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Column Capital Corp. and Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. Announce Execution of Definitive Agreement for Proposed Qualifying Transaction and Closing of Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. Subscription Receipt Financing

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Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 19, 2022) – Column Capital Corp. (TSXV: CPC.P) (“Column“) and Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. (“LPV“) are pleased to announce that, further to their joint press releases dated February 2, 2022 and February 24, 2022, they, together with 1356909 B.C. Ltd. (“Subco“), a wholly owned subsidiary of Column, have entered into a definitive agreement dated April 14, 2022 (the “Definitive Agreement“), which sets out the terms and conditions of a three-cornered amalgamation that will result in Column acquiring all of the issued and outstanding securities of LPV in exchange for securities of Column and will result in a reverse-takeover of Column by LPV (the “Transaction“). It is anticipated that the Transaction will constitute the Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“)) of Column and Column is seeking conditional acceptance from the TSXV in respect thereof.

Concurrently with the Transaction, Column intends to consolidate the common shares of Column (the “Column Shares“) on a 7.547 to 1 basis (the “Consolidation“) and change its name to “Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.” or such other similar name as may be accepted by the relevant regulatory authorities and agreed to by LPV, acting reasonably (the “Name Change“). Upon completion of the Transaction, the combined entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) is expected to (a) carry on the LPV’s business of investing in physical vanadium or commercial vanadium products; and (b) qualify as a Tier 1 “Investment” issuer (as such term is used in Policy 2.1 – Initial Listing Requirements of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSXV) pursuant to the policies of the TSXV.

Column and LPV are also pleased to announce that, further to their joint press release dated February 24, 2022, LPV has closed a first tranche of its previously-announced brokered private placement (the “Financing“) of subscription receipts of LPV (“Subscription Receipts“) by issuing 15,110,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $2.00 per Subscription Receipt, for gross proceeds of $30,220,000, pursuant to an agency agreement dated April 14, 2022 among Sprott Capital Partners LP (“Sprott“), who acted as lead agent, together with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc. (collectively with Sprott, the “Agents“) and LPV.

All amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The Definitive Agreement

The Definitive Agreement contemplates that, among other things, the following conditions precedent be met prior to the closing of the Transaction: (a) receipt of all required third party consents, waivers, permits, exemptions, orders and approvals with respect to the Transaction; (b) receipt of TSXV approval in respect of the Transaction and the listing of post-Consolidation Column Shares issued pursuant to the Transaction; (c) receipt of all corporate approvals, including certain approvals from the Column board of directors, the Column shareholders, and the LPV shareholders; (d) the distribution of all securities contemplated by the Definitive Agreement shall be exempt from the prospectus and registration requirements of Canadian securities laws; (e) no law is in effect, or governmental action or legal proceeding is pending, that makes the consummation of the Transaction illegal or materially delays or prevents the consummation of the Transaction; (f) no cease trade order or similar restraining order of any provincial securities administrator relating to the securities contemplated by the Definitive Agreement shall be in effect; (g) no material adverse effect in respect of Column or LPV shall have occurred since the date of the Definitive Agreement; (h) each of the Technical Advisory Agreement, the Safekeeping Agreement, the Advisory Services Agreement and the Supply Agreement (as such terms are defined below) shall have been entered into between LPV and the relevant counterparty thereto; (i) the Consolidation shall have occurred; and (j) the Financing shall have been completed.

The Transaction will not constitute a “Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction” (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) and, as such, shareholder approval is not required (unless otherwise mandated by the TSXV). No person who or which is a “Non-Arm’s Length Party” (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) of Column has any direct or indirect beneficial interest in LPV or its assets prior to giving effect to the Transaction and no such person is an insider of LPV. Similarly, there is no known relationship between or among any person who or which is a Non-Arm’s Length Party of Column and any person who or which is a Non-Arm’s Length Party of LPV.

If all conditions to the implementation of the Transaction have been satisfied or waived, Column and LPV will carry out the Transaction such that: (a) LPV and Subco will amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “First Amalgamation“) to form a new company (“Amalco“); and (b) Column and Amalco will vertically amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Second Amalgamation“) to form the Resulting Issuer.

Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, it is expected that the following security conversions and issuances will occur in connection with the First Amalgamation:

(a) the Subscription Receipts shall be automatically converted into common shares of LPV (“LPV Shares“) in accordance with their terms immediately prior to effecting the First Amalgamation; and

(b) concurrently with receipt of the certificate of amalgamation issued by the Registrar of Companies under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) evidencing that the First Amalgamation is effective:

(i) each issued and outstanding common share of Subco (each, a “Subco Share“), all of which are held by Column, will be exchanged for one issued and fully paid common share of Amalco (an “Amalco Share“) and the Subco Shares shall be cancelled;

(ii) each issued and outstanding LPV Share issued or deemed to be issued at $2.00 per LPV Share will be exchanged for one fully paid post-Consolidation Column Share and the LPV Shares shall be cancelled. As described further below, approximately 17,835,741 post-Consolidation Column Shares are expected to be issued by Column to LPV Shareholders, which, based on the deemed price of $2.00 per post-Consolidation Column Share, would represent an aggregate consideration value of $35,671,482. The calculations in this paragraph include 2,409,141 LPV Shares being issued, at a deemed price of $2.00 per LPV Share, to Largo (defined below) prior to the completion of the Transaction on and pursuant to the terms of the Supply Agreement (as further described below), assuming a vanadium price of U.S.$12.00/lb and a USD:CAD exchange rate of 1:1.26. However, the number of shares to be issued to Largo pursuant to the Supply Agreement is subject to fluctuation based on, among other things, foreign exchange rates, the type of vanadium product to be supplied on closing of the Transaction, the market price of such type of vanadium product, and certain expenses attributable to the Transaction;

(iii) in consideration of the issuance by Column of the post-Consolidation Column Shares in connection with the First Amalgamation, Amalco shall issue to Column one fully paid and non-assessable Amalco Share for each post-Consolidation Column Share issued to former holders of LPV Shares;

(iv) Amalco shall add an amount to the capital maintained in respect of the Amalco Shares equal to the sum of the capital of the: (A) LPV Shares, determined immediately prior to effecting the First Amalgamation; and (B) Subco Shares, determined immediately prior to effecting the First Amalgamation; and

(v) Column shall add an amount to the capital maintained in respect of the post-Consolidation Column Shares equal to the capital of the LPV Shares, determined immediately prior to effecting the First Amalgamation.

Upon receipt of the certificate of amalgamation issued by the Registrar of Companies under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) evidencing that the Second Amalgamation is effective, all Amalco Shares shall be cancelled without any repayment of capital in respect thereof and the post-Consolidation Column Shares will be the common shares of the Resulting Issuer (the “Resulting Issuer Shares“).

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that an aggregate of 18,292,876 Resulting Issuer Shares will be issued and outstanding and that: (a) the current Column shareholders will hold 457,135 Resulting Issuer Shares, representing approximately 2.5% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares; and (b) the current LPV shareholders will hold 17,835,741 Resulting Issuer Shares, representing approximately 97.5% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares.

Trading Halt

Trading of the Column Shares has been halted at Column’s request and will remain halted pending the TSXV’s receipt of satisfactory documentation and completion of the Transaction.

About Column Capital Corp.

Column was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in November of 2020. Column is listed as a capital pool company on the TSXV and the Column Shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the symbol CPC.P. Column’s business objective is to identify and evaluate assets or businesses with a view to a potential acquisition by completing a Qualifying Transaction (such as the Transaction). Its head office is in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Column’s share capital consists of 3,450,000 Column Shares of which 2,100,000 Column Shares are held in escrow and will be released over a period of up to 18 months following completion of the Transaction, and Column has 225,000 stock options exercisable for Column Shares at a price of $0.15 each, expiring June 15, 2026, and 100,000 warrants exercisable for Column Shares at a price of $0.15 each and expiring on June 15, 2023.

About Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.

LPV is a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

LPV was formed by Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) (“Largo“), with the aim of creating a publicly traded investment vehicle that would invest in and hold substantially all of its assets in vanadium in physical form. LPV aims to provide a secure, convenient and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors interested in direct investment exposure to physical vanadium and not speculate with regard to short-term changes in vanadium prices.

Sponsorship of the Proposed Transaction

Sponsorship of a “Qualifying Transaction” of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. Column is currently reviewing the TSXV’s requirements for sponsorship and intends to seek a waiver of the sponsorship requirements. However, there is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement can or will be obtained.

Strategy of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be a new investor friendly vehicle with a mandate to invest in physical vanadium or commercial vanadium products. The Resulting Issuer would provide a secure, convenient and exchange traded alternative for investors interested in direct investment exposure to physical vanadium and its use in ESG-friendly energy transition and storage alternatives, including vanadium redox flow batteries (“VRFBs“) and greener steel applications. Physical inventory purchased by the Resulting Issuer will be unencumbered, other than by rights under the Safekeeping Agreement (defined below), and fully allocated to investors. Growth in new economy use cases, greener steel, supplemental use in lithium-ion batteries, smart glass and other traditional uses is expected to increase vanadium requirements and usage.

