Fact:
Diageo launches and prices three-tranche €2 billion of fixed rate Euro denominated bonds
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has launched and priced €2 billion of fixed rate Euro denominated bonds under its European Debt Issuance Programme. The issuer of the bonds will be Diageo Finance plc, with payment of principal and interest fully guaranteed by Diageo plc.
The issue consists of €900 million bonds due October 2021 with a coupon of 0.250%; €600 million bonds due April 2025 with a coupon of 1.000%; and €500 million bonds due October 2027 with a coupon of 1.500%. Proceeds from this issuance will be used for general corporate purposes.
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, HSBC Bank plc, Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and NatWest Markets Plc are joint book-running managers.
Fact:
Aphria (APH:CN) (APHQF) PT Raised to Cdn$32 at Clarus Securities; Potential Major Catalyst Coming October 15, 2018 9:33 AM EDT Send to a Friend Clarus Securities analyst Noel Atkinson raised the price target on Aphria (APH:CN) (OTC: APHQF) to Cdn$32.00 (from Cdn$31.00) while
Fact:
Clarus was the lead underwriter back in June and raised $230 Million for Aphria...they are privy to insider knowledge.
| Broker Positions for C:APH Broker #24 from 20180916 to 20181016 |
| Date | Bought | $Val | Ave | Sold | $Val | Ave | Net | Position | $Net | $Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20180919 | 47,600 | 1,004,454 | 21.102 | 0 | 47,600 | 47,600 | -1,004,454 | -1,004,454 | ||
| 20180920 | 0 | 4,215 | 83,119 | 19.72 | -4,215 | 43,385 | 83,119 | -921,335 | ||
| 20180927 | 525,900 | 9,465,114 | 17.998 | 500,000 | 9,000,000 | 18.00 | 25,900 | 69,285 | -465,114 | -1,386,449 |
| 20181002 | 0 | 5,000 | 80,000 | 16.00 | -5,000 | 64,285 | 80,000 | -1,306,449 | ||
| 20181005 | 2,500 | 41,592 | 16.637 | 0 | 2,500 | 66,785 | -41,592 | -1,348,041 | ||
| 20181010 | 145,900 | 2,910,316 | 19.947 | 0 | 145,900 | 212,685 | -2,910,316 | -4,258,357 | ||
| 20181011 | 200,300 | 4,018,742 | 20.064 | 0 | 200,300 | 412,985 | -4,018,742 | -8,277,099 | ||
| 20181016 | 155,600 | 3,185,588 | 20.473 | 0 | 155,600 | 568,585 | -3,185,588 | -11,462,687 | ||
| TOTAL | 1,077,800 | 20,625,806 | 19.137 | 509,215 | 9,163,119 | 17.995 | 568,585 | -11,462,687 | ||
They KNOW that a BIG DEAL IS PENDING Clarus invested Fact: $11,462,687 into Aphria . When your lead underwriter invests they are putting the money where they see a BIG win soon. HOLD ON DON'T SELL
Fact:
Aphria (TSE:APH) has been assigned a C$31.00 price objective by Bryan, Garnier & Co in a report issued on Sunday. The brokerage presently has a “buy” rating on the stock. Bryan, Garnier & Co’s target price suggests a potential upside of 62.22% from the company’s previous close.
Separately, Canaccord Genuity reduced their price target on shares of Aphria from C$25.50 to C$24.50 Source
Fact:
Aphria is growing so fast that it can’t wait for public utility Hydro One to keep pace — the company is building its own on-site power plant capable of generating enough energy to power a small town.
“Every morning, I look at what we’re doing and I ask myself: ‘What happened?’” Cole Cacciavillani, Aphria’s co-founder and vice-president of infrastructure and technology, told the Windsor Star on a recent tour. Source Windsor Star
Fact:
Aphria has 2 TOP Executives From Diageo
Fact:
Friday, November 2, 2018 shareholders will be asked to have Tom and others on the board of directors...Why?Aphria would NOT do this if they didn't have a deal with Diageo.
