Monthly Archives: May 2018

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

CALGARY, May 24, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Company”) (TSX: CRWN), announced today a public offering, on a “bought deal” basis, of $20 million principal amount of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, at a price of $1,000 per debenture, with an interest rate of 6.00% per annum, payable semi-annually on the last day of June 30 and December 31 commencing on December 31, 2018 (the “Debentures”). The December 31, 2018 interest payment will represent accrued interest for the period from Closing to December 31, 2018. The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2023.

The offering is being made through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by BMO Capital Markets and National Bank Financial Inc.

The Company has also granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to $3.00 million principal amount of additional Debentures at a price of $1,000 per Debenture to cover over-allotments, exercisable in whole or in part anytime up to 30 days following closing of the offering.

The Debentures will be convertible at the holder’s option into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of $13.70 per common share. The Debentures will not be redeemable prior to June 30, 2021. On and after June 30, 2021 and prior to June 30, 2022, the Debentures may be redeemed in whole or in part from time to time at the Company’s option, at a price equal to their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the date on which the notice of redemption is given is not less than 125% of the conversion price. On and from June 30, 2022, and prior to the maturity date, the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The net proceeds of the offering will be used to repay indebtedness under the Company’s credit facility, which will then be available to be drawn, as required, to fund new financing transactions by the Company, and for general corporate purposes.

The offering is subject to normal regulatory approvals, including approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and is expected to close on or about June 13, 2018.

The Debentures will be offered by way of a short form prospectus in all of the provinces and territories of Canada and may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.  This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Crown 

Crown (TSX:CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

For further information, please contact:
Craig Armitage
Investor Relations
craig.armitage@crowncapital.ca
(416) 347-8954

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified using forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the closing of the offering of Debentures and the use of proceeds of such offering. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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CALGARY, May 23, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the closing of a $10 million long-term loan (the “Agreement”) to WireIE (Canada) Inc. (“WireIE”), an Ontario-based Canadian network operator that specializes in the deployment and management of carrier-grade data networks across Canada and internationally to under-served communities in rural and remote areas. WireIE builds, owns, and operates the data networks for its blue-chip customers in the telecom carrier, oil and gas, utility, and government industries.

Founded in 2007, WireIE’s core value proposition is to provide large telecom carriers with the ability to deliver high quality network services to their commercial customers in rural or remote areas without having to build and manage circuits. WireIE has partnerships with Canada’s leading national carriers. The company’s services address a large and growing market, with recent US and Canadian government legislation mandating high-speed broadband as an essential service. The new minimum service standards recently defined by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications authority result in greater than 20% of the population falling below the minimum requirements.

“We’re pleased to support WireIE as they build out their network to capitalize on the opportunity created by increasing customer demand and the new minimum service standards implemented by the CRTC,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “WireIE has established strong relationships with blue-chip national customers, providing high-quality cash flow and significant revenue visibility, which created an attractive and unique opportunity to structure this transaction as an income streaming facility.”

“Crown customized a financing solution that provides us with the flexibility to accelerate our expansion, and we look forward to working with their team as we continue to build our base of recurring revenue,” said Rob Barlow, CEO of WireIE. “The market need for our services is expanding and our pipeline of new opportunities is robust.”

The Agreement, which is structured as an income streaming facility, provides for  an investment of up to $10 million, which will be funded as a long-term loan on Crown’s balance sheet. The term loan bears a fixed interest rate, matures in 10 years, and includes the issue of warrants to Crown.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified using forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the outlook and future performance of WireIE. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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CALGARY, May 17, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the closing of a $10 million, 10-year loan (the “Agreement”) with Mill Street & Co. Inc. (“Mill Street”), a Canadian diversified operating company, with small- to medium-size, privately held subsidiaries, primarily based in Southern Ontario.

Mill Street provides successful entrepreneurs with a succession plan and liquidity by acquiring up to 100% of the entrepreneur’s business with the objective of creating value-added growth through a unique performance-based culture. Mill Street has ownership positions in nine operating companies in diversified sectors, including construction services, building supply, wholesale & logistics and financial services.

“Mill Street’s focus on working with entrepreneurs of profitable small- and medium-sized businesses aligns perfectly with our philosophy,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “Mill Street has done an excellent job of building a diversified operating platform that generates stable and growing cash flow. We look forward to working with them as they take advantage of the large and growing market need among private businesses for an experienced and reputable succession partner.”

“Crown’s customized, long-term financing solution is well-suited to our needs and will enable us to further capitalize on growth opportunities,” said Noah Murad, President of Mill Street. “We have admired Crown’s established track record and reputation for many years and view the Crown team as an ideal financial partner for our business.”

The Agreement provides for a $10 million, 10-year term loan to Mill Street, which will be funded as a long-term loan on Crown’s balance sheet. The term loan has a floating interest rate based on the five-year Government of Canada Bond yield plus 10% (subject to a minimum of 12%) and includes an equity participation right based on the growth in Mill Street’s equity value per share.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified using forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the outlook and future performance of Mill Street. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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CALGARY, May 16, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the closing of a $25.0 million term loan (the “Agreement”) to Persta Resources Inc. (“Persta”), a Calgary-based company engaged in natural gas and crude oil exploration and production, with a focus on natural gas.

Founded in 2005, Persta is focused on long-term growth through exploration, development, production and acquisitions in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Persta was one of the first oil and gas companies to target the Spirit River/Wilrich zones in the Alberta foothills. Persta holds approximately 120,000 net acres of land and currently has production of approximately 3,100 barrels of oil equivalent production per day (“boepd”), of which approximately 94% is natural gas and 6% is oil and natural gas liquids. Persta completed an Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in March 2017 and its common shares are listed under stock code 3395. Crown’s financing will be used for capital expenditures and to reduce the company’s senior debt facility.

“Persta has first-class assets in an attractive region and a highly accomplished management team that has been operating the company efficiently for the past 10 years,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “Despite a challenging environment, Persta has been able to generate significant cash flow based on its low production costs. The company has a low-risk, repeatable development program and is projecting significant increases in production as it continues to develop its Basing property and bring its Voyager property into production.”

“The Crown team has a deep knowledge of our industry and clearly understands the growth opportunity for Persta,” said Le Bo, President and CEO of Persta. “We’re pleased to add them as a financial partner as we implement our development plans and ramp up production.”

The Agreement provides for a $25 million term loan to Persta by Crown Capital Fund IV, LP, an investment fund managed by Crown and in which Crown holds a 36.5% interest. The term loan bears a fixed interest rate of 12% per annum, matures in 60 months, and includes the issue to Crown of warrants to acquire 8,000,000 common shares of Persta.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified using forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the outlook and future performance of Persta. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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CALGARY, May 9, 2018 – In accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange requirements, Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, announced the voting results from its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario.

A total of 5,925,740 common shares, representing approximately 62.5% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding common shares, were voted in connection with the meeting. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business put forth. The votes for the election of directors are as follows:

Crown has filed a report of voting results on all resolutions voted on at the meeting under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

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CALGARY, May 8, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. Crown’s complete financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Q1 2018 Financial & Operating Highlights

• Total revenue of $5.3 million (2017 – $6.8 million), including interest revenue of $5.6 million (2017 – $4.4 million) and fees and other income of $0.2 million (2017 – $0.5 million), offset by a net change in unrealized gains in fair value of investments of $(0.5) million (2017 – $1.8 million).
• Net income, net of non-controlling interests, of $0.9 million (2017 – $1.7 million), or $0.09 per common share (basic) (2017 – $0.18).
• Adjusted EBIT² of $2.0 million, compared with $3.0 million in 2017.
• Total equity per common share (basic) of $10.88 at March 31, 2018, compared with $10.75 at March 31, 2017.
• Total assets of $225.2 million at March 31, 2018, up from $199.0 million at March 31, 2017.
• On March 2, 2018, paid a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per common share, an increase of 15% compared with the previous quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share.
• Crown Capital Fund IV, LP (“Crown IV LP”) and two syndicate partners provided a $33 million (Crown IV LP interest – $30 million), 60-month term loan to Baylin Technologies.
• On March 28, 2018, Crown announced that it had received from DBRS Limited (“DBRS”) its first rating by any rating agency. DBRS has assigned Crown a Long-Term Issuer Rating of BB (low) with a stable trend.
• Subsequent to quarter end, Crown IV LP completed a $12 million, 60-month term loan to DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX:DCM).