Over time it is anticipated that a large portion of the Resulting Issuer’s inventory will be utilized in long duration VRFBs. Vanadium in electrolyte solution, which is utilized in rechargeable VRFBs, is not subject to degradation, is 100% reusable and can easily be converted back to powder/flake for regular warehouse storage upon termination and/or completion of a VRFB installation contract. Vanadium utilized in VRFBs always remains under oversight and management of Largo, in its capacity as safekeeper (the “Safekeeper“) under the Safekeeping Agreement, and associated conversion costs between electrolyte and powder/flake requirements are also borne by the Safekeeper.

It is expected that the use of vanadium in VRFBs provides an opportunity to enhance a VRFB system’s market competitiveness regardless of the underlying vanadium price. More specifically, vanadium utilized in a VRFB installation will remain under full ownership of the Resulting Issuer and not be part of the upfront installation capital borne by the VRFB end user, a strategic advantage in the development and price competitiveness of the VRFB market relative to other long duration storage alternatives. As such, it is anticipated that VRFBs will be one driver of vanadium price and will assist with the global clean energy transition through increased renewable energy integration.

Through various operating agreements to be entered into prior to or concurrently with the completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be aligned with Largo, a leader in vanadium production, which is one of the world’s largest primary vanadium producers and is working to integrate its world-class vanadium products with its VCHARGE vanadium battery technology to support the planet’s on-going transition to renewable energy and a low carbon future as part of its “two-pillar” business strategy”. Sprott has entered into an advisory agreement with Largo in respect of the creation of LPV.

In connection with the Transaction, and concurrently with the entering into of the Definitive Agreement:

(a) LPV and Largo have entered into a safekeeping agreement (the “Safekeeping Agreement“), whereby Largo will provide for the management and safekeeping of the physical vanadium owned by the Resulting Issuer, effective upon the closing of the Transaction;

(b) LPV and Largo have entered into a technical advisory agreement (the “Technical Advisory Agreement“), whereby Largo will provide certain technical advisory services to the Resulting Issuer, effective upon the closing of the Transaction;

(c) LPV, Sprott and Term Oil Inc. (“Term Oil“) have entered into an advisory services agreement (the “Advisory Services Agreement“), whereby Sprott and Term Oil will provide certain marketing and financial advisory services to the Resulting Issuer, effective upon the closing of the Transaction; and

(d) LPV and Largo have entered into a supply agreement (the “Supply Agreement“), whereby Largo will exchange approximately 200 metric tonnes of vanadium products (which may include ferro-vanadium, vanadium trioxide, vanadium pentoxide, or vanadium carbonitride) to LPV in return for LPV Shares. The purchase price for such LPV Shares will be calculated by taking the sum of: (i) the product of: (A) the quantity of the product type (in metric tonnes) comprising the shipment to be delivered by Largo; and (B) the average high and low prices of the index applicable to such product type no later than one business day prior to delivery; and (ii) minus a discount to account for the expenses of the Transaction, to be determined pursuant to the terms of the Supply Agreement. The number of LPV Shares to be issued to Largo will be determined by dividing the purchase price of the shipment by $2.00. In addition, under the Supply Agreement, the Resulting Issuer will have the right to purchase: (i) up to 100% of the vanadium products produced by Largo and its affiliates at facilities owned by Largo and its affiliates (ii) that have not been specifically fabricated for third-party purchasers or committed under any of Largo’s long-term supply contracts with third-party purchasers and (iii) that are produced in each applicable month (being the months of January through September, inclusive, in each year of the term of the Supply Agreement).

Financial Information

Since its formation on January 20, 2022, LPV has conducted no business or operations other than in connection with the Transaction, the Financing, and related matters. Accordingly, LPV has no assets except for cash on hand from initial seed investments from Term Oil and Largo, and no liabilities. As of the date of the Definitive Agreement, no audited financial statements of LPV are available. However, it is anticipated that audited financial statements will be provided in the filing statement to be filed in connection with the Transaction.

Management and Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

Subject to TSXV approval, upon completion of the Transaction, it is expected that the board of directors and the senior officers of the Resulting Issuer will be made up of the following individuals. Below is a brief biography of each of the proposed individuals:

Paul Vollant – Director and CEO

Paul Vollant is the VP Commercial of Largo. Mr. Vollant is highly experienced in the sales and marketing of metals and minerals and has specialized in strategic metals, particularly vanadium and titanium. He is the Chairman of Vanitec’s Market Development Committee. Mr. Vollant’s experience includes holding the position of General Manager of Sales and Marketing at TNG Limited, Shanghai, where his responsibility included the setup and operation of TNG’s vanadium, titanium and iron products distribution strategy. Mr. Vollant was a founding Director of global commodity distribution company Element Commodities which is specialized in vanadium and titanium and was formerly with the Noble Group in London and Hong Kong. He is a Director of the HLG Group and a Non-Executive Director of Nairobi Securities Exchange. Mr. Vollant holds a M.Sc in finance and international business from the University of Lyon ESDES Business School

