Green Ivy Capital, an affiliate of Chicago Atlantic Group, acted as sole lead arranger and administrative agent on a new $30 million senior secured term loan facility for Verano Holdings. An affiliated fund of Chicago Atlantic led the term loan facility with participation of other institutional lenders.
The term loan facility is non-dilutive, has a two-year term and loans issued under the facility will bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 15.25%. Verano will use proceeds of the loan to support working capital, organic growth, and acquisitions.
Based in Chicago, Verano has a footprint in 12 U.S. states, with 14 retail locations and six cultivation and production facilities operational. Verano plans to double the number of retail locations by the end of the year and bring more cultivation and production facilities online. The company has not raised outside equity since 2018 and is cash flow and net income positive.
“We are excited to partner with Verano to support its growth plans. Their strong management team, brand and efficient operations are exactly what we are looking for in our partners. Verano is a clear leader in the cannabis space, and the company’s unique focus [on] profitable growth is what attracted us to this opportunity,” John Mazarakis, principal of Chicago Atlantic, said.
“We are delighted to partner with Chicago Atlantic as a financing partner who shares our vision,” George Archos, CEO of Verano, said. “We look forward to working with them given their unique position in the cannabis space and ability to support our growth.”
Chicago Atlantic Group is an asset management firm specializing in direct lending and opportunistic private credit investing.
