrument shall be required to effect such subordination or attornment; however, Tenant agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver such instruments, confirming such subordination and such instruments of attornment as shall be requested by any such holder within ten (10) days of such request. Tenant’s obligation to furnish each such instrument requested hereunder in the time period provided is a material inducement for Landlord’s execution of this Lease and any failure of Tenant to timely deliver each instrument shall be deemed an Event of Default.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such holder may at any time subordinate its mortgage to this Lease, without Tenant’s consent, by notice in writing to Tenant, and thereupon this Lease shall be deemed prior to such mortgage without regard to their respective dates of execution, delivery or recording and in that event such holder shall have the same rights with respect to this Lease as though this Lease had been executed prior to the execution, delivery and recording of such mortgage and had been assigned to such holder. The term “mortgage” whenever used in this Lease shall be deemed to include deeds of trust, security assignments and any other encumbrances, and any reference to the “holder” of a mortgage shall be deemed to include the beneficiary under a deed of trust.
(c) Tenant shall not seek to enforce any remedy it may have for any default on the part of Landlord without first giving written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, specifying the default in reasonable detail to any mortgage holder whose address has been given to Tenant, and affording such mortgage holder a reasonable opportunity to perform Landlord’s obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding any such attornment or subordination of a mortgage to this Lease, the holder of any mortgage shall not be liable for any acts of any previous landlord, shall not be obligated to install any tenant improvements, and shall not be bound by any amendment to which it did not consent in writing nor any payment of rent made more than one month in advance.
29. Mechanic’s Liens. Tenant has no express or implied authority to create or place any lien or encumbrance of any kind upon, or in any manner to bind the interest of Landlord or Tenant in, the Project or any part of the Project or to charge the rentals payable hereunder for any claim in favor of any person dealing with Tenant, including those who may furnish materials or perform labor for any construction or repairs. Tenant covenants and agrees that it will pay or cause to be paid all sums legally due and payable by it on account of any labor performed or materials furnished in connection with any work performed on or about the Project and that it will save and hold Landlord harmless from all loss, cost or expense based on or arising out of asserted claims or liens against the leasehold estate or against the interest of Landlord in the Premises or under this Lease. Tenant shall give Landlord immediate written notice of the placing of any lien or encumbrance against the Project, arising by, through or under Tenant, including its agents, contractors, subtenants or invitees and cause such lien or encumbrance to be discharged within thirty (30) days of the filing or recording thereof; provided, however, Tenant may contest such liens or encumbrances as long as such contest prevents foreclosure of the lien or encumbrance and Tenant causes such lien or encumbrance to be bonded or insured over in a manner satisfactory to Landlord within such thirty (30) day period.
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30. Estoppel Certificates. Tenant agrees, from time to time, within ten (10) days after request of Landlord, to execute and deliver to Landlord, or Landlord’s designee, any estoppel certificate requested by Landlord, stating that this Lease is in full force and effect, the date to which Rent has been paid, that Landlord is not in default hereunder (or specifying in detail the nature of Landlord’s default), the termination date of this Lease and such other matters pertaining to this Lease as may be requested by Landlord. Tenant’s obligation to furnish each estoppel certificate in a timely fashion is a material inducement for Landlord’s execution of this Lease and any failure of Tenant to timely deliver each estoppel certificate shall be deemed an Event of Default. No cure or grace period provided in this Lease shall apply to Tenant’s obligation to timely deliver an estoppel certificate.
31. Environmental Requirements.
(a) Except for Hazardous Materials contained in products used by Tenant in de minimis quantities for ordinary cleaning and office purposes, Tenant shall not permit or cause any party to bring any Hazardous Materials upon the Project or transport, store, use, generate, manufacture, dispose, or release any Hazardous Materials on or from the Project without Landlord’s prior written consent. Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall operate its business in the Premises in strict compliance with all Environmental Requirements and all requirements of this Lease. Tenant shall complete and certify to disclosure statements as requested by Landlord from time to time relating to Tenant’s transportation, storage, use, generation, manufacture, or release of Hazardous Materials on the Project, and Tenant shall promptly deliver to Landlord a copy of any notice of violation relating to the Project of any Environmental Requirement.
(b) The term “Environmental Requirements” means all applicable present and future statutes, regulations, ordinances, rules, codes, judgments, permits, authorizations, orders, policies or other similar requirements of any governmental authority, agency or court regulating or relating to health, safety, or environmental conditions on, under, or about the Project, or the environment, including the following: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act and all state and local counterparts thereto, and any common or civil law obligations including nuisance or trespass, and any other requirements of Sections 3 and 32 of this Lease. The term “Hazardous Materials” means and includes any substance, material, waste, pollutant, or contaminant that is or could be regulated under any Environmental Requirement or that may adversely affect human health or the environment, including any solid or hazardous waste, hazardous substance, asbestos, petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof, natural gas, synthetic gas, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radioactive material). For purposes of Environmental Requirements, to the extent authorized by law, Tenant is and shall be deemed to be the responsible party, including the “owner” and “operator” of Tenant’s “facility” and the “owner” of all Hazardous Materials brought on the Premises by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors or invitees, and the wastes, by-products, or residues generated, resulting, or produced therefrom.
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(c) Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall remove all Hazardous Materials stored, disposed of or otherwise released by Tenant, its assignees, subtenants, agents, employees, contractors or invitees onto or from the Project, in a manner and to a level satisfactory to Landlord in its sole discretion, but in no event to a level and in a manner less than that which complies with all Environmental Requirements and does not limit any future uses of the Project or require the recording of any deed restriction or notice regarding the Project. Tenant shall perform such work at any time during the Lease Term upon written request by Landlord or, in the absence of a specific request by Landlord, before Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises terminates or expires. If Tenant fails to perform such work within the time period specified by Landlord or before Tenant’s right to possession terminates or expires (whichever is earlier), Landlord may at its discretion, and without waiving any other remedy available under this Lease or at law or equity (including an action to compel Tenant to perform such work), perform such work at Tenant’s cost. Tenant shall pay all costs incurred by Landlord in performing such work within ten (10) days after Landlord’s request therefor. Such work performed by Landlord is on behalf of Tenant and Tenant remains the owner, generator, operator, transporter, and/or arranger of the Hazardous Materials for purposes of Environmental Requirements. Tenant agrees not to enter into any agreement with any person, including any governmental authority, regarding the removal of Hazardous Materials that have been disposed of or otherwise released onto or from the Project without the written approval of the Landlord.
(d) Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Landlord, its agents and employees from and against any and all losses (including diminution in value of the Project and loss of rental income from the Project), claims, demands, actions, suits, damages (including punitive damages), expenses (including remediation, removal, repair, corrective action, or cleanup expenses), and costs (including actual attorneys’ fees, consultant fees or expert fees and including removal or management of any asbestos brought to or at the Project or disturbed in breach of the requirements of this Section 31, regardless of whether such removal or management is required by law) which are brought to or recoverable against, or suffered or incurred by Landlord as a result of any release of Hazardous Materials or any breach of the requirements under this Section 31 by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, subtenants, assignees or invitees, regardless of whether Tenant had knowledge of such noncompliance. The obligations of Tenant under this Section 31 shall survive any termination of this Lease.
(e) Landlord shall have access to, and a right to perform inspections and tests of, the Premises to determine Tenant’s compliance with Environmental Requirements, its obligations under this Section 31, or the environmental condition of the Premises. Access shall be granted to Landlord upon Landlord’s prior notice to Tenant and at such times so as to minimize, so far as may be reasonable under the circumstances, any disturbance to Tenant’s operations. Such inspections and tests shall be conducted at Landlord’s expense, unless such inspections or tests reveal that Tenant has not complied with any Environmental Requirement, in which case Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the reasonable cost of such inspection and tests. Landlord’s receipt of or satisfaction with any environmental assessment in no way waives any rights that Landlord holds against Tenant. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any communication or report that Tenant makes to any governmental authority regarding any possible violation of Environmental Requirements or release or threat of release of any Hazardous Materials onto or from the Project. Tenant shall, within five (5) days of receipt thereof, provide Landlord with a copy of any documents or correspondence received from any governmental agency or other party relating to a possible violation of Environmental Requirements or claim or liability associated with the release or threat of release of any Hazardous Materials onto or from the Project.
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(f) In addition to all other rights and remedies available to Landlord under this Lease or otherwise, Landlord may, in the event of a breach of the requirements of this Section 31 that is not cured within thirty (30) days following notice of such breach by Landlord, require Tenant to provide financial assurance (such as insurance, escrow of funds or third party guarantee) in an amount and form satisfactory to Landlord. The requirements of this Section 31 are in addition to and not in lieu of any other provision in this Lease.
32. Rules and Regulations. Tenant shall, at all times during the Lease Term and any extension thereof, comply with all reasonable rules and regulations at any time or from time to time established by Landlord covering use of the Premises and the Project. There are no current Rules and Regulations. In the event of any conflict between said rules and regulations and the terms and provisions of this Lease, the terms and provisions of this Lease shall control. Landlord shall not have any liability or obligation for the breach of any rules or regulations by other tenants in the Project.
33. Security Service. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that, while Landlord may (but shall not be obligated to) patrol the Project, Landlord is not providing any security services with respect to the Premises and that Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for, and Tenant waives any claim against Landlord with respect to, any loss by theft or any other damage suffered or incurred by Tenant in connection with any unauthorized entry into the Premises or any other breach of security with respect to the Premises unless such damage is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord.
34. Force Majeure. Neither Landlord or Tenant shall be held responsible for delays in the performance of its obligations hereunder when caused by strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, inability to obtain labor or materials or reasonable substitutes therefor, governmental restrictions, governmental regulations, governmental controls, delay in issuance of permits, enemy or hostile governmental action, civil commotion, fire or other casualty, and other causes beyond the reasonable control of Landlord or Tenant (“Force Majeure”). In the event of a government mandated closure of Tenant’s business during the first two (2) years of this Lease, Tenant’s obligation to pay Base Rent shall be deferred for a maximum period of six (6) months. Tenant shall continue to pay operating expenses, property taxes and utilities as required by this Lease. Any deferred rent shall be repaid to Landlord with eighteen (18) months of the date of the deferral.
35. Entire Agreement. This Lease constitutes the complete and entire agreement of Landlord and Tenant with respect to the subject matter hereof. No representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or written, have been made by Landlord or Tenant, or anyone acting on behalf of Landlord or Tenant, which are not contained herein, and any prior agreements, promises, negotiations, or representations are superseded by this Lease. This Lease may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto.
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36. Severability. If any clause or provision of this Lease is illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, then and in that event, it is the intention of the parties hereto that the remainder of this Lease shall not be affected thereby. It is also the intention of the parties to this Lease that in lieu of each clause or provision of this Lease that is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, there be added, as a part of this Lease, a clause or provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable clause or provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
37. Brokers. Tenant represents and warrants that it has dealt with no broker, agent or other person in connection with this transaction and that no broker, agent or other person brought about this transaction. Landlord and Tenant respectively agree to indemnify and hold each other harmless from and against any claims by any other broker, agent or other person claiming a commission or other form of compensation by virtue of having dealt with either Tenant or Landlord with regard to this leasing transaction.
38. Miscellaneous.
(a) Any payments or charges due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder shall be considered rent for all purposes of this Lease.
(b) If and when included within the term “Tenant,” as used in this instrument, there is more than one person, firm or corporation, each shall be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of Tenant.
(c) All notices required or permitted to be given under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a reputable national overnight courier service, postage prepaid, by email transmission if an email address has been furnished by the recipient party or the recipient party’s attorney to the sending party, or by hand delivery and sent to the Notice Address for each party listed on page 2 of this Lease. Either party may by notice given aforesaid change its address for all subsequent notices. Except where otherwise expressly provided to the contrary, notice shall be deemed given upon delivery.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or as otherwise required by law, Landlord retains the absolute right to withhold any consent or approval.
(e) At Landlord’s request from time to time Tenant shall furnish Landlord with true and complete copies of its most recent annual and quarterly financial statements prepared by Tenant or Tenant’s accountants and any other financial information or summaries that Tenant typically provides to its lenders or shareholders. Landlord shall hold such financial statements and information in confidence, and shall not disclose the same except: (i) to Landlord’s lenders or potential lenders, (ii) to potential purchasers of all or a portion of the Project, (iii) to attorneys, accountants, consultants or other advisors, (iv) otherwise as reasonably necessary for the operation of the Project or administration of Landlord’s business or (v) if disclosure is required by any law and/or any judicial or administrative order or ruling.
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(f) Neither this Lease nor a memorandum of lease shall be filed by or on behalf of Tenant in any public record. Landlord may prepare and file, and upon request by Landlord, Tenant will execute a memorandum of lease.
(g) Each party acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to consult counsel with respect to this Lease.
(h) The submission by Landlord to Tenant of this Lease shall have no binding force or effect, shall not constitute an option for the leasing of the Premises, nor confer any right or impose any obligations upon either party until execution of this Lease by both parties.
(i) Words of any gender used in this Lease shall be held and construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to include the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. The captions inserted in this Lease are for convenience only and in no way define, limit or otherwise describe the scope or intent of this Lease, or any provision hereof, or in any way affect the interpretation of this Lease.
(j) Time is of the essence as to the performance of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.
(k) All exhibits and addenda attached hereto are hereby incorporated into this Lease and made a part hereof. In the event of any conflict between such exhibits or addenda (other than the rules and regulations) and the terms of this Lease, such exhibits or addenda shall control. In the event of a conflict between the rules and regulations attached hereto and the terms of this Lease, the terms of this Lease shall control.
(l) Construction and interpretation of this Lease shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Project is located, excluding any principles of conflicts of laws.
(m) Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that Tenant is currently in compliance with and shall at all times during the Lease Term (including any extension thereof) remain in compliance with the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the Department of the Treasury (including those named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List) and any statute, executive order (including the September 24, 2001, Executive Order Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), or other governmental action relating thereto.
(n) At all times while this Lease is in effect, Tenant shall have the right to access the property twenty-four (24) hours per day and three hundred and sixty-five (365) days per year unless prohibited by law.
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(o) Landlord represents and warrants that upon the completion of the Landlord’s Work (as contemplated in Section 2 of this Lease), the Premises will be fully compliant with all local and national building codes, the roof to the Premises will be water tight and free from leaks, and all plumbing, electrical, mechanical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems will be in good working order. Landlord further represents and warrants that to its knowledge, the Project is and for the ten (10) years prior to the date of this Lease, has been in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations. To the extent any claim is made against Tenant related to any breach or other form of violation of an environmental rule, law, or regulation, arising before the Commencement Date, Landlord shall fully indemnify, defend, and hold Tenant harmless against any such claim in accordance with Section 18 of this Lease.
39. Limitation of Liability of Landlord’s and Tenant’s Partners, and Others. Both parties agree that any obligation or liability whatsoever of each which may arise at any time under this Lease, or any obligation or liability which may be incurred by each pursuant to any other instrument, transaction, or undertaking contemplated hereby, shall not be personally binding upon, nor shall resort for the enforcement thereof be had to the property of the constituent partners of either party or any of their respective directors, officers, representatives, employees or agents, regardless of whether such obligation or liability is in the nature of contract, tort, or otherwise.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease as of the Lease Date first above written.
| TENANT: | Rogue EBC, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Andrew Boyens | |
| Name: | Andrew Boyens | |
| Title: | Authorized Person |
| GUARANTOR: | Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC |
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | |
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | |
| Title: | Manager |
| LANDLORD: | 345 N. Lakewood, LLC |
| By: | ||
| Name: | Dan Katz | |
| Title: | Managing Member |
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EXHIBIT A
LANDLORDS WORK LETTER
Utilities:
1. HVAC supply from natural gas-fueled RTUs sized to sustain interior temperatures throughout the front two level office space premises at 72F +/- 2F at 50% RH (max) Summer, and 70F +/- 2F Winter. Landlord to provide infrared, or comparable, heating (or credit to tenant) for warehouse space. Units to be recently serviced and in good working order with no significant deficiencies or necessary repairs.
2. Electrical: Landlord shall provide all existing primary service, panels, and subpanels in good order without deficiency and compliant with code as installed.
3. All utilities to be under municipal services (water; sewer; electric; natural gas) separately metered, in good order without deficiency and code compliant as installed. Landlord to provide a properly sized gas line to adequately heat the building, Tenant may, at its sole cost, elect to upgrade the gas line beyond the requirements to properly heat the building.
4. Plumbing & Mechanical: Plumbing to be capped to source and drains protected from insects and pests.
| ● | Landlord to provide sketches of the location of the drains and lines. Tenant may elect to either keep existing trench drains or cap & fill. |
| ● | Landlord to fill in interior loading and cap off drain (unless tenant needs drain in that location) |
5. Fire Sprinklers & Pump system: pumps, risers, mains, heads; all components to be functional. compliant and recently inspected.
6. Fire alarm panel to be replaced per code.
Building Interior:
7. Landlord shall deliver the premises in sound condition both structurally and mechanically, and in compliance with applicable laws, free of asbestos and other hazardous materials.
8. Landlord shall turn the space over in a broom swept vanilla box condition.
Windows:
| ● | Landlord to replace broken windows with pane glass. Landlord to remove hardware on windows that open. |
Rooms:
| ○ | Second Floor - Landlord to build up to 2,000 square feet of office space per tenant/architect design. Landlord will include up to six rooms, per tenant drawing. |
| ● | First Floor - Bathrooms will remain in the same location and work within the design by the tenant/architect. Landlord will build the following rooms. |
| ○ | 3 Offices spaces |
| ○ | 1 Conference Room |
| ○ | 1 Breakroom |
| ○ | 2 Locker rooms |
| ○ | 1 sink room |
| ● | First and Second Floor Office spaces will be built per code and including walls, electrical, doors, hardware, paint and drop ceiling. |
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9. Emergency Egress: door hardware to be installed and in good order, code compliant.
| ● | Tenant and landlord will work together to determine appropriate emergency egress door locations per code. |
Building Exterior (Exterior work to be completed weather depending, which shall cause no delays to the commencement of the lease):
10. Landlord to provide intact roof assembly with no leaks or unused/abandoned penetrations. Gutters & downspouts to be in good order, free of debris, without standing water after a stormwater event.
11. Deliver site and exterior building compliant with ADA and other applicable codes and laws. This includes all paved areas, sidewalks, curb-cuts, and curbing, and also steps, ramp(s) (and related railings) and doors, to/from/at entrances/exit(s).
12. Parking:
a. Parking lot to be re-sealed and striped, with handicap parking stalls/signage and striping provided.
b. Designated front parking spaces shall be dedicated and exclusive to Tenant’s use.
c. Parking layout and parking stall capacity must be sufficient for Tenant’s Permitted Use.
13. Exterior lot lighting, any building mounted lighting, and landscape lighting. If any signage is desired by Tenant, it shall be installed at Tenant’s expense and in compliance with City of Waukegan codes and ordinances.