Jonathan Lee – Director

Jonathan Lee is a Vice President with the private equity firm Arias Resource Capital Management LP. Prior to Arias Resource Capital Management, Mr. Lee worked with Ambac Assurance Corporation, a global bond insurer. Prior to Ambac, Mr. Lee held positions with the investment firm Raging River Capital, the mining hedge fund Geologic Resource Partners LLC, and Byron Capital Markets Ltd. in Canada as a mining & metals equity research analyst. Additionally, Mr. Lee has prior experience as an Environmental Engineer with several construction and engineering firms. Mr. Lee previously sat on the boards of Park Lawn Company Ltd. and Bearing Lithium Corp. Mr. Lee earned his MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and holds a BS in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Economics from Tufts University.

John Kannellitsas Director

John Kanellitsas is the Executive Vice Chair of Lithium Americas Corp. He is now primarily responsible for business development and capital markets strategies. Mr. Kanellitsas joined Lithium Americas Corp. as a Director in 2011 and served as a former CEO until the company’s merger with Western Lithium USA Corp. in September 2015. He has over 25 years of experience in the investment banking and asset management industries. Mr. Kanellitsas co-founded and was a partner of Geologic Resource Partners, LLP, where he served as its Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to 2014. Prior to Geologic, Mr. Kanellitsas was employed by Sun Valley Gold, LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. in New York and San Francisco. Mr. Kanellitsas has an MBA from the University of California in Los Angeles and a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.

Andrea Weinberg – Director

Andrea Weinberg is a Partner of BTG Pactual and joined the firm in March 2019. Prior to that, Ms. Weinberg worked for 7 years as a Director at BlackRock for Latin American and Global Emerging Markets funds, responsible for coverage of Commodities (metals & mining, pulp & paper, and oil), Education and Industrials sectors. Previously she spent 5 years as an equity analyst at AllianceBernstein and Dynamo Administradora de Recursos covering the prior mentioned sectors. Before joining the buyside industry, Andrea worked as a sell side analyst at Merrill Lynch (2004-2007) and Goldman Sachs (1998-2004) covering Metals & Mining sector. Ms. Weinberg holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and a Master’s Degree in Financial Engineering & Operations Research from Columbia University.

Justin Reid – Director

Justin Reid is the current President, CEO and Founder of Troilus Gold Corp. Mr. Reid is a geologist and capital markets executive with over 20 years of experience focused exclusively in the mineral resource space. Mr. Reid started his career as a geologist with Saskatchewan Geological Survey and Cominco Global Exploration after which he became a partner and senior mining analyst at Sprott/Cormark Securities in Toronto. He was then named Executive General Manager at Paladin Energy, where he was responsible for leading all merger and acquisition, corporate and market related activities. He is the former Managing Director Global Mining Sales at National Bank Financial, where he directed the firm’s sales and trading in the mining sector. Most recently, he acted as President and Director of Sulliden Gold Corporation, until its acquisition by Rio Alto Mining in 2014 and was Managing Director at Aguia Resources Ltd. from 2015 to 2019. He holds a B.Sc from the University of Regina, a M.Sc from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Larry Ciccarelli – Director

Larry Ciccarelli is the President and Secretary of Rinlar Inc., a private family office, and the Vice President and Secretary of a private investment firm, KARR Securities which he co-founded in 1989. Since 2010, Mr. Ciccarelli has been a Director and Chairman of Licella Holdings, Sydney, Australia. Mr. Ciccarelli is also a current Director of Arbios Biotech, Vancouver, since 2019 and the Director of Mura Technology, London, England, since 2018. Mr. Ciccarelli was the Founder and Chairman of a natural resource company, Karmin Exploration, Toronto-Sao Paulo, from 2011- 2019 and subsequently acquired by Nexa Resources and Founder and Executive Chairman of Globestar Mining Co. Toronto-Santo Domingo, 1999-2009 subsequently acquired by Perilya Limited. In 2010, Mr. Ciccarelli was a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2009 he received both the Ontario Global Traders Award and the Ontario Business Achievement Award. From 1993-2015 Mr. Ciccarelli was the co-owner of the Sarnia Sting Major Junior Hockey League team. In 2004 Mr. Ciccarelli was the co-founder of a supporting palliative care initiative for the Sarnia community, St. Joseph’s Hospice. Mr. Ciccarelli earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western in Ontario, Canada.

