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Strong transaction activity in the quarter drives significant growth in interest revenue and fees

CALGARY, August 9, 2017 – 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 second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Crown’s complete financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Q2 2017 Financial & Operating Highlights

• Total revenue increased to $7.7 million (2016 – $5.0 million), including interest revenue of $5.6 million, fees and other income of $3.1 million, and net realized gain on sale of investments of $2.7 million, offset by net change in unrealized gains in fair value of investments of $(4.8) million;
  • The net change in unrealized gains includes $(2.8) million of reversals of previously-recognized unrealized gains upon the recognition of realized gains from the repayments of the CRH Medical Corporation and Distinct Infrastructure Group Inc. loans and the disposition of the Distinct shares.
• Net income, net of non-controlling interests, of $1.8 million (2016 – $1.7 million), or $0.19 per common share (basic) (2016 – $0.18);
• Adjusted EBIT¹ of $3.1 million (2016 – $3.0 million);
• Total equity per common share (basic) of $10.86 at June 30, 2017;
• Total assets of $222.4 million at June 30, 2017, up from $182.4 million at December 31, 2016;
• Cash and cash equivalents of $23.5 million, compared with $19.3 million at December 31, 2016,
• On June 2, 2017, paid a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per common share to shareholders of record on May 19, 2017;
• Crown Capital Fund IV, LP (“Crown IV LP”), an investment fund managed by Crown in which Crown held a 35% interest as at June 30, 2017, completed three transactions:
  • Amended a $15.0 million term loan and completed a new $12.0 million bridge loan with Petrowest Corporation (TSX: PRW);
  • $30 million term loan with Marquee Energy Ltd. (TSXV: MQX);
  • $25 million term loan with Ferus Inc.;
• Subsequent to quarter end, completed a $50 million closing for Crown IV LP, bringing the current total capital committed to the fund to $225 million; and
• On August 8, 2017, declared quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share, an increase over the previous quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share.

“It was a highly active quarter for Crown, as we completed three special situations transactions and had two successful loans repaid in the period,” said Chris Johnson, President and CEO of Crown. “This activity drove a strong increase in fees and other income, and interest revenue more than doubled in the second quarter over the comparable period last year. With additional capital at work, we have built a solid base of interest revenue, which enabled us to announce, subsequent to quarter end, an increase in the quarterly dividend to 13 cents per share, the second increase since the dividend was initiated in January 2016. Year to date, we have raised $100 million of committed capital in Crown IV LP, which, when combined with cash on hand and our credit facility, gives us considerable resources to continue building the portfolio.”

1. Adjusted EBIT is not a measure of financial performance (nor does it have a standardized meaning) under IFRS. In evaluating this measure, investors should consider that the methodology applied in calculating this measure may differ among companies and analysts. Adjusted EBIT is calculated by Crown as earnings before non-cash share-based compensation, finance costs and income taxes less net income and comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests. The Corporation has provided a reconciliation of earnings before income taxes to Adjusted EBIT in this news release. The Corporation believes Adjusted EBIT is a useful supplemental measure that may assist investors in assessing the financial performance and the cash anticipated to be generated by Crown’s business. Adjusted EBIT should not be considered as the sole measure of Crown’s performance and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of the Corporation’s financial statements.

Conference Call & Webcast

Crown will host a conference call to discuss its Q2 2017 financial results at 8:30 a.m. EDT on August 9, 2017. 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 59205747. The audio webcast can be accessed at www.crowncapital.ca under Investor Relations or at https://bit.ly/2ueMEpT. 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 that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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, August 8, 2017 – 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 $0.13 per common share, payable on September 1, 2017 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2017. This dividend represents an increase of more than 8% over Crown’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share.

“As we continue to put capital to work and expand the portfolio, we are building a strong base of interest revenue and this has enabled us to increase the quarterly dividend to 13 cents per share, the second increase since the dividend was initiated in January 2016,” said Chris Johnson, President and CEO of Crown. “We plan to grow the dividend further as we continue to execute on our strategic plan.”

This dividend is designated by the Company 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 that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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 Crown’s dividend and future increases to the dividend. 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. 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, July 24, 2017 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or “the Company”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced it will host a conference call to discuss its 2017 second quarter financial results on August 9, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. EST. The call will be hosted by Chris Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Overvelde, Chief Financial Officer. Crown will issue its financial results on the morning of August 9, 2017.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

DATE:                                     Wednesday, August 9, 2017

TIME:                                      8:30 a.m. EST

DIAL IN NUMBER:                 (647) 427-7450 or (888) 231-8191

CONFERENCE ID:                  59205747

REPLAY:                                 (416) 849-0833 or (855) 859-2056

Available until midnight (EST) August 16, 2017

WEBCAST:                             The audio webcast can be accessed at www.crowncapital.ca under Investor Relations or at http://bit.ly/2ueMEpT

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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, July 14, 2017 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or “the Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced it has completed a $50 million closing for Crown Capital Fund IV, LP. (“Crown IV LP” or the “Fund”), bringing the current total capital committed to the Fund to $225 million. To date, $190 million has been invested by the Fund in nine transactions, and, net of repayments, $167 million is currently invested.