14. Clean exterior façade, including any graffiti present.
15. Clean up the exterior of premises and remove any / all garbage.
16. Remove all existing exterior signage mounted to the building and patch/repair any penetrations.
17. Exterior windows to be delivered watertight, without defect or broken panes. Windows with internal blinds will be functional and in good order.
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Exhibit 4.50
ROGUE EBC, LLC
JOINT VENTURE OPERATING AGREEMENT
Dated as of March 4, 2024
THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS (AS DEFINED IN THIS AGREEMENT) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAW AND WERE ACQUIRED PURSUANT TO AN INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION BY THE RECORD OWNER. THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE, ABSENT EITHER REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND EVERY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE MANAGER THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT. REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE DETAILS OF THOSE RESTRICTIONS.
JOINT VENTURE OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
ROGUE EBC, LLC
This JOINT VENTURE OPERATING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) of Rogue EBC, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (the “Company”), is made as of March 4, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), by and among the Members of the Company listed on Schedule I attached hereto, the initial Managers of the Company, and the Company.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company was formed as a limited liability company pursuant to (i) the provisions of the Act (as hereinafter defined), and (ii) the filing of the Articles (as hereinafter defined) with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois on November 27, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions that will govern their relationship with respect to the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
1.1. General Interpretive Principles. For purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, (a) the terms defined in this Article I have the meanings assigned to them in this Article I and include the plural as well as the singular, and the use of any gender in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the other gender, (b) the word “including” means “including, but not limited to,” and (c) the words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder” and “hereinafter” and words of similar import shall be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular paragraph or provision, unless expressly so stated.
1.2. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings (unless otherwise expressly provided herein):
“Accounting Firm” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“Act” means the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time to time.
“Additional Capital Contribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c)(i).
“Additional Member” means any Member other than the Members that are original parties hereto as of the Effective Date.
“Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to any Member, the deficit balance, if any, in such Member’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant tax year or other allocation period, after giving effect to the following adjustments:
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(a) credit to such Capital Account any amounts which such Member is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5); and
(b) debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6).
“Affiliate” means with respect to any Person, any other Person that Controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Assignee” means a Person to whom a Membership Interest is Transferred in compliance with Article XI.
“Articles” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
“Assumed Tax Rate” means the amount obtained by presuming such Member incurred tax at the maximum marginal combined federal, state and local income tax rates applicable to any Member, taking into consideration the character of the taxable income or loss allocated to such Member by the Company (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain, ordinary or tax-exempt, or “qualified business income,” “qualified REIT dividend” income or “qualified publicly traded partnership income” under Code Section 199A).
“Available Cash” means (a) all cash receipts of the Company, less all applicable cultivation, excide, or other sales taxes, other than proceeds from Capital Contributions, less (b) (i) the amount of all operating expenses and debt service paid or Investments made during such period, and (without duplication) any amounts required to be deposited into any reserve account with respect to any loan or Investment approved in accordance with this Agreement, (ii) the amount of all capital expenditures paid during such period, and (iii) such reserves as reasonably determined by the Manager, including without limitation with respect to pending Investments.
“Book Value” means, with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:
(a) The initial Book Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross fair market value of such asset at the time of such contribution, as reasonably determined by the Manager;
(b) The Book Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values (taking Code Section 7701(g) into account), as determined by the Manager, as of the following times: (i) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (ii) the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of property as consideration for a Membership Interest in the Company; (iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g); (iv) in connection with the grant of a Membership Interest in the Company (other than a de minimis Membership Interest) as consideration for the provision of services to or for the benefit of the Company by an existing Member acting in a member capacity, or by a new Member acting in a member capacity in anticipation of being a Member; (v) the issuance by the Company of a Noncompensatory Option; and (vi) the acquisition of an interest in the Company upon the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above shall be made only if the Manager reasonably determines that such adjustments are necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members in the Company;
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(c) The Book Value of any Company asset distributed to any Member shall be adjusted to equal the gross fair market value (taking into account Code Section 7701(g) into account) of such asset on the date of distribution as determined by the Manager;
(d) The Book Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) and subparagraph (g) of the definition of “Profits,” and “Losses”; provided, however, that Book Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph (d) to the extent the Manager determines that an adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (b) hereof is necessary or appropriate in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph (d); and
(e) If the Book Value of an asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to subparagraphs (a), (b) or (d) hereof, such Book Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the Depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset for purposes of computing Profits and Losses.
“Business” means the business of operating a cannabis craft grow facility and any cannabis related business activities incident thereto, including the operation of the Manufacturing Division and the Cultivation Division.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other legal holiday on which banks are required or authorized to be closed in the State of Illinois.
“Capital Account” means the capital account of a Member maintained in accordance with Section 4.5.
“Capital Commitment” shall mean the amount of cash each Capital Member has committed to contribute to the Company as of the Effective Date. Each Capital Member’s Capital Commitment as of the Effective Date is reflected on Schedule I hereto.
“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any other property (as determined by the Manager as of the date of contribution and net of liabilities secured by such property that the Company assumes or to which the Company’s ownership of the property is subject) from time to time contributed by a Member to the Company pursuant to Article IV. All Capital Contributions shall be made in U.S. Dollars by wire transfer of immediately available funds.
“Capital Contribution Balance” means, with respect to any Member, the excess of (x) such Member’s Capital Contributions as of such time, over (y) the aggregate amount of distributions made to such Member pursuant to Sections 5.1, 5.2, and/or 12.3.
“Capital Member” means the GR Member and the EBC Investor Member.
“Cause” means: (i) committing an act of fraud, embezzlement, willful misconduct, or other act of material dishonesty related to the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) the indictment for a felony.
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“Change of Control” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, if Person(s) Controlling such Person immediately prior to such date, no longer Controls such Person.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute thereto.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Company Group” means the Company, any Operating Companies, and any of their respective Subsidiaries.
“Company Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(a).
“Company Minimum Gain” has the same meaning as the term “partnership minimum gain” in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
“Control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by contract, credit arrangement or otherwise. Solely with respect to the definition of “Subsidiary” and for no other use in this Agreement, any Person that has the power (directly or indirectly), as of the time of determination, to appoint a member of the board of directors, managers or any similar person of any governing board of another Person shall be deemed to Control such Person as of such time.
“Cultivation Division” has the meaning set forth in 2.9(a).
“Depreciation” means, for each tax year or other allocation period, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction allowable for federal income tax purposes with respect to an asset for such tax year or other allocation period, except that if the Book Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such tax year or other allocation period, Depreciation shall be (a) if such difference is being eliminated by use of the remedial method under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d), the amount of book basis recovered for such period under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d)(2), or (b) if the remedial method is not used, an amount that bears the same ratio to such beginning Book Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such allocation period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such allocation period is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with reference to such beginning Book Value using any reasonable method selected by as determined by the Manager.
“Divisional Sale Allocation” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“Drag-Along Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a).
“Drag-Along Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a).
“Drag Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a).
“EBC First Call Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(a).
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“EBC First Call Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(a).
“EBC First Call Option Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(a).
“EBC First Call Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(a).
“EBC Investor Member” means EBC Investor Waukegan, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company.
“EBC Sponsor Member” means EBC Ventures Waukegan, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company.
“Economic Risk of Loss” means the economic risk of loss within the meaning of Section 1.752-2 of the Treasury Regulations.
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Equity Ledger” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
“Exercising Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a).
“Family Member” with respect to any Member, means, and is limited to, such Member’s current spouse, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, children (adopted or biological), grandchildren, other descendants, siblings and descendants of siblings.
“FATCA” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4.
“Final Allocation” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“First Call Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.
“First Call Option Commencement Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.
“First Call Option Expiration Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(a).
“Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company, which shall be the calendar year.
“G&A Expenses” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
“Governmental Authority” means any foreign, federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or other government, governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.
“Governance Documents” means, with respect to any Person, all organizational documents and other documents relating to the governance, management, or control of such Person (including any certificate of formation, certificate of incorporation, certificate of partnership, bylaws, charters, operating agreements, partnership agreements, side letters, limited liability company agreements, shareholder agreements, and all other governance documents).
“GR First Call Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(b).
“GR First Call Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(b).
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“GR First Call Option Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(b).
“GR First Call Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6(b).
“GR Member” shall mean [●].
“Hypothetical Liquidation” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Imputed Underpayment Amount” means any “imputed underpayment” within the meaning of Section 6225 of the Code (and any Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and with respect thereto), and under any comparable provision of state or local law, paid (or payable) by the Company as a result of an adjustment with respect to any item of Company income, loss, gain, deduction or credit, including any interest or penalties with respect to any such adjustment.
“Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.15(b).
“Initial Capital Contribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
“Investment” means any direct or indirect investment in any Operating Company or a Subsidiary of any Operating Company.
“Investment Expenses” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Law” means, as of any date, any foreign, federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law) in effect as of such date.
“Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2.
“Major Decision” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
“Manager” shall mean the GR Member.
“Manufacturing Division” has the meaning set forth in 2.9(a).
“Member” means any Person executing this Agreement as of the Effective Date as a member of the Company or thereafter admitted to the Company as an Additional Member pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
“Member Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
“Member Nonrecourse Debt” has the same meaning as the term “partner nonrecourse debt” in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
“Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain” means an amount, with respect to each Member Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if such Member Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
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“Member Nonrecourse Deductions” means the Company deductions, losses and Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures that are treated as deductions, losses and expenditures attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt under Section 1.704-2(i)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
“Membership Interest” means all of the rights and interests of whatever nature of the Members in the Company (including the right to participate in management to the extent herein expressly provided, to receive Distributions of funds and to receive allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit).
“Non-Contributing Member has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
“Non-Exercising Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a).
“Noncompensatory Option” means a “noncompensatory option” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.721-2(f) and 1.761-3(b)(2).
“Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(1) and 1.704-2(c).
“Nonrecourse Liability” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(3).
“Objecting Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“Objecting Member’s Valuation” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“Operating Company” means any Person in which the Company makes an Investment.
“Percentage Interest” means the Percentage Interest set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule A hereto, as such percentage shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The combined Percentage Interests of all Members must at all times equal 100%.
“Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, limited public company, limited liability partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Preferred Return” means, with respect to the EBC Investor Member, an amount equal to ten percent (10%) per annum, compounded annually, on the EBC Investor Member’s then-current Capital Contribution Balance.
“Preferred Return Balance” means, at any given time, an amount equal to the EBC Investor Member’s aggregate unpaid Preferred Return.
“Prevailing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.18.
“Profits” and “Losses” means, for each tax year or other allocation period, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or loss for such tax year or other allocation period, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments (without duplication):
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(a) any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of “Profits” and “Losses” shall be added to such taxable income or loss;
(b) any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of “Profits” and “Losses” shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;
(c) in the event the Book Value of any property is adjusted pursuant to subparagraphs (b) or (c) of the definition of “Book Value” hereof, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the Book Value of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases the Book Value of the asset) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;
(d) gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of the property disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such property differs from its Book Value;
(e) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such tax year or other allocation period, computed in accordance with the definition of “Depreciation”;
(f) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is required pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Member’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis of the asset) from the disposition of the asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; and
(g) any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses. The amounts of the items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction available to be specially allocated pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof shall be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in subparagraphs (a) through (e) above.
“Proprietary Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(c).
“Sale of the Company” means (a) any acquisition of the Company by another person or entity (or group of persons or entities) by means of any transaction or series of related transactions (including any sale of securities of the Company or consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other entity, or exchange of securities) (i) in which the beneficial holders of the Company’s outstanding equity interests immediately before the first such transaction do not, immediately after the last such transaction, hold equity interests in the Company representing at least 50% of the voting power of the surviving entity of such transaction or (ii) in which, following the last such transaction, such acquiring person or entity and its affiliates hold more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding equity interests, or (b) any sale, conveyance, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Sale of the Company” shall not include any transactions that are the result of either the GR Member and/or the EBC Sponsor Member exercising either the First Call Option or the Second Call Option, respectively.
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“Second Call Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a).
“Second Call Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a).
“Second Call Option Commencement Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Second Option Toll Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(b).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Shared Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.
“Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any other Person in which such Person (a) owns more than a 50% equity interest, or (b) has the power or authority, through general partner, manager or managing member rights, ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to exercise Control over the business affairs of the other Person.
“Substitute Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.
“Tag-Along Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(b).
“Tag-Along Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(b).
“Tax Advance” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
“Tax Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.5(a).
“Third Party Confidentiality Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(e).
“Third Party Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(e).
“Third Party Sale” means an arm’s length negotiated Sale of the Company, approved by the Manager, to a bona fide third party buyer not affiliated with any Member.
“Third Party Terms” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a)(ii).
“Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.
“Treasury Regulations” or “Regulations” means the permanent and temporary Regulations, and all amendments, modifications and supplements thereof, from time to time promulgated by the Department of the Treasury under the Code.
“Withheld Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
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ARTICLE II.
COMPANY
2.1. Organization. The Company was organized as an Illinois limited liability company pursuant to the Act. The Articles of Organization of the Company (the “Articles”) were filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois in order to form a limited liability company under the Act. Upon the execution and delivery of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement, each of the Members hereby ratifies the filing of such Articles and the continuation of the Company as a limited liability company under the Act. The Members agree to execute, deliver, file and/or record, and to the execution, delivery, filing and/or recording on behalf of the Company, of such certificates and/or documents as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with all requirements for the qualification and operation of the Company under the Laws of the State of Illinois and the ownership and operation of its property and assets in any jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business.
2.2. Agreement; Effect of Inconsistencies with Act. The Members agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented or restated according to its terms. The Members intend that this Agreement shall be the sole source of the relationship among the parties hereto in their capacity as Members of the Company, and, except to the extent a provision of this Agreement expressly incorporates federal income tax rules by reference to sections of the Code or Treasury Regulations or is expressly prohibited or ineffective under the Act, this Agreement shall govern, even when inconsistent with, or different from, the provisions of the Act or any other applicable Law. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is prohibited or ineffective under the Act, this Agreement shall be considered amended to the smallest degree possible in order to make such provision effective under the Act. If the Act is subsequently amended or interpreted in such a way as to validate a provision of this Agreement that was formerly invalid, such provision shall be considered to be valid from the effective date of such interpretation or amendment.
2.3. Name. The name of the Company is “Rogue EBC, LLC”, unless changed by the Manager, and all business of the Company shall be conducted under that name or any other name as the Manager may determine from time to time.
2.4. Term. The Company shall have perpetual existence until it is dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Act.
2.5. Principal Place of Business. The Company’s initial principal place of business shall be located at 345 Lakewood Ave., Waukegan, Illinois 60085. The Company may change the location of its principal place of business at any time and from time to time as the Manager may determine. The Company shall make any filing and take any other action required by applicable Law in connection with any such change of address.
2.6. Registered Office and Agent. The address of the registered office of the Company for service of process on the Company in the State of Illinois is 300 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60654, and the name of the registered agent of the Company at such address is Samuel J. Tallman. The Manager may determine to change the registered office or registered agent of the Company from time to time in accordance with the Act. At all times, such registered agent shall be instructed by the Manager to deliver copies of any service of process served on such registered agent (or any other notices given or received by such registered agent) to each of the Members at their respective addresses set forth in Section 13.14.
2.7. Purpose. The business and purpose of the Company shall be (a) to engage in the Business, (b) to hold a direct or indirect interest in any Operating Company and their Subsidiaries, (c) to conduct any lawful business or purpose and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the under the laws of the State of Illinois, and (d) to do such other acts as the Manager may deem necessary or advisable in connection with the foregoing, including exercising all rights of the Company or any Operating Company in accordance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing set forth herein shall be construed as authorizing the Company to take or engage in any action forbidden by the Act or other law.
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2.8. Powers. The Company shall have all powers of a limited liability company now or hereafter conferred under the Act and the power to do all things necessary, appropriate or convenient to operate its business and accomplish its purposes as described in Section 2.7.
2.9. Divisions of the Company.
(a) The Company shall operate two (2) separate and distinct divisions: (i) a manufacturing division (the “Manufacturing Division”), and (ii) a cultivation division (the “Cultivation Division”). The Manufacturing Division and the Cultivation Division may be referred to herein individually as a “Division” and collectively as the “Divisions”. Although the Divisions will be intertwined as part of the same overall business strategy and will prepare consolidated financial reports, for purposes of the distribution waterfall detailed in Section 5.1(a) and (b), each of the Divisions will maintain distinct financial statements for purposes of capturing the financial performance both directly and indirectly associated with each respective Division.
(b) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the GR Member shall be primarily responsible for the operations and overall strategy execution of the Cultivation Division and the EBC Sponsor Member shall be primarily responsible for the operations and overall strategy execution of the Manufacturing Division.
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERS
3.1. Limitations on Authority. Except as set forth in this Agreement, including Section 7.1 hereof, no Member, employee, or other agent or representative of the Company (including the Manager) shall have any authority to bind or act for or on behalf of the Company or any other Member in the carrying on of their respective businesses or activities.
3.2. Liability of Members. No Member shall be obligated to make Capital Contributions to the Company except as provided in Article IV. Except for those that are expressly assumed or guaranteed, no Member shall have any liability or obligation whatsoever with respect to the debts, liabilities or obligations of the Company whether incurred either before or after the execution of this Agreement other than as expressly provided in this Agreement. The failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or the management of its business or affairs under this Agreement or the Act shall not be grounds for imposing liability on the Members for the liabilities or obligations of the Company. The Members shall not be obligated to guarantee any Company obligations, liabilities, or indebtedness. None of the Members shall be responsible for any indebtedness, liability or obligation of any other Member incurred either before or after the execution of this Agreement, except as to those joint responsibilities, liabilities, indebtedness, or obligations incurred pursuant to, and as limited by, the terms of this Agreement. The Company shall not be responsible for any indebtedness, liability or obligation of any Member incurred either before or after the execution of this Agreement, except as expressly provided by this Agreement.
3.3. Member Duties. Each Member undertakes to perform such duties, and only such duties, as are specifically set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and no implied duties, covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Members. No Member in its capacity as a Member shall have any fiduciary duty to the Company, any other Member or any other Person, and no Member shall have any liability to the Company, any other Member or any other Person based on any claim of a breach of fiduciary duty. Each Member recognizes and agrees that (a) each Member is acting exclusively on behalf of such Member, (b) each Member may act in its sole and absolute discretion in the manner it determines is in the best interests of such Member without taking into account the interests of the other Members, and (c) no Member in its capacity as a Member shall have any fiduciary obligations to any other Member or Director of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Nothing contained in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to limit or waive (x) duties of a Member in its capacity as an officer or Director of the Company of any of its Subsidiaries, or (y) the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in accordance with the Act.
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3.4. Limitations on Powers of Members. Except as expressly authorized by this Agreement, no Member shall, directly or indirectly, (a) resign, retire or withdraw from the Company, (b) dissolve, terminate or liquidate the Company, (c) petition a court for the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Company, or (d) cause any property of the Company to be subject to the authority of any court, trustee or receiver (including suits for partition and bankruptcy, insolvency and similar proceedings).
