Agoracom Blog

Primo Nutraceuticals Inc. $PRMO.ca Signs LOI to enter in to Funding and Share Purchase Agreement for 25% with Beauty Kitchen (Canada) $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:39 AM on Tuesday, March 31st, 2020
  • Signed a letter of intent with Heather Marianna, LLC parent company of (“Beauty Kitchen”)
  • The Board of Directors of Primo have approved, in principle, a proposal to acquire and raise funding in respect of its interests in the “Beauty Kitchen” projects into a newly incorporated subsidiary
  • Beauty Kitchen is a company that manufactures fresh handmade beauty care, personal care, and cosmetics products, which was born from the hugely popular Beauty Kitchen YouTube series

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 31, 2020 – PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) (“Primo” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent (“LOI”) with Heather Marianna, LLC parent company of (“Beauty Kitchen”) a Nevada company.  The Board of Directors of Primo have approved, in principle, a proposal to acquire and raise funding in respect of its interests in the “Beauty Kitchen” projects into a newly incorporated subsidiary.

Beauty Kitchen proposes a transaction whereby its management team (and affiliates) incorporates a Canadian corporation, tentatively called “Marianna, Inc.” to receive exclusive Canadian distribution rights to its CBD infused and non-CBD infused products in handmade beauty care, personal care, and cosmetic products. Primo will acquire ownership interest of a minimum of 25% in the newly incorporated subsidiary.

Beauty Kitchen is a company that manufactures fresh handmade beauty care, personal care, and cosmetics products, which was born from the hugely popular Beauty Kitchen YouTube series. Founder and CEO, Heather Marianna, skyrocketed in popularity with the launch of her Beauty Kitchen YouTube series in 2012 where she showcased simple, do-it-yourself beauty recipes made with common kitchen household ingredients. The series generated a powerful following of more than 4 million viewers. 

The Company plans to reorganize its operating divisions along with the closing of the acquisition and financing for its subsidiary. It is proposed that the transaction may be carried within a statutory plan of arrangement (the “Spin-Out“) pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) under the “reorganization exemption” under the Securities Act.

The Plan of Arrangement will be subject to the approval of Primo’s shareholders which Primo intends to seek at a special meeting of shareholders (the “Shareholders’ Meeting“). The date for the Shareholders Meeting has not yet been determined. The transaction may be subject to rules of The Canadian Stock Exchange (“CSE“) approval and any Plan of Arrangement requires approval by Court Order of the British Columbia Supreme Court.

The Parties intend to draft and execute a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) with detailed terms as soon as practicable, and complete this Transaction on or before April 30, 2020. Terms of the LOI are subject to change as set out in the Definitive Agreement.

Andy Jagpal, President Comments:

“This LOI is our second step into the growing CBD and Natural Health market. Primo’s vision and strategy is to acquire a minority interest in companies like Beauty Kitchen and Thrive as our growth strategy in 2020 and beyond. These two brands along with Primo’s will enter this fledgling Natural Health & CBD market with an online presence as well as retail one too. We are very excited about the value this partnership will bring to the company and its shareholders.”

About Beauty Kitchen
Beauty Kitchen is a company that manufactures fresh handmade beauty care, personal care, and cosmetics products, which was born from the hugely popular Beauty Kitchen YouTube series. The founder, Heather Marianna, a bubbly social media personality, translated her passion for looking and feeling her absolute best into the development of her all-natural beauty and skincare product line. Beauty Kitchen’s founder and CEO, Heather Marianna, skyrocketed in popularity with the launch of her Beauty Kitchen YouTube series in 2012 where she showcased simple, do-it-yourself beauty recipes made with common kitchen household ingredients. The series generated a powerful following of more than 4 million viewers. Beauty Kitchen is regularly featured in: Forbes, The Source, MTV, Bravo, The New York Post, People, Flipsnack, Vegas, Star Magazine, Radar Online and many more media outlets with a large following of celebrities who use their products which include; Sean “Puffy” Combs, Christina Milian, David Arquette, George Lopez, Larissa Lima, Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran, Candace Cameron, Jen Harley, Lou Ferrigno, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and others. For more information visit: www.beautykitchenonline.com

About Primo Nutraceuticals
Primo Nutraceuticals Inc. (“Primo” or the “Company”) provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate and farm friendly properties. Primo is dedicated to funding the rapid growth in production, processing, retail and branding of cannabis and cannabis related products in Canada and the United States. Primo has invested in several brands and is pursuing partnerships with retailers and distribution companies in Canada and the United States. Primo’s management is in the process of building a corporate road map to further vertically integrate the Company, specifically by way of “Primo” branded retail outlets – offering “Thrive,” “Primo,” and a selection of curated partner brands. The Company possesses proprietary formulas for cannabis edibles, topical, and tinctures. Primo is focused on building a strong presence in the hemp industry with the objective of extracting and selling cannabinoids (CBD) products in both Canada and the United States.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC.

“Andy Jagpal”

President and Director

For further information, please contact Zoltan, IR Representative at: 604-722-0305, or; [email protected].

To learn more about what this news means to the shareholders visit

http://primoceuticals.com/https://twitter.com/prmonutrawww.thriveCBD.orgwww.beautykitchenonline.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

The Tech That Could Be Our Best Hope for Fighting #COVID19 —and Future Outbreaks – SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions $EKG.ca – $ATE.ca $TLT.ca $OGI.ca $ACST.ca $IPA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:09 PM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions (EKG: TSX-V) – The heartbeat of cardiovascular medicine and telemedicine. Patented systems enable medical professionals, patients, and other healthcare professionals, clinics, hospitals and call centres to access and manage patient information in a secure and reliable environment.

The Tech That Could Be Our Best Hope for Fighting COVID-19—and Future Outbreaks

  • “The connectivity we have today gives us ammunition to fight this pandemic in ways we never previously thought possible,” says Alain Labrique, director of the Johns Hopkins University Global -mHealth Initiative.

By Alice Park

Battling a pandemic as serious as COVID-19 requires drastic responses, and political leaders and public-health officials have turned to some of the most radical strategies available. What began with a lockdown of one city in China quickly expanded to the quarantine of an entire province, and now entire countries including Italy. While social isolation and curfews are among the most effective ways to break the chain of viral transmission, some health experts say it’s possible these draconian measures didn’t have to become a global phenomenon. “If health officials could have taken action earlier and contained the outbreak in Wuhan, where the first cases were reported, the global clampdown could have been at a much more local level,” says Richard Kuhn, a virologist and professor of science at -Purdue University.

The key to early response lies in looking beyond centuries-old strategies and incorporating methods that are familiar to nearly every industry from banking to retail to manufacturing, but that are still slow to be adopted in public health. Smartphone apps, data analytics and artificial intelligence all make finding and treating people with an infectious disease far more efficient than ever before.

“The connectivity we have today gives us ammunition to fight this pandemic in ways we never previously thought possible,” says Alain Labrique, director of the Johns Hopkins University Global -mHealth Initiative. And yet, to date, the global public–health response to COVID-19 has only scratched the surface of what these new containment tools offer. Building on them will be critical for ensuring that the next outbreak never gets the chance to explode from epidemic to global pandemic.

Consider how doctors currently detect new cases of COVID-19. Many people who develop the hallmark symptoms of the -disease—fever, cough and shortness of breath—-physically visit a primary-care doctor, a health care provider at an urgent-care center or an emergency room. But that’s the last thing people potentially infected with a highly contagious disease should do. Instead, health officials are urging them to connect remotely via an app to a doctor who can triage their symptoms while they’re still at home.

“The reality is that clinical brick-and-mortar medicine is rife with the possibility of virus exposure,” says Dr. Jonathan Wiesen, founder and chief medical officer of MediOrbis, a telehealth company. “The system we have in place is one in which everyone who is at risk is potentially transmitting infection. That is petrifying.” Instead, people could call a telemedicine center and describe their symptoms to a doctor who can then determine whether they need COVID-19 -testing—without exposing anyone else.

Hundreds Flout Louisiana COVID-19 Gatherings Ban

In Singapore, more than a million people have used a popular telehealth app called -MaNaDr, founded by family physician Dr. Siaw Tung Yeng, for virtual visits; 20% of the physicians in the island country offer some level of service via the app. In an effort to control escalating cases of coronavirus there, people with symptoms are getting prescreened by physicians on MaNaDr and advised to stay home if they don’t need intensive care. Patients then check in with their telehealth doctor every evening and report if their fever persists, if they have shortness of breath or if they are feeling worse. If they are getting sicker, the doctor orders an ambulance to take those people to the hospital. Siaw says the virtual monitoring makes people more comfortable about staying at home, where many cases can be treated, instead of flooding hospitals and doctors’ offices, straining limited resources and potentially making others sick. “This allows us to care across distance, monitor patients across distance and assess their progression across distance,” says Siaw. “There is no better time for remote care monitoring of our patients than now.”

Other at-home devices and services currently being used in the U.S. allow patients to measure dozens of health metrics like temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar several times a day, and the results are automatically stored on the cloud, from which doctors get alerts if the readings are abnormal.

Telemedicine also serves as a powerful communication tool for keeping hundreds of thousands of people in a specific region up to date with the latest advice about the risk in their communities and how best to protect themselves. That can go a long way toward reassuring people and preventing panic and runs on health centers and hospitals.

Beyond individual-level care, the data gathered by telemedicine services can be mined to predict the broader ebb and flow of an epidemic’s trajectory in a population. In the U.S., Kaiser Permanente’s tele-medicine call centers are now also serving as a bellwether for an anticipated surge in demand for health services. Dr. Stephen Parodi, national infectious–disease leader at Kaiser Permanente, was inspired by a Google project from a few years ago in which the company created an algorithm of users’ flu–related search terms to determine where clusters of cases were mounting. Parodi started tracking coronavirus–related calls from the health system’s 4.5 -million members in Northern California in February. “We went from 200 calls a day to 3,500 calls a day about symptoms of COVID-19, which was an early indicator of community–based transmission,” he says. “Our call volume was telling us several weeks before the country would have all of its testing online that we have got to plan for a surge in cases.”

Source: https://time.com/5805622/coronavirus-pandemic-technology/

Datametrex $DM.ca Working With US Government Agencies on #Covid19 and #Coronavirus Fake News and Disinformation

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:52 PM on Monday, March 30th, 2020
  • Currently working with various agencies within the United States Government on the mass amount of social media surrounding #coronavirus and #covid19
  • First contract with clients is a pilot for $25,000 USD
  • It was signed on March 12th, 2020 and has a duration of one month

TORONTO, March 30, 2020 — Datametrex AI Limited (the “Company” or “Datametrex”) is pleased to share that Company is currently working with various agencies within the United States Government on the mass amount of social media surrounding #coronavirus and #covid19. We will provide greater detail on the work we are doing once it is completed and our clients approve it for public dissemination. 

The Company wishes to provide further details to this release as requested by IIROC. This first contract with our clients is a pilot for $25,000 USD. It was signed on March 12th, 2020 and has a duration of one month. The clients contacted Datametrex after witnessing the technology at a NATO working group presentation highlighting Nexalogy’s work on #fakenews and #disinformation in the Canadian Federal Elections. This Pilot represents a major milestone for the Company as it is the natural progression to potentially expand into the US market, specifically the US Government.  

“We are thrilled to be working with the US Government on this very important issue. We recently completed work for Democracy Labs on #disinformation in social media regarding #covid19 and #Coronavirus and secured a relationship with Carnegie Mellon University IDeaS. Both announcements assisted in getting Nexalogy in front of the Government Agencies for this current opportunity in the United States. The solid foundation we have built over the past years with our Canadian Government clients like  DRDC, the Canadian Military and NATO have positioned Datametrex to be able to provide military grade solutions for todays social media challenges”, says Marshall Gunter CEO of Datametrex AI.

About Datametrex AI Limited

Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy (www.nexalogy.com).

Additional information on Datametrex is available at: www.datametrex.com

For further information, please contact:

Marshall Gunter – CEO
Phone: (514) 295-2300
Email: [email protected]

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws.  All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “likely”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “proposed”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” happen, or by discussions of strategy.

Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Gold Continues to Prove its Safe Haven Status SPONSOR: American Creek $AMK.ca $TUD.ca $SII.ca $GTT.ca $AFF.ca $SEA.ca $SA $PVG.ca $AOT.ca $ESK.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 12:26 PM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

SPONSOR: American Creek owns a 20% Carried Interest to Production at the Treaty Creek Project in the Golden Triangle. 2019’s first hole averaged 0.683 g/t Au over 780m in a vertical intercept. 2020 drilling plans 18,000 to 20,000 metres from 7-10 drill platforms with four diamond drill rigs. The Treaty Creek property is located in the same hydrothermal system as the Pretivm and Seabridge’s KSM deposits and is fully funded for exploration in 2020. Click Here For More Info

Gold continues to deliver strong relative performance and was up 7.31% on a year-to-date basis through Friday’s close. This compares to -20.96% for the S&P 500 Total Return Index.

AssetYTD1 YR3 YR*5 YR*
Gold Bullion7.31%24.33%9.07%6.32%
S&P 500 TR Index-20.96%-7.58%4.82%6.42%

* Average annual total returns. Bloomberg. Data as of Friday close, 3/27/2020.

Gold and precious metal equities have been collateral damage during this most recent market correction. The broader markets had become a tinder box with grossly elevated valuation metrics never seen before, coupled with an economy burdened by record amounts of leverage (government, corporate, personal) and widespread investor complacency. All that was required was a spark — enter COVID-19. The speed of the correction was historical. The February to March 30% drawdown was the fastest 30% drawdown of all time (Figure 1). 

For us at Sprott, the corresponding selloff in gold bullion and precious metal equities was not surprising. During violent broader market corrections, liquidity is priority number one. This time was no different as broader markets gapped down in response to the greatest demand shock in modern economic history. This resulted in many entities selling gold bullion to meet liquidity requirements that surfaced because of margin calls, and the shuttering of both credit and debt markets. This pattern is similar to what the market witnessed as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) unfolded in 2008-2009. 

Figure 1. Feb.-Mar. 2020 Selloff was the Fastest 30% Drawdown in History
Measured by Number of Days

fig 1

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg.

Gold Serves its Function as Portfolio Insurance

Before hypothesizing where we will go from here, it is important to highlight that gold bullion has served its function as portfolio insurance. Year to date through March 27, 2020, gold bullion has appreciated 6.84%, while the S&P 500 Index1 has declined 20.96%. At the same time, gold mining equities have not fared as well gold bullion, because during the early stages of a correction, gold stocks are first and foremost stocks; GDX2 was down 10.45% YTD. 

The GFC as Playbook

As we are seeing today, there was a material demand shock as the GFC unfolded, with demand across economies declining suddenly and sharply.  Although not a perfect analog, the GFC can serve as a playbook. As liquidity became paramount for many market sectors during the GFC, gold bullion was sold to meet liquidity requirements. From the beginning of 2008 to November 12, 2008 (gold bullion’s low price), the S&P 500 fell 41.11%, gold equities (GDX2) cratered 60.60% and gold bullion depreciated by a relatively modest 16.94%. Once the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) stabilized liquidity conditions, gold bullion and precious metals stocks generated superior absolute and relative returns. From November 12, 2008 to the end of 2009, gold bullion rallied 54.02% and GDX rebounded 138.20%. The S&P 500 declined another 20.62% from November 12, 2008, to its bottom in March 2009 and then appreciated 64.83% to year-end 2009.

Fed Announces Unlimited QE on March 23

This time around, the Fed and the U.S. federal government are pulling no punches. Initially the Fed said it would undertake various operations to provide market liquidity that could total $1.5 trillion. This would include purchases of treasuries across all maturities and repo market operations. President Trump then announced interest on student loans would be waived in addition to a moderate $50 billion emergency aid package. The Fed then announced another $700 billion quantitative easing program which would include purchases of municipal bonds.

This past week, the biggest bazooka of all time was pulled out of the Fed’s arsenal as it amended its previously announced QE program by removing limits on its asset purchases and adding corporate bonds to its list of eligible securities it can purchase. Finally, the U.S. announced a $2.3 trillion fiscal package. The package equates to 10.6% of US GDP. The total budget deficit is expected to widen to at least 11.5% of GDP, which are levels not seen since WWII. The package includes grants (hundreds of billions) and direct payments to taxpayers ($290 billion), both of which are forms of helicopter money.3

This is very good news for gold bullion and gold equities. There is an 80% correlation between the Fed’s balance sheet and the price of gold bullion. Similar to what occurred during the GFC, gold bullion should move first followed by gold equities (see Figure 2).

A Tailwind for Gold and Gold Stocks

This response has not been limited to the U.S. Globally, we are seeing central banks and governments deploying unprecedented amounts of monetary and fiscal stimulus in response to the economic fallout caused by Covid-19. All these actions should debase fiat currencies while providing a tremendous tailwind for gold bullion and gold equities.

We believe the table is set for a move in gold bullion and gold equities that could dwarf the second half of 2008.

Figure 2. Fed Balance Sheet vs. Price of Gold Bullion and Gold Equities

Fed Balance Sheet vs Gold

Source: Bloomberg. Data as of 3/27/2020. The red line represents reserve credit outstanding in $ trillions ($5.125 trillion as of 3/27/2020). The yellow line is the gold spot price based on GOLDS Comdty Index. The blue line is the price of gold mining equities represented by GDX.3

#Coronavirus: How tech companies are fighting against the pandemic – #Edtech brands step in – SPONSOR: BetterU Education Corp. $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:16 PM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

Coronavirus: How tech companies are fighting against the pandemic – Edtech brands step in

  • The Coronavirus pandemic has tech players helping in key areas including donating essential equipment, providing cloud solutions, filling in for shut down schools and everything in between.

By: Chetan Nayak

At this point in time, neither the Coronavirus nor the damage it has done to the world needs an introduction. Affecting over 190 countries around the world, the pandemic has brought most industries to a complete standstill. In countries like Italy, Spain and the USA, everything but essential services is on hold. A similar situation has recently hit India.

However, despite the global slowdown, there are brands that are still working. Working not just in their respective fields, but in new avenues, aiming to curb the disease or help those fighting against it. Tech brands across the globe are using their resources for the greater cause. Let’s have a closer look at how companies are making a difference in India.

Smartphone brands to the rescue

Smartphone brands probably have a closer connect with the public than other tech companies. Popular brands like Xiaomi and Vivo have taken steps to improve the ongoing situation in India. Vivo recently donated a large number of N95 masks for doctors and healthcare professionals. Xiaomi went ahead and also provided hazmat suits to the brave doctors who deal with many coronavirus patients on a daily basis. Oppo also announced recently that it has donated 300,000 masks to affected countries apart from China.

Customers in need not abandoned

There are also companies that are extending their warranties and customer-centric services through the lockdown period in India. Brands like Oppo, OnePlus, Realme and Huawei have extended their warranties. Moreover, despite manpower hitting an all-time low, brands are continuing to offer real-time support via email, chat and more. Service centers are still running, and brands are adopting measures like only taking in four customers at a time. Huawei is also providing doorstep repair services for users of the Huawei Watch GT series in India.

There are also leaders who are using their resources to help countries in need. For instance, Alibaba founder Jack Ma sent out a shipment of 1 million masks and 500,000 coronavirus testing kits. The billionaire recently took to Twitter to let people know that the first shipment was on its way to the USA. The Jack Ma foundation also announced in January that it will donate 100 million yuan ($14 million) to support the research and development of a coronavirus vaccine.

Cloud computing – The pandemic’s unsung heroes?

Most countries depend on various websites to keep things running. These include e-commerce platforms that are on war-footing, delivering groceries and other essential items. There are also OTT platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video that people are using at a much higher rate due to them staying at home. Most of these websites and domains are running efficiently and catering to a large population like that of India because of well-run cloud computing.

Players like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are making the shift from personal to virtual possible. “We have taken measures to prepare and we are confident we will be able to meet customer demands for capacity in response to COVID-19,” said an AWS spokesperson to CRN. Microsoft meanwhile is prioritizing its cloud services to first responders and emergency services. This means that even if the scale of the Coronavirus pandemic grows larger, Microsoft has partnered with governments across the world to support critical infrastructure and emergency management services on priority.

Google is prepared, should Coronavirus make things worse

Meanwhile, Google also has been prepared for unseen circumstances like these. In a recent Google Cloud blog post, the company mentioned that “peak traffic to Google services including cloud, increased by up to 16 percent between February 10 and March 16 in Europe”. Further, it also mentioned that despite the shift from enterprise-grade office networks to people’s personal networks, the company has surplus computational resources. As per the post, in locations like the US, Google is utilizing only 25 percent to 33 percent of its total capacity during peak hours during the Coronavirus pandemic. That still leaves 75 percent to 66 percent of resources to allocate in these regions.

How are e-commerce players in India keeping up

Since March 24, Amazon and Flipkart, India’s largest online retailers, restricted customers from placing orders. Amazon mentioned that it would prioritize the delivery of ‘critical’ items like household staples, packaged food, healthcare, hygiene, and personal safety products. “This also means that we have to temporarily stop taking orders, and disable shipments, for lower-priority products,” wrote the company in a blog post.

Many Amazon customers also reported that their ‘non-essential‘ orders placed before March 24 were canceled as well. Meanwhile, Flipkart started the Coronavirus lockdown by ceasing all operations. It later started operating after a few hours only for grocery and essentials deliveries.

Edtech brands step in

Back in November 2016, digital payments became mainstream in India over the course of a single night. That was the consequence of India’s Demonetisation. Now, popular Edtech platforms in India are temporarily filling in for schools. Taking the opportunity, Edtech platforms Byju’s made all its learning platforms free till April end. Applicable for students from class 1 to 12, the platform will help kids stay on track with the syllabus.

Rival Toppr also offered free access to its live, video classes for school kids till March 31. The company also said that free sessions will be further extended if schools can’t reopen after March. Meanwhile, Unacademy announced 20,000 free live classes for people preparing for various entrance exams. “We want learners to utilize this time…We will support the education system in every way possible to weather the storm,” said Gaurav Munjal, co-founder, and CEO of Unacademy.

Source: https://www.bgr.in/news/coronavirus-how-tech-companies-are-fighting-against-the-pandemic-from-all-fronts-883066/

Barrick Unveils 10-Year Plan to Become World’s Most Valued Gold Miner SPONSOR: Loncor Resources $LN.ca $ABX.ca $TECK.ca $RSG $NGT.to $GOLD $NEM

Posted by AGORACOM at 11:24 AM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

Sponsor: Loncor, a Canadian gold explorer controlling over 2,400,000 high grade ounces outside of a Barrick JV. The Ngayu JV property is 200km southwest of the Kibali gold mine, operated by Barrick, which produced 800,000 ounces of gold in 2018. Barrick manages and funds exploration at the Ngayu project until the completion of a pre-feasibility study on any gold discovery meeting their Tier One investment criteria. Newmont $NGT $NEM owns 7.8%, Resolute $RSG owns 27% Click Here for More Info

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Loncor-Small-Square.png
Barrick unveils 10-year plan to become world’s most valued gold miner
  • Barrick unveiled a 10-year production plan aimed at becoming the most valued bullion company
  • Increasing production to 5 million ounces of gold a year
  • Boosted production at Kibali, Congo’s biggest gold mine, which last year beat its production guidance of 750,000 ounces of gold by a substantial margin, delivering a new record of 814,027 ounces.

Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX) (NYSE: GOLD), the world’s second largest gold miner, has unveiled a 10-year production plan, boosting Barrick’s production to about 5 million ounces of gold a year

The strategy, outlined in its first annual report since its merger with Randgold Resources, includes boosting Barrick’s production to about 5 million ounces of gold a year, with the bulk coming from its North American operations.

President and chief executive officer, Mark Bristow, said Nevada Gold Mines — its recent joint venture with Newmont (NYSE: NEM) — would be the “value foundation” of its business moving forward.

“Already the world’s largest gold mining complex, it holds enormous potential for growth,” Bristow said.

Bristow warned the new guidance might be impacted if operations were disrupted due to efforts to slow the spread of the covid-19.  He called the pandemic “a global disaster which is changing the way we work and live in a radically disruptive process with currently no clear end in sight.”

In the past year, Barrick has been focusing on its tier one assets and has reported strong performance across the group, particularly at Cortez mine in Nevada and Veladero in Argentina.

It has also boosted production at Kibali, Congo’s biggest gold mine, which last year beat its production guidance of 750,000 ounces of gold by a substantial margin, delivering a new record of 814,027 ounces.

Porgera in Papua New Guinea has tier one potential but faces many challenges in the form of legacy issues and an unruly neighbourhood,” Bristow said, adding the mine had exceeded guidance and the company continued to negotiate a 20-year lease extension with the government.

The executive, who took the helm in January 2019, said the work done over the past year had equipped Barrick to move to the next level.

“All in all, I am confident that we are more than capable of delivering on our promise: to build the world’s most valued gold company,” he said.

Bristow noted that Barrick’s definition of value was more wide-ranging and included factors such as economic benefits, the care with which it treated its people, communities and environments, its strategic focus on long-term sustainability and returns for investors.

Work on PUREVAP #Silicon Metal Nano Reactor Continues as $HPQ.ca Provides Update on COVID-19 Outbreak Impact $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:01 AM on Monday, March 30th, 2020
  • Work will continue with respect to activities in which social distancing and best health practices can be observed, such as developing the new PUREVAP™Â Silicon Metal Nano Reactor, (PUREVAP™Â SiNR).

MONTREAL, March 30, 2020  — HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) TSX-V: HPQ; FWB: UGE; Other OTC : URAGF; would like to inform shareholders that in response to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, HPQ and its partners PyroGenesis in Montreal, and Apollon in France, and suppliers are respecting the health and safety of employees by encouraging employees to isolate, and work from home as much as possible.  Given the severity of the outbreak and continuing uncertainty regarding the duration and business impact of the virus, the start of the Gen3 Pilot Plant commissioning and testing program is being postponed until further notice.  However, work will continue with respect to activities in which social distancing and best health practices can be observed, such as developing the new PUREVAP™Â Silicon Metal Nano Reactor, (PUREVAP™Â SiNR).

BATTERY INDUSTRY INTEREST IN HPQ CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRONG

Despite the current circumstances, battery industry participants continue to inquire and demonstrate strong interest in our future upstream production capabilities.  Specifically, we are seeing meaningful interest in using our PUREVAP™ RRQ Silicon Metal (Si) as feed stock to manufacture:

So much so that, as soon as possible once the COVID-19 business interruption ends, our primary focus will be on manufacturing sufficient quantities of material to deliver samples to battery manufacturers and research centres. Only once these goals have been attained will we re-deploy assets to the Gen3 Pilot Plant commissioning and testing program. This is the level of importance of this initiative.

“The COVID-19 outbreak, possible recession and low oil prices don’t change the long-term cyclical movement of the Renewable Energy Revolution (“RER”).  HPQ is building a portfolio of unique High Value Silicon Metal products needed for the RER and the short-term business interruption we are experiencing has no bearing on the long-term potential of what we are doing. The continued interest in HPQ from the battery industry despite COVID-19 interruptions provides unequivocal evidence of this,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO HPQ Silicon.  â€œInterest in the potential for Silicon Metal’s potential to contribute to energy storage demand is undeniable and generating massive investments, as well as, serious industry interest. This was true before the COVID-19 outbreak and will be true after.”

About Silicon Metal

Silicon Metal (Si) is one of today’s strategic material needed to fulfil the renewable energy revolution presently under way. Silicon does not exist in its pure state; it must be extracted from quartz (SiO2), in what has historically been a costly and energy intensive process.  

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is developing, with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX-V: PYR), a high-tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma – based processes, the innovative PUREVAP™ â€œQuartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a process (patent pending), which will permit the One Step transformation of Quartz (SiO2) into High Purity Silicon (Si) at reduced costs, energy input, and carbon footprint that will propagate its considerable renewable energy potential.

HPQ, working with PyroGenesis, is also developing the PUREVAP™ Silicon Metal Nano Reactor (SiNR). This is a proprietary process that uses different purities of Silicon Metal (SI as feedstock), melts them into liquid Si that can then be synthesized into the Spherical Silicon Metal Nano Powders and Nanowires necessary for the next generation of Lithium-ion batteries.  During 2020, the plan is to validate our game changing manufacturing approach by upgrading our existing Gen2 PUREVAP™ QRR reactor into a PUREVAP™ SiNR to produce spherical Silicon Metal (Si) nano-powders and nanowires samples for industry participants and research institutions’.

Concurrently, HPQ is also working with industry leader Apollon Solar to develop a manufacturing capability that uses the High Purity Silicon (Si) made with the PUREVAP™ to make Porous silicon wafers needed for solid-state Li-ion batteries.  We expect that the first Silicon wafer should be ready to be shipped for testing to a battery manufacturer (under NDA) in 2020.

The focus of HPQ focus is to become the lowest cost producer of Silicon Metal (Si), High Purity Silicon Metal (Si), Spherical Si nano-powders and silicon-based composites for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Wafers for Solid states batteries and Porous Silicon Powders for Li-ion batteries.

This News Release is available on the company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. 

Disclaimers:

The Corporation’s interest in developing the PUREVAP™ QRR and any projected capital or operating cost savings associated with its development should not be construed as being related to the establishing the economic viability or technical feasibility of any of the Company’s Quartz Projects.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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

For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, Vice-President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
http://www.hpqsilicon.com Email: [email protected]

VIDEO: Hollister $HOLL.ca Closes $20,000,000 Acquisition, Adds $16.4M Revenue & $2.5M EBITDA $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:21 AM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

At a time when established Cannabis stocks are struggling due to an inability to actually deliver real businesses, Hollister Biosciences (HOLL:CSE) has been quietly building a real business, products, revenue and customers in 220 of California’s 600 dispensaries …. and growing, including California’s #1 hash infused pre-roll “Hashbone”.  

If that was all Hollister had going, they’d be in great shape with a super bright future and better than most Cannabis companies (small and large) who can’t even get product out the door.  

BUT THERE’S MORE – THE $20,000,000 ACQUISITION THAT COMES WITH $CDN 16.4M REVENUE & $CDN 2.48M EBITDA  

Hollister has closed their purchase of Venom Extracts, one of Arizona’s largest producers of Award-Winning Medical Cannabis Distillate. Just how good is Venom? In 2019, Venom generated $CDN 16.4M in revenue and $CDN 2.48M EBITDA in 2019 … and all of that was just from the state of Arizona.   

In this amazing interview, Venom Founder Jake Cohen discusses Venom’s aggressive plans to expand its brand and success into other states, including California as it benefits from Hollister’s distribution into 220 dispensaries.  Right now, some of you may be thinking, “yeah but everybody thinks they are going to expand” …. but Jake’s words, as well as those of Alex Somjen (President) and Carl Saling (CEO) are backed up by action.    

Specifically, a significant chunk of Venom’s acquisition shares kicks in if/when revenues hit $CDN 30,000 and $CDN 40,000 …. by December 31, 2021.  In my experience, companies joining forces don’t include such terms if there isn’t a reasonable expectation for hitting those numbers.  It doesn’t guarantee it but you can bet they have good reason to believe Venom sales will get to one or both of those numbers in just 21 months from now.  

If you’re looking for Cannabis companies that are going to survive and thrive over this next decade, then grab your favourite beverage and watch this great interview with Carl Saling, Alex Somjen and Jacob Cohen.

DATAMETREX #DM.ca WORKING WITH US GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON #COVID19 AND #CORONAVIRUS

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:23 AM on Monday, March 30th, 2020
  • Company is currently working with various agencies within the United States Government on the mass amount of social media surrounding #coronavirus and #covid19
  • “We are thrilled to be working with the US Government on this very important issue. We recently completed work for Democracy Labs on #disinformation in social media regarding #covid19 and #coronavirus and secured a relationship with Carnegie Mellon University IDeaS…”

TORONTO, March 30, 2020  — Datametrex AI Limited (the “Company” or “Datametrex”) is pleased to share that the Company is currently working with various agencies within the United States Government on the mass amount of social media surrounding #coronavirus and #covid19. We will provide greater detail on the work we are doing once it is completed and our clients approve it for public dissemination. 

“We are thrilled to be working with the US Government on this very important issue. We recently completed work for Democracy Labs on #disinformation in social media regarding #covid19 and #coronavirus and secured a relationship with Carnegie Mellon University IDeaS. Both announcements assisted in getting Nexalogy in front of the Government Agencies for this current opportunity in the United States. The solid foundation we have built over the past years with our Canadian Government clients like  DRDC, the Canadian Military and NATO have positioned Datametrex to be able to provide military grade solutions for todays social media challenges”, says Marshall Gunter CEO of Datametrex AI.

About Datametrex AI Limited

Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy (www.nexalogy.com).

Additional information on Datametrex is available at: www.datametrex.com

For further information, please contact:

Marshall Gunter – CEO
Phone: (514) 295-2300
Email: [email protected]

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws.  All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “likely”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “proposed”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” happen, or by discussions of strategy.

Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Hollister Biosciences $HOLL.ca Closes Transformational Acquisition of Rapidly Growing Venom Extracts Adding Over $16.4 Million In 2019 Revenue and $2.5 Million in EBITDA $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:18 AM on Monday, March 30th, 2020

This highly accretive acquisition strengthens Hollister’s brand portfolio and broadens its distribution footprint across multiple states positioning Hollister to transform into an industry leader in 2020 and beyond

  • Venom Extracts reports having generated over CDN$16.4 million in revenue and over CDN$2.5 million in EBITDA from its product line of cannabis concentrates and cartridges. 

VANCOUVER, March 30, 2020  – Hollister Biosciences Inc. (CSE: HOLL, FRANKFURT: HOB, OTC: HSTRF) (the “Company” or “Hollister“), a diversified cannabis branding company with products in 220 dispensaries throughout California, is pleased to announce that further to the signing of the definitive agreement, as amended (the “SEA“), the Company has now closed its transformational acquisition of Venom Extracts (“Venom Extracts“), a leading Arizona cannabis extract brand and one of the state’s largest producers of award-winning medical cannabis distillate and related products (the “Transaction“).

HIGHLY ACCRETIVE $20,000,000 ACQUISITION, ADDING OVER CDN$16.4 MILLION OF 2019 REVENUE

For the year ended December 31, 2019, management of Venom Extracts reports having generated over CDN$16.4 million in revenue and over CDN$2.5 million in EBITDA from its product line of cannabis concentrates and cartridges.  Venom Extract’s management also reports a strong start to 2020 and is anticipating record Q1 revenue.

The all-stock purchase price of approximately CDN$20,000,000 represents a transaction multiple of 1.2x 2019 revenue, with approximately 70% of the consideration paid upfront and the approximately 30% balance to be paid upon milestone achievements related to revenue targets for Venom Extracts, or in any event, on December 31, 2021.  After conducting normal course due diligence, the Transaction closed effective March 24, 2020 (the “Closing Date“).

KEY TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION:

Pursuant to the terms of the SEA, the Company has acquired Venom Extracts for consideration of CDN$20,000,145.20 which is to be satisfied by the issuance of 70,390,672 Hollister common shares (the “Payment Shares“) on the Closing Date pro rata to the shareholders of Venom Extracts and an additional 29,610,054 common shares (the “Earn-Out Shares“) to certain former shareholders of Venom Extracts on the earlier of (i) Venom Extracts reaching certain revenue milestones (detailed below), or (ii) December 31, 2021.

  • The Payment Shares and the Earn-Out Shares will be issued at a deemed value of CDN$0.20 per share;
  • The Payment Shares are subject to certain voluntary hold periods with 90% of the Payment Shares being subject to hold periods as follows: 15% until May 25, 2020; and an additional 15% every six months until November 25, 2022;
  • The Earn-Out Shares will be issued on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021, or (ii) when and if the following milestones have been met:
    • 19,740,036 Earn-Out Shares will be issued when revenue of Venom Extracts reaches CDN$30,000,000 (calculated in accordance with IFRS from January 1, 2020); and
    • An additional 9,870,018 Earn-Out Shares will be issued when revenue of Venom Extracts reaches CDN$40,000,000 (calculated in accordance with IFRS from January 1, 2020).

“We are extremely pleased to complete this transformational and highly accretive acquisition”, shared Carl Saling, Founder and CEO of Hollister Biosciences Inc. “Our acquisition of Venom Extracts bolts on substantial revenue and EBITDA to Hollister, while providing Venom Extracts the ability to expand its offering of premium branded product into the California marketplace. Likewise, our acquisition also allows Hollister to introduce its products into the Arizona and Nevada marketplaces through Venom Extracts’ existing distribution channels.”

“This is an exciting acquisition and we are very pleased to announce closing”, shared Jacob Cohen, Founder of Venom Extracts.  “This transaction represents the next step in ensuring the future growth of both Hollister and Venom Extracts.  We are looking forward to increasing our geographic presence by expanding into the California marketplace through Hollister’s existing platform, and exploring expansion of our existing product portfolio collectively.”

In association with the acquisition, Hollister will not be assuming any long-term debt, a new control position will be created and there is no change in management, or the board of directors of Hollister being contemplated at this time.

In connection with the Transaction, the Company issued 6,000,000 common shares (the “Finder Shares“) to an arm’s length third party finder at a deemed price of $0.20 per Finder Share.  The Finder Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day from the Closing Date which expires July 25, 2020.

This press release is available on the Company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transaction have been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued pursuant to the Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Rule 506(b) of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. In addition, the securities issued under an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act will be “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144(a)(3) of the U.S. Securities Act and will contain the appropriate restrictive legend as required under the U.S. Securities Act.

About Hollister Biosciences Inc.

Hollister Biosciences Inc. is a diversified cannabis company with multiple, high-quality products now carried in 220 of Indus Holdings (CSE: INDS), Hollister’s exclusive distribution partner’s 600 dispensaries. This level of penetration is expected to grow as the Company accelerates its seed to shelf, high margin business and product development model.

Capitalizing on this success, Hollister’s vision is to become the sought-after premium brand portfolio of innovative, high quality cannabis across multiple states and hemp products nationwide.

Our wholly owned California subsidiary, Hollister Cannabis Co, is the 1st state and locally licensed Cannabis Company in the City of Hollister, California, the birthplace of the “American Biker” from which we embrace the outlaw roots of Hollister to drive our Company fearlessly down the road of success.

Products from Hollister Cannabis Co. include HashBone, the brand’s premier artisanal hash-infused pre-roll ranked as California’s #1 hash infused pre-roll, along with solvent-free bubble hash, pre-packaged flower, pre-rolls, tinctures, vape products, and full-spectrum high CBD pet tinctures.

Website:  www.hollistercannabisco.com 

About Venom Extracts

Venom Extracts is one of Arizona’s premier extract brands and one of the state’s largest producers of award-winning medical cannabis distillate and related products.  With an experienced management team and unparalleled reputation for quality, Venom Extracts prides itself as a differentiated extraction company by producing legal Marijuana products at a price point that allows retailers to generate higher profits.  Focused on proprietary efficiencies, the Company is able to produce more product per square foot than its competition, maintaining lower costs and risks than a typical extraction company. The company’s expansion strategy is centered on entering new markets/states that are approved for medical cannabis use and/or approved or have a reasonable expectation to be approved for recreational use in the near future.  

Website:  www.venomextracts.com

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this News Release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company’s disclosure documents which can be found under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com.

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