Connect with us

/home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153
">
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153

Warning: Attempt to read property "cat_name" on null in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 153

VOCE Capital Comments on ISS Argo Report

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Urges Argo Shareholders to Vote on the BLUE
Proxy Card FOR Voce’s Highly-Qualified Nominees and FOR Its Proposals

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Voce Capital Management LLC (“Voce”), the beneficial owner of
approximately 5.6% of the shares of Argo Group International Holdings,
Ltd. (NYSE:ARGO) (“Argo” or the “Company”), today issued the following
statement in response to the recommendation by Institutional Shareholder
Services (“ISS”) regarding Argo’s upcoming 2019 Annual Meeting:

While we respect the team at ISS, and have been before them several
times in the past, its formulaic conclusions regarding Argo are baffling
to us. We have acknowledged from the beginning that Argo’s stock price
has appreciated over time. If that’s the end of the inquiry, as it
appears to have been for ISS, then with all due respect, there’s no need
for a third-party to analyze or weigh in on this proxy contest. The far
more relevant questions are why has Argo’s stock performed the way that
it has, should it have done better and can it improve going forward?

Corporate governance is neither a checklist nor an algorithm. In order
to properly assess corporate governance, one must evaluate the context
and culture in which a company’s governance structure operates and the
way in which it is applied. What is so puzzling, and in our view
erroneous, about ISS’s report is that it acknowledges many of the
governance concerns that we have identified, yet then fails to consider
them at all in reaching its lopsided recommendation.

Most fundamentally, if TSR is as paramount and decisive as implied by
ISS’s report then why do all of the leading institutional investors and
ISS itself spend so much time talking and writing about corporate
governance? If this campaign – which has been sharply fought and
centered over corporate governance from the very beginning – can be
dismissed simply by consulting the stock price, then what does that say?
At a minimum, it would imply that shareholders should limit themselves
to challenging underperforming companies rather than those that are
governed poorly, no matter how egregiously so. If so, a large part of
the corporate governance community, of which Voce proudly considers
itself a member, would be nugatory. We disagree with such a narrow and
cramped definition of corporate governance in the strongest possible
terms.

ISS’s commentary acknowledged Argo’s inflated expense structure, lack of
adequate disclosure to investors, cherry-picking of metrics, misaligned
executive compensation and the risks represented by the comingling of
the CEO’s self-promotion and the Company’s marketing – yet apparently
none of the following conclusions by ISS were sufficient to warrant the
replacement of even a single legacy Director with one selected by
shareholders:1

  • The dissident campaign has raised relevant
    questions
    , especially regarding executive compensation and
    perquisites, that have benefitted shareholders by refocusing the
    board’s attention. To its credit, the dissident also recruited
    a slate of credible nominees seemingly well-suited to effect positive
    change
    …’
  • ‘Where Argo fails, relatively speaking, is that it
    spends more money to achieve poorer results
    . Argo has a
    relatively high expense ratio that is coupled with a relatively high
    loss ratio.’
  • ‘Equally frustrating is when the Argo board is unnecessarily cherry-picking
    in an effort to make the company look better
    . Choosing to
    report a return on average equity metric that shows a 20.1 percent
    return in Q1, when the 2018 return on equity was a defensible 7.1
    percent, is an easily spotted example of selective reporting.
    Similarly, emphasizing the 5-year gross written premium CAGR of 9.4
    percent is fine, but citing an expense-free figure when the dissident
    is highlighting excessive expenses demonstrates an
    unfortunate lack of awareness
    .’
  • ‘The company returns frequently to the phrase “best in class” to
    describe itself. And while it has shown in its operating metrics that
    it is a good performer, it’s a stretch to
    describe Argo as best in class relative to its peer group
    .’
  • ISS noted that ‘there is room for improvement in regard to Argo’s
    disclosures to shareholders.’
  • ‘For a business that requires constant risk-assessment, it’s
    ironic that none of the directors saw the risk in a self-promoting CEO
    whose interests and hobbies were inextricably intertwined with Argo’s
    marketing budget
    . Some degree of complacency, perhaps as a
    byproduct of the company’s Bermuda domicile, may have played a role
    here.’

Voce urges its fellow shareholders to vote on the BLUE
proxy card FOR its highly-qualified nominees – Bernard C. Bailey,
Charles H. Dangelo, Admiral Kathleen M. Dussault, Carol A. McFate and
Nicholas C. Walsh – and FOR its proposals. For more information,
investors can visit www.Argo-SOS.com.”