3.5. No Appraisal Rights. Except as expressly authorized by the consent of both the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member, no appraisal rights shall be available to any Member with respect to its Membership Interest, and all Members hereby specifically and irrevocably waive any appraisal rights available under Law or equity.
3.6. Consent to Outside Activities of Members. Notwithstanding any duty otherwise existing at Law or in equity, the GR Member and EBC Sponsor Member respectively understand and acknowledge that each of them and their respective Affiliates, may be interested, directly or indirectly, in various other businesses and undertakings not included in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and such businesses and undertakings may compete, either directly or indirectly, with the conduct of the Business. The GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member hereby agree that: (a) the creation and continuation of the Company and the assumption by each of them and their respective Affiliates of their duties hereunder shall be without prejudice to their respective rights (or the rights of their Affiliates) to have such other interests and activities and to receive and enjoy profits or compensation therefrom, (b) the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member each waives any rights they might otherwise have to share or participate in such other interests or activities of each other and their respective Affiliates, (c) the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member each consents to the pursuit of other ventures by each other and their respective Affiliates, even if such other ventures are competitive with the Business, (d) neither the GR Member or the EBC Sponsor Member, nor any of their respective Affiliates, shall be obligated to present any particular investment opportunity to each other or to the Company Group, even if such opportunity is of a character which, if presented to each other or the Company Group, could be taken by the GR Member, the EBC Sponsor Member, or the Company Group, and (e) the GR Member, the EBC Sponsor Member, and their respective Affiliates shall have the right to take for their own account or to recommend to others, any such particular investment opportunity. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 3.6, the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member shall act in good faith as it pertains to their engagement in any outside activities and shall not knowingly or intentionally take any action that would directly harm the Company.
3.7. Confidentiality.
(a) Each Member acknowledges that such Member has been entrusted with “Company Information,” defined as any non-public information, in whatever form or medium, concerning the operations or affairs of the Business by the Company or through one or more subsidiaries or Affiliates, including (i) fees, costs and pricing structures, investment performance, analyses, business plans, advertising and marketing plans, strategic and long-range plans, and any information related to any of the foregoing, (ii) the identity of and business relationships with clients, investors, current or prospective Operating Companies, Subsidiaries or investment targets, vendors, suppliers, customers, employees, contractors, and lenders, (iii) fees and expenses charged or paid to clients, investors, current or prospective Operating Companies, Subsidiaries or investment targets, vendors, suppliers, customers, employees, contractors and lenders, (iv) compensation terms, levels and arrangements, (v) trade secrets, (vi) financial
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statements, budgets and projections, (vii) software owned or developed (or being developed) for use in or relating to the conduct of the Business, (viii) investments and potential investments by the Company Group or any of its controlled Affiliates, and (ix) all other confidential or proprietary information belonging to the Company Group or any of its controlled Affiliates or relating to the Business; provided, however, that Company Information shall not include (x) data and information that is generally available to the public (other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or other agreement or instrument to which such Member is bound), (x) data and other information that was in the possession of the particular Member prior to its disclosure to that Member by the Company, (y) data and other information that is obtained from a third person who, to the knowledge of the particular Member, is not restricted from disclosing such information, and (z) data and other information developed by the Member independently of, and without reference to, the Company Information.
(b) Each Member: (i) shall hold the Company Information in strict confidence, take commercially reasonable precautions to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of the Company Information to any unauthorized person, and follow in all material respects all of the Company’s policies protecting the Company Information, (ii) shall not divulge or otherwise disseminate or disclose any Company Information, or any portion thereof, to any unauthorized person (other than the other Members, employees, officers, managers, directors, professional advisors, accountants, consultants and other representatives of the Company and the Company’s Affiliates), (iii) shall not make, or cause to be made, copies of the Company Information, except as reasonably necessary to perform such Member’s duties and obligations to the Company, and (iv) shall promptly and in all material respects advise the Company of the facts known to such Member concerning any actual or threatened unauthorized use or disclosure of which such Member becomes aware.
(c) Each Member hereby assigns to the Company any rights such Member may have or acquire in the Company Information, and recognizes that the Company shall be the sole owner of all copyrights, trade secret rights, and all other rights throughout the world (collectively, “Proprietary Rights”) in connection with such rights.
(d) If any Member receives any subpoena or becomes subject to any legal obligation that might require such Member to disclose Company Information, such Member will (if legally allowed) provide prompt written notice of that fact to the Company, enclosing a copy of the subpoena and any other documents describing the legal obligation. In the event that the Company objects in writing to the disclosure of Company Information, by way of a motion to quash or otherwise, each Member agrees to not disclose any Company Information while any such objection is pending unless required by law.
(e) Each Member understands that the Company Group may receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) under a duty to maintain the confidentiality of such Third Party Information and to use it only for limited purposes (any such duties being “Third Party Confidentiality Obligations”). During the term of each Member’s association with the Company and at all times after the termination of such association for any reason, such Member will comply in all material respects with the Third Party Confidentiality Obligations arising during the term, unless expressly authorized by the Company in advance or as may be reasonably necessary to perform such Member’s duties and obligations to the Company, or to comply with the tax obligations of such Member or to assert rights of such Member hereunder.
(f) No Member will improperly use or disclose any Company Information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or of any other person to whom such Member has an obligation of confidentiality, and no Member will bring onto the Company’s premises any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or of any other person to whom such Member has an obligation of confidentiality.
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(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall limit the ability of any Member to (i) file a charge or complaint with any Governmental Authority or make other disclosures that are protected under the anti-retaliation or whistleblower provisions of applicable federal or state law or regulation, (ii) communicate with or participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Governmental Authority, or (iii) disclose information or provide documentation to their accountants and legal counsel in connection with their obligations under tax law. For the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, a Member shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (x) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (y) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
3.8. Remedies. The Company and each Member agree that the damages that may accrue to the Company Group by reason of such Member’s failure to observe any of its, his or her obligations under Section 3.7 cannot be measured solely in money. Therefore, if the Company shall institute any action or proceeding to enforce such provisions, each Member agrees in any such action or proceeding not to require the Company to show that monetary damages cannot be measured or to post any bond. Without limiting any other remedies that may be available to the Company, each Member hereby specifically affirms the appropriateness of injunctive or other equitable relief in any such action. Each Member also acknowledges that the remedies afforded the Company pursuant to this Section 3.8 are not exclusive, nor shall they preclude the Company from seeking any other relief, including any form of monetary or other equitable relief.
ARTICLE IV.
MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
4.1. Members; Membership Interests.
(a) The names, addresses, Capital Commitments, and Capital Contributions of the Members as of the Effective Date are set forth on Schedule I hereto (the “Equity Ledger”). The Manager is hereby authorized and shall cause Schedule I hereto to be amended from time to time to reflect the admission of Additional Members and/or Capital Contributions made after the Effective Date.
4.2. Capital Commitments; Capital Contributions.
(a) Capital Commitments. As of the Effective Date, each of the Members has agreed and is hereby bound to make Capital Contributions to the Company from time to time up to the amount of their respective Capital Commitments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Member may, solely at the Member’s discretion, fund its respective Division as defined in Section 2.9 in phases, provided that each Member has agreed and is hereby bound to make Capital Contributions to the Company to fund its full pro rata share of the Shared Costs. The amount of money contributed by each Capital Member as of the Effective Date shall be referred to herein as each such Capital Member’s “Initial Capital Contribution.” If a Capital Member makes an Additional Capital Contribution beyond its Initial Capital Contribution, the Manager shall cause Equity Ledger shall be updated so as to reflect the total amount of Capital Contributions made by each Member as of any given time.
(b) Allocation of Capital Contributions. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Manager with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, the Capital Contributions of the GR Member, up to the amount of the GR Member’s Capital Commitment, shall be allocated towards the Cultivation Division and its pro rata share of the Shared Costs. The Capital Contributions of the EBC Investor Member, up to the amount of the EBC Investor Member’s Capital Commitment, shall be allocated towards the Manufacturing Division and its collective pro rata share of the Shared Costs.
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(c) Additional Capital Contributions.
(i) The Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, may determine from time to time that additional Capital Contributions are needed from the Capital Members beyond each Capital Member’s Initial Capital Contribution, up to the amount of each Capital Member’s Capital Commitment, to enable the Company to conduct its business (“Additional Capital Contribution”). Upon making such a determination, the Manager shall give written notice to all Capital Members in writing at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date on which such Additional Capital Contribution is due. Such notice shall set forth the amount of Additional Capital Contribution needed, the purpose for which such Additional Capital Contribution is needed, and the date by which the Capital Members are to contribute their respective Additional Capital Contribution. The amount of each Capital Member’s Additional Capital Contribution shall be calculated on a pro rata basis based on each Capital Member’s Percentage Interest.
(ii) As to leave no doubt, notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Capital Member shall be obligated to make any Additional Capital Contribution to the Company beyond the amount of their respective Capital Commitment.
4.3. Intentionally Omitted.
4.4. Failure to Contribute.
(a) If any Member fails to make (in whole or in part) any Capital Contribution as required by this Article IV within the time period prescribed therefor, then the Member shall be deemed to have failed to contribute. Such Member shall be permitted ten (10) Business Days from the date of failure to pay to the Company such Capital Contribution, together with interest accruing at 15% per annum on such amount from the date such contribution was originally due until the actual date of payment. Any Member that fails to make the Capital Contributions or other payments set forth in the preceding sentence within such ten (10) Business Day period shall be deemed a “Non-Contributing Member.”
(b) In the event that a Member becomes a Non-Contributing Member, the Non-Contributing Member shall have its respective distribution percentages detailed in both Section 5.1(a) and Section 5.1(b) reduced by 10%.
4.5. Capital Accounts. With respect to each Member, a separate Capital Account for such Member shall be established and maintained throughout the full term of the Company in accordance with the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). Each Member’s Capital Account will from time to time be (a) increased by (i) the amount of Capital Contributions made by the Member to the Company, and (ii) the Profits and any other items of income and gain allocated to the Member pursuant to Section 6.1 and Section 6.2, and (b) decreased by (i) the amount of money and the Book Value of any property comprising any distribution to the Member by the Company (net of liabilities secured by the property or to which the property is subject), and (ii) the Losses and any other items of deduction and loss allocated to the Member pursuant to Section 6.1 and Section 6.2, and as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not be construed as creating a deficit restoration obligation, and no Member shall be obligated to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of the Company or otherwise. If all or a portion of a Member’s Membership Interest (or portion thereof) is Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the economic attributes of the transferor to the extent it relates to the Transferred Membership Interest (or portion thereof).
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4.6. Follow-on Offerings.
(a) If at any time the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, determines it would be in the Company’s best interest to raise capital in excess of the Members’ Capital Commitments as of the Effective Date through the issuance and sale of additional Membership Interests, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Manager shall have the right, without any further consent of any Member other than as required in this Section 4.6(a), to cause the Company to raise such additional capital and, to the extent the Person(s) investing such capital are not already Members, to admit such Person(s) as Additional Members, on terms that may be senior to, junior to or on parity with the terms of the interests of the existing Members in respect of their Membership Interests.
(b) If at any time the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, determines it would be in the Company’s best interest to raise capital through one or more loans or other extensions of credit, the Manager shall have the right, without any further consent of any Member other than as required in this Section 4.6(b), to cause the Company to enter into such loan or credit documents as the Manager may determine are necessary or appropriate to evidence such loans or other extensions of credit. Any such loans or extensions of credit may be repaid, in the good faith judgment of the Manager, in cash or by the issuance of Membership Interests (with such Membership Interests issued subject to any applicable conditions contained in this Agreement), and any repayment in the form of Membership Interests shall be treated as a Capital Commitment and/or Capital Contribution and sale of Membership Interests pursuant to Section 4.6(a) hereof.
4.7. Member Loans. Notwithstanding Section 4.6(b), and subject to Section 7.5, at any time, the Manager shall have the right to authorize the Company to borrow any amount from any one or more of the Members (a “Member Loan”). The Members understand that the Manager may elect, in its sole discretion, to cause the Company to borrow from one Member and not another for strategic or other reasons and/or merely for convenience, in each such case without giving each Member an opportunity to make a Member Loan. No Member will be required to make a Member Loan to the Company. Member Loans, unless otherwise agreed to by the Manager and the lending-Member shall bear interest at a rate of fifteen percent (15%) per annum. The Manager shall determine all other terms and conditions of any Member Loan, provided, however, no Member will be personally liable for the repayment by the Company of a Member Loan. If the making of a Member Loan is subject to the consent of any other lender or third-party, such consent shall be a condition to the incurrence of such Member Loan by the Company. The terms and conditions of repayment of a Member Loan need not be consistent with or otherwise comparable to loans available from commercial or other third-party lenders. Unless agreed upon otherwise by the Company and the lending-Member, repayment of any Member Loan shall be subordinate to any senior debt of the Company; provided, however, that in the event of a Sale of the Company, repayment of any Member Loan shall occur prior to any distributions made pursuant to Section 5.6 hereof.
4.8. No Withdrawal. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Member or Assignee shall have the right to withdraw from the Company or be entitled to demand the return of the Member’s Capital Account or any Capital Contribution at any particular time. No Member or Assignee shall be entitled at any time to demand or receive property from the Company other than cash. No Member or Assignee shall be personally liable for the return or repayment of all or any part of any other Member’s Capital Account or Capital Contribution, it being expressly agreed that any such return of capital pursuant to this Agreement shall be made solely from the assets of the Company (which shall not include any right of contribution from a Member or Assignee). No interest shall be paid by the Company on any Capital Contribution.
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ARTICLE V.
DISTRIBUTIONS
5.1. Priority of Distributions of Available Cash. Subject to the remainder of this Article V, the Company shall distribute Available Cash from each Division as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of each quarter during each Fiscal Year of the Company in the following manner:
(a) Cultivation Division Distributions. Distributions of Available Cash from the Cultivation Division shall be made as follows:
(i) First, 100% to the GR Member until the GR Member’s Capital Contribution Balance is reduced to zero;
(ii) Second, 70% to the GR Member and 30% to the EBC Investor Member until the EBC Investor Member’s Preferred Return Balance has been reduced to zero; and
(iii) Thereafter, 70% to the GR Member, 20% to the EBC Sponsor Member, and 10% to the EBC Investor Member.
(b) Manufacturing Division Distributions. Distributions of Available Cash from the Manufacturing Division shall be made as follows:
(i) First, 100% to the EBC Investor Member until the EBC Investor Member’s Capital Contribution Balance is reduced to zero;
(ii) Second, 70% to the EBC Investor Member and 30% to the GR Member until the EBC Investor Member’s Preferred Return Balance has been reduced to zero; and
(iii) Thereafter, 60% to the EBC Sponsor Member, 10% to the EBC Investor Member, and 30% to the GR Member.
5.2. Tax Advances.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 5.1, no later than ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Manager shall cause the Company to make cash distributions from Available Cash (each, a “Tax Advance”) to each Member in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the product of (A) the excess of (x) taxable income and gain allocated to such Member for such Fiscal Year (as shown on the applicable IRS Form 1065 Schedule K-1 filed by the Company), over (y) the cumulative losses, if any, theretofore allocated to such Member not previously applied to reduce a distribution for purposes of this Section 5.2, and (B) the Assumed Tax Rate over (ii) distributions previously made to such Member pursuant to Section 5.1 (including pursuant to Section 5.3 and Section 12.3, but excluding Tax Advances) during such Fiscal Year to the extent such distributions have not previously reduced distributions pursuant to this Section 5.2. To the extent feasible, Tax Advances shall be made on a quarterly basis based on estimates of the Company’s taxable income to facilitate the Members’ ability to make quarterly estimated tax payments with respect to their income from the Company. At such time as the taxable income or loss of the Company for a taxable year is finally determined for purposes of the filing of its U.S. federal income tax return for the relevant year, the amounts of any excess Tax Advances calculated in the manner provided above received by the Members shall be used to offset future Tax Advances to the Members for subsequent taxable years or by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Members. In the event that the amount of Available Cash is insufficient to pay the full amount of the Tax Advance that would otherwise be required under this Section 5.2, the Company shall distribute to the Members the amount of Available Cash on a pro rata basis (according to the amounts that would have been distributed to each Member pursuant to this Section 5.2 if Available Cash existed in a sufficient amount to make such distribution in full). At any time thereafter when additional Available Cash is available, the Company shall distribute such funds to the Members on a pro rata basis (according to the amounts that would have been distributed to each Member pursuant to this Section 5.2 if Available Cash would have existed in a sufficient amount to make such Tax Advance in full) until each Member has received the full amount of its Tax Advance for the applicable Fiscal Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Tax Advance shall be payable in connection with a Sale of the Company.
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(b) Distributions to Members pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be deemed advances of distributions made pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof (including pursuant to Section 12.3), and the amounts otherwise to be distributed to a Member pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof (other than Tax Advances) shall be reduced by the amount of any prior advances made to such Member pursuant to this Section 5.2 until all such advances are restored to the Company in full.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, no Tax Advance shall be made with respect to any non-partner capacity payment subject to Section 707 of the Code.
5.3. Amounts Withheld. Each Member agrees to furnish the Company with any representations and forms as may reasonably be requested by the Manager or the Tax Representative to assist the Company in determining the extent of, and in fulfilling, any withholding obligations the Company may have. Each Member agrees to furnish the Tax Representative or the Manager with any representations and forms as shall reasonably be requested by the Manager or the Tax Representative to assist the Company in obtaining any exemption, reduction or refund of any withholding or other taxes imposed by any taxing authority or other governmental agency upon the Company or amounts paid to the Company. Each Member acknowledges that it is responsible for compliance with all tax, exchange control, reporting and other laws and regulations applicable to its investment in the Company. Each Member hereby represents that allocations, distributions and other payments to such Member by the Company are not subject to tax withholding obligations. Each Member hereby agrees to promptly notify the Manager in the event that any allocation, distribution or other payment previously exempt from such withholding becomes or is anticipated to become subject thereto. The Company is authorized to withhold from distributions and to pay over to any federal, state or local government any amounts required to be withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any other federal, state or local law (including any interest, penalties and additions to tax imposed thereon and any liability with respect to any Imputed Underpayment Amounts required to be paid on behalf of, or with respect to, such Member or any former Member whose former interest in the Company is held by some other Person) (“Withheld Amounts”) and shall allocate any such Withheld Amounts to the Member with respect to which such amounts were withheld. All Withheld Amounts with respect to any payment, distribution or allocation by the Company to a Member shall be treated as amounts distributed to such Member pursuant to Section 5.1, Section 5.2 or Section 12.3 for all purposes under this Agreement. Any amount required to be paid by the Company to a taxing authority with respect to a Member pursuant to any federal, state, local or foreign tax law in connection with any payment to or tax liability (estimated or otherwise) of the Member that is not withheld from a distribution to such Member shall be treated as a loan from the Company to that Member. If such loan is not repaid within thirty (30) days from the date the Company notifies that Member of the withholding, the loan shall bear interest at an annual rate equal to the lesser of (a) ten percent (10%) per annum, or (b) the highest nonusurious rate permitted by applicable law under such circumstances from the date of the applicable notice to the date of repayment. In addition to all other remedies the Company may have, the Company may withhold distributions that would otherwise be payable to that Member and apply those distributions instead to the repayment of the loan and accrued interest. Neither the Company nor the Manager nor the Tax Representative shall be liable for any excess taxes withheld in respect of any Member, and, in the event of overwithholding, a Member’s sole recourse shall be to apply for a refund from the appropriate governmental authority. For the avoidance of doubt, any Withheld Amounts in respect of a Member shall reduce such Member’s entitlement to any Tax Advances pursuant to Section 5.2. The provisions contained in this Section 5.3 shall survive the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and, with respect to any Member, the withdrawal of such Member or the transfer or assignment of any portion of such Member’s Membership Interest.