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is also expected that the following persons will be Principals or Insiders of the Resulting Issuer (as such terms are defined under the policies of the TSXV):

  • Term Oil, a private investment company incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington. Term Oil is controlled by Arthur Richards (Rick) Rule IV, a resident of the United States of America. Term Oil took the initiative in founding LPV and will provide certain marketing services to the Resulting Issuer under the Advisory Services Agreement.
  • Largo, a global leader in manufacturing high-quality vanadium products, which is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Arias Resource Capital Fund II LP, and Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) LP (collectively, the “ARC Funds“) hold, in the aggregate, more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of Largo. The ARC Funds are controlled by J. Alberto Arias, a resident of the United States of America. Largo is expected to hold more than 10% of the Resulting Issuer Shares.
  • Delbrook Resource Opportunities Master Fund LP, and Delbrook Resource Opportunities Fund (collectively, the “Delbrook Funds“) along with the NextEdge Strategic Commodities and Metals Fund (the “NextEdge Fund“). The Delbrook Funds are managed by Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. (“Delbrook“), a company with its head office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Delbrook also acts as a subadvisor to the NextEdge Fund. The Delbrook Resource Opportunities Master Fund LP is an Exempted Limited Partnership setup under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Delbrook Resource Opportunities Fund and NextEdge Fund are entities resident inCanada. The Delbrook Funds and NextEdge Fund together are expected to hold more than 10% of the Resulting Issuer Shares.

Financing

In connection with, and as a condition to the closing of, the Transaction, LPV has closed the first tranche of the Financing.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, less the Agents’ expenses paid at the initial closing of the Financing (the “Escrowed Proceeds“), are being held in escrow by Computershare Trust Company of Canada (“Computershare“) in accordance with a subscription receipt agreement dated April 14, 2022 among LPV, Computershare and Sprott, and will be released to LPV upon satisfaction and/or waiver of certain escrow release conditions (the “Escrow Release Conditions“), including completion, satisfaction or irrevocable waiver of all conditions precedent to the Transaction. If the Transaction closes on or before July 14, 2022 (the “Escrow Deadline“), the Escrowed Proceeds will be released to LPV. If the Transaction fails to close by the Escrow Deadline or is terminated prior thereto, the gross proceeds and pro rata entitlement to interest earned on the Escrowed Proceeds will be paid to the holders of the Subscription Receipts. LPV will use the net proceeds from the private placement (being the Escrowed Proceeds less the Agents’ Fee (as defined below)) (the “Net Proceeds“): (a) to fund the business plan of LPV; (b) for Transaction expenses; and (c) for general corporate purposes and future working capital of the Resulting Issuer. Although LPV intends to use the Net Proceeds as described in the foregoing sentence, the actual allocation of proceeds may vary, depending on future operations or unforeseen events or opportunities.

Upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted, without any further action by its holder, and for no additional consideration, into one LPV Share. Concurrently with receipt of the certificate of amalgamation issued by the Registrar of Companies under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) evidencing that the First Amalgamation is effective, each LPV Share issued pursuant to conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be exchanged for one post-Consolidation Column Share.

In connection with the Financing, LPV paid the Agents a cash commission in an aggregate amount of 5.0% of the gross proceeds (the “Agents’ Fee“), provided, however, that no Agents’ Fee shall be payable to the Agent in rescript of subscriptions for Subscription Receipts under the Offering by Largo Inc. The Agents’ Fee has been deposited in escrow with Computershare and will be released to the Agents upon satisfaction and/or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions.

Further Information and Cautionary Statements

All information contained in this press release with respect to Column and LPV was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

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

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act“), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and all applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

For further information please contact:

Column Capital Corp.
Brian Bayley
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Director
(604) 488-5427
[email protected]

Largo Inc.
Alex Guthrie
Senior Manager, External Relations
(416) 861-9778
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as “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. Column and LPV caution that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the control of Column and LPV. Such forward-looking information may include statements regarding the Financing, including the Escrow Release Conditions and the use of Net Proceeds therefrom, the terms and conditions of the Transaction, including the receipt of TSXV and corporate approvals, the details of any securities issuances, consolidations, conversions or cancellations, sponsorship of the Transaction, the strategy of the Resulting Issuer, the anticipated composition of the board of directors, management team and insiders of the Resulting Issuer following closing of the Transaction and the closing of the Transaction, the vanadium and VRFB markets, the intention of the Resulting Issuer to undertake certain corporate changes (including without limitation a change of name) and the resumption of trading of the Resulting Issuer Shares. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to: the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of the Transaction, the Financing, Column and LPV generally, the vanadium and VRFB markets, and general economic and market conditions, including risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 and its impact on general economic and market conditions. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Column and LPV assume no obligation to update forward-looking information in this press release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Column’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/120905

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Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

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Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JHKY) announced today that Copper State Credit Union will leverage the company’s single technology platform to boost internal efficiencies and improve experiences.