Fact:
Fact:
Alcohol and Cannabis First
Then The Tobacco Companies Will Be Bidding MUCH HIGHER
Fact:
Tilray has $20 Million Annual Sales ZERO Profits
Tilray has $20 Million Annual Sales ZERO Profits
Tilray sold the equivalent of 1,299 kilos of weed in the first quarter 2018 while growing in Canada and Europe.
Tilray TLRY, +12.39% which filed for its initial public offering in June 2018, priced its IPO at $17 a share, raising $153 million. But It Went Nuts!!!!
IPO July = $17.00
52-wk high $300.00
Close:Friday Oct 12 $148.30
USA traders love to make money so they will continue to play the MJ stocks ...Aphria will get its turn to run wild after going to the NYSE
Treasure Picks Future Thoughts And Long Bets
- Giant Tobacco Visits Aphria- Globe And Mail Reports
- Aphria has a handshake deal with Diageo + 2 Exec's
- Anonymous is holding down Aphria until deal done
- Why? To Keep Closing Price Of Merger In Fair Value
- Diageo invests 5 Billion + Into Aphria
- Diageo pays $17.75 x 1.35%=$23.96+ per share
- Shares Run Through $30.00 and Shorts Hammer It
- Aphria Best Stock To Manipulate
- Why? fundamentals a real company soon 25,000 KG/mth
- Aphria Is Going To Double Or Triple from $19.10
- Aphria will UPLIST the US-OTC to The NYSE
- The stock has a $30-$50.00 potential Deal YEAR 1
- BUT MAYBE MORE LOOK AT TILRAY
Fact:
Anonymous nets $148,118,764 1 month
BTW Anonymous LOVES Aphria and will continue to play APH on both sides of the border. This Casino continues
Anonymous nets $148,118,764 1 month
BTW Anonymous LOVES Aphria and will continue to play APH on both sides of the border. This Casino continues
Fact:
| TOTAL | 65,436,587 | 1,230,386,123 | 18.803 | 74,005,145 | 1,378,504,887 | 18.627 | -8,568,558 | $ Anonymous Net 148,118,764 |
| Broker Positions for C:APH Broker #1 from 20180917 to 20181012 |
| Date | Bought | $Val | Ave | Sold | $Val | Ave | Net | Position | $Net | $Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20180917 | 3,133,244 | 61,537,741 | 19.64 | 3,596,848 | 70,614,713 | 19.632 | -463,604 | -463,604 | 9,076,972 | 9,076,972 |
| 20180918 | 4,037,948 | 82,784,225 | 20.502 | 3,767,205 | 77,165,502 | 20.483 | 270,743 | -192,861 | -5,618,723 | 3,458,249 |
| 20180919 | 5,352,235 | 109,569,260 | 20.472 | 5,522,772 | 113,448,736 | 20.542 | -170,537 | -363,398 | 3,879,476 | 7,337,725 |
| 20180920 | 3,803,386 | 74,053,653 | 19.47 | 3,738,956 | 72,736,967 | 19.454 | 64,430 | -298,968 | -1,316,686 | 6,021,039 |
| 20180921 | 2,700,876 | 52,312,516 | 19.369 | 3,189,965 | 61,865,137 | 19.394 | -489,089 | -788,057 | 9,552,621 | 15,573,660 |
| 20180924 | 2,509,981 | 49,893,204 | 19.878 | 2,330,834 | 46,329,456 | 19.877 | 179,147 | -608,910 | -3,563,748 | 12,009,912 |
| 20180925 | 2,784,076 | 55,708,400 | 20.01 | 3,250,926 | 64,955,415 | 19.981 | -466,850 | -1,075,760 | 9,247,015 | 21,256,927 |
| 20180926 | 3,181,360 | 61,179,112 | 19.23 | 3,051,129 | 58,544,799 | 19.188 | 130,231 | -945,529 | -2,634,313 | 18,622,614 |
| 20180927 | 3,376,045 | 61,718,973 | 18.281 | 3,868,273 | 70,590,597 | 18.249 | -492,228 | -1,437,757 | 8,871,624 | 27,494,238 |
