AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Affirms Credit Ratings of ASSA Compañía de Seguros S.A.; Affirms Credit Ratings of Affiliates
MEXICO CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing
implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A
(Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of
“a” of ASSA Compañía de Seguros S.A. (ASSA) (Panama City, Panama). The
outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. AM Best
also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of
“a-” of Lion Reinsurance Company Limited (Lion Re) (Bermuda) and
Reaseguradora America SPC Ltd. (RAM Re) (Cayman Islands). The outlook of
these ratings remains stable. All companies are subsidiaries of ASSA
Compañía Tenedora S.A. (ASSA Tenedora) and are owned ultimately by Grupo
ASSA, S.A. (Grupo ASSA), a financial services holding company publicly
traded on the Panama Stock Exchange.
The ratings of ASSA reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best
categorizes as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance,
favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management
(ERM).
The ratings of Lion Re reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best
categorizes as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance,
neutral business profile and appropriate ERM.
The ratings of RAM Re reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best
categorizes as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance,
neutral business profile and appropriate ERM.
ASSA’s ratings were placed under review with negative implications
following the Aug. 7, 2017, announcement that ASSA had entered into an
asset purchase agreement to fully acquire Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.
(Generali) insurance operations in Panama. At that time, there were
concerns about the financing structure of the acquisition, and its
effect on the ASSA’s risk-adjusted capitalization and the financial
leverage that could arise from the operation.
On April 12, 2018, the implications of the under review status were
revised to developing, after the transaction’s financial structure was
defined and its potential impact on risk-adjusted capitalization was
revised, rendering results in terms of balance sheet strength, business
profile and operating performance that were appropriate for the current
rating. However, implementation risk and financial leverage at the
company remained ongoing concerns at that time.
The under review status has been removed and ratings have been affirmed,
as the company was able to meet its growth target, while maintaining
underwriting quality, profitability and good capital management that
allowed risk-adjusted capitalization to remain at supportive levels for
the ratings. Additionally, the company has been able to maintain an
adequate financial leverage by repaying most of the financing used in
the transaction.
The stable outlooks reflect the stability of the capital, even with the
intangibles created after acquiring Generali’s business. The outlooks
also reflect AM Best’s expectation of the continued performance of the
company, in terms of underwriting, profitability, capital management and
importance within Panama’s insurance market.
Positive rating actions could take place if the company is able to
continue to grow its capital base, while at the same time maintaining
its operating performance. Additionally, the quality of assets remains a
key component of AM Best’s evaluation, as any deterioration could impact
the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization.
Negative rating actions could occur if the company is not able to
support its risks through its level of capital, especially given the
high intangibles present because of the transaction with Generali. If
asset quality deteriorates without any additional capital, risk-adjusted
capitalization could become affected, which would then potentially
affect the ratings of the company.
Lion Re has continued to post adequate operating performance from its
affiliated insurance companies in the region and from new strategic
business alliances, while maintaining very strong risk-adjusted
capitalization. The company continues to support ASSA Tenedora’s
strategy while producing positive bottom-line results amid healthy
prospects for growth. AM Best expects Lion Re to continue playing an
important role in ASSA Tenedora’s strategy, as it consolidates
operations in new regions by providing reinsurance capacity while
maintaining its good capital position.
Factors that could lead to an upgrade of the ratings or positive
outlooks for Lion Re include consistently positive bottom-line results
that can contribute to further strengthening of its risk-adjusted
capitalization over the next few years. Factors that could lead to
negative rating action include a material loss of capital from either
claims or investments, leading to a reduced level of capital that does
not support its ratings.
RAM Re is registered as a segregated portfolio company, licensed as a
Class B(i) insurer under the Cayman Islands’ insurance law. RAM Re’s
ratings are based on the steady performance of its operations and the
nature of the portfolios it manages. During 2018 and 2019 there were
important developments on its portfolios that could affect its operation
as a whole. While measures have been taken to offset these developments,
such efforts have not yet materialized. AM Best expects the company to
be ready to undertake those measures. Capitalization currently is
adequate for RAM Re’s current ratings; however, revenue-generating
capabilities could become affected, and in tandem, the ability to
generate capital. If the business volume continues to grow, or as new
portfolios are integrated, Ram Re’s ratings could become pressured at
the resulting capital levels. RAM Re has explicit support from its
parent company through a commitment letter provided by Grupo ASSA,
enhancing AM Best’s view of its financial strength.
AM Best considers RAM Re’s ratings to be appropriate for the current
rating levels. Factors that could lead to negative rating action include
a more limited business profile, lower risk-adjusted capitalization and
consistent underwriting losses.
AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer
entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world.
For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive
and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published
on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release
and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible
for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release,
please see AM Best’s Recent
Rating Activity web page. For additional information
regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding
Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media
use of
Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide
for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating
Action Press Releases.
AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a
unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com
for more information.
Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its
affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Contacts
Elí Sánchez
Associate Director
+52 55 1102
2720, ext. 108
[email protected]
Alfonso Novelo
Senior Director, Analytics
+52
55 1102 2720, ext. 107
[email protected]
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1
908 439 2200, ext. 5159
[email protected]
Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908
439 2200, ext. 5644
[email protected]
Cannabis
IM Cannabis Announces Appointment of Shmulik Arbel to Board of Directors
TORONTO and GLIL YAM, Israel, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IM Cannabis Corp. (“IMC” or the “Company“) (NASDAQ: IMCC) (CSE: IMCC), a leading medical cannabis company with operations in Israel and Germany, is pleased to announce that Mr. Shmulik Arbel has been appointed to the Company’s board of directors (the “Board“) effective September 9, 2024. Mr. Arbel brings a wealth of experience in strategic plans that drive profitability, as well as, finance and corporate governance, further strengthening the company’s commitment to driving growth while focusing on sustainable profitability.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shmulik to our Board of Directors,” said Oren Shuster, Chief Executive Officer of IM Cannabis. “Shmulik’s extensive international experience at Leumi, coupled with his proven track record in banking and finance will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic initiatives.”
Mr. Arbel retired as Deputy CEO from Leumi, Israel’s largest banking group, in April 2023, where he was instrumental in business growth and leading the service revolution. With over 25 years of experience at Leumi, Arbel has held senior roles throughout the organization, such as head of retail banking, head of the corporate division, and as chairman of Leumi UK. With key roles in Israel, New York and London, Mr. Arbel has a wide view on international business.
“I am honored to join the Board of Directors at IMCC,” said Mr. Arbel. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in banking and finance, providing guidance as IMCC continues to establish itself as the go-to brand in the cannabis world. I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth.”
Arbel holds a BA and MBA from Tel Aviv University.
About IM Cannabis Corp.
IMC (Nasdaq: IMCC) (CSE: IMCC) is an international cannabis company that provides premium cannabis products to medical patients in Israel and Germany, two of the largest medical cannabis markets. The Company has focused its resources to achieve sustainable and profitable growth in its highest value markets, Israel and Germany. The Company leverages a transnational ecosystem powered by a unique data-driven approach and a globally sourced product supply chain. With an unwavering commitment to responsible growth and compliance with the strictest regulatory environments, the Company strives to amplify its commercial and brand power to become a global high-quality cannabis player.
The IMC ecosystem operates in Israel through its commercial relationship with Focus Medical Herbs Ltd., which imports and distributes cannabis to medical patients, leveraging years of proprietary data and patient insights. The Company also operates medical cannabis retail pharmacies, online platforms, distribution centers, and logistical hubs in Israel that enable the safe delivery and quality control of IMC products throughout the entire value chain. In Germany, the IMC ecosystem operates through Adjupharm GmbH, where it distributes cannabis to pharmacies for medical cannabis patients.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements“). All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. In the press release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the stated benefits Mr. Arbel’s appointment, including the further strengthening the Company’s commitment to driving growth in the German market while focusing on sustainable profitability; and Mr. Arbel’s international experience and track record in banking and finance will be invaluable to the Company.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to: the Company’s ability to realize upon the stated benefits Mr. Arbel’s appointment; and Mr. Arbel’s international experience and track record in banking and finance becoming invaluable to the Company.
The above lists of forward-looking statements and assumptions are not exhaustive. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors and risks. These include: the failure of the Company to comply with applicable regulatory requirements in a highly regulated industry; unexpected changes in governmental policies and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; the Company’s ability to continue to meet the listing requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the NASDAQ Capital Market; any unexpected failure to maintain in good standing or renew its licenses; the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group“) to deliver on their sales commitments or growth objectives; the reliance of the Group on third-party supply agreements to provide sufficient quantities of medical cannabis to fulfil the Group’s obligations; the Group’s possible exposure to liability, the perceived level of risk related thereto, and the anticipated results of any litigation or other similar disputes or legal proceedings involving the Group; the impact of increasing competition; any lack of merger and acquisition opportunities; adverse market conditions; the inherent uncertainty of production quantities, qualities and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks of product liability and other safety-related liability from the usage of the Group’s cannabis products; supply chain constraints; reliance on key personnel; the risk of defaulting on existing debt; risks surrounding war, conflict and civil unrest in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, including the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on the Company, its operations and the medical cannabis industry in Israel; risks associated with the Company focusing on the Israel and Germany markets; the inability of the Company to achieve sustainable profitability and/or increase shareholder value; the inability of the Company to actively manage costs and/or improve margins; the inability of the company to grow and/or maintain sales; the inability of the Company to meet its goals and/or strategic plans; the inability of the Company to reduce costs and/or maintain revenues; the Company’s inability to take advantage of the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Germany; and the Company’s inability to realize upon the stated benefits Mr. Arbel’s appointment; and Mr. Arbel’s international experience and track record in banking and finance not becoming valuable to the Company.
Please see the other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report dated March 28, 2024, which is available on the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Edgar at www.sec.gov/edgar. Any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward looking information is made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Company Contact:
Anna Taranko, Director Investor & Public Relations
IM Cannabis Corp.
+49 157 80554338
[email protected]
Oren Shuster, CEO
IM Cannabis Corp.