About Voce Capital Management LLC

Voce Capital Management LLC is a fundamental value-oriented,
research-driven investment adviser founded in 2011 by J. Daniel
Plants. The San Francisco-based firm is 100% employee-owned.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Voce Catalyst Partners LP, Voce Capital Management LLC, Voce Capital
LLC, and J. Daniel Plants, (collectively, the “Participants”) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a definitive proxy
statement and accompanying form of proxy on April 12, 2019 to be used in
connection with the solicitation of proxies from the members of Argo
Group International Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”). All members of the
Company are advised to read the definitive proxy statement and other
documents related to the solicitation of proxies by the Participants
when they become available, as they will contain important information,
including additional information related to the Participants and
information about the Participants’ director nominees. The definitive
proxy statement and an accompanying proxy card will be furnished to some
or all of the Company’s stockholders and are, along with other relevant
documents, available at no charge on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements contained in this press release that are not clearly
historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are
“forward-looking statements,” which are not guarantees of future
performance or results, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,”
“potential,” “could,” “opportunity,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar
expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking
statements. The projected results and statements contained in this press
release that are not historical facts are based on current expectations,
speak only as of the date of this press release and involve risks that
may cause the actual results to be materially different. In light of the
significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements,
the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a
representation as to future results. Voce disclaims any obligation to
update the information herein and reserves the right to change any of
its opinions expressed herein at any time as it deems appropriate. Voce
has not sought or obtained consent from any third party to use any
statements or information indicated herein as having been obtained or
derived from statements made or published by third parties.

____________________________

1   Permission to quote ISS was neither sought nor obtained. Emphasis
added.

Contacts

Investor:
Okapi Partners LLC
Bruce H. Goldfarb /
Patrick J. McHugh
(212) 297-0720 or Toll-free (877) 259-6290
[email protected]

Media:
Sloane & Company
Dan Zacchei / Joe Germani
(212)
486-9500
[email protected]
/ [email protected]


Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 493

Warning: Attempt to read property "cat_ID" on null in /home/grassnews/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/parts/post-single.php on line 493

Cannabis

Cannabis Capsule Global Analysis Report 2024: Market to Reach $79.2 Billion in 2028 – Forecast to 2033 Featuring GW Pharmaceuticals, Trulieve Cannabis, Green Thumb Industries, Tilray, Columbia Care

Published

on

Continue Reading

Innocan

Innocan Pharma Initiates FDA Approval Process for Liposome Injection Therapy for Chronic Pain

Published

on

innocan-pharma-initiates-fda-approval-process-for-liposome-injection-therapy-for-chronic-pain

With its submission of a Pre-IND Meeting Request Letter, Innocan initiates the regulatory process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the approval of its prolonged CBD release technology for human use

HERZLIYA, Israel and CALGARY, AB, April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTCQB: INNPF) (“Innocan” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that is has reached a key milestone: the Company submitted its letter of application for a Pre-IND meeting, the first phase in the FDA approval process in the United States for Innocan’s Liposome-Cannabidiol (LPT-CBD) injectable treatment of chronic pain.

With the global market for pain therapeutics widely expected to exceed US$100 billion by 2032[1], LPT therapy which requires only one single monthly subcutaneous injection, is positioned as a highly attractive alternative to opioid-based approaches. Opioids have and continue to take a significant human toll in recent years, with more than three-quarters of drug overdose deaths in the United States involving opioids, according to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention[2].

Innocan’s therapy has shown consistent efficacy in multiple pre-clinical trials in recent years of it’s LPT-CBD injectable treatment through prolonged and controlled release of CBD in animals with chronic pain conditions. Innocan’s Pre-IND Meeting Request Letter to the FDA is a key milestone and important first step in seeking approval of its LPT-CBD therapy for use in humans. At the Pre-IND meeting, the objective will be to obtain guidance from the FDA on the preclinical and clinical development plan, enabling the initiation of an Investigational New Drug (IND) program in the United States.

Iris Bincovich, CEO of Innocan, commented: “We are extremely excited to embark on this next stage in the development of LPT-CBD injectables, this is a major Milestone for Innocan Pharma. We have invested significant effort and many thousands of person-hours in its research and development, accumulating a wealth of preclinical data that will serve as the foundation for our participation in the FDA process. This is a key milestone for Innocan and marks our first step towards the FDA’s recognition of our technology. We see significant potential for our therapy, with an addressable market for pain management therapeutics expected to exceed US $100 billion by 2032, and we look forward to tapping that.

Dr. Joseph Pergolizzi, Innocan’s FDA Advisory Board Member, added:

“We have worked hard to catalogue the data collected as part of our animal LPT therapy testing program and prepare it for the FDA. We look forward to working under FDA guidance, with the goal of completing the review process as quickly and efficiently as possible. We believe that Innocan’s unique treatment method, if and when it should become FDA-approved has the potential of being a highly valuable non-opioid addition in the medical arsenal of the management of chronic pain.”