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5.4. Compliance with FATCA. Each Member hereby agrees to provide to the Company on a timely basis (a) such information, representations, forms or other documentation as the Manager may reasonably request in order for the Manager and the Company (and any member of any “expanded affiliated group” (as defined in Section 1471(e)(2) of the Code) of which the Company or any of its Affiliates is a member) to comply with their obligations under, and avoid becoming subject to, withholding, or to obtain any available exemption, reduction or refund of any tax withheld, pursuant to (i) Sections 1471-1474 of the Code (or any amended or successor version thereof), Treasury Regulations and any forms, instructions or other guidance issued thereunder (now or in the future) and any intergovernmental agreement or other similar agreement between the United States and one or more other governments or tax authorities that is entered into in order to facilitate compliance with, or otherwise relates to, any of the preceding, together with any regulations, forms, instructions or other guidance issued (now or in the future) by any government or tax authority in a jurisdiction other than the United States in relation to any intergovernmental agreement or similar agreement (“FATCA”); or (ii) any legislation in any jurisdiction that the Manager reasonably believes to be similar to FATCA; or (b) any other information required for the Company to comply with its tax obligations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, obligations pursuant to any agreement that the Company enters into pursuant to Section 1471 of the Code or any similar agreement) or to answer any inquiries from any tax authority. In the event that any Member fails to provide any of the information, representations, certificates or forms (or undertake any of the actions) required by this Section 5.4, the Manager shall be entitled to take any steps as the Manager determines in its sole discretion are necessary or appropriate to mitigate the consequences of such Member’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Section 5.4. Each Member hereby consents to the Manager’s exercise of the remedies described above and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each investor in the Company, and the Manager and any Affiliate thereof against the amount of any costs incurred by the Company (including, without limitation, the withholding of any tax on payments to the Company pursuant to FATCA) as a result of (x) such Member’s failure to comply with any of the above requirements or to do so in a timely manner, or (y) such Member’s participation in the Company. Each Member agrees that it will not make an election under Section 1471(b)(3) of the Code to have the Company withhold amounts on behalf of such Member. The provisions contained in this Section 5.4 shall survive the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and, with respect to any Member, the withdrawal of such Member or the transfer or assignment of any portion of such Member’s Membership Interest.
5.5. Indemnity. If the Company, the Manager, or any of their respective Affiliates, or any of their respective shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, employees, managers and, as determined by the Manager in its discretion, consultants or agents, becomes liable as a result of a failure to withhold and remit taxes in respect of any Member or otherwise, then, in addition to, and without limiting any indemnities for which such Member may be liable under this Agreement, such Member shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Manager or any of its respective Affiliates, or any of their respective shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, employees, managers and, as determined by the Manager in its discretion, consultants or agents, as the case may be, in respect of all taxes, including, without limitation, interest and penalties and income taxes applicable to a Member’s allocable share of Company income, and any expenses incurred in any examination, determination, resolution and payment of any such liability. The provisions contained in this Section 5.5 shall survive the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and, with respect to any Member, the withdrawal of such Member or the transfer or assignment of any portion of such Member’s Membership Interest.
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5.6. Proceeds of a Sale of the Company. In the event of a Sale of the Company, the Members hereby agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the definitive documents governing such Sale of the Company, the Company shall apportion and distribute the net proceeds from the Sale of the Company, after first paying and/or satisfying all debts and liabilities of the Company, between the distribution waterfalls described in Sections 5.1(a) and (b) as follows:
(a) Upon the Closing of a Sale of the Company, the Members shall engage an independent, mutually agreed upon third-party accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”) to provide a valuation of Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division for purposes of determining how the net proceeds from the Sale of the Company should be allocated between the Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division (the “Divisional Sale Allocation”).
(b) Upon the Accounting Firm’s delivery of the Divisional Sale Allocation, the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member shall have fifteen (15) days to accept or object to the Divisional Sale Allocation. If either the GR Member or the EBC Sponsor Member timely objects to the Divisional Sale Allocation (the “Objecting Member”), the Objecting Member shall have forty-five (45) days to procure a separate valuation of the Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division, at the Objecting Member’s own cost and expense, from an independent third-party accounting firm of the Objecting Member’s choice (the “Objecting Member’s Allocation”).
(c) Upon receipt of the Objecting Member’s Allocation, to the extent there is a difference between the Divisional Sale Allocation and the Objecting Member’s Allocation, the GR Member and the EBC Member agree that the net proceeds from a Sale of the Company shall be allocated among the Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division based on the average allocation between the Divisional Sale Allocation and the Objecting Member’s Allocation (the “Final Allocation”). The Final Allocation shall be binding among the GR Member, the EBC Sponsor Member, and the EBC Investor Member.
ARTICLE VI.
ALLOCATIONS
6.1. Allocations of Profits and Losses. After giving effect to the allocations set forth in Section 6.2, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit) for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated among the Members in a manner such that the Capital Account of each Member, immediately after making such allocation, is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (a) the distributions that would be made to such Members pursuant to Section 12.3 if the Company were dissolved, its affairs would up and its assets sold for cash equal to their Book Value, all Company liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability to the Book Value of the assets securing such Nonrecourse Liability), and the net assets of the Company were distributed in accordance with Section 12.3 to the Members immediately after making such allocation, minus (b) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets (a “Hypothetical Liquidation”). If for any Fiscal Year, such an allocation of Profits or Losses does not permit the Capital Accounts of the Members to be made to equal the amount which would have been distributed to the Members pursuant to a Hypothetical Liquidation as of the end of the last day of such Fiscal Year, individual items of gross income, gain, loss or deduction (which were the components of Profits or Losses) may be allocated among the Members in such a manner that, at the end of such Fiscal Year, the Capital Account of each Member shall, to the extent possible, equal the amount (x) which would have been distributed to such Member pursuant to a Hypothetical Liquidation as of the end of the last day of such Fiscal Year, minus (y) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.
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6.2. Regulatory Allocations. The following special allocations shall be made in the following order:
(a) Company Minimum Gain Chargeback. Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article VI, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during a tax year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such tax year (and, if necessary, subsequent tax years) in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with the Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 6.2(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.
(b) Member Nonrecourse Debt. Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article VI, if there is a net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Member Nonrecourse Debt during any tax year, each Member who has a share of the Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such tax year (and, if necessary, subsequent tax years) in an amount equal to such Member’s shares of the net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 6.2(b) is intended to satisfy the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.
(c) Qualified Income Offset. In the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Company income and gain shall be allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Member as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.2(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that the Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article VI have been tentatively made as if this Section 6.2(c) were not in the Agreement. This Section 6.2(c) is intended to comply with the alternate test for economic effect set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.
(d) Stop Loss; Gross Income Allocation. Losses allocated pursuant to Section 6.1 shall not exceed the maximum amount of Losses that can be allocated without causing any Member to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year. In the event that some, but not all, of the Members would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as a consequence of an allocation of Losses pursuant to Section 6.1, the limitation set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied on a Member by Member basis so as to allocate the maximum permissible Losses to each Member consistent with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). In the event any Member has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any tax year or other allocation period which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Member is
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obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this sentence shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Agreement have been made as if Section 6.2(c) hereof and this Section 6.2(d) were not in this Agreement.
(e) Nonrecourse Deductions. Except as otherwise provided under the Treasury Regulations, Nonrecourse Deductions for any tax year or other allocation period shall be specially allocated to the Members in proportion to their respective Membership Interest. This Section 6.2(e) is intended to comply with Treasury Regulation Regulations Section 1.704-2(e) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.
(f) Member Nonrecourse Deductions. Any Member Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Member who bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Member Nonrecourse Debt to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1). This provision is to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 1.704-2(b)(4) and (i)(1) of the Treasury Regulations.
(g) Regulatory Allocations. The allocations set forth in this Section 6.2 (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated under Code Section 704(b). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article VI, the Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating other operating Profits, Losses and other items of income, gain, loss and deduction to the Members for Capital Account purposes so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocations of Profits, Losses and other items shall be equal to the amount that would have been allocated to each Member if the Regulatory Allocations had not occurred.
6.3. Code Section 704(b) Allocations. The allocation provisions contained in this Article VI are intended to comply with Code Section 704(b) and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.
6.4. No Election to be Taxed as Association. The Company shall be treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, and shall not elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal or state income tax purposes, unless such election is approved in writing by all of the Members.
6.5. Tax Allocation Matters.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.5, all items of income, gain, loss deduction or credit for federal, state and local income tax purposes will be allocated in the same manner as the corresponding “book” items are allocated under Section 6.1 (as a component of Profits or Losses), or Section 6.2.
(b) In the event that Company property is subject to Code Section 704(c) or is revalued on the books of the Company in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(iv)(g), the Members’ Capital Accounts shall be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(iv)(g) for allocations to them of depreciation, amortization, and profit or loss, as computed for book purposes (and not tax purposes) with respect to such property. The allocation shall take into account, to the full extent required or permitted by the Code, the difference between the adjusted basis of the property to the Member contributing it and the fair market value of the property determined by the Manager at the time of its contribution or revaluation, as the case may be. The Company shall apply Code Section 704(c)(1)(A) using the “traditional method” under Section 1.704-3(b)(1) of the Treasury Regulations.
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(c) In the event the Company has in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code, allocations of income, gain, loss deduction or credit to affected Members for federal, state and local tax purposes will take into account the effect of such election pursuant to applicable provisions of the Code.
(d) In the event that the Company has taxable income that is characterized as ordinary income under the recapture provisions of the Code, each Member’s distributive share of taxable gain or loss from the sale of Company assets (to the extent possible) shall include a proportionate share of this recapture income equal to that Member’s share of prior cumulative depreciation deductions with respect to the assets which gave rise to the recapture income.
(e) Allocations pursuant to this Section 6.5 are solely for federal, state and local tax purposes and except to the extent allocations under this Section 6.5 are reflected in the allocations of the corresponding “book” items pursuant to Section 6.1 (as a component of Profits or Losses), or Section 6.2, allocations under this Section 6.5 will not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, other items or distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
6.6. Election to Adjust Tax Basis. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, cause the Company to make an election under Section 754 of the Code to adjust the basis of Company property under Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.
6.7. Allocation of Profits and Losses in Respect of a Transferred Interest. If any Membership Interest is Transferred or is increased or decreased by reason of the admission of a new Member or otherwise during any Fiscal Year, each item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Company for that Fiscal Year shall be allocated between the transferor and the transferee based on the portion of the calendar year during which each was recognized as the owner of such Membership Interest, without regard to the results of Company operations during any particular portion of that calendar year and without regard to whether cash distributions were made to the transferor or the transferee during that calendar year based upon an interim closing of the books of the Company.
ARTICLE VII.
MANAGEMENT
7.1. Management. Subject to the rights expressly reserved to one or more Members in this Agreement, and subject to those decisions that require the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member as set forth in this Agreement, the Manager shall be responsible for the management of the Company’s overall business, operations, affairs, activities and properties with all rights and powers generally conferred by applicable Law or consistent therewith or necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Manager shall have the authority to delegate all or any of its rights and authority to manage the Company’s business, operation, affairs, activities, and properties to the officers of the Company or to other Persons who, in the Manager’s judgment, are qualified to perform any such management related duties or activities.
7.2. Withheld Powers of Members. Other than as otherwise expressly authorized in this Agreement, no Member shall have any power to do any act for or on behalf of the Company or to participate in the control, in whole or in part, of any internal or external affairs of the Company.
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7.3. Manager Resignation. The Manager may resign at any time for any reason or for no reason by giving a written notice of resignation to the Company and all of the Members. The Manager’s resignation is effective when the notice is received by the Company, or on such later date as may be specified in the notice of resignation. In the event the Manager resigns, a new Manager shall be appointed the approval of both the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member.
7.4. Removal. The Manager may only be removed for Cause. In the event the Manager is removed pursuant to this Section 7.4, a new Manager shall be appointed by the EBC Sponsor Member.
7.5. Major Decisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Manager shall not have the authority to take, or cause the Company, any Operating Company (if applicable), or any Subsidiary of the Company to take, any of the following actions from and after the Effective Date without the consent of the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member (each, a “Major Decision”):
(a) Amend, modify, or waive this Agreement or any document, contract, or agreement ancillary hereto directly relating to the ownership of the Company;
(b) Fundamentally change the principal business of the Company;
(c) Make or authorize any Distributions other than Tax Distributions, except those permitted in this Agreement;
(d) Approve the Company’s annual budget (if applicable);
(e) Authorize the issuance of additional Membership Interests in the Company or admit additional or substitute Members to the Company;
(f) Incur any indebtedness, pledge, or grant liens on any assets or guarantee, assume, endorse, or otherwise become responsible for the obligations of any other person in excess of $500,000 other than in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise agreed to in Section 4.6;
(g) Enter into or effect any transaction or series of related transactions involving the purchase, exchange, or other acquisition (including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity, or acquisition of assets) of any assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or equity interests of another Person other than in the ordinary course of business;
(h) Enter into or effect any transaction or series of related transactions involving the sale, lease, license, exchange, or other disposition (including by merger, consolidation, sale of equity or sale of assets) of any material portion of the Company’s equity or assets having a value in excess of $2,000,000, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(i) Dissolve, wind-up, or liquidate the Company or initiate a bankruptcy proceeding;
(j) Merge, reorganize, or recapitalize all or any portion of the Company;
(k) Authorize the redemption or repurchase any Membership Interests;
(l) Approve and execute on the acquisition, financing, refinancing, and/or disposition of any Investment;
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(m) Employ accountants, attorneys, appraisers or other third-party professionals to perform services for or on behalf of the Company (other than in the ordinary course of business) and to compensate them from Company funds;
(n) Pay any compensation or other amounts (including any equity incentives) to the Manager for its services as a Manager, other than reimbursement of expenses in accordance with Section 7.6;
(o) Any transaction or agreement, or the amendment or waiver of any terms of any transaction or agreement, with any Member, any officer, any Director, or any of their respective Affiliates.
7.6. Manager Expense Reimbursement. The Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for all documented, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in connection with its services as the Manager of the Company, including reasonable travel and other expenses associated with the Company’s Business and/or operations subject, in each case, to the normal and customary practices of the Company.
7.7. Exculpation; Indemnification.
(a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company or to the Members for any losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising from any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Company’s business or affairs, except to the extent such loss, claim, damage or liability arises from such Indemnified Person’s fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, material violation of applicable Law, or material breach of this Agreement.
(b) The Company shall indemnify each Member, the Manager, each Tax Representative and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, members, partners, equity holders, controlling persons, agents, representatives, Affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns (each, an “Indemnified Person”) to the fullest extent permitted by Law and save and hold them harmless from and in respect of all (i) fees, costs, taxes and expenses paid in connection with or resulting from any claim, action or demand against the Company or any Indemnified Person that arises out of or in any way relates to the Company, its properties, business or affairs, and (ii) such claims, actions and demands and any losses or damages resulting from such claims, actions and demands, including amounts paid in settlement or compromise of any such claim, action or demand; provided, however, that the Company shall have no obligation to indemnify any Indemnified Person with respect to any of the foregoing which arises from the fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, material violation of applicable Law or material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnified Person or its controlled Affiliates. In the event that a claim is raised against an Indemnified Person as to which such Indemnified Person reasonably believes that it is entitled to indemnification as aforesaid, then, pending any determination as to whether such Indemnified Person is in fact entitled to such indemnification, the Company shall pay the costs and expenses of defending against such claim, including the cost of legal counsel in connection therewith; provided, however, that if it is eventually determined that such Indemnified Person was not entitled to such indemnification, then such Indemnified Person shall promptly reimburse the Company for any payments made to it on account of such indemnification.
(c) Each Indemnified Person may consult with counsel and accountants in respect of the Company’s and any of its Subsidiaries’ affairs and be fully protected and justified in any action or inaction that is taken in good faith reliance on the advice or opinion of such counsel or accountants.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no direct or indirect partner, officer, director, shareholder, member, manager, employee, agent or Affiliate of any Director or any Member shall have any liability of any kind, type, character, or nature arising out of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE VIII.
OFFICERS
8.1. Appointment and Term of Office. The Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, may appoint one or more Persons as officers of the Company. The officers of the Company shall be appointed for such terms as may be determined by the Manager. Neither the appointment of an officer nor the designation of a specified term creates or grants to the officer any contract rights. If no other term is specified, officers shall hold office until they resign, die or until they are removed or replaced in the manner provided in Section 8.2 below.
8.2. Removal and Resignation of Officers. Except as otherwise set forth in any form of employment agreement of any officer, any officer or agent of the Company may be removed or replaced by the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, at any time with or without cause. The election of a replacement officer by the Manager shall constitute the removal of the person previously holding such office. An officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of the resignation to the Company. Resignations shall become effective when received by the Company, unless a later date is specified in the notice. An officer’s resignation or removal does not affect the contract rights of the parties.
8.3. Authority and Duties. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the officers of the Company shall have the authority and perform the duties specified herein and assigned to the officers by the Manager (and in all cases where the duties of any officer are not prescribed by this Agreement or any other agreement between such officer and the Company or any Subsidiary, such officer shall follow the orders and instructions of the Manager), except that in any event each officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by Law.
ARTICLE IX.
EXPENSES
9.1. G&A Expenses. The Company shall pay all G&A Expenses to the extent not reimbursed by the Operating Companies or their Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 9.3 below. The term “G&A Expenses” shall mean all reasonable expenditures made on behalf of the Company or the Operating Company or their direct or indirect subsidiaries, including: (a) salaries, bonuses, benefits and expense reimbursements, (b) general and administrative expenses, including occupancy, travel and entertainment, data and subscriptions, legal, auditing, bookkeeping and accounting (including, without limitation, tax advisory, tax compliance and costs for preparation of reports to the Members and financial statements) fees and expenses, (c) all insurance and indemnification expenses, (d) interest expenses, borrowing expenses and other similar expenses, (e) extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses, (f) expenses of liquidating the Company, (g) taxes, fees or other governmental charges levied against the Company and all expenses incurred in connection with any tax audit, investigation, settlement or review of the Company (other than those specifically allocated to a Member), and (h) expenses in connection with any Member’s default.
9.2. Investment Expenses. The Company shall pay all Investment Expenses to the extent not reimbursed by the Operating Companies or their Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 9.3 below. The term “Investment Expenses” means costs incurred by the Company and at the discretion of the Manager, with the EBC Sponsor Member’s consent, in connection with the acquisition, financing, refinancing, or disposition of Investments, including due diligence costs, travel costs, investment banking fees, consulting fees, valuation fees, brokerage fees, finder’s fees, commissions, legal fees and other advisory fees, including pursuit costs incurred in connection with unconsummated transactions.
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9.3. Operating Company Expenses. To the extent that any G&A Expenses or Investment Expenses are reasonably attributable, in the Manager’s discretion, to a particular Operating Company or any of its Subsidiaries, such G&A Expenses or Investment Expenses, as applicable, shall be allocated to, and reimbursed by, such Operating Company and/or its applicable Subsidiaries.
9.4. Shared Costs. Any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Company that are shared between both the Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division shall be referred to as Shared Costs and shall be paid for as outlined in Schedule II. For purposes of this Agreement, “Shared Costs” means any and all costs and expenditures benefiting both the Cultivation Division and the Manufacturing Division, including, but not limited to, rent, CAM, property taxes, planning, design, , maintenance, utility, permitting, insurance costs and expenses and any other costs or expenses incurred by the Company pursuant to the Lease. For any cost or expense not detailed in Schedule II that is incurred by either the EBC Sponsor Member, the GR Member, or the Company which is less than $50,000 in any given calendar year, the Manager shall have the discretion to determine whether said cost or expense constitutes a Shared Cost; provided, however, if any specific cost or expense exceeds $100,000 in the aggregate in any given calendar year, then the Manager’s determination of whether the cost is a Shared Cost shall require the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, shall determine each Division’s respective contribution to pay the Illinois Cannabis Cultivation Privilege Tax based on each Division’s proportion of the Company’s total revenue.
ARTICLE X.
BOOKS AND RECORDS
10.1. Accounting, Books and Records. The Company shall maintain at its principal place of business separate books of account for the Company which shall show a true, accurate and complete record of all costs and expenses incurred, all charges made, all credits made and received, and all income derived in connection with the operation of the Company business. The Members will have such access to the books and records of the Company as determined by the Manager, in its sole discretion, during regular business hours, at the Company’s principal place of business, upon provision of notice in writing by any Member to the Company at least five (5) Business Days before the date on which any Member desires to inspect such books and records. Such rights may be exercised through any agent or employee of such Member designated by such Member or by independent certified public accountants designated by such Member.
10.2. Intentionally Omitted.
10.3. Annual Reports. The Company shall, upon request, deliver to the Members, the Company’s unaudited annual financial statements, including a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of cash flow, a statement of sources and application of funds and a statement of each respective Member’s Capital Account, accompanied by a report of an independent public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Manager, (the “Annual Report”) no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Manager.
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10.4. Taxation.
(a) The Fiscal Year of the Company shall be the same as its taxable year for federal income tax purposes.
(b) The Manager and the Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a “partnership” for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes and agree, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to take all actions, including the amendment of this Agreement and the execution of other documents, as may be required to qualify for and receive such treatment as a “partnership” for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes. All elections by the Company for U.S. federal, state, and local income and franchise tax purposes shall be determined by the Manager on a basis consistent with the terms of this Agreement. At the Company’s expense, the Manager shall have the Company’s accountants provide assistance in the preparation of U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns required of the Company and shall file the same, or cause the same to be filed. Upon request, the Manager shall cause to be delivered to the Members copies of the U.S. federal, state, and local income tax returns of the Company. No later than March 15 of each Fiscal Year, or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter, the Company shall deliver to the Members estimated federal and state Schedule K-1s. Within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter, the Company shall deliver to the Members Schedule K-1s.
10.5. Partnership Audit Procedures.
(a) J. Obie Strickler is hereby designated the “partnership representative” (as such term is defined in Section 6223(a) of the Code) of the Company as well as for purposes of any state, local, or non-U.S. tax Law. If any state or local tax law provides for a tax matters partner/partnership representative or Person having similar rights, powers, authority or obligations, the person designated as the “partnership representative” pursuant to Section 6223(a) of the Code shall also serve in such capacity (in any such federal, state or local capacity, the “Tax Representative”). To the extent required by applicable law, if the “partnership representative” is an entity, it shall appoint a “designated individual” to act on its behalf. In such capacity, the Tax Representative shall have all of the rights, powers, authority and responsibilities of a partnership representative as provided in the Code and any Treasury Regulations thereunder and may take any action contemplated by Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, any Treasury Regulations or other guidance thereunder and any comparable state or local law, and the Members hereby agree to be bound by any actions taken by the Tax Representative in such capacity to the extent such actions are taken in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Manager may replace the Tax Representative at any time. The Tax Representative shall represent the Company in all tax matters to the extent allowed by law. Without limiting the foregoing, the Tax Representative is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. Subject to Section 10.5(b), any decisions made by the Tax Representative, including, without limitation, whether or not to settle or contest any tax matter, and the choice of forum for any such contest, and whether or not to extend the period of limitations for the assessment or collection of any tax, shall be made in the Tax Representative’s sole discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Tax Representative (i) shall, subject to Section 10.5(b), have the sole and absolute authority to make any elections on behalf of the Company permitted to be made pursuant to the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and, (ii) without limiting the foregoing, may, subject to Section 10.5(b), make on election on behalf of the Company under Sections 6221(b) or 6226 of the Code as in effect for the first fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018 and thereafter, and (iii) may, subject to Section 10.5(b), take all actions the Tax Representative deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the foregoing. All expenses incurred by the Tax Representative or its designated individual (including professional fees for such accountants, attorneys and agents as in its discretion determines are necessary to or useful in the performance of its duties in that capacity), shall be borne and reimbursed by the Company.
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(b) The Tax Representative shall promptly notify the Members and the Manager if any tax return or report of the Company is audited or if any adjustments are proposed by any governmental body. In addition, the Tax Representative shall promptly furnish to the Manager all written notices concerning administrative or judicial proceedings relating to federal income tax matters as required under the Code. During the pendency of any such administrative or judicial proceeding, the Tax Representative shall furnish to the Manager periodic reports concerning the status of any such proceeding. Without written approval of the Manager, the Tax Representative shall not file a request for administrative adjustment, file suit concerning any tax refund or deficiency relating to any Company administrative adjustment, make any material tax elections, enter into any settlement agreement with a taxing authority relating to any Company item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit for any Fiscal Year of the Company or finalize any allocation of taxes among the Members pursuant to Section 10.5(d) below.
(c) The Members agree to cooperate in good faith, including by timely providing information, making any and all elections and filing amended returns, each as reasonably requested by the Tax Representative. Each Member represents that it is aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Agreement and hereby agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement in reporting its share of Company income and losses for income tax purposes. The Members agree to file all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns on a basis consistent with any returns filed by the Company and the terms of this Agreement. Each Member agrees to provide promptly and to update as necessary at any times requested by the Tax Representative, all information, documents, self-certifications, tax identification numbers, tax forms, and verifications thereof, that the Tax Representative deems necessary in connection with (i) any information required for the Company to determine the application of Sections 6221-6241 of the Code to the Company, (ii) an election by the Company under Section 6221(b) or 6226 of the Code, and (iii) an audit or a final adjustment of the Company by a taxing authority. Each Member covenants and agrees to take any action reasonably requested by the Company in connection with an election by the Company under Section 6221(b) or 6226 of the Code, or an audit or a final adjustment of the Company by a taxing authority (including, without limitation, promptly filing amended tax returns and promptly paying any related taxes, including penalties and interest).
(d) The Members acknowledge that the Company may elect the application of Section 6226 of the Code. This acknowledgement applies to each Member whether or not the Member owns an interest in the Company in both the reviewed year and the year of the tax adjustment. In the event that the Company elects the application of Section 6226 of the Code, the Members agree and covenant to take into account and report to the IRS (or any other applicable taxing authority) any adjustment to their tax items for the reviewed year of which they are notified by the Company in a written statement, in the manner provided in Section 6226(b) of the Code, whether or not the Member owns any interest in the Company at such time. Any Member that fails to report its share of such adjustments on its tax return, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Manager, the Tax Representative, and each of their Affiliates from and against any and all losses, costs, liabilities and expenses related to taxes (including penalties and interest) imposed on the Company as a result of the Member’s inaction. In addition, each Member agrees and covenants to indemnify and hold the Company, the Manager, the Tax Representative, and each of their Affiliates harmless from and against any and all losses, costs, liabilities and expenses related to taxes (including penalties and interest) imposed on the Company resulting from or attributable to such Member’s failure to comply with this Section 10.5. Each Member acknowledges and agrees that no Member shall have any claim against the Company, the Manager, the Tax Representative, or any of their Affiliates for any tax, penalties or interest resulting from the Company’s election under Section 6226 of the Code. If the Company is required to pay the assessment of the imputed underpayment under Section 6225(a)(1) of the Code or similar provisions of state law, any taxes, penalties, and interest payable by the Company shall be treated as attributable to the Members, and, to the extent possible, the Manager shall allocate the burden of any such amounts to those Members to whom such amounts are reasonably attributable taking into account the Member’s or former Member’s allocable share of Profits and Losses with respect to the Fiscal Year to which such assessment pertains and adjustments that may have been made in computing the imputed underpayment. To the extent that any such amount is payable by the Company, at the option of the Manager with the consent of a majority in interest of the Members or former Members to whom such amounts are reasonably attributable shall (i) promptly pay such amount to the Company or (ii) pay such amount by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Members.
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(e) The provisions contained in this Section 10.5 shall survive the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Company, the withdrawal of any Member or the transfer of any Member’s interest in the Company and apply to unadmitted assignees of a Member Interest who may be considered current or former partners of the Company for federal tax purposes. For avoidance of doubt, any agreement to reduce or eliminate the obligations of any former Member or unadmitted assignee of any Member shall not be binding upon the Company unless specific reference is made to this Section 10.5(e) in a binding written agreement executed by the Company and approved by the Manager.
ARTICLE XI.
TRANSFERS
11.1. Transfer. The term “Transfer”, when used in this Agreement with respect to any Membership Interest, means (a) a transaction in which a Member, voluntarily or involuntarily, assigns, absolutely, conditionally or as security or otherwise, all or any part of its direct or indirect Membership Interest (legal and/or beneficial) to another Person, and includes any sale, assignment, bequest, conveyance, gift (outright or in trust), devise, pledge, mortgage, exchange, hypothecation, encumbrance or other disposition, including any such matter occurring by operation of Law (such as, but not limited to, a statutory merger) or otherwise, and (b) any of the transactions described in the foregoing Section 11.1(a), as to any interest in any Person which, directly or indirectly, holds a majority interest in a Person who is a Member.
11.2. Prohibition on Transfers. Subject to the terms of Section 11.3, no Member may effectuate, permit, or suffer to permit a Transfer without first obtaining the consent of the Manager and the EBC Sponsor Member. Any Transfer or purported Transfer of a Membership Interest not made in accordance with this Article XI will not bind, or be recognized by, or on the books of, the Company. In the event any Member shall at any time Transfer a Membership Interest in contravention of any of the provisions of this Agreement, then the Company and each other Member, in addition to the rights above and all other rights and remedies at Law and in equity, shall be entitled to seek a decree or order restraining and enjoining such transaction, and the defaulting Member shall not plead in defense thereto that there would be an adequate remedy at Law, it being expressly hereby acknowledged and agreed that damages at Law would be an inadequate remedy for a breach or threatened breach of the provisions concerning such transactions set forth in this Agreement.
11.3. Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, a Permitted Transfer shall be permitted with respect to any Member without the consent of the Manager or any other Member. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Permitted Transfer” shall mean, with respect to any Member, any voluntary Transfer to (a) any Affiliate of such Member; or (b) any estate planning vehicle or family investment vehicle primarily for the benefit of one or more of the direct or indirect owners of a Member, a Family Member, or a lineal descendant of any of the foregoing.
11.4. Drag-Along Rights; Tag-Along Rights. It is acknowledged that the GR Member is a subsidiary of a publicly traded company, and as such its parent company is subject to receiving unsolicited bona fide offers for up to 100% of the outstanding equity of the GR Member’s parent company (an “Offer”). In the event that the GR Member’s parent company receives an Offer, the GR Member, the EBC Sponsor Member, and the EBC Investor Member shall have the following Drag-Along Rights and Tag-Along Rights, as applicable:
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(a) Drag-Along Rights.
(i) If, at any point prior to the two- (2-) year anniversary of the Effective Date, the GR Member’s parent company receives a Third Party Sale offer (a “Drag Offer”), the GR Member shall have the right (a “Drag-Along Right”) to require the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member to sell all of their respective Membership Interests in the Company as part of the Third Party Sale so long as the total amount of money that the EBC Investor Member receives, after the sale proceeds are distributed pursuant to Section 5.1(a) and Section 5.1(b), equals at least three (3) times the amount of the EBC Investor Member’s Capital Contributions to the Company.
(ii) Notwithstanding Section 11.4(a)(i), if, at any point after the two- (2-) year anniversary of the Effective Date, the GR Member receives a Third Party Sale offer, the GR Member shall have the right (a “Drag-Along Right”) to require the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member to sell all of their respective Membership Interests in the Company as part of the Third Party Sale so long as the total amount of money that the EBC Investor Member receives, after the sale proceeds are distributed pursuant to Section 5.1(a) and Section 5.1(b), equals at least the amount of the EBC Investor Member’s Capital Contributions to the Company.
(iii) Upon the GR Member’s parent company receiving a Drag Offer, subject to Sections 11.4(a)(i)-(ii) above, the GR Member shall deliver a written notice (a “Drag-Along Notice”) to the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member setting forth the material terms and conditions of the Drag Offer and corresponding Third Party Sale (“Third Party Terms”). The Drag-Along Notice shall be given within three (3) Business days of receiving the Drag Offer.
(iv) Upon receipt of a Drag-Along Notice, the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member shall each be obligated to sell all of its respective Membership Interests in accordance with the Third Party Terms.
(b) Tag-Along Rights.
(i) Commencing on the two (2) year anniversary of the Effective Date, if the GR Member’s parent company receives a Third Party Sale offer, the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member, collectively and not individually, shall have the right (a “Tag-Along Right”) to require the proposed Transferee in the Third Party Sale to also acquire all, but not less than all, of the aggregate Membership Interests of the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member.
(ii) Upon the GR Member’s parent company receiving a Third Party Sale offer, subject to Section 11.4(b)(i) above, the GR Member shall deliver a written notice (a “Tag-Along Notice”) to the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member setting forth the material terms and conditions of the Third Party Sale offer and corresponding Third Party Terms. The Tag-Along Notice shall be given within three (3) Business days of receiving the Third Party Sale offer.
(iii) Upon receipt of a Tag-Along Notice, the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member shall have twenty (20) business days to elect to exercise their collective Tag-Along Right. If the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member do not elect to exercise their collective Tag-Along Right by the twentieth (20th) business day after the Tag-Along Notice is provided, the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member shall be deemed to have waived its Tag-Along Right and the GR Member shall be allowed to proceed with the Third Party Sale.
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(c) Section 11.4(a) and Section 11.4(b), as well as any proceeds from a Third Party Sale referenced therein, shall remain subject to and distributed among the Members in accordance with Section 5.6.
11.5. General Restrictions on All Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing terms of this Article XI, any Transfer of a Membership Interest by a Member (including a Permitted Transfer) shall be subject to the following:
(a) A Transfer of any Membership Interest by or in a Member (even if permitted by this Article XI), may not be made if such Transfer would cause or result in a breach of any then applicable rules and regulations of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) In the event of any direct Transfer of a Membership Interest there shall be filed with the Company a duly executed and acknowledged counterpart of the instrument effecting such Transfer. In addition, in the event of any such direct Transfer, the transferee shall enter into a valid and binding agreement with the Company and each of its Members the effect of which will be that the Membership Interest so Transferred shall continue to remain subject to the provisions of this Agreement with the same force and effect as if such transferee had originally been a party hereto as to the interest so Transferred.
(c) Unless approved by the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, no Transfer shall be made pursuant to this Article XI if such Transfer would reasonably be expected to (i) solely with respect to any direct Transfer, require the filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act, or (ii) solely with respect to any direct Transfer, would otherwise violate any federal or state securities Laws or regulations applicable to the Company.
(d) Unless approved by the Manager, with the consent of the EBC Sponsor Member, no Transfer shall be made pursuant to this Article XI if such Transfer would reasonably be expected to (i) cause the Company to cease to be classified as a partnership for federal or state income tax purposes, (ii) cause the Company to fail to meet the “private placement” safe harbor from treatment as a publicly traded partnership, or any other safe harbor from treatment as a publicly traded partnership selected by the Tax Representative, under Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1, or (iii) cause the Company to become a publicly traded partnership within the meaning of Section 469(k)(2) or Section 7704(b) of the Code.
(e) No Member may transfer any Membership Interests, including a Permitted Transfer, unless and until the transferring Member has provided to the Company such information, forms, certifications, and documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Company to establish that any applicable withholding requirements on the Transfer have been satisfied in accordance with applicable law, or no such withholding requirements apply.
(f) The transferring Member shall pay any and all costs and expenses incurred by them in connection with such Transfer, including any transfer taxes, and the Company and the non-transferring Members shall have no liability for any such costs and expenses.
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11.6. Substitute Members. An Assignee shall not be entitled to vote on Company matters and shall not have any other rights of a Member other than its right to distributions and allocations for tax purposes, unless and until the Assignee is admitted as a substituted Member (“Substitute Member”). Thereafter, subject to the last sentence of this Section 11.6, such Assignee shall have all rights and obligations of a Member hereunder. An Assignee shall become a Substituted Member when and if the Assignee (a) pays all Company expenses incurred in connection with its substitution, (b) submits a duly executed instrument of assignment and assumption, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the non- assigning Member, specifying the Membership Interest assigned to it and setting forth the assigning Member’s intention that the Assignee succeed to such portion of the assigning Member’s Membership Interest and acknowledging that the assignor or transferor remains liable for its obligations, (c) obtains any approval if required hereunder, and (d) executes an amendment to this Agreement in which it agrees to be bound by this Agreement. The admission of a Substitute Member shall be effective as of the close of the day on which all of the conditions specified in this Section 11.6 have been satisfied.
11.7. First Call Option. Commencing on the first (1st) day of the thirty-first (31st) calendar month following the date upon which both the GR Member and the EBC Investor Member have recouped 100% of their respective Capital Contributions (the “First Call Option Commencement Date”), the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member shall have a mutual call option as follows (the “First Call Option”):
(a) EBC Sponsor Member First Call Option. Commencing on the First Call Option Commencement Date, the EBC Sponsor Member shall have the right (the “EBC First Call Option”), exercisable by notice in writing (the “EBC First Call Notice”) to the GR Member, to require the GR Member, or its Assignee, to sell and transfer fifty percent (50%) of the GR Member’s economic interest in the Manufacturing Division under Section 5.1(b)(iii) to the EBC Sponsor Member. The purchase price for the EBC First Call Option shall be $1,000,000 USD (the “EBC First Call Purchase Price”). The EBC First Call Option shall expire on the two (2) year anniversary of the First Call Option Commencement Date (the “First Call Option Expiration Date”). The closing of the EBC First Call Option, if exercised, shall take place within forty-five (45) days after the date of the EBC First Call Notice or on such other date as mutually agreed to in writing between the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member (the “EBC First Call Option Closing”). Contemporaneous with the EBC First Call Option Closing, Section 5.1(b) of this Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows: 5.1(b) Manufacturing Division Distributions. Distributions of Available Cash from the Manufacturing Division shall be made as follows: 77.2% to the EBC Sponsor Member, 7.8% to the EBC Investor Member, and 15.0% to the GR Member.
