Debra Borchardt
One day after announcing it had terminated its deal to acquire Verano Holdings, Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. (CSE: HARV, OTCQX: HRVSF) has now said it is going to buy Franklin Labs, LLC, a subsidiary of CannaPharmacy, for approximately $25.5 million payable with $15.5 million in cash and a $10 million promissory note.
Harvest Health stock fell over 16% to 94 cents yesterday on the news that the deal with Verano had been terminated. This was despite the broader markets trading much higher as shareholders were clearly not happy about the ending of the deal. Eight Capital looks to have cut its target price on the stock from C$14 to C$3. The Canadian stock was lately trading at C$1.32.
The Franklin Labs acquisition includes a 46,800 sq. ft. cultivation and manufacturing/processing facility in Reading, Pennsylvania. Pending necessary approvals, Harvest said it expects to expand the existing cultivation operation this year and potentially complete further expansion in the future to support market growth. Manufacturing and processing operations are projected to commence this year during the second quarter. The Franklin Labs facility is the only cultivation facility owned by Harvest in Pennsylvania and is expected to supply significant product to retail dispensaries across the state.
“This accretive acquisition helps to alleviate supply constraints in a fast-growing market while contributing to improved financial performance,” said Harvest CEO Steve White. “This investment in Pennsylvania is an important milestone in our plan to expand operations in key states and return to profitability.”
Harvest affiliated entities own and operate five retail dispensaries in Pennsylvania: two in Reading, and one each in Harrisburg, Johnstown, and Scranton. Harvest affiliated entities are permitted for up to 15 total retail locations across the state.
Have A Heart Layoffs
Apparently Harvest Health did not “have a heart” when it came to the employees of the Have A Heart dispensaries. The company recently announced that it would be getting these dispensaries as part of its acquisition of ICG. At the time White said, “We are excited to welcome the Have a Heart dispensaries into the Harvest family.”
Not too excited it seems. Employees said that within days, Harvest laid off 85% of the Have a Heart‘s corporate office in Seattle or roughly 20 people in total. Employees were said to have been given 2 week’s severance pay. The employees did not see the layoffs coming as it seems they were assured their jobs were safe following the acquisition.