“This upsizing further underscores the quality of our growing portfolio and the strong demand from our institutional limited partners,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “We continue to deliver on our key milestones. We have completed four transactions to date in 2017, adding $80 million of new investments in Crown IV LP. In addition, we continue to increase Crown’s funding capacity, which we will use to capitalize on the demand for customized financing solutions in Canada’s middle market.”

Crown IV LP invests in Special Situations Financing transactions originated and managed by Crown. These consist of senior and subordinated loans with terms ranging from six months to five years, and are structured to limit ownership dilution and provide the borrower client with the ability to focus on growing their business. Crown IV LP has a maximum size of $300 million, with additional closings expected up until September 2018 as financing opportunities are identified. Crown, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Crown Capital Funding Corporation, increased its capital commitment to the Fund by approximately $21.0 million to $82.2 million.  After this closing, Crown holds an approximate 36.5% interest in the Fund.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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 future growth of the portfolio and market demand for Crown’s solutions. 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. 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.

Fund generated a gross IRR of 24%

CALGARY, July 10, 2017 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced that Norrep Credit Opportunities Fund II, LP and Norrep Credit Opportunities Fund II (Parallel), LP (collectively, “NCOF II”) have been closed following the recent repayment of the special situations loan to CRH Medical Corporation, which represented the final remaining investment in NCOF II.  Crown was the manager of NCOF II and held a 53.6% interest in aggregate.

NCOF II was established in 2012, closed its first loan in December 2012 and invested approximately $81.5 million in five companies: Genalta Power Inc., Claude Resources Inc., Questrade Inc., CRH Medical Corporation, and Corrosion Service Company. NCOF II generated a gross IRR of approximately 24% and a multiple of approximately 1.5X⁽¹⁾.

“The loans in this portfolio performed well for our investors, adding to Crown’s outstanding 17-year track record in mid-market lending,” said Chris Johnson, President and CEO of Crown. “There is a significant unmet need for customized financing solutions aimed at the mid-market, and we are building on our track record to expand Crown’s presence and asset base, both directly and through our fund management business.”

The completion of NCOF II has triggered payment of $4.3 million of performance fees to Crown, as manager of NCOF II. Prior to the closing of its initial public offering (“IPO”), Crown committed to pay 100% of the performance fee distributions accrued to June 30, 2015 to the Pre-IPO plan participants.  In addition, Crown’s current compensation policy provides that 50% of such performance fee distributions earned will be distributed to the employees.  As such, Crown has retained approximately $1.0 million of the performance fees.

Crown’s current special situations fund, Crown Capital Fund IV, LP, has deployed approximately $170 million of the targeted $300 million.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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 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, July 6, 2017 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the disposition of all the common shares of Distinct Infrastructure Group Inc. (“Distinct”) (TSXV: DUG) held by Crown Capital Fund IV, LP, an investment fund managed by Crown and in which Crown holds a 35% interest. The share disposition resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1.4 million. The realized Gross IRR on the Distinct investment was 19.8%.

Crown arranged a $20.0 million, five-year term loan to Distinct in November 2015 to support the company’s growth. On May 26, 2017, Distinct prepaid this loan in full, including principal, interest and fees.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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 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, June 27, 2017 – Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown” or “the Corporation”) (TSX: CRWN), which provides growth capital to successful mid-market companies, today announced the closing of a $25 million term loan (the “Agreement”) with Ferus Inc. (“Ferus”).

Headquartered in Calgary, Ferus provides a dedicated supply of energized fluids (liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide), as well as the related logistical and operational services to deliver those products and frac sand to customers in the energy industry. The company is the leading provider of industrial gases to the Canadian energy market where its products are integral to the energized hydraulic fracturing process. Ferus has the strategic advantage of owning and operating the complete supply chain, from gas production through to last-mile delivery. The company has six strategically located production plants and maintains a logistics fleet as well as network of specialty wellsite storage units to facilitate the efficient delivery of essential fracturing inputs. Crown’s term loan will be used to repay Ferus’ existing senior credit facility and to support Ferus’ growth objectives.

“Ferus is a leader in its field with a blue-chip client base and key assets throughout the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin,” said Chris Johnson, Crown’s President & CEO. “While the oil and gas industry has been faced with challenges through this cyclical downturn, the company is poised to capitalize on a sector recovery and the continued trend of longer horizontal wells with additional frac stages, which is expected to drive increased demand for Ferus’ integrated product offering in the coming years.”

“We look forward to working with Crown as we capitalize on the shift to higher intensity fracs and ‘last-mile’ logistics for hydraulic fracturing.  With a Calgary base and other investments in the sector, Crown is an ideal partner to support Ferus at this stage of our business,” said Dick Brown, President & CEO of Ferus.

The Agreement provides for a $25 million term loan to Ferus by Crown Capital Fund IV, LP, an investment fund managed by Crown and in which Crown holds a 35% interest.

ABOUT CROWN

Crown (TSX: CRWN) is a specialty finance company focused on providing capital to successful Canadian and select U.S. companies that are unwilling or unable to obtain suitable financing from traditional capital providers such as banks and private equity funds. 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 outlook for Ferus Inc. 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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