iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. (CSE: IAN) (OTCQX: ITHUF) has entered an agreement to acquire WSCC, Inc., better known as Sierra Well, for $27.6 million. iAnthus will pay for the acquisition price with $5.1 million in cash and $22.5 million in company shares, priced at the 10-day volume-weighted average price prior to closing of the transaction.

Sierra Well is a Nevada-based, vertically integrated cannabis company with two retail dispensary locations and two cultivation/production facilities in Reno and Carson City totaling a combined 20,000 square feet. The company has an unaudited annual revenue of approximately $16 million with an EBITDA (non-IFRS) margin above 20% and positive net income.

“Strengthening our foothold in one of the most successful adult-use cannabis markets is consistent with our strategy to deliver iAnthus’ nationally recognized products in premier markets,” said Hadley Ford, CEO of iAnthus. “This strategic transaction will allow us to scale our Nevada operations, add talent, and solidify both our retail and brand presence in both the Northern and Southern portions of the state.”

The acquisition will help increase iAnthus’ total Nevada footprint to six retail dispensary licenses and 50,000 square feet of cultivation and production space and increase the company’s retail presence to 29 stores nationwide.  Once the acquisition closes, Sierra Well dispensaries will be renamed under iAnthus’ Be. brand, which will launch sometime next month.

“We’re excited to join the iAnthus team and look forward to expanding our business with the expertise of a tried and tested multi-state operator,” said Steven Nightingale, Chairman of the Board of Sierra Well. “We at Sierra Well see this partnership as a perfect fit, one that will allow our dynamic workforce to deepen their ability to provide top-notch service and products to the communities of Reno and Carson City.”

Pending approval from the Nevada Department of Taxation, the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2020.