Copper State Credit Union formed in 2020 from the merger of Canyon State Credit Union and Deer Valley Credit Union. Following the merger, the credit union managed multiple products across several different technology providers. This prompted the team to reevaluate their strategy and select Jack Henry as their enterprise technology provider. Jack Henry’s open infrastructure will automate and streamline operations, as well as integrate and optimize offerings.

“Jack Henry’s single platform approach allows us to consolidate our existing relationships into one organization with the option to tap into a vast ecosystem of fintech services,” said Robb Scott, President/CEO of Copper State Credit Union. “This enables us to continue to be innovative in our markets while remaining committed to delivering an exceptional member experience.”

Copper State Credit Union understands the importance of providing a convenient and simple digital experience for members. Their new digital banking platform will give members a complete view of all their finances in a single place. Part of this experience will include the ability to open new accounts and debit cards, manage credit scores, and receive instant payments. And, modern fraud and financial crimes prevention and detection solutions will protect members’ data and monitor transactional behavior.

“Our all-in strategy with Jack Henry ensures our members receive the connected services and resources they need to achieve financial prosperity and empowerment,” Scott continued. “The relationship frees up our internal resources to focus on finding ways to improve the financial lives of member-families within our community.”

Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, commented, “The beauty of our technology is the optionality and flexibility. Credit unions can choose to be in all-in with us like Copper State Credit Union or start by investing in their technology future one step at a time. Regardless, we continue to provide the support and services they need to help their members succeed.”

The post Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

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Moomoo Technologies Inc. today announced that FinTech Breakthrough recognized the company with its 2024 annual award of “Best Stock Trading App.”  Founded in 2018, moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. With its sister brand, moomoo has over 21 million users globally and it provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions.

As the FinTech sector becomes more crowded and companies struggle to stand out from the crowd with their products and services, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards help recognize and showcase FinTech innovators based on creativity, hard work, and technologies centered around their products, solutions, and services. Its committee selected winners based on their innovative performance, their impact on solving user needs and problems, and whether their ease of use management can scale at growth.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best stock trading app by FinTech Breakthrough as it supports our mission to provide all levels of investors with an intuitive and robust platform,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategies, Moomoo Technologies Inc.  “Backed by independent research, advanced technological development capabilities, and our unique digital-first business model, we want to level the playing field for retail investors. From powerful stock and option analysis tools to fully extended trading hours, moomoo serves both new and experienced traders.”

“Moomoos’ robust technologies help investors spot potential investment opportunities and make informed decisions. Investors at all levels are looking for in-depth data, market news and global insights,” said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “We want to recognize moomoo as ‘Best Stock Trading App!’ By striving to provide investors with the best online trading experiences possible, investors at any stage can make confident investment decisions backed by readily available data and insights.”

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Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event)

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As we approach the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, we’ve connected with some of the event’s distinguished speakers to delve into the future of the gaming and tech industries. Their insights shed light on the shifting dynamics, underscoring the significance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic foresight.

We posed the following questions to our speakers:

  • What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career within the gaming/tech sector?
  • Can you share a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
  • In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of their responses. For more in-depth insights, scroll down to read each speaker’s full reply.

#### Viktoria Soltesz: Mastering the Financial Game

Viktoria Soltesz, a pivotal figure in the payment solutions space, shared a crucial lesson from her career: the significance of a well-crafted payment plan. Through her work, Soltesz has observed the downfall of companies due to inadequate financial strategies, emphasizing that such pitfalls are easily avoidable with proper planning. Her recent book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” aims to demystify banking and payment processes for businesses, advocating for informed financial decision-making within the gaming and tech sectors.

#### Aleksandra Andrishak: The Power of Continuous Learning

Representing Slotsjudge, Editor in Chief Aleksandra Andrishak looks forward to delving into topics like iGaming and blockchain at the summit. Andrishak highlights the transformative work undertaken at Slotsjudge in 2023 and stresses the importance of perpetual learning in the fast-paced gaming industry. Her advice to newcomers is to embrace innovation and remain adaptable to stay ahead.

#### Jakub Tesar: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizon

Jakub Tesar predicts a promising future for blockchain technology, especially within the Ethereum ecosystem, and the rise of Web3. He envisions a world where gamers have greater control over virtual collectibles and in-game items, thanks to blockchain. Tesar anticipates GenAI revolutionizing game interactions and narratives, urging industry professionals to experiment with blockchain’s burgeoning use cases.