| 20180928 | 2,828,081 | 51,183,229 | 18.098 | 3,952,753 | 71,431,007 | 18.071 | -1,124,672 | -2,562,429 | 20,247,778 | 47,742,016 |
| 20181001 | 2,308,940 | 41,503,227 | 17.975 | 3,719,215 | 67,024,877 | 18.021 | -1,410,275 | -3,972,704 | 25,521,650 | 73,263,666 |
| 20181002 | 3,639,978 | 60,043,431 | 16.496 | 5,658,019 | 93,262,470 | 16.483 | -2,018,041 | -5,990,745 | 33,219,039 | 106,482,705 |
| 20181003 | 3,530,150 | 59,338,806 | 16.809 | 4,796,162 | 80,676,300 | 16.821 | -1,266,012 | -7,256,757 | 21,337,494 | 127,820,199 |
| 20181004 | 2,513,640 | 41,688,279 | 16.585 | 3,103,006 | 51,474,282 | 16.589 | -589,366 | -7,846,123 | 9,786,003 | 137,606,202 |
| 20181005 | 2,106,473 | 34,375,570 | 16.319 | 2,807,097 | 45,762,360 | 16.302 | -700,624 | -8,546,747 | 11,386,790 | 148,992,992 |
| 20181009 | 2,976,445 | 51,265,813 | 17.224 | 3,265,702 | 56,142,224 | 17.191 | -289,257 | -8,836,004 | 4,876,411 | 153,869,403 |
| 20181010 | 6,556,099 | 123,232,617 | 18.797 | 6,228,588 | 116,514,826 | 18.706 | 327,511 | -8,508,493 | -6,717,791 | 147,151,612 |
| 20181011 | 5,304,689 | 104,563,502 | 19.712 | 4,930,706 | 97,152,583 | 19.704 | 373,983 | -8,134,510 | -7,410,919 | 139,740,693 |
| 20181012 | 2,792,941 | 54,434,565 | 19.49 | 3,226,989 | 62,812,636 | 19.465 | -434,048 | -8,568,558 | 8,378,071 | 148,118,764 |
| TOTAL | 65,436,587 | 1,230,386,123 | 18.803 | 74,005,145 | 1,378,504,887 | 18.627 | -8,568,558 | 148,118,764 |
Fact:
DiaGeo Investment Potential?
Fact:Vic Will Make You Rich If You Play This Properly
Aphria Vic Neufeld CEO The Accountant
And then there is Nuuvera Inc. / Notably, Nuuvera’s focus is outside the U.S., from which Aphria has been backing away. In February, it began to sell its interest in U.S. cannabis player Liberty Health Sciences Inc., after the TMX Group said it would not permit TSX-listed cannabis companies to operate south of the border.
In August 2017, it agreed to supply Nuuvera with 17,000 kilograms of cannabis annually, as part of a complicated deal that saw Aphria invest $2 million in Nuuvera and agree to sell the company land in Leamington, Ont. It also agreed to help build and run Nuuvera’s greenhouses in return for a payment of $0.10 per gram sold from the facility.
Fact:
Fact:
Vic is what Alcohol and Tobacco companies love +
Aphria Vic Neufeld CEO The Accountant
Vic isn't hype, he is a CEO and an accountant who sold vitamins
YES he screwed up with the Liberty mess...
The relationship between Aphria and Liberty dates back to the formation of Liberty where significant overlap was found in the management and key investors of both companies.
Aphria has devised a plan to temporarily park their Liberty stake in the hands of certain Liberty shareholders due to TSX regulation.
Liberty has licensing and product agreements with Aphria, in addition to significant cross-ownership between the two companies.
We think Aphria will likely buy back its stake in Liberty should the U.S. legalize cannabis federally.
