Market Newsdesk

NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

December 17, 2020

Royal Dutch Shell plc (the “Company”) has been notified that following the payment of the interim dividend on December 16, 2020 in respect of the third quarter of 2020, the following Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (“PDMRs”) acquired notional dividend shares under the Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), as set out below. Details of the LTIP can be found in the Royal Dutch Shell plc Annual Report and Form 20-F ended December 31, 2019 (www.shell.com/annualreport).

PDMR	Date Acquired	Share Type	Number of notional dividend shares acquired	Price per Share
Ben van Beurden	16 December 2020	RDSA	5,836.44	EUR 15.60
Jessica Uhl	16 December 2020	RDS.A	1,566.83	USD 37.83
Harry Brekelmans	16 December 2020	RDSA	1,647.35	EUR 15.60
Ronan Cassidy	16 December 2020	RDSB	1,455.88	GBP 13.58
Donny Ching	16 December 2020	RDSA	1,228.03	EUR 15.60
Wael Sawan	16 December 2020	RDSA	1,623.67	EUR 15.60
Huibert Vigeveno	16 December 2020	RDSA	979.03	EUR 15.60
Maarten Wetselaar	16 December 2020	RDSA	1,647.35	EUR 15.60

The Notification of Dealing Form for each PDMR can be found below.

This notification is made in accordance with Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Anthony Clarke
Deputy Company Secretary

ENQUIRIES

Shell Media Relations
International, UK, European Press: +44 20 7934 5550

LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
Classification: Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State.

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Ben
Last Name(s)	van Beurden
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Chief Executive Officer
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	5,836.44
Total	91,048.46
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	5,836.44 15.60 91,048.46
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Jessica
Last Name(s)	Uhl
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Chief Financial Officer
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A American Depository Shares (RDS.A)
Identification Code	US7802592060
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	USD
Price	37.83
Volume	1,566.83
Total	59,273.18
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,566.83 37.83 59,273.18
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Harry
Last Name(s)	Brekelmans
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Projects & Technology Director
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	1,647.35
Total	25,698.66
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,647.35 15.60 25,698.66
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Ronan
Last Name(s)	Cassidy
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Chief Human Resources & Corporate Officer
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	B ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MM408
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	GBP
Price	13.58
Volume	1,455.88
Total	19,770.85
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,455.88 13.58 19,770.85
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Donny
Last Name(s)	Ching
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Legal Director
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	1,228.03
Total	19,157.27
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,228.03 15.60 19,157.27
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Wael
Last Name(s)	Sawan
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Upstream Director
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	1,623.67
Total	25,329.25
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,623.67 15.60 25,329.25
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Huibert
Last Name(s)	Vigeveno
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Downstream Director
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	979.03
Total	15,272.87
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	979.03 15.60 15,272.87
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
First Name(s)	Maarten
Last Name(s)	Wetselaar
2. Reason for the notification
Position/status	Integrated Gas and New Energies Director
Initial notification/ amendment	Initial notification
3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
Full name of the entity	Royal Dutch Shell plc
Legal Entity Identifier code	21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
Description of the financial instrument	A ordinary shares of €0.07 each
Identification Code	GB00B03MLX29
Nature of the transaction	Acquisition of notional dividend shares under the LTIP
Currency	EUR
Price	15.60
Volume	1,647.35
Total	25,698.66
Aggregated information Volume Price Total	1,647.35 15.60 25,698.66
Date of transaction	16/12/2020
Place of transaction	Outside a trading venue

Rogers, Arkansas , Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRMT) opened its 151^st dealership located in Edmond, OK.  This will be the 28^th dealership in Oklahoma and the third dealership opening in fiscal year 2021.  The dealership will be managed by April Renfro.

“A great deal of thought and foresight is placed on our decisions about where to grow. We select communities where we believe we can fill a void when it comes to what we offer at Car-Mart,” said Jeff Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, “We’re different from traditional dealerships. In addition to providing quality, used vehicles we also provide financing and exceptional service after the sale. We are committed to providing peace of mind for our customers and we believe communities are better when we are there.”

“We’re excited about joining the Edmond community. It’s a growing area with a lot of potential,” said Ms. Renfro. “At Car-Mart, we offer a unique buying process for our customers where it’s not just a purchase, but an experience. We get to know our customers and work closely with them on flexible financing that meets their needs and budgets.  We stay with them throughout their journey from the time they buy their vehicle until they pay-off their vehicle and beyond.  We keep them on the road.”