#### Kaspar Szymanski: Navigating SEO in the Gaming and Tech World

Kaspar Szymanski, with his rich background in Google Search, identifies the challenge of distinguishing brands in a saturated market. He argues for a focus on unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies. At the summit, Szymanski aims to dispel SEO myths and offer actionable advice, emphasizing that SEO setbacks can lead to significant growth opportunities.

#### Jasmina Poglavc: Data-Driven Innovation in iGaming

Jazz underscores the impact of advanced data analytics and AI in enhancing the iGaming experience through personalized player engagement. She points out the challenges of data privacy and navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for a shift towards more player-centric and responsible gaming practices.

These insights from our speakers highlight a common theme: the gaming and tech industries are at a critical juncture, facing challenges that span financial planning, regulatory navigation, and technological innovation. The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit stands as a pivotal platform for addressing these challenges, fostering dialogue, and paving the way for future advancements.

As we anticipate the rich discussions and networking opportunities at the summit, it’s clear that adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key to navigating the future of gaming and tech. Join us in Prague to explore these themes and more, shaping the trajectory of these dynamic industries.


Viktoria Soltesz – Founder at PSP Angels

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

In my career within the gaming/tech sector, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a payment plan. While analyzing the financial and banking information of various companies, I noticed a recurring pattern: many companies that failed did so due to poor payment and banking practices. They often miscalculated risks, under-budgeted costs, or neglected to set up a proper payment plan. These errors in financial planning were common culprits behind their downfall. What surprised me the most was how easily these businesses could have avoided such failures with proper payment planning. It became evident that many businesses fail for avoidable reasons, and simply taking the time to understand and establish a payment plan can make a significant difference. By paying close attention to the flow of money and investing just a few hours in crafting a solid plan, a business can set itself on a path to success, outperforming much of its competition.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career is the recent launch of my book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” which is now available on Amazon. This book is a valuable resource for businesses, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of banking and payments in today’s competitive landscape. It provides insights into the intricacies of banking decisions, the history of payment systems, and practical guidance on managing funds more safely and cost-effectively. I’m excited to share this knowledge and help businesses make informed decisions in the realm of payments, especially those that are high-risk or startups.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

In the gaming and tech industries today, one of the most significant challenges is undoubtedly related to payments. While these industries focus heavily on product development, market competition, and marketing strategies, the crucial aspect of payment planning often gets overlooked. This oversight can lead to businesses incurring unnecessary banking fees and facing unexpected operational risks. Understanding the complexities of banking and payment systems is crucial, yet it remains an area with limited knowledge for many in these sectors. Lack of knowledge in this domain can result in poor financial decision-making. As a payment expert, I have observed that addressing these payment-related challenges is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of businesses in the gaming and tech industries. By gaining a better understanding of how payments work and the reasoning behind banking decisions, these industries can navigate financial challenges more effectively and make informed choices, ultimately ensuring smoother operations and cost savings.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am greatly anticipating the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, I’m excited about the high-quality content that will be presented during the event. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the gaming and tech industries.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections. Networking is a fundamental aspect of such gatherings, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new professional relationships.

Lastly, I’m eager to hear about the latest industry developments and gossip. Staying informed about the current trends and happenings within the gaming and tech sectors is essential for keeping a competitive edge in these dynamic industries.

Overall, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit promises to be an enriching and engaging experience, offering valuable content, networking opportunities, and industry insights.


Aleksandra Andrishak – Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

The vegan catering! Jokes aside, Hipther events are renowned for their best-in-class networking, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into topics such as iGaming, eSports, and Blockchain with top experts in the industry. This will mark my second collaboration on stage with Zoltan and the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m honored to represent Slotsjudge at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024. I’m particularly proud of all the work we’ve accomplished with the team in 2023. This year, you can expect even more from us, including new features, a completely revamped website, and even more ways to have fun together with us if you’re a gaming enthusiast!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Never stop learning. The gaming industry is one of those sectors where innovation occurs almost daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you cannot afford to become complacent. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge and skills. Good luck!


Jakub Tesar – Innovation, Digital & Emerging Tech Lead at EY

What are your top three predictions for the future of gaming and tech industries in the next five years?

  1. The Ethereum ecosystem will evolve into a hub for practical applications, driving large-scale enterprise adoption of blockchain technology.
  2. The growth of Web3 will empower users to have self-custody over virtual collectibles and in-game items, enabling the purchase of ‘phygital’ items that merge the physical and online worlds. This evolution will facilitate free trade on blockchain-powered marketplaces and allow brands to explore new monetization strategies for digital assets.
  3. Generative AI (GenAI) will revolutionize gaming experiences, enabling players to interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in more natural and dynamic ways, and experience storylines that adapt and evolve in real-time.