Meanwhile, Liberty will continue to leverage Aphria's resources in executing its U.S. expansion strategy and deliver shareholder value.
Fact:
And then there is Nuuvera Inc. / Notably, Nuuvera’s focus is outside the U.S., from which Aphria has been backing away. In February, it began to sell its interest in U.S. cannabis player Liberty Health Sciences Inc., after the TMX Group said it would not permit TSX-listed cannabis companies to operate south of the border.
To a degree, Aphria is also buying back its own product in the deal.
In August 2017, it agreed to supply Nuuvera with 17,000 kilograms of cannabis annually, as part of a complicated deal that saw Aphria invest $2 million in Nuuvera and agree to sell the company land in Leamington, Ont. It also agreed to help build and run Nuuvera’s greenhouses in return for a payment of $0.10 per gram sold from the facility.
Fact:
TSX smacked his wrist and he sold off Liberty but reserved the right to reactivate the deal in the future.
Fact:
Vic is what Alcohol and Tobacco companies love +
A CEO Who Understands Business and Profit
A Chartered Accountant
A NUMBERS GUY- A BEAN COUNTER
Mr. Victor Neufeld, also known as Vic, CPA, CA, MBA, has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Aphria Inc. since June 3, 2014. Mr. Neufeld served as Chairman of the Board at Scythian Biosciences Corp. since March 2018 until April 24, 2018 and served as its Director since January 15, 2018 until April 24, 2018. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jamieson Laboratories Ltd. until June 2014. He served as a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP.
Fact:
With its $140-million Phase 4 expansion at the original Aphria site underway since August 2017 — a massive 700,000-square-foot high-tech growing area and 230,000 square feet of additional infrastructure set to be completed by January — the company is also in the midst of constructing a separate $120-million cannabis greenhouse growing facility of more than a million square feet at another Leamington location. Also underway is Phase 5 — an $8.5-million, 200,000-square-foot greenhouse on five acres that will be completely dedicated to supplying stock, with new marijuana plants propagated from cuttings of older plants.
THE GLOBE AND MAIL, SOURCE: BLOOMBERG
U.S. tobacco giant Altria Group Inc. is in talks to acquire an equity stake in Canadian cannabis grower Aphria Inc., multiple sources say.
Details of Altria’s proposed investment in Aphria are still being finalized, said the sources, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the talks.
The sources cautioned that it could take time for the two companies to strike a deal and that talks could still fall through.
With a market capitalization of US$119-billion, Virginia-based Altria makes tobacco, cigars and wine. It owns Philip Morris USA, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, and has a significant stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, the world’s largest brewing company.
Meanwhile, Aphria’s market value on Wednesday was $5-billion. Its stock price has doubled since mid-August and was trading at $20.06, up more than 15 per cent on Wednesday after The Globe and Mail published an earlier version of this story online. Its market cap rose about $700-million in the afternoon.
Altria executives have met with Aphria’s leadership team in Leamington on several occasions, the sources said. The most recent in-person discussions took place on Monday, with senior representatives at Altria making the trip from the United States.
Altria spokesman Steven Callahan declined to comment.
Aphria didn’t respond to The Globe’s request for comment, but published a press release later in the day at the request of market regulator Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
“While Aphria engages in discussions with potential strategic partners and/or investors from time to time, the company notes that there is no agreement, understanding or arrangement in place with a potential investor at this time,” Aphria said in its statement.
Big consumer companies are increasingly looking to forge alliances with cannabis growers, which is helping fuel a buying frenzy and driving stock prices higher as Canada prepares for the legalization of recreational marijuana next Wednesday.
Global alcohol giant Constellation Brands Inc. unveiled its plan to boost its stake in Canopy Growth Corp. to a majority position in August after having initially taken a 10-per-cent stake last fall. Molson Coors Brewing Co. has also moved into the cannabis space through a joint venture announced this summer with Quebec-based grower Hexo Corp. Other beverage makers, such as AB InBev, Pernod Ricard SA, Heineken Holding NV, Coca-Cola Co. and Diageo PLC, are among the firms that have been making the rounds with legal cannabis producers, sources have previously told The Globe.