This new dealership is located at 909 S Broadway; the hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The store is closed on Sundays. Customers can also shop online at Car-Mart.com, or begin the financing approval process with Car-Mart’s online application at Car-Mart.com/getapproved.

About America’s Car-Mart

America’s Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in twelve states and is one of the largest publicly-held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the “Integrated Auto Sales and Finance” segment of the used car market.  The Company specializes in the sale of quality, pre-owned vehicles, and features flexible used car financing options for customers with bad credit, no credit, repossessions or even past bankruptcy and emphasizes superior customer service and the building of strong personal relationships with its customers. The Company operates its dealerships primarily in smaller cities throughout the South-Central United States selling quality used vehicles and providing financing for substantially all of its customers.  For more information about America’s Car-Mart, including investor presentations, please visit our website at www.car-mart.com.

Car-Mart was named to the Forbes America’s Best Mid-Size Employers list for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2018 and has sold over 700,000 vehicles since fiscal year 2000.

Contacts:Jeff Williams, CEO at (479) 464-9944 or Vickie Judy, CFO at (479) 464-9944

• Hyrimoz
  
  ^®
  
   approved for use in all same indications as reference medicine* including rheumatology, gastroenterology and dermatology.
• Third Sandoz biosimilar approved in Canada in past 11 months expanding its biosimilars portfolio to six and highlighting Sandoz commitment to broadening access to biosimilars.

BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sandoz Canada Inc. announced today that Health Canada has authorized Hyrimoz^® (adalimumab injection, reference biologic drug: Humira^®) on November 4, 2020 for marketing in Canada. Hyrimoz^® has been approved for the treatment of the same nine (9) life-threatening or serious debilitating conditions in adults and children as the reference medicine*, including the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis and adult uveitis.

Hyrimoz^® (adalimumab injection) is a fully human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. Adalimumab targets and blocks TNF, which helps reduce inflammation. The notice of compliance has been issued for three subcutaneous injection dosage forms: 40 mg/0.8 mL and 20 mg/0.4mL in prefilled syringe, 40 mg/0.8 mL in autoinjector.

“This approval is excellent news as over 42,000 Canadian patients are currently taking an adalimumab biologic¹. Our team is working hard to launch Hyrimoz^® by February 15^th 2021 to increase access to this high-quality, affordable biologic treatment for Canadian healthcare professionals and their patients. We are currently working on the reimbursement of Hyrimoz^® to enable rapid access for patients.” said Karine Matteau, Vice President, Bio-Generic Hospital/Physician channel and Head Biosimilars at Sandoz Canada. “Sandoz is dedicated to growing our biosimilars portfolio in Canada and Hyrimoz^® is an important driver for this in the immunology area, as it complements the recent biosimilar launches we had this year in immunology and oncology.”

“Sandoz is a global leader and a pioneer in biosimilars research, development, manufacturing and commercialization enabled by the Novartis group’s fully integrated end-to end model. We pride ourselves as being one company delivering both innovation and sustainability to the healthcare system in Canada. Hyrimoz^® was successfully launched in Europe in 2018 and we are very proud that we have obtained approval to market it in Canada as it will allow us to broaden the use of biosimilars in the country, which will in turn reduce growing costs to the healthcare system and generate savings that can be reinvested in healthcare resources,” added Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada.

A patient support program will be available to patients treated by Hyimoz^®, providing guidance with reimbursement navigation, financial assistance, administrative support, as well as education for patients.

Sandoz Canada’s biosimilars portfolio includes biologic medicines covering the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology and endocrinology.

About Biosimilars

A biosimilar biologic medicine, or biosimilar, is a biologic medicine that has demonstrated it is highly similar and has no clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety compared to an original-brand (“reference”) biologic² already authorized for sale. Biosimilars may become commercially available following the expiry of patents and data protection periods of the reference biologic medicine.

Since 2009, Health Canada has approved 32 biosimilars of original-brand biologics present on the Canadian market³.

Biosimilars have the potential to improve access to effective treatments while reducing the current economic burden on the Canadian healthcare system, patients, physicians and taxpayers as a whole. The Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board has estimated that private and public drug plans across Canada could save from $332 million CDN to $1.81 billion CDN in the third year following biosimilar entry across a portfolio of product⁴. The broader use of biosimilar medicines, including the implementation of biosimilar switching policies, can also help public and private drug plans improve their sustainability by adding new medicine listings and expanding existing medication coverage for patients. To that effect, the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) recently released study report⁵ demonstrates that mandatory non-medical switching policies introduced in all provinces in 2019 (etanercept and infliximab only) could generate $239.6 million in national savings.

