Why the AusCann (ASX:AC8) share price jumped 14% higher today

The AusCann Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:AC8) share price is on the move on Friday after announcing the appointment of its new CEO…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The AusCann Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: AC8) share price is on the move on Friday after the release of an announcement.

In morning trade the medicinal cannabis company's shares are up 14% to 24 cents.

asx share price represented by green cannabis leaf sitting atop red maple leaves

Image source: Getty Images

What did AusCann announce?

This morning AusCann announced that it will be changing its Chief Executive Officer upon the completion of the acquisition of CannPal Animal Therapeutics Limited (ASX: CP1).

According to the release, the Founder and Managing Director of CannPal, Layton Mills, will lead the combined company. This decision was reached following a combined meeting of the Boards of CannPal and AusCann and will take effect from the completion of the transaction.

AusCann's current CEO, Nick Woolf, has decided to tender his resignation, but has agreed to stay with AusCann as Interim CEO until the transaction completes. After which, he will stay on in an advisory capacity to assist with an orderly transition until 30 June 2021.

Mr Woolf was only appointed CEO of AusCann in August of last year.

AusCann's Chairman, Max Johnston, commented: "Since Nick joined us in August 2020 he has been instrumental in moving forward the development of a robust pipeline with advancement of studies of the existing hard-shell capsules based on the Neuvis platform, initiating formulation work of a novel CBD only variant and engaging an experienced US-based team to develop additional product candidates addressing unmet health needs."

"In addition to this, Nick has also taken significant steps toward making AusCann more cost effective and efficient in utilisation of its assets and operations. We thank him for all his efforts in taking AusCann forward during his tenure whilst also progressing the proposed acquisition of CannPal. I am pleased that Nick has agreed to provide continuity during the prospective transition and wish him well in his future endeavours," he added.

The outgoing CEO, Mr Woolf, commented: "The combination of AusCann and CannPal has clear synergies including multiple revenue streams and the leverage of data in the animal health space for the development of human medicines and vice versa. Both companies have established a strong network of alliances that should accelerate success."

"I believe that the medicinal cannabis industry in Australia has significant growth potential and the combined company will be well placed to benefit from this," he concluded.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A group of happy young people watching sport on a laptop celebrate.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was an exceptional session for investors today.

Read more »

Smiling young parents with their daughter dream of success.
Broker Notes

Why Life360 shares could be dirt cheap and set to rise 90%

Bell Potter has good things to say about this tech stock.

Read more »

a surprised investor reading about an asx share price in a newspaper
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

ASX board.
Share Market News

The ASX just hit a rare milestone. Here's what it means for your money

ASX trading activity surges as futures volumes hit record highs.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand.
Travel Shares

Qantas stock is down 17.7% in a month. Time to buy?

Qantas is back to April prices.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

Why Amplitude Energy, Atlas Arteria, Computershare, and Woodside shares are falling today

These shares are falling on hump day. But why?

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Why this buy-rated ASX mining share is tipped to surge 112%

A leading broker expects this ASX mining share to more than double investors’ money in a year.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Brazilian Rare Earths, Clarity, and Tuas shares are racing higher today

These shares are having a better day than most on hump day.

Read more »