Sources said Altria is pursuing a Constellation-style deal rather than a joint venture in the mould of Molson-Hexo.
Aphria is known for being a low-cost cultivator of marijuana, boasting a cash cost a gram of less than $1. Its production site has been a magnet for corporate visitors who are checking out the cannabis grower, with Aphria hosting tours for a number of beverage and consumer goods companies that want to learn about the cannabis business.
Diageo is among companies that Aphria has talked to recently, sources said. And to underline the interest, Aphria is nominating to its board of directors at its annual meeting on Nov. 2 Tom Looney, the recently retired president of Diageo U.S. spirits and Canada. As well, Aphria’s chief commercial officer, Jakob Ripshtein, is former chief financial officer of Diageo North America and former president of Diageo Canada.
A Diageo spokesperson said it doesn’t comment on speculation, but said “we are monitoring this space closely.”
Meanwhile, Aphria is preparing to seek a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, sources said. As a result, it is adding new independent directors, including Mr. Looney, and expanding its board to nine directors from seven, according to the prospectus for the annual meeting.
Senior executives at Aphria made headlines in March when they didn’t initially disclose that they were personally invested in a company they acquired named Nuuvera Inc. After stories by The Globe, Aphria took steps to improve its corporate governance by adopting a formal policy for how company insiders can invest in other cannabis companies and sit on their boards.
Altria, for its part, is a much larger company. In its last fiscal year to Dec. 31, 2017, Altria recorded US$25.6-billion in net revenue, a slight decline from the last year. And US$22.6-billion of these sales were from smokeable products. It booked US$10-billion in net earnings.
Altria has been making a push to expand beyond conventional cigarettes by introducing products that are seen to be less harmful. Its portfolio of non-combustible products includes smokeless, oral and heated tobacco and e-vapor.
Altria’s stake in Belgium’s AB InBev, which makes popular brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois, is about 10 per cent. In 2017, Altria received more than US$800-million in dividends – thanks to its interest in the company.
Fact:
Tom Looney and Jakob Ripshtein that makes 2 former high Diageo members. Who was more powerful at Diageo?2 Former Diageo US President and Former Diageo Canada President on your team.
These millionaires want to become Billionaires...and they will and there is money to be made for all at this point.
Fact:
Ignore the short traders and the shyte that is cluttering up Stockhouse. Its the scum that hang there to beat down on longs...Facebook has better Aphria support. No Shorts :-)
Click Here For Cannabis Stock Group
Click Here For Aphria Facebook Investors & Join
Click Here For MJ Facebook Investors & Join
Fact :
November 2nd is the annual general meeting to vote. Timing is everything they would need shareholders approval on buying or Joint Venture with Aphria.
22nd September, 2016 News: Effective October 1 2016, Tom Looney will expand his role to include Diageo Canada and National Accounts, adopting the title of president, US Spirits and Diageo Canada.
Looney will take National Accounts duties from Jeff Ivey, who has announced his retirement, while the Diageo Canada business will be transferred to him from Jakob Ripshtein, Diageo North America CFO and president Diageo Canada.
Peter Kourtis will continue to lead the Canada sales organisation as general manager, and will report to Looney.
Ripshtein will continue in his role as CFO for North America, singularly focused on leading the North America Finance function and reporting to Deirdre Mahlan, president, Diageo North America.
“The changes we are announcing today will support our business strategy and productivity goals,” said Mahlan.
“This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that our strategic assets – our people and culture, brands, processes and technology – are positioned optimally so that we can reinvest in our business to deliver sustained performance.
“In Canada, the changes we are making to our structure and reporting lines are designed to strengthen this important business leveraging our North America resources more fully.
