BOCA RATON, Oct. 10, 2018 - PRESS RELEASE - Stem Holdings Inc. has announced the execution of definitive agreements for the acquisition of Yerba Buena, signed Oct. 8, 2018, an award-winning Oregon cannabis brand, pending Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s (OLCC) approval.
Under the terms of the agreement, Stem will acquire from Yerba Buena all the assets comprising Yerba Buena's business and assume the related liabilities. The consideration to be paid by Stem includes: (i) US$350,000 in cash payable on closing; (ii) a US$400,000 non-negotiable promissory note (iii) US$3.86 million in common share of Stem to be issued in two tranches, with US$1.58 million to be issued on closing at the then prevailing market price and US$2.28 million to be issued in June 2019 at the then prevailing market price. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in January 2019 and is subject to regulatory approvals.
The 29-acre Yerba Buena property, located in Hillsboro, Ore., features state-of-the-art LED lighting and 9,000 square feet of indoor cultivation canopy. At full production, the cultivation facility can produce 4,000 pounds of clean cannabis annually. Yerba Buena has also developed an advanced, in-house genetics program that has generated a cannabis seed stock collection of a few hundred strains.
“Oregon is home to one of the most competitive cannabis markets in the country. Yerba Buena’s success in the Pacific Northwest demonstrates their ability to strongly execute large-scale cultivation operations while maintaining a consistent, high-quality product,” said Stem’s CEO Adam Berk.
Upon OLCC approval, the acquisition of Yerba Buena directly supports Stem’s plans for nationwide expansion. While Stem’s operational affiliates have developed partnerships with a number of widely recognized cannabis brands and licensees across the country, the acquisition of Yerba Buena solidifies Stem’s commitment to providing shareholder value through strategic mergers and acquisitions within the cannabis space.
“This transaction with Stem is an opportunity for Yerba Buena’s cannabis to reach more consumers in Oregon while promoting our platform of sustainable and progressive labor practices on a broader scale,” said Preston Greene, general manager of Yerba Buena.
“Stem shares our mission, as we look forward to setting the industry standard for best business practices and sustainable cannabis products achieving the ultimate goal of creating a multi-national footprint,” said Laura Day, director of operations.
Yerba Buena is widely recognized as a cannabis industry leader in stewardship and cultivation. Led by its management team of respected industry experts and composed of a first-in-class staff, Yerba Buena is one of the only cannabis farms in the country to hold both Clean Green and Certified Kind responsible agriculture credentials. Yerba Buena delivers naturally-grown products that have garnered numerous industry awards including, the Best Indoor Grow by the Dope Industry Awards, Best Cannabis Farm in Portland two years running, Best Sativa at the Oregon Dope Cup, and Best CBD strain at the Cultivation Classic.
Yerba Buena has also been honored for their exemplary workplace practices. Its cultivation facility was the first cannabis company to ever receive the 100 Best Green Companies award by Oregon Business Magazine, winning in both 2017 and 2018, placing 9th and then 6th respectively across all industries. Yerba Buena is committed to building a diverse workforce as women make up half of the business’s employee base, as well as people of diversity comprise a third of the staff.
“As we continue to expand into other states and markets, partnering with experienced leaders holding similar values as Stem is key to our success,” said Berk. “Together, we will continue to build one of the country’s most prosperous and sustainable cannabis cultivation brands.”