(b) GR Member First Call Option. Commencing on the First Call Option Commencement Date, the GR Member shall have the right (the “GR First Call Option”), exercisable by notice in writing (the “GR First Call Notice”) to the EBC Sponsor Member, to require the EBC Sponsor Member, or its Assignee, to sell and transfer fifty percent (50%) of the EBC Sponsor Member and EBC Investor Member’s collective economic interest in the Cultivation Division under Section 5.1(a)(iii) to the GR Member. The purchase price for the GR First Call Option shall be $1,000,000 USD (the “GR First Call Purchase Price”). The GR First Call Option shall expire on the First Call Option Expiration Date. The closing of the GR First Call Option, if exercised, shall take place within forty-five (45) days after the date of the GR First Call Notice or on such other date as mutually agreed to in writing between the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member (the “GR First Call Option Closing”). Contemporaneous with the GR First Call Option Closing, Section 5.1(a) of this Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows: 5.1(a) Cultivation Division Distributions. Distributions of Available Cash from the Cultivation Division shall be made as follows: 85% to the GR Member, 7.2% to the EBC Sponsor Member, and 7.8% to the EBC Investor Member.
11.8. Second Call Option. Commencing on the first (1st) calendar day following the First Call Option Expiration Date (the “Second Call Option Commencement Date”), the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member shall have a second mutual call option as follows:
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(a) Commencing on the first Business Day after the Second Call Option Commencement Date, the EBC Sponsor Member and the GR Member shall respectively have the right, exercisable by notice in writing (the “Second Call Notice”), to require the Non-Exercising Member, or its Assignee, to sell and transfer to the Exercising Member one hundred percent (100%) of the Non-Exercising Member’s then-current Membership Interest in the Company (the “Second Call Option”). The Second Call Notice shall contain the purchase price being offered by the Exercising Member for 100% of the Non-Exercising Member’s Membership Interest as well as any other applicable terms and conditions that the Exercising Member may choose to include. Upon either the GR Member or the EBC Sponsor Member issuing the Second Call Notice (the “Exercising Member”), the other party (the “Non-Exercising Member”), shall have thirty (30) business days to either: (i) accept the terms as offered by the Exercising Member and sell 100% of the Non-Exercising Member’s Membership Interest in the Company to the Exercising Member, or (ii) elect to purchase 100% of the Exercising Member’s Membership Interest in the Company pursuant to the same terms offered by the Exercising Member. If the Non-Exercising Member does not respond to the Second Call Notice issued by the Exercising Member within thirty (30) days, the Non-Exercising Member shall be deemed to have accepted the terms offered by the Exercising Member to sell 100% of the Non-Exercising Member’s Membership Interest in the Company to the Exercising Member. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the GR Member is the exercising Member, the Non-Exercising Member shall include both the EBC Sponsor Member and the EBC Investor Member. The closing of the Second Call Option shall occur within 60 days after the date of the Second Call Notice. At such closing, the Exercising Member shall pay not less than 75% of the purchase price in cash and the remainder by delivering a promissory note payable quarterly with a two (2) year maturity date and accruing interest at a rate of 10% per annum.
(b) The Second Call Option, unless exercised by either the GR Member or the EBC Sponsor Member, shall expire upon the closing of a Sale of the Company; provided, however, that the GR Member’s and the EBC Sponsor Member’s respective right to exercise the Second Call Option shall be tolled, and neither party shall be able to exercise the Second Call Option, subsequent to the Company executing a term sheet, letter of intent, or similar document contemplating a Sale of the Company (each occurrence, a “Second Option Toll Period”). If a Second Option Toll Period arises, it shall expire upon either (i) the closing of a Sale of the Company as contemplated in the applicable term sheet, letter of intent, or similar document that triggered the subject Second Option Toll Period, or (ii) the termination or expiration of the applicable term sheet, letter of intent, or similar document that triggered the subject Second Option Toll Period.
ARTICLE XII.
DISSOLUTION
12.1. Events Causing Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up upon the written consent of both the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member. The Company shall not be dissolved by the death, resignation, withdrawal, bankruptcy, insolvency or dissolution of any Member.
12.2. Winding Up. If the Company is dissolved, then such person as may be determined by the Manager (the “Liquidator”), shall cause a full accounting of assets and liabilities of the Company to be taken and shall proceed with dispatch and without any unnecessary delay to sell or otherwise liquidate all assets of the Company and wind-up the business of the Company by either or both of the following methods: (a) selling Company assets and distributing the net proceeds therefrom in accordance with Section 12.3 below, or (b) if the Liquidator shall so determine, distributing Company assets in kind in accordance with Section 12.3 below. Any act or event causing a dissolution of the Company shall in no way affect the validity of, or shorten the term of, any contract or other obligation entered into by or on behalf of the Company.
12.3. Application of Assets in Winding Up. In winding up the Company, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the Company’s debts and liabilities and paying all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with winding up and terminating the Company in the order of priority provided by the Act (including any reserve the Liquidator determines necessary to provide for any contingent, conditional or unmatured liabilities or obligations of the Company to third parties to be held and disbursed as directed by the Liquidator, by an escrow agent selected by the Liquidator and at the expiration of such period as the Liquidator may deem advisable and in accordance with the Act), then the Liquidator shall distribute the remaining net proceeds and liquid assets of the Company among the Members in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 5.6.
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12.4. Negative Capital Accounts. Upon final liquidation of the Company if the Capital Account of any Member is negative, such Member shall not be obligated to restore the negative balance in its Capital Account.
12.5. Termination. The Company shall terminate, except for the purpose of suits, other proceedings, and appropriate action as provided in the Act, when all of its property shall have been disposed of and the net proceeds and liquid assets, after satisfaction of liabilities to Company creditors, shall have been distributed among the Members in the manner provided for in this Agreement. As soon as practicable after the termination of the Company, the Liquidator shall cause a certificate of dissolution to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois.
12.6. Rights and Obligations of the Directors and Members during Winding Up Period. During the period of the winding up of the affairs of the Company, the rights and obligations of each Director and the Members set forth in this Agreement with respect to the management of the Company shall continue.
12.7. Integrity of the Members; Waiver of Other Rights. No Member shall retire, resign, or withdraw from the Company except as expressly permitted under this Agreement. Except as otherwise consented to by the Manager, each Member shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (a) maintain its existence as a legal entity throughout the term of this Agreement and during any wind-up period, and (b) not terminate or dissolve without concurrently being reconstituted or reincorporated. The Members agree that the Members have no right (and hereby waive, renounce and forfeit any right) under Section 18-604 of the Act to withdraw or resign and receive the fair value of their Membership Interests in the Company.
ARTICLE XIII.
MISCELLANEOUS
13.1. Intentionally Deleted.
13.2. Counterpart Execution; Execution by Facsimile Transmission/.PDF Format; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile transmission or by email via .pdf format, in each case, with the same force and effect as originals. This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date.
13.3. Intentionally Deleted.
13.4. Amendment, Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, modified or waived only by the written approval of the GR Member and the EBC Sponsor Member; provided, however, that any amendment that increases or extends the liabilities or obligations of any Member or amends the provisions of this Section 13.3 in respect of any Member shall require the consent of such Member. Failure on the part of any Member to complain of any act or failure to act by any Member or to declare any Member in default, irrespective of how long such failure continues, shall not constitute a waiver by such Member of its rights hereunder. The giving of consent (to the extent any such consent is required) by any Member in any one instance shall not limit or waive the necessity to obtain such Member’s consent in any future instance.
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13.5. Headings. The captions or titles and the table of contents contained in or appended to this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed a part of the context of this Agreement and are not intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
13.6. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such term or provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law. If any payments required to be made under this Agreement shall be in excess of the amounts allowed by Law, the amounts of such payments shall be reduced to the maximum amounts allowable by Law.
13.7. Information Requests. Each Member shall, at the request of any other Member, promptly supply reasonable evidence or information reasonably requested to confirm such Member’s compliance with the transfer or other restrictions contained herein, including, without limitation, the restrictions on transfers and changes of control herein provided.
13.8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of Illinois (without regard for conflict of Laws principles).
13.9. Binding Arbitration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, to the extent that any dispute arises among the Members or Directors pertaining to their respective rights, responsibilities, obligations, or otherwise under this Agreement, such dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration which shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules in effect on the date of this Agreement. Any arbitration conducted pursuant to this Section 13.9 shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators, unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the parties to the dispute. Demand for arbitration shall be made in writing, delivered to the other party via certified mail, and filed with the person or entity administering the arbitration. The award rendered by the arbitrators shall be final, and judgment may be entered upon it in accordance with applicable law in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
13.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREE NOT TO ELECT A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY ISSUE TRIABLE OF RIGHT BY JURY, AND WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY FULLY TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY SUCH RIGHT SHALL NOW OR HEREAFTER EXIST WITH REGARD TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR OTHER ACTION ARISING IN CONNECTION HEREWITH. THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IS GIVEN KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY BY THE PARTIES HERETO, AND IS INTENDED TO ENCOMPASS INDIVIDUALLY EACH INSTANCE AND EACH ISSUE AS TO WHICH THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WOULD OTHERWISE ACCRUE. EACH PARTY HERETO IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO FILE A COPY OF THIS SECTION IN ANY PROCEEDING AS CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF THIS WAIVER BY EACH OTHER PARTY, AS APPLICABLE. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 13.10 SHALL SURVIVE THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
13.11. Intentionally Omitted.
13.12. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided for herein, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and the Company, and nothing herein, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, and the Company, any legal or equitable rights hereunder.
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13.13. Confidentiality. The parties agree to keep the terms and provisions of this Agreement confidential and not to disclose the terms thereof to third parties other than (a) their auditors, attorneys, investors, accountants and other Persons having similar need to be cognizant of such terms and (b) as required by any applicable Law, rule or regulation.
13.14. Notices. Any notice or request required or permitted to be given hereunder (each, a “Notice” or a “notice”) and any approval by any Member shall be in writing and shall be (as elected by the Member giving such notice or granting such approval) (a) transmitted by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (b) transmitted by personal delivery, (c) transmitted by nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) transmitted by electronic mail. Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) five (5) Business Days after the date of posting if transmitted by certified or registered mail, (ii) the date of delivery if transmitted by personal delivery, (iii) the first Business Day after the date of posting if delivered by recognized national overnight courier service, or (iv) the date of transmission if transmitted by electronic mail on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on a Business Day, and the next Business Day following transmission if transmitted later than 5:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on a Business Day. Any Member may change its address for purposes hereof by notice given to the other Members in accordance with this Section13.14. Notices hereunder shall be directed to any Member, at the address set forth on Schedule I hereto, as amended from time to time.
13.15. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and, subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in Article XI, shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
13.16. Approvals. To the fullest extent permitted by Law and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any agreement contemplated in this Agreement, or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, the Members agree as follows:
(a) unless otherwise specifically stated herein any approval or consent, to be effective for any purpose, shall be in writing;
(b) whenever in this Agreement a decision, determination, exercise of a right, election, judgment, or approval right of a Person shall be subject to a “good faith” or other express standard, the Person shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standard;
(c) whenever in this Agreement a matter, arrangement or thing is to be satisfactory or not satisfactory to a Person or a Person is permitted or required to make a decision or determination, exercise a right given to it to approve or disapprove a matter, or make an election or judgment (whether in any such instance, such matter, decision, determination, exercise of a right, election, judgment, or approval right is in such Person’s “discretion” or “sole discretion” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude), then the decision, determination, exercise of a right, election, judgment, approval right, or election to withhold an approval, of such Person shall (except as is otherwise specifically herein provided) be in the sole and absolute discretion of such Person, shall be final and conclusive, and such Person shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Company or any other Person and shall not be subject to any other or different standard; and
(d) the provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of a Person otherwise existing at Law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Person.
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13.17. No Right to Partition. The Members, on behalf of themselves and their successors and assigns, if any, hereby specifically and irrevocably renounce, waive and forfeit all rights, whether arising under contract or statute or by operation of Law to seek, bring or maintain any action in any court of Law or equity for partition of the Company, any Subsidiary or any asset or interest that is considered to be the Company’s or one of its Subsidiaries’ property, regardless of the manner in which title to such property may be held.
13.18. Prevailing Party Fees. In the event of any arbitration or litigation arising out of this Agreement, the Prevailing Party shall be entitled to receive from the losing party an amount equal to the Prevailing Party’s costs incurred in such litigation, including the prevailing party’s attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. For purposes of this Section 13.18, (a) the term “Prevailing Party” shall be deemed to be that party who obtains substantially the result sought, whether by settlement, mediation, judgment or otherwise, and (b) the term “attorneys’ fees” shall include the attorneys’ fees incurred in retaining counsel for advice, negotiations, suit, appeal and any other legal proceeding, including mediation and arbitration. The provisions of this Section 13.18 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
13.19. Further Assurances. Each Member agrees to take such further actions and to furnish to the other Member such further information and to execute such further documents and instruments as are reasonably requested by the other Member in connection with the furtherance of the Business; provided, however, in no event shall such further documents or instruments create, impose or result in any new, or otherwise expand or increase any existing, liabilities, obligations or costs whatsoever of the Members under this Agreement or decrease or otherwise adversely affect the rights of the Members under this Agreement.
13.20. Member Representations. Each Member represents and warrants that: (a) such Member has been advised to consult with its own advisors regarding all legal and tax matters concerning an investment in its Membership Interest and has done so to the extent it considers necessary or appropriate, (b) none of the Company, the Directors, the Tax Representative, the Members, nor the partners, shareholders, members, managers, agents, officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, or consultants of any of them will be responsible or liable for the tax consequences to the Member of an investment in the Company, and (c) such Member will look solely to, and rely solely upon, its own advisers with respect to the tax consequences of its investment in the Company.
13.21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, and those documents expressly referred to herein, embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
[Signature pages follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Limited Liability Company Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.
| COMPANY | |||
| ROGUE EBC, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | ||
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | ||
| Title: | Manager | ||
Signature page to llc agreement
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Limited Liability Company Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.
| GR MEMBER | ||
| [GR Entity TBD] | ||
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | |
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | |
| Its: | Manager | |
Signature page to llc agreement
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Limited Liability Company Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.
| EBC SPONSOR MEMBER | ||
| EBC VENTURES WAUKEGAN, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Boyens | |
| Name: | Andrew Boyens | |
| Its: | Authorized Person | |
| EBC INVESTOR MEMBER | ||
| EBC INVESTOR WAUKEGAN, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Boyens | |
| Name: | Andrew Boyens | |
| Its: | Authorized Person | |
Signature page to llc agreement
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SCHEDULE I
Members; Capital Commitments; Capital Contributions
As of March 4, 2024
| Member | Capital Commitment | Capital Contribution |
| [GR Member] [insert address] [insert email address] |
$6,000,000 USD | - |
| EBC Investor Waukegan, LLC 272 Deerpath Rd. Suite 320 Lake Forest, IL 60045 Andrew@ebcfinancing.com |
$2,400,000 USD | - |
| EBC Ventures Waukegan, LLC 272 Deerpath Rd. Suite 320 Lake Forest, IL 60045 Andrew@ebcfinancing.com |
- |
- |
| TOTAL | $8,400,000 USD |
Schedule i to llc agreement
Sch. I-1
SCHEDULE II
Shared Costs
As of March 4, 2024
| Shared Cost | GR
Member Allocation |
EBC
Sponsor Member Allocation |
| Rent, CAM and property taxes (before expansion approval) | 70% | 30% |
| Rent, CAM and property taxes (after expansion approval) | 90% | 10% |
| Utilities | 90% | 10% |
| Insurance | 70% | 30% |
| Licensing, permitting, or other state, local or municipal costs | 70% | 30% |
| Cannabis license acquisition cost and related legal expenses | 80% | 20% |
| Bank fees | 70% | 30% |
| Payroll administration | 70% | 30% |
| Design costs | 70% | 30% |
| Janitorial or other general maintenance costs | 70% | 30% |
| Security | 70% | 30% |
| Miscellaneous capex unattributable to a single Division | 70% | 30% |
Schedule i to llc agreement
Sch. II-1
Exhibit 4.51
THIS INSTRUMENT AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE PURSUANT HERETO HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF CERTAIN STATES. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.
SECURED DRAW DOWN PROMISSORY NOTE
| $3,000,000 | June 24, 2024 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ABCO Garden State, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Borrower”), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, or its assigns (“Lender,” and together with Borrower, CMB INVESTCO 609, LLC (“CMB”), GARDEN STATE GOLD 609 LLC (“GSG”), Iron Flag LLC, Blackwell & Associates LLC and ABCO Holdings, Inc., each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”), at Lender’s address located at 550 Airport Road, Medford, OR 97501, or at such other address as may be designated in writing by the holder of this Secured Draw Down Promissory Note (“Note ”), the aggregate of all amounts Lender has disbursed to Borrower pursuant to Section 1 hereof up to the principal amount of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) (the “Maximum Amount”) as further described herein.
1. Use of Funds; Advances.
(a) Borrower shall solely use the funds borrowed hereunder to fund the construction and operating expenses of a cannabis cultivation facility located in West Deptford, New Jersey and leased by Borrower pursuant to that certain lease between the Borrower and FIVF-III-NJ1, LLC, dated on, or around, June 1, 2023.
(b) Commencing on the date hereof, and prior to the earlier to occur of, (i) the first anniversary of the date hereof or (ii) an Advance Default Date (as defined below), Lender shall make the Maximum Amount available to Borrower in advances to be made in increments of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) (each, an “ Advance”) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Maximum Amount in accordance with the terms set forth herein, with each Advance and repayment thereof to be listed on Exhibit A hereto.
(c) Subject to the terms hereof, from time to time, Borrower may provide written notice to Lender (an “Advance Notice”) requesting an Advance from the remaining Maximum Amount, which Advance Notice shall include the amount of the Advance (the “Requested Amount”), the requested date for delivery of the Requested Amount which date shall be no earlier than five (5) Business Days (as defined below) after delivery of the Advance Notice to Lender (the “Delivery Date”) and a written budget for any expenditures funded by such Advance for Lender’s review. Upon receipt of the Advance Notice, to the extent such funds are available, Lender shall pay and deliver to Borrower an Advance in the amount of the Requested Amount (or such lesser amount as available) on or about the Delivery Date by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Borrower.