[email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/im-cannabis-announces-appointment-of-shmulik-arbel-to-board-of-directors-302244961.html
Cannabis
One World Products Issues Shareholder Update Letter
Indivior
Indivior Provides Update on Aelis Farma’s Clinical Phase 2B Study Results with AEF0117 in Participants with Cannabis Use Disorder
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 (AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW IN THE UK BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018).
- Primary and Secondary End Points of the Study were Not Met
- Indivior Does Not Currently Expect to Exercise AEF0117 Option
SLOUGH, United Kingdom and RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Indivior PLC (Nasdaq/LSE: INDV) is today providing an update following Aelis Farma’s announcement of the results from its clinical Phase 2B trial with AEF01171, evaluating the efficacy and safety in treatment-seeking participants with moderate to severe Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The purpose of this trial was twofold: (1) to show that AEF0117 (0.1, 0.3, 1 mg once a day for 12 weeks) lowers cannabis use and (2) to determine the endpoints and optimal dosage of AEF0117 for use in future studies. In this phase 2B study, patients were treatment-seeking participants, 84% of whom had severe CUD.
The results of the study demonstrated that the primary endpoint, the proportion of participants who reduced their cannabis use to ≤1 day per week, as well as secondary endpoints measuring the proportion of participants reaching either complete abstinence or who used ≤2 day per week, were not met. Although these results are disappointing, they indicate that significant work remains to be done to understand subpopulations of patients with CUD, specifically those with severe CUD.
This clinical Phase 2B study is part of the strategic collaboration between Aelis Farma and Indivior, which includes an exclusive option for Indivior to license the global rights to AEF0117. Given the lack of separation from placebo on primary and secondary endpoints and before seeing further additional favorable clinical data, Indivior does not currently expect to exercise its option.
Important Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, express and implied statements regarding whether: we will be able to ultimately demonstrate the safety and efficacy of AEF0117, which is a prerequisite to filing any New Drug Application; we might ever exercise our option for AEF0117 and, if so, when; and other statements containing the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “priority,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “outlook,” “guidance,” the negatives thereof, and variations thereon and similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties as they relate to events or circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
Actual results may differ materially from those because they relate to future events. Various factors may cause differences between Indivior’s expectations and actual results, including, among others, the risks described in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F beginning on page 9 as filed with the U.S. SEC and in subsequent releases; legal and market restrictions that may limit how quickly we can repurchaser our shares; the substantial litigation and ongoing investigations to which we are or may become a party; our reliance on third parties to manufacture commercial supplies of most of our products, conduct our clinical trials and at times to collaborate on products in our pipeline; our ability to comply with legal and regulatory settlements, healthcare laws and regulations, requirements imposed by regulatory agencies and payment and reporting obligations under government pricing programs; risks related to the manufacture and distribution of our products, most of which contain controlled substances; market acceptance of our products as well as our ability to commercialize our products and compete with other market participants; competition; the uncertainties related to the development of new products, including through acquisitions, and the related regulatory approval process; our dependence on third-party payors for the reimbursement of our products and the increasing focus on pricing and competition in our industry; unintended side effects caused by the clinical study or commercial use of our products; our ability to successfully execute acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, dispositions or other strategic acquisitions; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and the substantial cost of litigation or other proceedings related to intellectual property rights; the risks related to product liability claims or product recalls; the significant amount of laws and regulations that we are subject to, including due to the international nature of our business; macroeconomic trends and other global developments such as armed conflicts and pandemics; the terms of our debt instruments, changes in our credit ratings and our ability to service our indebtedness and other obligations as they come due; changes in applicable tax rate or tax rules, regulations or interpretations and our ability to realize our deferred tax assets; and volatility in our share price due to factors unrelated to our operating performance or that may result from the potential move of our primary listing to the U.S.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date that they are made and should be regarded solely as our current plans, estimates and beliefs. Except as required by law, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update, republish or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events.
This release is being made by Kathryn Hudson, Company Secretary Indivior PLC.
About Indivior
Indivior is a global pharmaceutical company working to help change patients’ lives by developing medicines to treat substance use disorders (SUD), overdose and serious mental illnesses. Our vision is that all patients around the world will have access to evidence-based treatment for the chronic conditions and co-occurring disorders of SUD. Indivior is dedicated to transforming SUD from a global human crisis to a recognized and treated chronic disease.
Building on its global portfolio of OUD treatments, Indivior has a pipeline of product candidates designed to both expand on its heritage in this category and potentially address other chronic conditions and co-occurring disorders of SUD. Headquartered in the United States in Richmond, VA, Indivior employs over 1,000 individuals globally and its portfolio of products is available in over 30 countries worldwide. Visit www.indivior.com to learn more. Connect with Indivior on LinkedIn by visiting www.linkedin.com/company/indivior.
References:
- National Library of Medicine (U.S.) (2022, April). Effect of AEF0117 on treatment-seeking patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) (SICA2). Identifier
NCT05322941 https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05322941
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indivior-provides-update-on-aelis-farmas-clinical-phase-2b-study-results-with-aef0117-in-participants-with-cannabis-use-disorder-302237355.html
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