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 businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Brightstar, Catapult Sports, IperionX, and Zip shares are charging higher

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

IPO written on block cubes on top of coins.
IPOs

Up 5%: Here's how the IPO of SkinKandy shares is going

SkinKandy's debut has been a success so far.

Read more »

Surprised child reading all about ASX 200 shares in a newspaper.
Share Market News

Why Zip, Contact Energy and Northern Star shares are making headlines on Thursday

Why is everyone talking about Zip, Contact Energy, and Northern Star shares today?

Read more »

A line up of job interview candidates sit in chairs against a wall clutching CVs on paper in an office setting.
Share Market News

What April's unemployment print means for ASX 200 investors

ASX 200 investors are celebrating April’s unemployment numbers. But why?

Read more »

Multiple ASX share investors take on one another in a tug of war in a high rise building.
Mergers & Acquisitions

This ASX property stock is rising after takeover speculation heats up

A morning trading pause has put this ASX stock in focus.

Read more »

Builder holding long rectangular wood.
Share Market News

How high could James Hardie shares go? Brokers have their say

Despite some challenges, these shares are looking cheap.

Read more »

Five arrows hit the bullseye of five round targets lined up in a row, with a blue sky in the background.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 going gangbusters on Thursday?

The ASX 200 is leaping higher today. But why?

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, TechnologyOne, and Webjet shares

Let's see what analysts at Morgans are saying about these shares.

Read more »