For further information on biosimilars in Canada, visit BiosimilarsGeneration.ca, which aims to support and educate patients, healthcare professionals and Canadians by providing policy updates from public drug plans, as well as evidence-based information and resources from Canadian, international research and clinical communities, and patient organizations representing Canadians living with chronic diseases who take biologic medicines.

^®


Trademark owned by the registere
d
owner.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as “potential,” “can,” “soon,” “planned” or similar expressions, or by express or implied statements regarding potential marketing or new labelling approvals for Hyrimoz^® or other potential products in the Sandoz pipeline of biosimilars, or regarding potential future revenues from the sale of Hyrimoz^® or other marketed products from the Sandoz biosimilars portfolio or potential future revenues from the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars in development. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and involve known and unknown risks and significant uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Hyrimoz^® or any other marketed product from the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars will be submitted or approved for sale in other markets, or at any particular time. There can also be no guarantee that potential products from the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars under development will be submitted or approved for sale in other markets, or at any particular time. There can also be no guarantee that, if approved, potential products in the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars in development will be approved for all indications listed on the label of the reference product. There can also be no guarantee that Hyrimoz^®, other marketed products in the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars or other potential products in the Sandoz portfolio of biosimilars in development will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management’s expectations regarding Hyrimoz^® and other biosimilar candidates and marketed products could be affected by, among other things, regulatory actions, delays or government regulation generally; uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the results of clinical studies and further analysis of existing clinical data; competition in general, including potential approval of new versions of Hyrimoz^®; the global trend toward rationalizing healthcare costs, including pricing pressures and reimbursement issues from healthcare payers, the general public and governments; the outcome of litigation, including intellectual property litigation and other legal actions to prevent or restrict the sale of Sandoz biosimilar products; physicians’ and patients’ particular prescription preferences; general economic and industry conditions; impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; manufacturing, safety or quality issues; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Sandoz is providing the information in this press release as of today and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements described herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the law.

About Sandoz

Sandoz International GmbH is a world leader in generics and biosimilars and a division of the Swiss multinational Novartis AG. A true leader in its field, Sandoz Canada markets and distributes a wide range of generics, biosimilars and specialty products.
www.sandoz.ca

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandoz-canada/

References

1. Internal estimation based on IMS IQVIA analysis manager, September 2019
2. Health Canada Biosimilars Fact Sheet: Biosimilars Explained. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies/applications-submissions/guidance-documents/fact-sheet-biosimilars.html
3. https://health-products.canada.ca/noc-ac/index-eng.jsp – accessed on November 10, 2020
4. Potential savings associated with biosimilars in Canada: Government of Canada. http://www.pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca/view.asp?ccid=1304
5. ODPRN － Crosby, M., Tadrous, M., & Gomes, T. (2020). Potential Cost Implications of Mandatory Non‐Medical Switching Policies for Biologics for Rheumatic Conditions and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. https://odprn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Research-Minute-Cost-Implications-of-Non-Medical-Switching.pdf

^*Humira® (adalimumab) is a registered trademark of AbbVie Biotechnology, Inc.

For interview requests, please contact Paule Pelletier (see contact information below).

Information:                    
Paule Pelletier
Sandoz Canada Inc.
+1-514 702-7699
[email protected] / [email protected]

• One of twenty-one original Illinois issued “super licenses” allowing for 220,000 ft² of THC cultivation canopy as well as processing and manufacturing of extract-based products.
• A highly-limited licensing framework for the State’s 12.6 million residents and over 117 million annual tourists, which is currently generating yearly sales of US $1.3 billion¹, and provides robust economics for the 14 companies currently cultivating cannabis.
• Acquisition comes with an operating 23,572 ft² grow and manufacturing facility currently selling to the State’s dispensaries as well multiple approved genetics.

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB and OTC: RWBYF) (“RWB” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has signed today a definitive agreement to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of Cannabis Capital Partners Inc. (“CCP”), an arm’s length Ontario special purpose vehicle with rights to concurrently purchase medically and recreationally-approved THC cultivation center licenses in the State of Illinois, a 23,572 ft² active cultivation and manufacturing operation, the associated inventory, and the real estate assets including 2 acres of land. 

The current operation is located in Shelbyville, Illinois and was one of the original 21 medical marijuana cultivation center permits. The entity is currently operated by a not-for-profit entity that employs rehabilitation patients and is in good standing with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the regulator of Illinois’ cannabis cultivation centers.

