UGE International Ltd. is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity shares of Endura Energy Project Corp., a leading Toronto-based renewable energy company.
“UGE is growing quickly in the commercial solar sector, both in North America and in key international markets,” said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO of UGE. “By combining our traditional strengths in sales, marketing, and project finance, with Endura’s strengths in engineering and project implementation, we are taking another significant step towards market leadership in this sector. On a combined basis we look forward to a profitable 2016 as we continue to experience high growth rates in this fast growing sector.”
UGE stated that it plans to leverage Endura’s project implementation platform to expand its capabilities and accelerate renewable energy project deployment in each of its key markets, which have traditionally included the US, Panama, Philippines, and China. With the acquisition, UGE will have a significant market share in Canada as well, as the country looks set to adopt more progressive clean energy goals. The combined company will be led by Mr. Blitterswyk and retain its corporate HQ in New York City. Cameron Steinman, President of Endura, will become Chief Strategy Officer of the combined entity.
“UGE offers an unparalleled platform for working with businesses to lower their energy costs through distributed generation. Working together, we will to continue to grow in Canada and Panama, while expanding UGE’s project delivery capabilities in the US, Philippines, and China. In this fast growing industry, we’re proud to be part of the UGE family, and excited about the growth ahead,” stated Mr. Steinman.
Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, UGE will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Endura from a numbered company controlled by Cameron and Alison Steinman, the founders of Endura. In consideration for the Endura Shares, UGE shall pay CAD$1 million in cash on closing of the acquisition, and shall issue 8,888,888 common shares of UGE to the Seller. A portion of the cash consideration of the transaction will be paid to Endura employees after closing. The Payment Shares will be subject to an escrow agreement providing for release of 25% of the Payment Shares on the closing date of the acquisition, and 25% on the next three one year anniversaries of the Closing Date. The Escrow Releases may be adjusted downwards, with some Payment Shares cancelled, if certain revenue targets are not reached and if a key employee resigns from employment following the Closing Date. Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the Sellers shall be entitled to appoint one nominee director to the board of directors of UGE so long as the Seller holds at least 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of UGE.
The Closing Date is expected to occur in January, 2016. The cash portion of the acquisition is expected to be paid through senior bank debt.
The acquisition of Endura will be an Arm’s Length Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 1.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange’s Corporate Finance Manual). Upon closing, the Founders will become Insiders of UGE and will hold indirectly through the Seller approximately 32% of the issued and outstanding common shares of UGE.
