Benzinga | Mar 15, 2021 07:14AM EDT

Sundial And SAF Group Announce 50/50 Joint Venture Through SunStream Bancorp To 'focus on cannabis-related verticals,' Sundial To Make Initial Commitment Of $100M; The JV Also Plans Other Mandates, Including A SPAC

Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) ("Sundial" or the "Company") and SAF Opportunities LP, a member of the SAF Group ("SAF") today announced they have entered into an agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture (the "Joint Venture") through a new corporation, SunStream Bancorp Inc. ("SunStream").

The Joint Venture will leverage a strategic financial and operational partnership to generate asymmetrically enhanced risk-return opportunities in the cannabis industry to provide exposure to a portfolio of attractive debt, equity and hybrid investments. The Joint Venture will focus on cannabis-related verticals, seeking both Canadian and international opportunities and investments. The Joint Venture's first mandate is the formation of a special opportunities fund with commitments from third party limited partners alongside an initial commitment from Sundial of $100 million. The Joint Venture expects to pursue additional potential mandates, including a Canadian SPAC and other investments.

"Following early success with our internal capitalinvestment program, we are pleased to announce this new partnership with SAF, as we continue to identify innovative ways to deliver on our commitment to shareholder value creation," said Zach George, Chief Executive Officer for Sundial. "SunStream will enable Sundial to remain focused on our core operations, while leveraging the strength of SAF's private equity and credit investment expertise on a global scale. We look forward to working together to generate attractive returns for our stakeholders through broader capital deployment opportunities in the global cannabis market."

"Our joint venture with Sundial is a capital efficient way to bolster our participation in the fast-growing and attractive global cannabis industry," said Ryan Dunfield, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of SAF Group. "This long-term partnership aligns us with a premier cannabis licensed producer, while bringing financial benefits to our investors."