Strategic Plan:

After closing of the transactions, and upon approval by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), RWB intends to migrate the cultivation licenses to its wholly-owned subsidiary’s (Mid-American Growers Inc.) state-of-the-art 3.6 million square foot cultivation facility in Granville, Illinois. Within the parameters of the cultivation center license, RWB would be permitted to expand the plant canopy to 220,000 ft², which would translate to roughly 450,000 ft² of total cannabis operations when including the non-canopy areas as well as processing and manufacturing.

In tandem with cultivation planning, RWB would also have the ability to launch both the Company’s Platinum Vape brand as well as the Company’s exclusively licensed High Times brand throughout the State as the cultivation center license allows for processing of extracts as well as manufacturing of infused goods.

RWB has been cultivating premium CBD and novel cannabinoid flower at the Granville facility for over one year, and the segment of the greenhouse earmarked for the THC operations is near-ready with only minimal retrofits required to convert for THC.

Click here to view a video showcasing RWB’s Granville, IL high-tech greenhouse.

In the Community:

The municipal government of Shelbyville, IL have been tremendously supportive of the current operators and the cannabis industry as a whole. RWB’s near-term plans may include transfer of cultivation licenses to its Granville facility, but the current facility could be more aptly repurposed to operate a craft grow license in the near-term while continuing to provide employment and other economic benefits to the Shelbyville employees and community. A craft grow license would allow RWB to offer a top-shelf indoor product to complement their premium greenhouse products, while benefitting more than one community through job creation.

Mid-American Growers, RWB’s wholly-owned Illinois subsidiary, offers internships and job placements though Illinois Valley Community College, highlighting the Company’s unwavering commitment to the State of Illinois and its municipalities.

The third element of RWB’s community first approach in the State is a large commitment to social equity and social equity dispensary operators. The Company intends to offer social equity dispensaries partnership opportunities to ensure they succeed through branding support, High Times store naming rights, and operational and financial assistance.

Economics:

The Company’s management, as well as its PhD level cultivators, have outlined conservative economics for 220,000 ft² of canopy as follows:

• 100,000 lbs. per year (50g./ft x 4.2 harvests/year)
• US $250 million in annual revenue @ $2,500/ lb. – (current market rate = $3,500/lb.)
• < US $500/ lb. total cash costs
• Multiple opportunities for ancillary revenue through derivative products.

Brad Rogers, Chairman & CEO of RWB commented:


  
“I think for us to enter a state that has a limited license program and has quickly established itself as one of the largest markets by revenue in the US is a watershed moment for our shareholders. We have become familiar with the Illinois market, have a core of skilled employees in our multi- million square foot facility in Granville, and have the rights to High Times branding in Illinois as well as own one of the top selling brands in Platinum Vape, all of which can be leveraged for success in Illinois. I believe that these assets coupled with our commitment to social equity programs and corporate citizenship will provide us with a great opportunity for growth.”

Jeff Field, President of CCP commented:

“
We’ve been deeply immersed in the Illinois cannabis program since its inception and are thrilled to have secured this deal with Red White and Bloom in their acquisition of one of the premier cannabis permits in the country. We were focused on working with only industry-leading cannabis MSO’s whose mission aligned with ours regarding social equity and record expungement. Their commitment to these initiatives, along with their proven operating team, played a key role in our decision-making. We look forward to working with RWB on implementing the State’s transformational social equity initiatives while bringing RWB’s premium and trusted product lines to the Illinois market.”

Illinois Market Overview:

• Illinois population of 12.63 million² consists of approximately 8 million legal-age residents and 100,000+ medical patients
• Current market size based on November’s combined medical and recreational sales is estimated to be US$1.25 billion
• Highest wholesale flower prices of any State; highest per dispensary sales of any State
• Only 21 cultivation/processing permits have been awarded; 21 permits controlled by only 14 companies
• Future permits will be “craft grower” permits limited to 5,000 ft² of canopy and will not include a processing & manufacturing permit (must apply separately) constraining further supply
• Currently 70 Adult Use dispensaries open with state law allowing up to 500 locations

Deal Terms include:

• RWB to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of CCP for the issuance to CCP shareholders of up to 22 million common shares (with applicable resale restrictions) based on certain milestones, including the approval of the ownership transfer of the license and the approval, if sought, of the relocation of the license
• CCP has entered into definitive agreements to acquire the licensed Illinois THC Cultivation Center and related assets from the current operators for a purchase price that shall be satisfied through:
  1. a cash payment US $16.25 million at closing, which will become due 45 days after the Department of Agriculture approves the ownership transfer of the license (anticipated for Q1 2021); and
  2. US $16.25 million will come in the form of an 8%, interest only, 18 month note to the seller with US $8.75 million due within 30 days after the State’s approval for permit relocation.