“Our first quarter financial results were highlighted by the 27% increase in interest revenue, reflecting our success in building the investment portfolio over the past year,” said Chris Johnson, President and CEO of Crown. “This growing revenue base, combined with our positive outlook, enabled us to increase our quarterly dividend by an additional 15% – our third increase since the beginning of 2017. We have deployed $42 million to date this year in two high-quality companies and expect to finalize multiple transactions in the near term, which will drive increased revenue, cash flow and return on equity in 2018. Our transaction pipeline remains robust across multiple industries, highlighting the underlying demand in the middle market for intelligent, non-dilutive capital alternatives.”

Conference Call & Webcast

Crown will host a conference call to discuss its Q1 2018 financial results at 2:00 p.m. ET on May 8, 2018. The call will be hosted by Chris Johnson, President & CEO, and Michael Overvelde, CFO. To participate in the call, dial 647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191 using the conference ID 2177818. The audio webcast can be accessed at www.crowncapital.ca under Investor Relations or https://bit.ly/2qZrqcZ. Listeners should access the webcast or call 10-15 minutes before the start time to ensure they are connected.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the alternative financial market and the general economy, transaction pipeline, Crown’s business plans and strategy, including anticipated capital deployments and the timing thereof, and Crown’s future cash flow and shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s most recent annual information form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. In addition, Crown’s dividend policy will be reviewed from time to time in the context of the Corporation’s earnings, financial requirements for its operations, and other relevant factors and the declaration of a dividend will always be at the discretion of the board of directors of the Corporation. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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CALGARY, May 8, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on June 1, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2018.

This dividend is designated by Crown to be an “eligible dividend” pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any applicable provincial or territorial legislation pertaining to eligible dividends. Shareholders with questions regarding the tax treatment of dividends should consult with their own tax advisors.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

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Financing supports acquisition of the Perennial Group of Companies

CALGARY, May 1, 2018 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the closing of a $12.0 million term loan to DATA Communications Management Corp. (“DCM”) (TSX:DCM), a leading provider of integrated business communication solutions to companies across North America.

Founded in 1959, DCM’s core capabilities include direct marketing, commercial print services, labels and asset tracking, event tickets and gift cards, logistics and fulfilment, content and workflow management, data management and analytics, and regulatory communications. The company serves clients in key vertical markets such as financial services, retail, healthcare, lottery and gaming, not-for-profit, and energy. DCM is strategically located with six facilities across Canada to support clients on a national basis, and serves the U.S. market through facilities in Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.

DCM will use part of the proceeds of the term loan to acquire the Perennial Group of Companies (the “Perennial Group”), which includes Perennial Inc., one of Canada’s leading design firms focused on creating and delivering design strategies for major retail brands in Canada and around the world, and The Finished Line Studios, an independent, multi-function creative, execution and production art studio.  The Perennial Group has a 25-year track record of retail strategy design and execution for many of North America’s top brands in the retail, financial services and consumer packaged goods markets.  Crown’s financing will also be used for debt repayment and general working capital purposes.

“DCM is a well-established company with a significant revenue base and history of strong free cash flow, and we are pleased to support them as they continue to expand through acquisition and transition to a marketing communications-focused provider,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “Among the reasons we like DCM is its diversified, blue-chip customer base – and its track record of retaining these customers. The Perennial acquisition brings additional high-quality customers and complementary capabilities to deliver design strategies for leading brands.”

“Crown’s non-dilutive financing was the right solution for DCM and we look forward to working with the Crown team as we execute on our growth plan,” said Michael Sifton, CEO of DCM. “The Perennial acquisition, combined with the acquisitions we completed in 2017 and positive sales momentum in our core business, bodes well for improved performance in 2018.”

The Agreement provides for a $12.0 million term loan to DCM by Crown Capital Fund IV, LP, an investment fund managed by Crown and in which Crown holds a 36.5% interest. The term loan bears a fixed interest rate of 10% per annum, matures in 60 months, and includes the issue to Crown of warrants to acquire 960,000 common shares of DCM.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies. Crown also manages capital pools, including some in which Crown has a direct ownership interest. Crown originates, structures and provides tailored special situation and long-term financing solutions to a diversified group of private and public mid-market companies in the form of loans, royalties and other structures with minimal or no ownership dilution.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified using forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements, management’s beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the outlook and future performance of DCM. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Crown’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. See Crown’s Annual Information Form for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting Crown. Crown undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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