2. Interest. Interest on the outstanding principal borrowed hereunder shall accrue at a rate of 10.5% per annum, simple interest, calculated on the basis of a 360 day year for the actual number of days elapsed (the “Applicable Rate”) commencing, with respect to each Advance, on the date such Advance is disbursed to Borrower, and, subject to the terms hereof, accruing, with respect to each Advance, until the date that such Advance together with all accrued interest thereon and other amounts due and payable in connection therewith are paid in full.
3. Payment; Advance Maturity Date. With respect to each Advance made hereunder, the unpaid principal amount, all accrued and unpaid interest, and all other amounts payable in connection with such Advance shall be due and payable on the first anniversary of the date of such Advance (such date with respect to each Advance, the “Advance Maturity Date ”); provided, however, that Borrower may prepay any amounts due hereunder without penalty or discount. All payments made hereunder shall be applied (a) first to accrued interest and thereafter to principal, and (b) first to such amounts due and owing in connection with the most recent Advance, so that interest and principal due and owing in connection with the most recent Advance is paid in full before any payment or portion thereof is applied to the next most recent Advance. With respect to each Advance, upon the applicable Advance Maturity Date, all unpaid principal together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon shall be due and payable. If any payment is due on a day other than a Business Day, all such amounts shall be due and payable on the next succeeding Business Day, together with interest up to but not including such next succeeding Business Day. For purposes hereof, “ Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the State of New Jersey are authorized or required by law to close.
4. Event of Default; Remedies.
(a) Notwithstanding receipt of any Advance Notice hereunder, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default (as defined below), (i) no Advances under Section 1 shall be made thereafter, and (ii) at the option of Lender exercised by written notice to Borrower, the entire unpaid principal balance in respect of the applicable Advance, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all other amounts and payments due in respect of the applicable Advance, shall become immediately due and payable. For purposes hereof, “Event of Default” means, with respect to each Advance, the first to occur of (such date with respect to each Advance, the “Advance Default Date”) (a) Borrower’s receipt of written notice from Lender of Borrower’s failure to pay within five (5) Business Days of the date due any payment due and owing hereunder, or (b) any event set forth in Section 4(b)hereof.
(b) At the option of Lender, this Note (comprising the aggregate of all Advances made to such date together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts due hereunder) shall become due and payable, without notice or demand, upon the occurrence at any time of any of the following: (i) Borrower commences any proceeding in bankruptcy or for dissolution, liquidation, winding-up, composition or other relief under state or federal bankruptcy laws; (ii) such proceedings are commenced against Borrower, or a receiver or trustee is appointed for Borrower on a substantial part of its property, and such proceeding or appointment is not dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after its commencement; provided, that all interest shall continue to accrue as set forth above until all amounts owed under this Note are paid in full; (iii) the admission by Borrower of its inability to pay its debts as they mature, or any assignment for the benefit of the creditors of Borrower; or (iv) if any payment due hereunder is not made within ten (10) Business Days of the date such payment is due.
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(c) Upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, upon written notice to Borrower, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in that certain Stockholders’ Agreement (the “Stockholders’ Agreement ”), dated as of May 31, 2024, by and among Lender, CMB and GSG, Lender shall have the right, but not the obligation (i) to characterize as Additional Stock Payments (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) all or a portion of the aggregate amount of all Advances subject to an Event of Default together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts due in connection with such Advances, and (ii) to demand that Borrower issue, and Borrower shall so issue, to Lender a number of shares of Voting Stock (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) so that the Stockholder Percentage Interests (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) shall be adjusted to equal, for each Stockholder (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement), the ratio of the amount of cash invested/contributed (or deemed invested/contributed as a result of any increase from Additional Stock Payments in connection with the preceding clause (i)) by such Stockholder relative to all cash invested/contributed (or deemed invested/contributed as a result of any increase from Additional Stock Payments in connection with the preceding clause (i)) by all Stockholders. Notwithstanding the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement or that certain Side Letter Agreement (the “Side Letter”), dated as of October 3, 2023, by and among Lender, CMB, GSG, Iron Flag LLC, Blackwell & Associates LLC and ABCO Holdings, Inc., (x) any adjustment made to the Stockholder Percentage Interest of Lender shall increase Lender’s Stockholder Percentage Interest (such increased Stockholder Percentage Interest, “Lender’s New Percentage Interest”), and (y) each occurrence of the term “70%” set forth in the Side Letter shall thereafter be deemed to be the then current Lender’s New Percentage Interest.
(d) Notwithstanding anything set forth herein or otherwise including, without limitation, Section 7.1 of the Stockholders’ Agreement, Borrower agrees that no Cash Available for Distribution (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) shall be distributed to CMB or GSG unless and until all amounts due and owing under this Note have been paid in full.
(e) The rights and remedies of Lender provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law, in equity, by contract or otherwise.
5. Default Interest; Usury. Notwithstanding whether Lender pursues or does not pursue any remedy hereunder, if any amount payable hereunder is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest at the Applicable Rate plus five percent (5%) from the date of such non-payment until such amount is paid in full. If at any time and for any reason whatsoever, the interest rate payable hereunder shall exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by Lender to Borrower under applicable law, the portion of each sum paid attributable to that portion of such interest rate that exceeds the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law shall be deemed a voluntary prepayment of principal.
6. Security Interest in the Collateral.
(a) Borrower hereby grants to Lender under and pursuant to the provisions of the UCC (as defined below), a security interest in the collateral described in Exhibit B hereto (the “Collateral”) to secure the obligations under this Note. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that such security interest shall attach to all of Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral, together with substitutions therefor and replacements thereof, and to any and all proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the Collateral or any part thereof. Borrower hereby agrees that Lender shall have, and by these presents, Borrower now confers upon Lender, all of the rights of a secured party as provided by the UCC, as well as all of the rights herein provided, or which may be provided in any other document executed by Borrower in connection with Borrower’s indebtedness or obligations to Lender.
(b) Borrower shall permit and take all actions, and authorize, execute and deliver and permit the execution, delivery and filing of, from time to time, without the signature of Borrower, all instruments and documents, necessary or appropriate (i) to create or continue the validity, enforceability and perfected status of the grant of the security interest created hereby, including, without limitation, executing or authorizing Lender and/or its assignee to execute and/or file financing statements and continuation statements (including “in lieu” continuation statements), if necessary, and providing notice to Lender of the existence of any commercial tort claims (as defined in the UCC) by or against Borrower, and (ii) to deliver to Lender all certificates or other negotiable instruments at any time constituting Collateral (together with endorsements in blank) to hold in its possession. For purposes hereof, “UCC” means: (a) the Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect in the State of New Jersey, and (b) the Uniform Commercial Code as may hereafter at any time be in effect in the State of New Jersey from and after the date of effectiveness thereof.
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(c) Subject to applicable law including, without limitation, any applicable regulatory approval, Borrower agrees to execute any and all documents and instruments of transfer, assignment, assumption or novation and to perform such other acts as may be reasonably necessary or expedient to enable Lender to fully realize its interest in the Collateral. Without limiting the foregoing, Borrower further agrees that it will execute, verify, acknowledge and deliver all such further papers, including applications and instruments of transfer; and perform such other acts as Lender lawfully and reasonably may request, to facilitate Lender’s right to protect, maintain, defend and enforce it rights in the Collateral. In the event that Lender is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure Borrower’s signature on any document when so required to effectuate fully Lender’s interest in the Collateral, Borrower hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Lender and Lender’s duly authorized officers and agents, as Borrower’s agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on its behalf and instead of it, to execute and file any such document and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of the foregoing, with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Borrower (it being acknowledged that such appointment is irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest).
7. Waivers. Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) waives presentment, demand for performance, notice of non-performance, protest, notice of protest and notice of dishonor and all other protests or notices to the full extent permitted by applicable law; (b) waives any right Borrower may have to require Lender to (i) proceed against any person or entity including without limitation any endorser or guarantor of the Note (or file a claim in any bankruptcy, probate, or other proceeding affecting such a person or entity) or proceed against any person or entity in any particular order; or (ii) exhaust any of the Collateral, or pursue a particular remedy to the exclusion of others; and (c) waives the right to assert a defense to any action by Lender to enforce its rights under the Note. No waiver by Lender of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by Lender. No waiver by Lender shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after such waiver. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Note shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
8. Attorneys’ Fees and Costs of Collection. If all principal and interest under this Note is not paid when due, Borrower agrees to pay all costs and expenses of collection, including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, court costs, costs in connection with all negotiations, documentation and other actions relating to any work-out, compromise, settlement or resolution in connection herewith and all costs and expenses in connection with the protection or realization of the Collateral; provided, however, if the resolution of a dispute under Section 15 is partially in favor of both Parties, then the Parties will each pay a pro rata portion of the costs and expenses based upon such partial award.
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9. Governing Law. This Note is governed by and will be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule. Borrower agrees and acknowledges that they are not making, will not make, nor shall be deemed to make or have made, any representation or warranty of any kind regarding the compliance of this Note with any Federal Cannabis Laws (as defined below). Borrower shall not have any right of rescission, to declare a breach or amendment arising out of or relating to any non-compliance with Federal Cannabis Laws unless such non-compliance also constitutes a violation of applicable state law. “Federal Cannabis Laws” means any U.S. federal laws, civil, criminal or otherwise, as such relate, either directly or indirectly, to the cultivation, harvesting, production, distribution, sale or possession of cannabis, marijuana or related substances or products containing or relating to the same, including, without limitation, the prohibition on drug trafficking under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a), et seq., the conspiracy statute under 18 U.S.C. § 846, the bar against aiding and abetting the conduct of an offense under 18 U.S.C. § 2, the bar against misprision of a felony (concealing another’s felonious conduct) under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the bar against being an accessory after the fact to criminal conduct under 18 U.S.C. § 3, and federal money laundering statutes under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957, and 1960, and the regulations and rules promulgated under any of the foregoing. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, subject to applicable law, upon Lender’s request, any rights or remedies of Lender hereunder may be delayed or postponed in order to ensure compliance with applicable law, including without limitation, obtaining the approval of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the “CRC”) with respect to any remedy, as applicable.
10. Successors and Assigns. This Note may be assigned or transferred by Lender to any person or entity. Borrower may not assign or transfer this Note or any of their rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the holder hereof. This Note shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Parties and their permitted assigns.
11. Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); or (c) on the date sent by e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient. Such communications must be sent to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth on the signature page hereof (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 12).
12. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Note may be modified or amended only in a writing executed by Borrower and Lender. Any waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.
13. Severability. In the event any applicable law or order renders a Party’s performance of its obligations hereunder illegal, improper, or impracticable (including any ruling by the CRC that the transactions contemplated by this Note violate New Jersey law), or that the transactions contemplated by this Note will or may cause any license of Borrower, if issued, to be terminated, suspended, non-renewed, or otherwise impaired in any way, the Parties will promptly meet and confer in good faith and attempt to amend this Note into such form as will cause the Parties relationship to comply with the CRC and all other state or local legal requirements, and otherwise prevent any license of Borrower or other registrations or certificates from being subject to termination, suspension, non-renewal, or other impairment. Notwithstanding the above, if a provision of this Note is determined to be unenforceable in any respect, the enforceability of the provision in any other respect and of the remaining provisions of this Note will not be impaired.
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14. Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations of Borrower under this Note. Whenever a period of time is herein prescribed for action to be taken by either Party, such Party shall not be in default or incur any liability to the other Party for any losses or damages of any nature for any failure or delay in the performance of their obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, epidemics/pandemics (including COVID-19); quarantines; governmental declaration(s) of emergency; closings of or delays in related government and business services such as land records, lenders and title/escrow, strikes, riots, acts of God, war or any other causes of any kind which are beyond the reasonable control of such Party; provided, that such failure or delay (i) is not caused by the non-performing Party, and (ii) could not have been prevented by reasonable precautions and cannot reasonably be circumvented by the non-performing Party through the use of alternative sources, work-around plans or other means; provided that the non-performing Party shall be excused from its non-performance of affected obligations only for so long as such circumstances prevail and such Party continues to attempt to recommence performance whenever and to whatever extent possible without delay. Any Party so delayed in its performance will immediately notify the other Parties and describe in reasonable detail the circumstances causing such failure or delay.
15. Dispute Resolution; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) In the event of any dispute or disagreement between the Parties as to the interpretation of any provision of this Note, the Parties shall promptly meet in a good faith effort to resolve the dispute or disagreement. If the Parties do not resolve such dispute or disagreement within thirty (30) calendar days, each Party shall be free to exercise the remedies available to it specifically provided by this Note.
(b) The Parties agree that jurisdiction and venue in any action brought by any Party pursuant to this Note shall properly and exclusively lie in any state court located in the State of New Jersey, County of Gloucester. By execution and delivery of this Note, each Party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts for itself and in respect of its property with respect to such action. The Parties irrevocably agree that venue would be proper in any such court, and hereby waive any objection that any such court is an improper or inconvenient forum for the resolution of such action. The Parties further agree that the mailing by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of any process required by any such court shall constitute valid and lawful service of process against them, without necessity for service by any other means provided by statute or rule of court.
(c) THE PARTIES WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING UNDER THIS NOTE OR ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY INITIATES SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING.
16. Interpretation. This Agreement may be executed and delivered in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not part of the substance of this Agreement. Whenever used in this Agreement the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, and the use of any gender shall include all genders and the neuter, whenever appropriate. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other than the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligation or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement. No provision of this document is to be interpreted for or against any Party because that Party or Party’s legal representative drafted it. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or electronic mail, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.
17. Mutilation, Destruction, Loss, or Reissuance.
(a) Mutilation. This Note, if mutilated, may be surrendered and thereupon Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender in exchange for a new original Note of like tenor and principal amount within a reasonable period of time thereafter.
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(b) Destruction, Loss, Etc. If there is delivered to Borrower (i) evidence of the destruction, loss, or theft of this Note and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by it to save it harmless, then, in the absence of notice to Borrower that this Note has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, Borrower shall execute and deliver in lieu of such destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a new Note of like tenor and principal amount.
(c) New Note. Every new Note issued in accordance with Section 17(b) hereof in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original contractual obligation of Borrower, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of the initial Note issued.
(d) Reissuance. This Note may be surrendered and thereupon Borrower shall execute and deliver in exchange therefor, within a reasonable period of time after request by Lender, as the holder may direct, new Notes in smaller denominations but of like tenor and in exact principal amount in the aggregate and each new Note shall constitute an original contractual obligation of Borrower and shall be entitled to all the benefits of the initial Note issued.
(e) Additional Sums. On the issuance of any new Note under this Section, Borrower may require Lender to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Secured Draw Down Promissory Note to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first set forth above.
| BORROWER: | ||
| ABCO GARDEN STATE LLC, | ||
| a New Jersey limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ Caitlin Blackwell | |
| Name: | Caitlin Blackwell | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 5 N. Cambridge Ave. | |
| Ventnor, NJ 08406 | ||
| Email: | cateblackwell3@gmail.com | |
| ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | ||
| LENDER: | ||
| GROWN ROGUE UNLIMITED, LLC, | ||
| an Oregon limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | |
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 550 Airport Road | |
| Medford, OR 97501 | ||
| Email: | obie@grownrogue.com | |
| CMB INVESTCO 609 LLC, | GARDEN STATE GOLD 609 LLC, | |||
| a New Jersey limited liability company | a New Jersey limited liability company | |||
| By: | /s/ Caitlin Blackwell | By: | /s/ Ashley Bohan | |
| Name: | Caitlin Blackwell | Name: | Ashley Bohan | |
| Title: | Manager | Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 5 N. Cambridge Ave. | Address: | 5510 West Ave Long Beach | |
| Ventnor, NJ 08406 | ||||
| Email: | cateblackwell3@gmail.com | Email: | ashleybohan@yahoo.com | |
[Signature Page of Secured Draw Down Promissory Note]
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| IRON FLAG, LLC, | ||
| a Iron Flag limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ Quinn Blackwell | |
| Name: | Quinn Blackwell | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 417 Catharine St | |
| Email: | quinn@abcocompanies.com | |
[Signature Page of Secured Draw Down Promissory Note]
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Exhibit A
ADVANCES
A-1
Exhibit B
COLLATERAL
Description:
All assets of Borrower (unless prohibited by applicable law) including, without limitation:
| (1) | all inventories and merchandise, including without limitation raw materials, work in process, finished products, goods in transit, materials used or consumed in the manufacture or production thereof, all packing materials, supplies and containers relating to or used in connection with the foregoing, all goods in which Borrower has an interest in mass or an interest or right as a consignee and all goods which are returned to or repossessed by Borrower, whether used or consumed in Borrower’s business, held for sale or lease, furnished under service contracts, or otherwise, and all bills of lading, warehouse receipts, documents of title or general intangibles relating to any of the foregoing; |
| (2) | all goods, farm products, equipment, machinery, tooling, molds, dies, furniture, fixtures (whether or not attached to real property), furnishings, trade fixtures, motor vehicles and rolling stock, materials and parts and all other tangible personal property; |
| (3) | all rights to the payment of money or other form of consideration, accounts, notes, accounts receivable, drafts, documents, chattel paper, choses in action, undertakings, surety bonds, insurance policies, acceptances and all other forms of claims, demands, instruments and receivables, together with all guarantees, security agreements, leases and rights and interests securing the same and all right, title and interest of Borrower in the merchandise which gave or shall give rise thereto, including the right of stoppage in transit, repossession and resale; |
| (4) | all agreements, contracts, credits, letters of credit, security agreements, indentures, purchase and sale orders, warranty rights and contract rights of any nature, whether written or oral, and all consents or other authorizations relating thereto, to the extent assignable; |
| (5) | all licenses, permits, franchises, certificates and other governmental authorizations and approvals of any nature whatsoever, to the extent assignable; |
| (6) | all deposit accounts, including without limitation, all demand, time, savings, passbook, custodial, safekeeping, escrow or like accounts maintained by Borrower with any bank, savings and loan association, credit union or like organization, and all money, cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, deposits and prepayments of Borrower in any such deposit account (all of the foregoing being deemed to be in any such account as soon as the same is put in transit to such account by mail or other courier); |
| (7) | all trademarks, trade names, trade styles, and service marks (and all prints and labels on which any of the foregoing appear), designs, letters patent of the United States or any other country, other general intangibles, and all registrations, recordings, reissues, extensions, renewals, continuations, continuations-in-part and licenses thereof (including applications for registration and recording); |
| (8) | all other proprietary rights and confidential information, technology, processes, trade secrets, computer programs, source codes, software, customer lists, sales literature and catalogues, price lists, subscriber information, formulae, goodwill and all applications and registrations relating to any of the foregoing; |
| (9) | all real property, leases, easements, rights-of-way and other interests in real property; |
B-1
| (10) | all stocks, bonds, debentures, securities, subscription rights, options, warrants, puts, calls, certificates, partnership interests, joint venture interests, investments and/or brokerage accounts and all rights, preferences, privileges, dividends, distributions, redemption payments or liquidation payments with respect thereto; |
| (11) | all files, correspondence, books and records of Borrower, including without limitation, books of account and ledgers of every kind and nature, all electronically recorded data relating to the Collateral, Borrower or the business thereof, all computer programs, tapes, discs and data processing software containing the same, and all receptacles and containers for such records; |
| (12) | all other goods, accounts, general intangibles, documents, instruments, rights, interests and properties of every kind and description, tangible or intangible, real or personal; |
| (13) | all rights, remedies, powers and/or privileges of Borrower with respect to any of the foregoing; and |
| (14) | all proceeds, replacements, products, additions, accessions and substitutions of any of the foregoing. |
B-2
Exhibit 4.52
THIS INSTRUMENT AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE PURSUANT HERETO HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF CERTAIN STATES. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.
CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
| $1,050,000 | October 17, 2024 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ABCO Garden State, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Borrower”), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, or its assigns (“Lender,” and together with Borrower, each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties ”), at Lender’s address set forth on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as may be designated in writing by Lender in accordance with the terms of this Convertible Promissory Note (“ Note”), the aggregate of all amounts Lender has disbursed to Borrower pursuant to Section 1 hereof up to the principal amount of One Million and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,050,000) (the “Maximum Amount”) as further described herein.
1. Use of Funds; Advances.
(a) Borrower shall solely use the funds borrowed hereunder to fund the construction and operating expenses of a cannabis cultivation facility located in West Deptford, New Jersey and leased by Borrower pursuant to that certain lease between the Borrower and FIVF-III-NJ1, LLC, dated on, or around, June 1, 2023.
(b) Subject to the terms hereof, commencing on the date hereof, and prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the Maturity Date (as defined below) or (ii) an Event of Default (as defined below), Lender shall make the Maximum Amount available to Borrower in advances to be made in increments of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) (each, an “Advance”) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Maximum Amount in accordance with the terms set forth herein, with each Advance and repayment thereof to be listed on Exhibit A hereto.
(c) Subject to the terms hereof, from time to time, Borrower may provide written notice to Lender (an “Advance Notice”) requesting an Advance from the remaining Maximum Amount, which Advance Notice shall include the amount of the Advance (the “Requested Amount”), the requested date for delivery of the Requested Amount which date shall be no earlier than five (5) Business Days (as defined below) after delivery of the Advance Notice to Lender (the “Delivery Date”). Upon receipt of the Advance Notice, Lender shall pay and deliver to Borrower an Advance in the amount of the Requested Amount on or about the Delivery Date by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Borrower.
2. Interest. Interest on the outstanding principal borrowed hereunder shall accrue at a rate of 15.0% per annum, simple interest, calculated on the basis of a 360 day year for the actual number of days elapsed (the “Applicable Rate”) commencing, with respect to each Advance, on the date such Advance is disbursed to Borrower and, subject to the terms hereof, with respect to each Advance, accruing until the date that such Advance together with all accrued interest thereon and other amounts due and payable in connection therewith are paid in full or Lender exercises its Conversion Right (as defined below), whichever is earlier.
3. Payment; Maturity Date. Unless previously converted in accordance with Section 4 or prepaid in accordance with Section 5, subject to Lender’s right to accelerate payment pursuant to Section 6 following an Event of Default, Borrower shall repay all Advances together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon on the date that is thirty-six (36) months from the date of this Note (as may be extended from time to time, the “Maturity Date”). All payments by Borrower hereunder shall be applied first to accrued interest and thereafter to principal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the “CRC”) has not provided Lender its approval to exercise Lender’s option to acquire up to a total of 70% of the issued and outstanding equity of Borrower (“CRC Approval ”), as described in that certain Second Option Agreement (the “Second Option Agreement”), dated as of October 3, 2023, by and between Lender and Borrower, before the Maturity Date, then Lender shall extend the Maturity Date by twelve (12) months (the “First Extension”). If Lender has not received CRC Approval by the end of the First Extension, Lender shall extend the Maturity Date by an additional twelve (12) months (the “Second Extension”). If Lender has not received CRC Approval by the end of the Second Extension, then, upon written notice to Borrower, Lender shall have the right and option to demand that Borrower repay to Lender all outstanding principal together with all accrued and unpaid interest on or before the date that is ten (10) days after the expiration of the Second Extension. If any payment is due on a day other than a Business Day, all such amounts shall be due and payable on the next succeeding Business Day, together with interest up to but not including such next succeeding Business Day. For purposes hereof, “ Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the State of New Jersey are authorized or required by law to close.
4. Conversion.
(a) Conversion Right. Upon Lender’s receipt of written notification of the CRC Approval, by delivering written notice thereof to Borrower, Lender shall have the right and option (the “Conversion Right”), but not the obligation, to convert all or part of the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest borrowed hereunder into voting stock of Borrower equal to one percent (1%) of the equity of Borrower on a fully-diluted basis per $28,571.43 of principal together with all accrued and unpaid interest under this Note (the “Conversion Equity”).
(b) Cancellation. After all unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest due and owing under this Note has been indefeasibly paid in full or converted into Conversion Equity, Lender shall surrender this Note to the Borrower for cancellation.
5. Prepayment. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Note is being executed and delivered in conjunction with that certain Convertible Promissory Note (the “Other Note”), of even date herewith, by Borrower in favor of ABCO Holdings, Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation (“ABCOHO”). Except as otherwise set forth herein, Borrower may not prepay any amount of principal or interest hereunder without the prior written consent of Lender; provided, that, notwithstanding Lender’s consent, Borrower shall not make any prepayment hereunder unless Borrower concurrently makes a prepayment to ABCOHO under the Other Note on a pari passu basis in an amount equal to the product of the outstanding principal amount of the Other Note and a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the prepayment hereunder and the denominator of which is the outstanding principal amount hereunder.
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6. Event of Default; Remedies.
(a) Notwithstanding receipt of any Advance Notice hereunder, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default (as defined below), (i) no Advances shall be made thereafter, and (ii) at the option of Lender exercised by written notice to Borrower, the entire unpaid principal balance, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all other amounts and payments due in connection therewith, shall become immediately due and payable.
(b) At the option of Lender, this Note (comprising the aggregate of all Advances made to such date together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts due hereunder) shall become due and payable, without notice or demand, upon the occurrence at any time of any of the following (each, an “Event of Default”): (i) Borrower commences any proceeding in bankruptcy or for dissolution, liquidation, winding-up, composition or other relief under state or federal bankruptcy laws; (ii) such proceedings are commenced against Borrower, or a receiver or trustee is appointed for Borrower on a substantial part of its property, and such proceeding or appointment is not dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after its commencement; provided, that all interest shall continue to accrue as set forth above until all amounts owed under this Note are paid in full; (iii) the admission by Borrower of its inability to pay its debts as they mature, or any assignment for the benefit of the creditors of Borrower; or (iv) if any payment due hereunder is not made within five (5) Business Days after the date such payment is due.
(c) Notwithstanding anything set forth herein or otherwise including, without limitation, Section 7.1 of that certain Stockholders’ Agreement (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”), by and among Lender, CMB INVESTCO 609, LLC (“ CMB”), and GARDEN STATE GOLD 609 LLC (“GSG”), Borrower agrees that no Cash Available for Distribution (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement) shall be distributed to CMB or GSG unless and until all amounts due and owing under this Note have been paid in full or the Note has been converted to equity in accordance with Section 4.
(d) The rights and remedies of Lender provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law, in equity, by contract or otherwise.
7. Default Interest; Usury. Notwithstanding whether Lender pursues or does not pursue any remedy hereunder, if any amount payable hereunder is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest at the Applicable Rate plus five percent (5%) from the date of such non-payment until such amount is paid in full. If at any time and for any reason whatsoever, the interest rate payable hereunder shall exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by Lender to Borrower under applicable law, the portion of each sum paid attributable to that portion of such interest rate that exceeds the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law shall be deemed a voluntary prepayment of principal.
8. Subordination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise, the entire indebtedness evidenced by this Note (including all principal, interest and expenses) is subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment of all obligations and liabilities under the following notes (collectively, the “Superior Notes”): (i) that certain Secured Drawdown Promissory Note, dated as of October 3, 2023, by Borrower in favor of Lender; (ii) that certain Promissory Note, dated as of June 2, 2024, by Borrower in favor of Lender; and (iii) that certain Secured Promissory Note, dated as of June 24, 2024, by Borrower in favor of Lender, and no payment hereunder (whether of principal, interest, or otherwise) may be made unless and until all amounts due and owing to Lender under the Superior Notes (including all principal, interest and expenses) have been paid in full.
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9. Waivers. Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) waives presentment, demand for performance, notice of non-performance, protest, notice of protest and notice of dishonor and all other protests or notices to the full extent permitted by applicable law; (b) waives any right Borrower may have to require Lender to proceed against any person or entity including without limitation any endorser or guarantor of the Note (or file a claim in any bankruptcy, probate, or other proceeding affecting such a person or entity) or proceed against any person or entity in any particular order; and (c) waives the right to assert a defense to any action by Lender to enforce its rights under the Note. No waiver by Lender of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by Lender. No waiver by Lender shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after such waiver. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Note shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
10. Attorneys’ Fees and Costs of Collection. If all principal and interest under this Note is not paid when due, Borrower agrees to pay all costs and expenses of collection, including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, court costs, costs in connection with all negotiations, documentation and other actions relating to any work-out, compromise, settlement or resolution in connection herewith and all costs and expenses in connection with the protection or realization of the Collateral; provided, however, if the resolution of a dispute under Section 17 is partially in favor of both Parties, then the Parties will each pay a pro rata portion of the costs and expenses based upon such partial award.
11. Governing Law. This Note is governed by and will be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule. Borrower agrees and acknowledges that they are not making, will not make, nor shall be deemed to make or have made, any representation or warranty of any kind regarding the compliance of this Note with any Federal Cannabis Laws (as defined below). Borrower shall not have any right of rescission, to declare a breach or amendment arising out of or relating to any non-compliance with Federal Cannabis Laws unless such non-compliance also constitutes a violation of applicable state law. “Federal Cannabis Laws” means any U.S. federal laws, civil, criminal or otherwise, as such relate, either directly or indirectly, to the cultivation, harvesting, production, distribution, sale or possession of cannabis, marijuana or related substances or products containing or relating to the same, including, without limitation, the prohibition on drug trafficking under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a), et seq., the conspiracy statute under 18 U.S.C. § 846, the bar against aiding and abetting the conduct of an offense under 18 U.S.C. § 2, the bar against misprision of a felony (concealing another’s felonious conduct) under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the bar against being an accessory after the fact to criminal conduct under 18 U.S.C. § 3, and federal money laundering statutes under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957, and 1960, and the regulations and rules promulgated under any of the foregoing. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, subject to applicable law, upon Lender’s request, any rights or remedies of Lender hereunder may be delayed or postponed in order to ensure compliance with applicable law, including without limitation, obtaining the approval of the CRC with respect to any remedy, as applicable.
12. Successors and Assigns. This Note may be assigned or transferred by Lender to any person or entity. Borrower may not assign or transfer this Note or any of their rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the holder hereof. This Note shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Parties and their permitted assigns.
13. Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); or (c) on the date sent by e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient. Such communications must be sent to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth on the signature page hereof (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 13).
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14. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Note may be modified or amended only in a writing executed by Borrower and Lender. Any waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.
15. Severability. In the event any applicable law or order renders a Party’s performance of its obligations hereunder illegal, improper, or impracticable (including any ruling by the CRC that the transactions contemplated by this Note violate New Jersey law), or that the transactions contemplated by this Note will or may cause any license of Borrower, if issued, to be terminated, suspended, non-renewed, or otherwise impaired in any way, the Parties will promptly meet and confer in good faith and attempt to amend this Note into such form as will cause the Parties relationship to comply with the CRC and all other state or local legal requirements, and otherwise prevent any license of Borrower or other registrations or certificates from being subject to termination, suspension, non-renewal, or other impairment. Notwithstanding the above, if a provision of this Note is determined to be unenforceable in any respect, the enforceability of the provision in any other respect and of the remaining provisions of this Note will not be impaired.
16. Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations of Borrower under this Note. Whenever a period of time is herein prescribed for action to be taken by either Party, such Party shall not be in default or incur any liability to the other Party for any losses or damages of any nature for any failure or delay in the performance of their obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, epidemics/pandemics (including COVID-19); quarantines; governmental declaration(s) of emergency; closings of or delays in related government and business services such as land records, lenders and title/escrow, strikes, riots, acts of God, war or any other causes of any kind which are beyond the reasonable control of such Party; provided, that such failure or delay (i) is not caused by the non-performing Party, and (ii) could not have been prevented by reasonable precautions and cannot reasonably be circumvented by the non-performing Party through the use of alternative sources, work-around plans or other means; provided that the non-performing Party shall be excused from its non-performance of affected obligations only for so long as such circumstances prevail and such Party continues to attempt to recommence performance whenever and to whatever extent possible without delay. Any Party so delayed in its performance will immediately notify the other Parties and describe in reasonable detail the circumstances causing such failure or delay.
17. Dispute Resolution; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) In the event of any dispute or disagreement between the Parties as to the interpretation of any provision of this Note, the Parties shall promptly meet in a good faith effort to resolve the dispute or disagreement. If the Parties do not resolve such dispute or disagreement within thirty (30) calendar days, each Party shall be free to exercise the remedies available to it specifically provided by this Note.
(b) The Parties agree that jurisdiction and venue in any action brought by any Party pursuant to this Note shall properly and exclusively lie in any state court located in the State of New Jersey, County of Gloucester. By execution and delivery of this Note, each Party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts for itself and in respect of its property with respect to such action. The Parties irrevocably agree that venue would be proper in any such court, and hereby waive any objection that any such court is an improper or inconvenient forum for the resolution of such action. The Parties further agree that the mailing by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of any process required by any such court shall constitute valid and lawful service of process against them, without necessity for service by any other means provided by statute or rule of court.
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(c) THE PARTIES WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING UNDER THIS NOTE OR ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY INITIATES SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING.
18. Interpretation. This Agreement may be executed and delivered in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not part of the substance of this Agreement. Whenever used in this Agreement the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, and the use of any gender shall include all genders and the neuter, whenever appropriate. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any individual or entity other than the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligation or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement. No provision of this document is to be interpreted for or against any Party because that Party or Party’s legal representative drafted it. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or electronic mail, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.
19. Mutilation, Destruction, Loss, or Reissuance.
(a) Mutilation. This Note, if mutilated, may be surrendered and thereupon Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender in exchange for a new original Note of like tenor and principal amount within a reasonable period of time thereafter.
(b) Destruction, Loss, Etc. If there is delivered to Borrower (i) evidence of the destruction, loss, or theft of this Note and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by it to save it harmless, then, in the absence of notice to Borrower that this Note has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, Borrower shall execute and deliver in lieu of such destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a new Note of like tenor and principal amount.
(c) New Note. Every new Note issued in accordance with Section 19(b) hereof in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original contractual obligation of Borrower, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of the initial Note issued.
(d) Reissuance. This Note may be surrendered and thereupon Borrower shall execute and deliver in exchange therefor, within a reasonable period of time after request by Lender, as the holder may direct, new Notes in smaller denominations but of like tenor and in exact principal amount in the aggregate and each new Note shall constitute an original contractual obligation of Borrower and shall be entitled to all the benefits of the initial Note issued.
(e) Additional Sums. On the issuance of any new Note under this Section, Borrower may require Lender to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first set forth above.
| BORROWER: | ||
| ABCO GARDEN STATE LLC, | ||
| a New Jersey limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ Caitlin Blackwell | |
| Name: | Caitlin Blackwell | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 5 N. Cambridge Ave. | |
| Ventnor, NJ 08406 | ||
| Email: | cateblackwell3@gmail.com | |
| ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | ||
| LENDER: | ||
| GROWN ROGUE UNLIMITED, LLC, | ||
| an Oregon limited liability company | ||
| By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler | |
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | |
| Title: | Manager | |
| Address: | 550 Airport Road | |
| Medford, OR 97501 | ||
| Email: | obie@grownrogue.com | |
[Signature Page of Convertible Promissory Note]
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EXHIBIT A
Advances
A-1
EXHIBIT 8.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF GROWN ROGUE INTERNATIONAL INC. AT DECEMBER 31, 2024
| Entity | Location | Purpose | Percentage Held | |||
| Grown Rogue International Inc. | Ontario | Parent Company | NA | |||
| Grown Rogue Unlimited, LLC | Oregon | Holding Company | 100% | |||
| Grown Rogue Gardens, LLC | Oregon | Operating Entity | 100% | |||
| GRU Properties, LLC | Oregon | Property Management | 100% | |||
| GRIP, LLC | Oregon | Marketing/Branding | 100% | |||
| Grown Rogue Distribution, LLC | Oregon | Operating Entity | 100% | |||
| Rogue EBC, LLC | Illinois | Operating Entity | 70% | |||
| Cannequality, LLC | Illinois | Licensing Company | 70%* | |||
| GR Michigan, LLC | Michigan | Licensing Company | 87% | |||
| Canopy Management, LLC | Michigan | Holding Company | 100% | |||
| Golden Harvests, LLC | Michigan | Operating Entity | 80% | |||
| Grown Rogue Retail Ventures, LLC | Delaware | Holding Company | 100% | |||
| Grown Rogue West New York, LLC | New Jersey | Holding Company | 44%** |
| * | The Company consolidated 70% of Rogue EBC, LLC’s business activity under International Financial Reporting Standards 11 – Joint Arrangements. Cannequality, LLC is wholly owned by Rogue EBC, LLC, in which Cannequality, LLC is the legal entity that holds the acquired cannabis license for Rogue EBC, LLC’s joint arrangement operations. When regulatory milestones are achieved, the Company plans to dissolve Cannequality, LLC. |
| ** | The Company, through its subsidiary, Grown Rogue Retail Ventures, LLC, invested $806,250 in the equity of Grown Rogue West New York, LLC. Grown Rogue West New York, LLC is a lender to a retail business in New Jersey. |
EXHIBIT 12.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, J. Obie Strickler, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Report on Form 20-F of Grown Rogue International Inc. |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Date: April 29, 2025 | By: | /s/ J. Obie Strickler |
| J. Obie Strickler | ||
| President & Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 12.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Andrew Marchington, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Report on Form 20-F of Grown Rogue International Inc. |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Date: April 29, 2025 | By: | /s/ Andrew Marchington |
| Andrew Marchington | ||
| Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report of Grown Rogue International Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the two months ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, J. Obie Strickler, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that;
| (1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (2) | The information contained in the Transition Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
| /s/ J. Obie Strickler | ||
| Name: | J. Obie Strickler | |
| Title: | President & Chief Executive Officer | |
Date: April 29, 2025
EXHIBIT 13.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report of Grown Rogue International Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the two months ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Andrew Marchington, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that;
| (1) | The Transition Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
| /s/ Andrew Marchington | ||
| Name: | Andrew Marchington | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
Date: April 29, 2025