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you? What challenges do you think the industry needs to address? The integration of GenAI within gaming environments excites me the most. It offers unprecedented, natural-like interactions with GenAI-based NPCs and allows for fluid, dynamic storylines. However, the industry must navigate the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used responsibly.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector? In my career, the most valuable lesson has been the constant need for innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires a perpetual learning mindset and the willingness to embrace change.

How do you see the role of AI and emerging technologies shaping the gaming and tech industries? AI and emerging technologies are set to fundamentally reshape the gaming and tech industries by introducing more immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. These technologies will not only enhance gameplay but also offer new avenues for creativity and innovation within the sector.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry? Never stop learning. The gaming industry, in particular, is characterized by its rapid evolution and innovation. Staying informed and continually enhancing your skills is crucial to staying ahead in this competitive field.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today? Addressing the ethical and societal implications of rapid technological advancement, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for misuse, remains a significant challenge.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see? Regulations need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers. I hope to see regulations evolve in a way that supports the ethical development of new technologies while ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit? I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into the latest industry trends, connect with fellow professionals, and share insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and technology.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session? I hope attendees recognize the enduring significance of blockchain technologies and are inspired to explore and experiment with their vast potential for innovative use cases.


Kaspar Szymanski – Founder of SearchBrothers

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

One of the primary challenges in an industry saturated with numerous market players offering similar web platforms and services is effectively defining and communicating a compelling unique selling proposition (USP). While brand building, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing website performance are essential, they are merely steps towards the ultimate goal of offering a service or product that isn’t readily available elsewhere. Moreover, developing a long-term strategy presents a significant challenge in an industry that tends to favor short-term success. The pressure of organizational and market demands often hinders decision-makers from adopting strategies focused on sustainable, gradual growth. This challenge is particularly evident in search engine optimization (SEO), where the goals of long-term growth and meeting immediate organizational needs must be aligned, as search engine algorithms prioritize actual ranking signals over organizational constraints.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am eager to share the unique insights into Google Search that I gained during my time working for Google, as well as my experiences as a consultant helping clients in competitive niches outperform their competitors. My presentation will include exciting real-life case studies, debunk several myths within the SEO industry, and provide attendees with actionable advice they can immediately apply. I am also looking forward to listening and learning from others, and eagerly anticipate addressing audience questions during the Q&A session following my presentation.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want my audience to understand that Google penalties are not the end of the world and can be resolved. SEO setbacks, while initially unwelcome, can actually offer an opportunity for significant growth, potentially surpassing any previous rankings on Google Search. These moments can be a hidden blessing, revealing new paths to success. I invite anyone curious about the inner workings of Google Search, how it can benefit your website, and seeking genuine answers to their Google and SEO questions to join my session.


Jasmina Poglavc – Senior Product Manager at Gamanza Group AG & Freelance iGaming Consultant

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you, and what challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

My background in iGaming platforms and online operations has given me a unique perspective on the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and AI. These technologies promise significant changes, especially in real-time player engagement for iGaming platforms and operators. By analyzing player behavior, preferences, and patterns in real time, we can offer personalized promotions, customized gaming experiences, and targeted loyalty programs. This not only boosts player satisfaction but also optimizes revenue streams.

However, the full realization of these benefits faces challenges, primarily concerning data privacy and security. Protecting sensitive player information is paramount, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to align data-driven practices with compliance standards is equally crucial.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

Adaptability has been the most valuable lesson in my career. The gaming and tech sectors are incredibly dynamic, with constant evolutions and innovations. Embracing change, remaining agile, and continuously seeking learning opportunities have been essential for navigating challenges and achieving success. Anticipating industry trends and staying informed about technological and regulatory developments are key to staying ahead.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Stay curious and proactive. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and cultivate a strong professional network. Innovation drives the gaming and tech industries, so developing a mindset that embraces change and fosters creativity is crucial.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

The primary challenges include cybersecurity threats, talent acquisition and retention, and adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape. Balancing innovation with compliance is challenging, as regulations often lag behind technological advancements. A strategic, adaptive approach is essential for navigating these challenges, necessitating proactive engagement with regulators and an awareness of legal frameworks.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see?

The gaming industry, exemplified by the situation in Germany, faces challenges from overregulation, which can drive players toward unregulated, black-market operators. While regulations are crucial for ensuring fairness and consumer protection, too restrictive an environment can hinder the industry’s growth and inadvertently compromise player safety.

I advocate for regulations that evolve with technological advancements, are harmonized globally, and are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with innovation, ensuring a thriving, responsible gaming ecosystem.


Click here to register and unlock the door to endless possibilities at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Your next big opportunity awaits!

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