“In Canada, the changes we are making to our structure and reporting lines are designed to strengthen this important business leveraging our North America resources more fully.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with Peter’s depth of knowledge and experience in both the Canadian and US business leading our Canada team.”
As the transition gets underway, Ivey will remain to support the process until June 30, 2017.
“With a long career in this industry, Jeff’s leadership and vision has helped shape leading commercial execution in Diageo and in our dedicated distributors,” added Mahlan.
“With a long career in this industry, Jeff’s leadership and vision has helped shape leading commercial execution in Diageo and in our dedicated distributors,” added Mahlan.
“Jeff is known as a thoughtful, strategic leader whose experience has helped him navigate the complexities of our industry in ways that have helped move our business forward, especially with regard to distributor alignment. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2016/09/diageo-north-america-streamlines-commercial-team/
Schubert takes on U.S. Spirits and Canada from Tom Looney. After a 30 year career with the business,
Looney has decided to retire
Fact :
Tom Looney is joining the board of Directors at Aphria. He is set to retire from Diageo Sept 30, 2018.
This document can be found on Sedar under Aphria - Sept 28 - Management Information Circular.
Source: https://imgur.com/a/nHHF2Rb
Fact :
Tom Looney and Jakob Ripshtein that makes 2 former high Diageo members. There aren't many more powerful at Diageo than Former Diageo US President and Former Diageo Canada President on your team. November 2nd is the annual general meeting to vote directors.
Tom Looney and Jakob Ripshtein along with Michael Serruya, Schlomo Bibas and John M. Herhalt.
Michael Serruya began his career at age twenty as one of the co-founders of Yogen Früz®. Michael was also the CEO of Coolbrands® (then home to CPG brands including Weight Watchers®, Eskimo Pie®, Tropicana® and Godiva® Ice Cream). More recently, he acted as CEO of Kahala Brands® (home to global QSR brands including Cold Stone Creamery®, Taco Time® and Blimpie Subs®). Michael has also participated on the Boards of Directors of a number of both publicly and privately traded companies including Jamba Juice Inc.® and The One Group Hospitality Inc. Juice and Cannabis could be next (Italics ours)
Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit drives his strength as an owner, partner and operator who is capable of implementing complex global strategic plans to transform businesses.
Michael specialized in Mergers & Acquisitions and strategic investments.
Fact :
Shlomo Bibas
Shlomo is an accomplished senior IT executive. He currently serves a Senior Vice President of Global Enablement Operations and Global Chief Information Officer at Apotex Group of Companies; and is a member of the Executive Cabinet that directs the company. In this capacity, Shlomo has global responsibility for all IT operations, risk management, customer care, innovation, and business enablement. He also has responsibility for the Legal and Procurement functions globally.
Previously, Shlomo was a Partner at Accenture, where he spent 19 years of his career providing IT and management consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. During his tenure at Accenture, Shlomo served as part of the Global Business Solutions Leadership Team, and led the High-Tech practice in Canada.
Fact :
Shlomo has extensive experience in High-Performance IT; and a proven track record identifying, qualifying, defining, planning, and successfully delivering large-scale technology-centric transformation programs. Shlomo has also participated in several technology start-ups, where he created an immediate impact through innovation, intellect, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Shlomo, also serves as Director of the board at Indigena Solutions, and is a member of the Toronto Board of Trade. Shlomo is an Engineering alumnus from the University of Toronto, and currently resides in Richmond Hill with his wife and three children.
