Acreage Holdings, a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation and retail facilities in the U.S., has secured a $150 million credit facility with AFC Gamma and Viridescent Realty Trust. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, $100 million is available for immediate use and a further $50 million is available in future periods under a committed accordion option once certain, predetermined milestones are achieved. Acreage intends to use the proceeds of the Credit Facility to fund expansion initiatives, repay existing debt and provide additional working capital.
“This financing is a strong recognition of the significant work our team has done over the last year to position Acreage for both long-term success and as a leader in our industry,” said Steve Goertz, Acreage’s Chief Financial Officer. “This non-dilutive source of capital further enhances our balance sheet and provides us with increased financial flexibility as we continue to focus on driving profitability and accelerating growth in our core markets to ultimately maximize shareholder value. We are pleased to be working with AFC Gamma and Viridescent and look forward to furthering our partnership as we continue to strengthen our operations.”
“We are impressed with the efforts Acreage’s management team have put forth to improve their balance sheet, further strengthening their ability to execute on their growth plan,” said Leonard M. Tannenbaum, AFC Gamma’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the divesture of their non-performing assets, and their footprint in very attractive limited license states, including their recent entry into Ohio, we are very excited for the opportunity ahead for Acreage and look forward to working with them in 2022 and beyond.”
“The Viridescent team is thrilled to be working with Acreage to provide the funding required for future growth as they continue to execute on their refocused strategy,” said Rob Holmes, Viridescent’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe that Acreage is extremely well-positioned with their current operational footprint, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership as they continue to grow their presence in this rapidly evolving industry.”
The Credit Facility will bear interest at 9.75% per annum, payable monthly in arrears, with a maturity date of January 1, 2026.
AFC Gamma has committed $60 million (with an additional $10 million syndicated to an affiliate) of the $100 million available for immediate use under the Credit Facility and $30 million will be held by co-agent Viridescent. The loan is secured by first-lien mortgages on Acreage’s wholly owned real estate and other commercial security interests. AFC Agent LLC served as Administrative Agent for the transaction.
In connection with the closing of the Credit Facility, Acreage amended the terms of its subsidiary’s $33 million credit facility announced on September 29, 2020 to: (i) extend the maturity date thereof from September 28, 2023 to April 1, 2026, and (ii) provide that interest accrued on or after December 1, 2022 may, at the borrower’s election, be paid in kind and added to the principal amount of the loan to be paid when the loan becomes due and payable or is repaid.