Upon closing, CCP shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. Closing of the above transactions are subject to a number of conditions that are typical for transactions of this nature, including all applicable regulatory approvals (including IDOA and the Canadian Securities Exchange).

Further details shall be provided at closing.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

The Company is positioning itself to be one of the top three multi-state cannabis operators active in the U.S. legal cannabis and hemp sector. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on the major US markets, including Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, Arizona and California with respect to cannabis, and the US and internationally for hemp-based CBD products.

For more information about Red White & Bloom Brands Inc., please contact:

Tyler Troup, Managing Director

Circadian Group IR
[email protected] 

Visit us on the web: www.RedWhiteBloom.com 

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands
Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands
Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations.  When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.  The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the proposed acquisition of CCP and CCP’s proposed acquisition of the THC Cultivation Center and related assets in the State of Illinois. There is no assurance that these transactions will be approved by IDOA or the CSE or that, if completed, that these transactions will yield results in line with management expectations. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, market size, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume.  Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change.  Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information.  Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally; risks related to regulatory approvals. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized.  It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE.  READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

¹ November 2020’s combined medical and recreational sales, annualized.
² U.S. Census Bureau

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC) today reported that AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) for the insurance company subsidiaries of Independence Holding Company.

Chief Executive Officer’s Comments

Roy T. K. Thung, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are gratified that AM Best has affirmed our A- (Excellent) rating for all three of our insurance companies.   IHC has a very strong balance sheet with no indebtedness and a very substantial amount of free cash at the corporate level and significant excess capital in our insurance companies. IHC recently declared its semi-annual cash dividend (which is $.44 per share annualized), and we expect to maintain or increase this dividend amount in the foreseeable future. We have made, and are continuing to make, material investments in ramping up our pet and Medicare divisions, which are both high growth lines of business.”

About The IHC Group

Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC), formed in 1980, is a holding company that is principally engaged in underwriting, administering and/or distributing group and individual specialty benefit products, including disability, supplemental health, pet, and group life insurance through its subsidiaries (Independence Holding Company and its subsidiaries collectively referred to as “The IHC Group”). The IHC Group consists of three insurance companies (Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company). We also own the following agencies: (i) PetPartners, Inc., our pet insurance administrator; (ii) IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., a technology-driven full-service marketing and distribution company that focuses on small employer and individual consumer products through its call center, career agents, and Independence Brokerage Group; and (iii) The INSX Cloud Platform through My1HR, our wholly owned Web Based Entity. Our InsureTech division is comprised of our call centers, field and career agents, in-house MarTech artificial intelligence capabilities and domains, including www.healthedeals.com; www.healthinsurance.org; www.medicareresources.org; www.petplace.com; and www.mypetinsurance.com.

Forward-looking Statements


Certain statements and information contained in this release may be considered “forward-looking statements,” such as statements relating to management’s views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the markets in which IHC operates, new federal or state governmental regulation, IHC’s ability to effectively operate, integrate and leverage any past or future strategic acquisition, and other factors which can be found in IHC’s other news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. IHC expressly disclaims any duty to update its forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

CONTACT: Loan Nisser

(646) 509-2107

www.IHCGroup.com

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. announces that it is investigating Anchiano Therapeutics Ltd. (“Anchiano”) (NASDAQ CM: ANCN) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to Anchiano’s agreement to merge with Chemomab Ltd. (“Chemomab”).  Under the terms of the agreement, Anchiano will issue a number of American Depository Shares of Anchiano to shareholders of Chemomab. Upon the closing of the merger, shareholders of Chemomab are expected to own approximately 90% of the outstanding shares of Anchiano.

To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-anchiano-therapeutics-ltd.

You may contact Seth D. Rigrodsky or Gina M. Serra cost and obligation free at (888) 969-4242 or [email protected].

Rigrodsky & Long, P.A., with offices in Delaware and New York, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of investors and achieved substantial corporate governance reforms in securities fraud and corporate class actions nationwide.

Attorney advertising.  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

CONTACT:

Rigrodsky & Long, P.A.
Seth D. Rigrodsky
Gina M. Serra
(888) 969-4242 (Toll Free)
(302) 295-5310
Fax: (302) 654-7530
[email protected]
https://rl-legal.com