Sundial enters the Canadian cannabis retail space
with the addition of the country’s largest single brand network with 100-plus retail locations

CALGARY, AB , July 20, 2021 /CNW/ – Sundial Growers Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDL) (” Sundial ” or the ” Company “) is pleased to announce the completion of the previously disclosed arrangement (the ” Arrangement “) whereby Sundial has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. (CSE: ISH) (OTCQB: INSHF) (” Inner Spirit “) (” Inner Spirit Shares “) for consideration per Inner Spirit Share consisting of (i) $0.30 in cash and (ii) 0.0835 of a common share of Sundial.

TRANSACTION HIGHLIGHTS

• Establishes Sundial as one of Canada’s largest vertically integrated cannabis companies: Sundial is a diversified cannabis company with a strong brand portfolio and extensive consumer packaged goods experience. Acquiring Spiritleaf broadens Sundial’s business with a strategic entry into cannabis retail and enables greater access to and understanding of retail markets, product marketing insights and consumer purchasing trends.
• Establishes Sundial as Canada’s largest single-branded network of retail operations: The addition of well-established Spiritleaf franchised and corporate-owned stores, representing the country’s largest single-brand recreational cannabis retailer with 100-plus stores across six provinces, provides Sundial with an integration and expansion platform in current operating markets in Canada .
• Strengthens Sundial’s retail expertise with cannabis advocates: Spiritleaf has earned its reputation as an industry leader for its franchise sales and support system, in-store design and experience, employee education and training, marketing creativity and customer benefits program.

“The acquisition of the Spiritleaf cannabis retail network makes Sundial a stronger and more diverse cannabis company,” said Zach George , Chief Executive Officer of Sundial. “We are excited to work with the Spiritleaf team and franchise partners to further develop and optimize the store network in Canada and provide a clear path to sustainable profitability for Sundial. Spiritleaf has demonstrated the ability to grow its brand from coast to coast, and we plan to support this growth trajectory, enhance the use of data to make key business decisions, and provide an optimal product assortment to meet the diverse needs of Canadian cannabis consumers.”

Darren Bondar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inner Spirit, said, “We believe the acquisition of Inner Spirit and the Spiritleaf network by Sundial represents the clear best path forward for Inner Spirit shareholders. Spiritleaf recently achieved the 100-store milestone in Canada and is the first cannabis retail company to do so. We are proud of what we have accomplished with the Spiritleaf brand and what we have built with the support and dedication of our franchise partners and employees in communities across the country. I know our brand and our people are in good hands with Sundial and this transaction, along with our loyal customer base, will further entrench the Spiritleaf brand as a leading retailer in Canada while enhancing Sundial’s path to profitability.”

Inner Spirit has submitted applications to the applicable regulators to cease being a reporting issuer and to terminate its public reporting obligations. It is anticipated Inner Spirit Shares will be de-listed from the CSE on or about July 21, 2021 . Full details of the Arrangement are set out in the management information circular (the ” Information Circular “) of Inner Spirit dated June 14 , 2021 which is available under Inner Spirit’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

ADVISORS

ATB Capital Markets acted as financial advisor and McCarthy Tétrault LLP acted as legal counsel to Sundial. Echelon Capital Markets acted as financial advisor and DS Burstall LLP acted as legal counsel to Inner Spirit.

VIDEO

A video accompanying this release is available at: https://sndlgroup.com/investors/videos

ABOUT SUNDIAL GROWERS INC.

Sundial is a public company with Common Shares traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “SNDL”. Our business is reported and analyzed under two operating segments: one being Cannabis and the other being Investments.

As a licensed producer that crafts small-batch cannabis using state-of-the-art indoor facilities, our ‘craft-at-scale’ modular growing approach, award-winning genetics and experienced growers set us apart. Sundial’s brand portfolio includes Top Leaf, Sundial Cannabis, Palmetto and Grasslands. Sundial also operates the Spiritleaf retail banner. Spiritleaf aims to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source of recreational cannabis by offering a premium consumer experience and quality curated cannabis products.

Our investment operations seek to deploy strategic capital through direct and indirect investments and partnerships throughout the global cannabis industry.

We are proudly Albertan, headquartered in Calgary, AB , with operations in Olds and Rocky View County, Alberta, Canada . For more information on Sundial, please go to www.sndlgroup.com .

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (“forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information is typically, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “will”, “expected”, “projected”, “to be” and similar words, including negatives thereof, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the combined company and its focus going forward; the anticipated benefits associated with the Arrangement; Sundial’s capital base supporting Inner Spirit’s expansion and accessing new or expanded market opportunities.

Such forward-looking information is based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, factors and assumptions with respect to: the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement; the business and operations of the combined entity, including that each business segment will continue to operate in a manner consistent with past practice and pursuant to certain industry and market conditions; the ability of the combined entity to successfully implement its strategic plans and initiatives and whether such strategic plans and initiatives will yield the expected benefits; and the receipt by Sundial and its franchise partners of necessary retail cannabis licences, approvals and authorizations from regulatory authorities, and the timing thereof.

Although Sundial believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Sundial can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by such forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Sundial will derive therefrom. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including, but not limited to:  the risk that the benefits of the Arrangement will not be as anticipated; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative, tax and regulatory developments; conditions in the cannabis industry; the risk that Sundial  and its franchisees do not receive the necessary retail cannabis licences or that they are not able to open additional retail cannabis stores as anticipated or at all; the ability of management to execute its business strategy, objectives and plans; the availability of capital to fund the build-out and opening of additional corporate and franchised retail cannabis stores; and the impact of general economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada .

Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to Inner Spirit’s business are contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in Inner Spirit’s annual information form for the financial year ended December 31, 2019 dated February 12, 2021 . Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to Sundial’s business are contained under “Item 3D Risk Factors” in Sundial’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2021 . The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release. Sundial does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.

About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.

Country’s largest single-brand network of retail cannabis stores marked event in Nation’s Capital
where Canadian government legalized recreational cannabis just 33 months ago  

CALGARY, AB, July 9, 2021 /CNW/ – Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. (“Inner Spirit” or the “Company“) (CSE: ISH) (OTCQB: INSHF), a Canadian company that has established a national network of Spiritleaf retail cannabis stores, today announced the celebration for the opening of its 100^th Spiritleaf store. With its first location opened in October 2018 after recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada, Spiritleaf has developed into a retail powerhouse with more cannabis retail outlets opened than any other company in the country.

100^th Store Opening

The Company celebrated the 100^th store opening milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Spiritleaf South Keys store located in the south end of Ottawa, Ontario. Company President and CEO Darren Bondar, Spiritleaf Vice President Cecil Horwitz and Spiritleaf South Keys Owner Richard Dufour were in attendance, along with Spiritleaf employees and representatives from the local community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was scaled to respect all local gathering restrictions.

“We celebrated the 100^th Spiritleaf store with everyone who helped us get there. It’s an amazing achievement for our trailblazing community. In just 33 months since legalization, we’ve opened more than 100 corporate and franchise stores from coast to coast across the country, which is one new store about every 10 days. That growth trajectory has been tremendous, and we have such respect and gratitude for our franchise partners and all the Spritleaf staff for making this happen. It’s a testament to our collective passion, dedication and energy that we have reached this milestone,” said Bondar.

As part of the national celebration, Spiritleaf is thanking its guests this weekend at each store by providing commemorative #100 pins to the first 100 guests.

“When Spiritleaf opens a store, it creates new jobs and business prospects in the local community. The benefits range from store management and staff positions to more work for suppliers, contractors and construction crews. While we’re pleased our stores bring such local business benefits, we’re just as focused on being a good corporate citizen and supporting important causes. One of the actions I’m most proud of has been our partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to seek out possible paths to reconciliation for the country. Our recent support for the 215 Pledge is an example of our ongoing commitment to these vital communities and to the Downie-Wenjack Fund. Our brand has been built around being as authentic to the cannabis plant as we can be and to inspire peace, love and harmony in all our communities,” noted Bondar.

National Expansion

The Company continued to expand its network with the opening of nine additional Spiritleaf stores across three provinces in June and early July. This has included the Company’s first stores in Manitoba. Please visit www.spiritleaf.ca for information on store locations and their operating hours. The new stores include the following:

• Spiritleaf Beaches, Toronto, Ontario
• Spiritleaf Bonnyville, Bonnyville, Alberta
• Spiritleaf Eastwinds, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Spiritleaf Imperial Centre, Brampton, Ontario
• Spiritleaf Orleans, Ottawa
• Spiritleaf South Keys, Ottawa
• Spiritleaf St. Vital, Winnipeg
• Spiritleaf Unicity, Winnipeg
• Spiritleaf Varsity, Calgary

Company Updates

The Company announced that Spiritleaf along with its founder Darren Bondar has been selected as one of the finalists for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2021 Prairies award. The EY program celebrates entrepreneurs whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. Regional winners will be announced later this month and will go on to compete in a Canada-wide competition that concludes in November.

Additionally, Spiritleaf has been recognized as a finalist in two categories by the Retail Council of Canada’s 2021 Excellence in Retailing Awards competition. The awards celebrate the best retail innovations found across the country with winners announced in September. Spiritleaf has been recognized for its in-store experience and design and for its retail marketing prowess.

Spiritleaf stores have been operating with enhanced customer service processes to ensure the safety of employees and customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spiritleaf’s Select & Collect service enables customers to pre-shop and order online prior to pick-up in store or curbside or via delivery where permitted. The fast-growing and popular Spiritleaf Collective customer benefits program, which recently surpassed 310,000 members, streamlines and individualizes the shopping experience for guests.

To acknowledge the support from these members, the Company is currently running its virtual Spirit Bus Tour across the country for a second consecutive summer. The tour has been making “stops” at Spiritleaf stores where Spiritleaf Collective members can access exclusive promotions and special edition festival swag. Bus postcards containing the access code to the tour are available in-store or by email or text for Spiritleaf Collective members and no purchase is required. Please visit www.spiritbustour.ca for tour dates and details.

About Inner Spirit

Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. (CSE:ISH) (OTCQB:INSHF) is a retailer and franchisor of Spiritleaf recreational cannabis stores across Canada. The Spiritleaf network includes 101 franchised and corporate-owned locations, all operated with an entrepreneurial spirit and with the goal of creating deep and lasting ties within local communities. Spiritleaf aims to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source of recreational cannabis by offering a premium consumer experience and quality curated cannabis products. The Company is led by passionate advocates for cannabis who have years of retail, franchise and consumer marketing experience. Spiritleaf has been recognized with a Franchisees’ Choice Designation from the Canadian Franchise Association for its award-winning support centre for two consecutive years, a MarCom Platinum Award for marketing excellence, and a Hermes Gold Award for its creative customer benefits program. Learn more at www.innerspiritholdings.com and www.spiritleaf.ca.

SOURCE Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd.

For further information: Darren Bondar, President and CEO, Email: [email protected], Phone: 1 (403) 930-9300, www.innerspiritholdings.com

This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.

About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.