Fact :
Mr. John Herhalt has been Independent Director of Aphria Inc. since September 2018. He serves as the Global Chair of the Government & Infrastructure Practice at KPMG LLP. Mr. Herhalt also provides financial and management consulting services on a part-time basis to clients primarily in the power and utilities and public sectors. He served as a Canadian Managing Partner of Advisory at KPMG LLP. He was a former Global Head of KPMG’s Infrastructure, Government and Health Line of Business (2004-2013) and National Advisory Leader for KPMG Canada (2007-2010). He has over 36 years of experience, leading many projects within the public sector and power and utilities sector, and advising clients extensively in areas of strategic and business planning, governance, organizational restructuring, risk management, performance management, alternate service delivery and process improvement. Mr. Herhalt’s experience includes projects with municipalities, universities and colleges, hospitals, school boards, public and private utilities, provincial and federal government ministries, crown corporations and agencies, and regulatory authorities. He is a Canadian and International Infrastructure Advisory Board Member of Fengate Capital Management Ltd. He also serves on the Boards of Easter Seals Ontario, Easter Seals Canada and Federal Liberal Agency of Canada.
Fact :
Fact :
Why Would A Rising Star In Diageo an executive in a company with 33,000 employees join a company with 300 employees?
Aphria’s chief commercial officer, Jakob Ripshtein, was formerly the chief financial officer of Diageo North America and the former president of Diageo Canada Inc ...
...“There is so much happening in this area right now and we think it has incredible potential,” Aurora spokeswoman Heather MacGregor said in an e-mail.
“As a rule, we do not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, however we have a responsibility to our shareholders to give proper consideration to all relevant opportunities that are presented.”
...“There is so much happening in this area right now and we think it has incredible potential,” Aurora spokeswoman Heather MacGregor said in an e-mail.
“As a rule, we do not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, however we have a responsibility to our shareholders to give proper consideration to all relevant opportunities that are presented.”
The Marijuana and alcohol industries are increasingly seen as converging into a one-stop shop for recreation, with Heineken NV’s California-based craft brewery Lagunitas announcing in June that it was working on an India pale ale-inspired sparkling water infused with THC.
“They cannot ignore this space,” said Steve Ottaway, an investment banker who specializes in cannabis for Toronto-based GMP Securities. “How they actually get there and the construct is to be determined, but they’re coming.”
With speculation rampant now as to who the contenders are, Aphria Inc. is among the leading, since Jakob Ripshtein, former CFO of Diageo North America and former president of Diageo Canada Inc. is now Chief Commercial Officer at Aphria.
Aphria Chief Commercial Officer Jakob Ripshtein added, “Today the NLSC has ensured that Nova Scotia’s adult-use consumers will have access to our thoughtfully developed brands and products come October 17. We are seeing tremendous momentum as provincial liquor boards and cannabis authorities across the country continue to respond favorably to our extensive range of product offerings. Each of our brands have been carefully developed to meet the needs and interest of distinct consumer segments, and we look forward to ensuring an ample supply is available to consumers in Nova Scotia and across the country.”
While in his CFO capacity, Jakob also served as the President of Diageo Canada, overlapping responsibilities for one year. During this time, he led Diageo’s Canada business and was responsible for implementing and developing the vision for Diageo’s brands in this market. In addition to building the company’s corporate culture and empowering its people, Jakob managed the company’s overall operations and resources and strove to continually improve Diageo’s relationships with its critical stakeholders – brokers, Provincial Liquor Regulators, and Provincial and Federal authorities. To accomplish this, in part, he has leveraged his extensive experience in Canadian and International tax matters, including the implementation of domestic and international tax effective structures.
Since first joining Diageo in 2008, Jakob has held a variety of finance roles across the company and has been based in Canada, the United States and England. Before he came to Diageo, Jakob oversaw business, sales and tax functions in the Canadian spirits, pharmaceutical and financial sectors.
Jakob Ripshtein, CA
Chief Commercial Officer at Aphria
LEAMINGTON, ON, April 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Aphria Inc. ("Aphria" or the "Company") (TSX: APH and US OTC: APHQF) today announced the appointment of Jakob Ripshtein as the Company's first Chief Commercial Officer as of May 1, 2018 and Christelle Gedeon as Chief Legal Officer as of June 1, 2018. The Company is also announcing several new management appointments as Aphria continues to add depth, experience and leadership across the organization, together with the adoption of a formal governance policy regarding investments and other opportunities.