About Innocan

Innocan is a pharmaceutical tech company that operates under two main segments: Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Wellness. In the Pharmaceuticals segment, Innocan focuses on developing innovative drug delivery platform technologies based on advanced cannabinoids science, to treat various conditions to improve patients’ quality of life. This segment involves two drug delivery technologies: (i) LPT CBD- loaded liposome platform facilitating exact dosing and the prolonged and controlled release of CBD into the blood stream. The LPT delivery platform research is in the preclinical trial phase for: Pain Management. In the Consumer Wellness segment, Innocan develops and markets a wide portfolio of innovative and high-performance self-care products to promote a healthier lifestyle. Under this segment, Innocan has established a joint venture by the name of BI Sky Global Ltd. that focuses on advanced targeted online sales. https://innocanpharma.com/

For further information, please contact:

For Innocan Pharma Corporation:
Iris Bincovich, CEO

+1-516-210-4025

+972-54-3012842

+442037699377
[email protected]

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information

Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding research and development, collaborations, the filing of potential applications with the FDA and other regulatory authorities, the potential achievement of future regulatory milestones, the potential for treatment of conditions and other therapeutic effects resulting from research activities and/or the Company’s products, requisite regulatory approvals and the timing for market entry, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan’s control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions concerning the anticipated benefits of the products, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and satisfactory completion of requisite production and distribution arrangements.

Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: general global and local (national) economic, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import / export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner) and availability in each market of product inputs and finished products. The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release concerning the timing of launch of product distribution. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can also be found in Innocan’s public reports and filings which are available under Innocan’s profile at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

[1] https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/pain-management-drugs-market

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/data/index.html

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2046271/3968398/Innocan_Pharma_Corporation_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/innocan-pharma-initiates-fda-approval-process-for-liposome-injection-therapy-for-chronic-pain-302122779.html

Continue Reading

Curaleaf

Curaleaf Completes Acquisition of Northern Green Canada

Published

on

curaleaf-completes-acquisition-of-northern-green-canada

Bolsters Company’s Advantage in Several Key Emerging Markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom

NEW YORK, April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) (“Curaleaf” or the “Company”), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, announced today the closing of its acquisition of Northern Green Canada (“NGC”), a vertically integrated Canadian licensed cannabis producer focused primarily on expanding in the international market through its EU-GMP certification. The accretive acquisition amplifies the Company’s strategic advantage in established European markets including Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom and provides a foothold in the emerging markets of Australia and New Zealand.

Integrating NGC’s international operation will equip Curaleaf with a secure and consistent high quality, non-irradiated, indoor EU-GMP flower supply, essential to maintaining its leading positions in Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland.

“We are thrilled to welcome NGC formally to the Curaleaf family of global brands,” said Boris Jordan, Founder and Executive Chairman of Curaleaf. “This is an incredibly important deal for our international expansion strategy, as we’ll be able to bolster our supply of high quality EU-GMP certified flower immediately to key European markets as well as enter the fast-growing markets of Australia and New Zealand.”

The global cannabis market is projected to generate $55 billion in sales by 2027. Emerging markets beyond the United States and Canada, including Germany, Australia and New Zealand are expected to contribute $6.3 billion of the $55 billion projection.

Terms of the acquisition of NGC include an initial payment at closing of the Company’s Subordinate Voting Shares valued at approximately US $16 million, subject to a typical post-closing adjustment. An earnout may also be paid in 2025 based upon 2024 performance of NGC’s operations, up to 50% of which will be cash and the rest paid in additional Subordinate Voting Shares. The issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares in connection with the acquisition of NGC has been conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to fulfilling customary listing conditions.

About Curaleaf Holdings
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) (“Curaleaf”) is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, JAMS, Find and Zero Proof provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult use markets. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This media advisory contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward–looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or, “proposed”, “is expected”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the expected benefits of the acquisition of NGC, and the Company’s planned expansion on internal markets, the Company’s anticipated strategic advantages in European markets and emerging markets, the integration of NGC’s internal operations, the anticipated global cannabis market, and the listing of shares issuable in connection with the acquisition on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company with respect to the matters described in this new release, including the Company’s ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of the acquisition, and the Company’s ability to fulfil the listing conditions imposed by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including the failure to realize the expected benefits of the acquisition, or the Company’s failure to fulfil the listing conditions imposed by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” in the Company’s latest annual information form filed on March 6, 2024, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

INVESTOR CONTACT
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
Camilo Lyon, Chief Investment Officer
[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
Tracy Brady, SVP Corporate Communications
[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/curaleaf-completes-acquisition-of-northern-green-canada-302123010.html

Continue Reading

Trending on Grassnews

GrassNews.net: Your premier portal for the latest developments in the cannabis industry. We provide timely news, insightful analysis, and in-depth features on everything from legislation changes and business trends, to scientific research and lifestyle topics. Stay informed and navigate the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape with GrassNews.net..

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions

Copyright © 2007 - 2024 Hipther Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania