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Our roundup of Canadian small-caps of between $100-million and $2.5-billion in market capitalization making news and on the move today.
Home Capital Group Inc. (HCG-T) provided an update on its liquidity position after markets closed on Friday. As of Thursday, May 18 the company said its available liquidity and credit capacity sat at $1.47-billion, similar to the day before.
Its Home Trust High-Interest Savings Account deposit balances stood at approximately $116.2-million, down from $120.2-million the day before but similar to $116.8-million on May 16.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate deposits, including Oaken and broker GICs, stood at approximately $12.34-billion, similar to the day before.
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Slate Retail REIT (SRT.UN-T) says it's buying Mooresville Consumer Square for $51.3-million (U.S.).
The property, located in the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area, is 97-per-cent occupied and anchored by a Walmart store.
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New Look Vision Group Inc. (BCI-T) says chief financial officer Derrick Giannoumis will retire from the company, effective June 2.
It has started a search for a replacement.
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Child care company BrightPath Early Learning Inc. (BPE-X) says it has an agreement to be bought by U.K.-based Busy Bees Holdings Ltd. The deal is valued at $145-million.
Busy Bees is paying 80 cents per share in cash, a 46-per-cent premium over the volume-weighted average price of BrightPath Shares over the past 30 trading days.
The BrightPath board has unanimously approved the agreement.
"After considering and pursuing several options to maximize value for shareholders of BrightPath, the board believes this is a compelling transaction and price for shareholders," said chairman Jeffrey Olin. "We are pleased that shareholders will be rewarded for their support and commitment in creating, nurturing and advancing BrightPath.
The proposed deal requires two-thirds agreement from BrightPath shareholders.
BrightPath has 77 locations in major markets across Canada.
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Crown Capital Partners Inc. (CRWN-T) says its investment fund has amended its $15-million term loan agreement with Petrowest Corp. (PRW-T) and completed a new $12-million bridge loan with the company.
"We commend Petrowest for taking the difficult but necessary steps to sell non-core assets, reduce debt, and focus on increasing profitability in its core markets," said CEO Chris Johnson.
Petrowest announced a restructuring and refinancing on Friday, including a new CEO.
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Goldmoney Inc. (XAU-T) says it has made an investment in and is partnering with LBT Holdings Ltd., parent company of Lend & Borrow Trust Company Ltd., a U.K.-based online platform offering auction-rate peer-to-peer lending and borrowing collateralized by precious metals.
LBT is the first regulated peer-to-peer offering of its kind, Goldmoney said.
The company said the private investment gives it the right to nominate a board member and the right to provide precious metal dealing and storage solutions to LBT clients.
"Goldmoney may also elect to implement facilities with LBT whereby eligible clients with a Goldmoney Holding -- U.K. residents and businesses initially, with other countries added over time -- can access LBT auction rates and earn interest income from loans fully secured by precious metal collateral," the company stated.
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Grande West Transportation Group Inc. (BUS-X) announced new orders for nine Vicinity buses for a combined value of $4.5-million.
Hamilton, Ont.-based Hamilton Street Railway has ordered five compressed natural gas Vicinity buses, while the city of Moose Jaw, Sask. ordered an additional four, the company said.
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