Jakob Ripshtein, Chief Commercial Officer
As Aphria's first Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ripshtein will oversee the Company's commercial, sales and marketing teams. Mr. Ripshtein most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Diageo North America, a position he has held since 2016. In his 10 years with Diageo, he also served as President of Diageo Canada and also held a variety of Finance and Commercial roles in Canada, the United States and England. While serving as CFO and President of Diageo Canada concurrently, Mr. Ripshtein managed Diageo Canada's overall operations and resources and strove to continually improve Diageo's relationships with its critical stakeholders – brokers, Provincial Liquor Regulators, and Provincial and Federal authorities. Prior to Diageo, he oversaw business, sales and tax functions in the Canadian spirits, pharmaceutical and financial sectors.
Mr. Ripshtein joins Aphria's Executive Team, reporting to the CEO, and will be based in Toronto. He will be an integral part of strategic planning in both Sales and Marketing, as well as leading various commercial business plans.
"Jakob is a tremendous addition to our leadership team and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Aphria family," said Vic Neufeld, CEO of Aphria. "He brings an incredible track record and a depth of experience in regulated industries that will strengthen our commercial, sales and marketing operations and our entire organization. We're continuing to add world-class talent as we build Aphria's bench strength throughout the company"
Opinion:
IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY RIPSHTEIN(APH CCO) WOULD LEAVE DIAGEO TO JOIN APHRIA, UNLESS DIAGEO HAS AN INTEREST IN PARTNERING / ACQUIRING APHRIA AT SOME POINT. THERE IS NO WAY DIAGEO WOULD LET ONE OF THEIR RISING STARS SIMPLY WALK AWAY. DIAGEO MOST LIKELY ELECTED TO PLACE ONE OF ITS OWN ON THE APHRIA MANAGEMENT TEAM AS PART OF THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. DIAGEO IS MOST LIKELY STILL PAYING RIPSHTEIN’S SALARY.
READ MORE AT HTTP://WWW.STOCKHOUSE.COM/COMPANIES/BULLBOARD/T.APH/APHRIA-INC?POSTID=28526414#CWORXTCPWOTTHB0T.99
IS JAKOB RIPSHTEIN STILL ON THE DIAGEO PAYROLL?
Trying to read tea leaves here...
It was reported earlier this week that Jakob Ripshtein left Diageo to join Aphria. From my perspective this makes no sense, unless…
By all accounts, Ripshtein is a rising star within the Diageo organization. He first arrived on the scene back in 2008 as Vice President of Finance. He spent the last ten years climbing the Diageo corporate ladder, leading to his most current role as CFO Diageo. Prior to joining Diageo he held various positions in the spirits and wine industry.
Diageo has a market cap greater than $80 billion dollars, 33,000 employees and is one of the world’s largest distillers. Aphria is a new company, has a market cap of $2 billion and only 300 employees.
Not saying it isn’t possible, but it is highly unlikely Ripshtein would leave Diageo to join Aphria, unless Diageo has an interest in partnering / acquiring Aphria at some point.
The Ripshtein announcement May 2018 all but confirms Diageo has an interest in partnering / acquiring Aphria. This may or may not happen.
There is no way Diageo would let one of their rising stars simply walk away.
Ripshtein, despite the press release, has not resigned from Diageo. Before sinking a dime into Aphria, Diageo most likely elected to place one of its own on the Aphria management team as part of their due diligence.
Diageo is most likely still paying Ripshtein’s salary.
A non-disclosure / non compete agreement would have been signed between Aphria and Diageo should nothing become of this.
If a deal is consummated, Ripshtein becomes the new CEO of Aphria when Vic steps down. Not to say there aren’t other individuals within the Aphria organization that could fill the role, but most likely Diageo would want to place one of their own in the position of CEO.
We are seeing the early stages of succession planning for when Vic retires.
If at some point Ripshtein resigns from Aphria and returns to Diageo (a company he never really left) then you know the “deal is off”.
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