Debra BorchardtIsraeli-based cannabis producer InterCure Ltd. (NASDAQ: INCR) also known as Canndoc is buying medical cannabis company Cann Pharmaceutical Ltd. also known as Better in a deal valued at $35 million. It is expected to close at the beginning of the third quarter of 2022.
InterCure is Israel’s largest licensed cannabis producer and one of the first to offer Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified and pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products. InterCure leverages its market-leading distribution network, international partnerships, and a high-margin vertically integrated “seed-to-sale” model to lead the fastest growing cannabis global market outside of North America. Better is a pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis company, with leading expertise in cannabis cultivation, marketing, commercialization, and research of medical cannabis products for a variety of medical indications. InterCure said that the acquisition of Better is expected to further strengthen InterCure’s leadership position in the pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis market. In addition, the acquisition is expected to create an immediate value creation opportunity with revenue synergies estimated at NIS 50 million for the upcoming year.
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the cannabis industry,” said Alex Rabinovitch, InterCure CEO, adding “InterCure and Better’s combined business operations are expected to create a new force in the international cannabis industry that will further accelerate our global expansion plans and opportunities and the consolidation process. We believe our combined business strengths and capabilities will help us to connect more effectively with new and existing patients in Israel and internationally. Once we complete this acquisition, InterCure’s portfolio will include additional leading brands, distribution network, and unique partnerships, positioning us to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.”
Better’s leading brand, Better is driven by a unique genetic portfolio that is consistently in high demand among medical cannabis patients both in Israel and internationally. Better’s advanced pesticide-free cultivation methods with both patient health and environmental advantages. Better are pioneers in formulating cannabis into a medical product in Israel and the rest of the world. In clinical research regarding the treatment for refractory epilepsy in children and adolescents who have not responded to pharmacological treatment, patients supplied with Better’s lead therapy strain EP1 had greater efficacy of reducing seizures and less adverse effects as compared to other medical cannabis-based products including Epidiolex.
Amos Cohen, InterCure CFO said: “InterCure is continuing its growth momentum while leading the consolidation of the medical cannabis market. This acquisition is a first of its kind and is another step in the implementation of our strategy and strengthens InterCure’s position.”
