Burcon NutraScience Corp.
Burcon Introduces JV Partner
DGAP-News: Burcon NutraScience Corp. / Key word(s): Joint Venture News Release Vancouver, British Columbia, June 12, 2019 – Burcon NutraScience Corporation (TSX: BU), a global leader in developing functionally and nutritionally valuable plant-proteins, is pleased to introduce the investor group and joint venture partner for its new $65 million pea-protein and canola-protein production facility to be built in Western Canada. The investor group is made up of Shaun Crew, Barry Tomiski and Ryan Bracken, three exceptionally talented veterans of the agri-foods industry. The three are proven entrepreneurs, most notably demonstrated by the rapid growth and highly successful sale of Hemp Oil Canada Inc. (“HOCI”). Originally founded by Shaun Crew in 1998, HOCI grew to become the world’s largest producer and processor of bulk hemp food products and ingredients. The investor group’s association with HOCI ended with the recent acquisition of FHF Holdings Ltd. (the parent company of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods including HOCI) by Tilray Inc, one of the largest and most sophisticated producers of medical cannabis in the world. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Barry, Ryan and Shaun to bring Burcon’s unique plant proteins to the world directly as a producer,” said Johann F. Tergesen, Burcon’s president and chief executive officer, adding, “They are proven entrepreneurs with an exceptional track record of delivering results and building value for their shareholders. We are confident that they will be outstanding partners, as well as disciplined and skilled operators.” As previously disclosed, the investor group has committed to contribute up to $16 million of the joint venture’s required funding. Burcon expects to contribute $8 million of the joint venture’s required funding and own 40% of the joint venture company. Barry Tomiski and Ryan Bracken will serve as co-CEOs and directors of the joint venture company. Shaun Crew, Johann Tergesen, Burcon’s chief executive officer and Jade Cheng, Burcon’s chief financial officer will also serve as directors of the joint venture company. The joint venture company, which the partners intend to rebrand as Merit Functional Foods Corporation (“Merit Foods”), has entered into a royalty-bearing licence agreement with Burcon for the production, sale and distribution of Burcon’s pulse proteins, including Peazazz(R) and Peazac(TM) pea proteins, as well as Supertein(R), Puratein(R) and Nutratein(R) canola proteins. Also, and as previously announced, Burcon will be responsible for the technology transfer to Merit Foods and will also provide assistance, under contract, to support the design, construction and commissioning of the commercial protein production facility. Shaun Crew An industry pioneer, Shaun founded Hemp Oil Canada Inc in 1998 and built HOCI to be the worldwide leader in hemp food ingredients. Shaun was involved in every facet of the hemp industry. Shaun was one of the founding members of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) where he has served as a director and president. He also served as vice president of the Hemp Industries Association and was an active member of the European Industrial Hemp Association. Shaun has also served on the Ste Agathe Community Development Board of Directors for over 20 years. Barry brings over thirty years of experience in the Agri-Foods industry. Most recently, Barry served as the chief operating officer for Manitoba Harvest, leading a 100+ member operations team, with sales of approximately $100M. Barry spent 8 years with the Manitoba Harvest/Hemp Oil Canada organization, growing from a small footprint start-up to the largest branded and ingredient-focused hemp food company in the world. Prior to the hemp industry, Barry held sales and operations leadership roles at Cargill and Maple Leaf Foods. Barry is currently a director of the Manitoba Food Development Center. Ryan Bracken, P. Eng. A professional engineer, Ryan brings 18 years of experience in food manufacturing. Most recently, Ryan acted as vice president of innovation for Manitoba Harvest, where Ryan led the R&D and product development team. Ryan joined the Manitoba Harvest/Hemp Oil Canada organization seven years ago, where he led the financing, development and commissioning of Hemp Oil Canada’s 40,000 sf world-class manufacturing facility. Prior to joining the hemp industry, Ryan spent 11 years in the animal protein industry, leading and coaching small to large organizations through continuous improvement rollouts. Ryan is currently a director of Food & Beverage Manitoba. About Burcon NutraScience Corporation Media Contact:
13.06.2019 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG. |