Acquisition puts OjO on the path to become a
top 3 player in the North American rideshare market with nationwide
footprint of exclusive contracts
OXNARD, CA and VANCOUVER, Nov. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - OjO
Electric Corp. (the "Company" or "OjO")
(TSXV: OJO; OTC: AZNVF) is pleased to announce that it
has entered into a binding letter of intent (the "LOI")
with Gotcha Mobility, LLC ("Gotcha") pursuant to which OjO
will acquire 100% of the equity of Gotcha
(the "Acquisition") in a transformational combination
for both companies.
Highlights:
- The combined company unites two experienced,
forward-thinking teams and equips OjO with immediate access to
Gotcha's portfolio of exclusive long-term contracts with 35
universities and 42 municipalities across the U.S.
- Exponentially expands OjO's growth pipeline to a total of 80
locations – the largest micro-mobility footprint in North America after Lime and Bird – and
planned base case operations totaling approximately 25,000 mobility
units by YE-20201
- Acquisition provides a clear path to large-scale deployment of
OjO's custom-engineered seated scooter, with best-in-class unit
economics, while expanding OjO's product offerings to include pedal
bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-trikes
The Acquisition is the first step in OjO's accretive capital
deployment and consolidation strategy in the micro-mobility sector.
The combined OjO-Gotcha footprint and pipeline provide a
substantial near-term growth opportunity and positions OjO as the
leading industry consolidator. With a planned 2020 base case of
deploying 25,000 mobility units across 80 locations in the
Company's rideshare and on-demand delivery businesses, OjO is
building the scale and partnership-oriented market approach to play
a leadership role in the sector.
Founded in 2009 by CEO Sean
Flood, Gotcha has established deep and long-standing
relationships in the mobility sector. The company has more than 10
years of operations experience and 100 shared e-mobility partners
across the U.S. Gotcha was recognized as one of America's
fastest-growing private companies in 2018 and 2019 on the Inc. 5000
list. It was also a finalist on Fast Company's 2019 World Changing
Ideas Awards in the Health and Wellness category for providing
students with sustainable micro-transit products that encourage
healthy lifestyles.
"We're excited to share the news of our acquisition of Gotcha.
We did extensive homework to find the right partner to expand our
presence while joining our mission to change rideshare for good,"
said Max Smith, Chief Executive
Officer of OjO. "The exclusive nature of Gotcha's expansive
portfolio of long-term contracts is particularly attractive. The
markets where we have experienced the best unit economics are those
that have taken the approach of limiting permits to a handful of
operators, as compared to those where scooter deployments have been
more of a free-for-all. Gotcha's strong corporate culture and
experienced team make the company a perfect match for OjO."
"We are excited about Gotcha's next chapter as we merge with
OjO," said Sean Flood, Chief
Executive Officer of Gotcha. "Our shared visions and goals make
this a great fit. We look forward to continued growth as we lead
the micro-transit industry together. Gotcha's experience, suite of
products, and exclusive contract base-combined with the OjO's
products and positive unit economics-will build a powerful team to
grow together."
Both companies are committed to disciplined, thoughtful
deployments of micro-mobility solutions which show respect for city
planning and infrastructure and make public safety a top priority.
Furthermore, both companies use a partnership-first approach when
entering new cities, sourcing local partners with established
infrastructure before deploying mobility units.
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1 Based on
management's review of location information disclosed on competitor
scooter rideshare company websites.
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Transaction Details
Upon completion of the Acquisition, OjO will acquire all of the
outstanding membership interests of Gotcha in consideration for
(i) the payment of US$5 million
in cash (US$2.5 million payable on
closing of the Acquisition ("Closing") and US$2.5 million payable five months following
Closing), and (ii) the issuance of US$7
million in shares of the Company, half of which will be
issued on Closing and half of which will be issued six months
following Closing provided certain business milestones are met. The
number of shares to be issued will be calculated: (a) for the
issuance on Closing, based upon a price of C$0.76 per share; and (b) for the issuance
on the date that is 6 months following Closing (if applicable),
based upon the lower of (i) C$0.76 per share and (ii) the
five-day trailing VWAP of OjO shares immediately prior to such
issuance date. The Company is currently exploring various options
for funding the Acquisition and planned rollout of mobility
units.
The precise structure of the Acquisition will be determined
based on legal and tax advice for all parties. Closing of the
Acquisition is subject to standard conditions precedent for this
type of transaction, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange
("TSXV") and the entering into of a definitive agreement.
The LOI is legally binding, subject to the satisfactory completion
of OjO's due diligence review of Gotcha. Subject to satisfactory
due diligence, management of the Company anticipates the closing of
the Acquisition to occur on or before December 31, 2019.
As the Acquisition may represent a Fundamental Acquisition under
TSXV policies, the shares of OjO will remain halted until the
required filings have been made.
On behalf of OjO
By: "Max Smith"
CEO and Director
On behalf of Gotcha
By: "Sean Flood"
CEO and Director
About OjO Electric Corp.
OjO Electric Corp. (TSXV: OJO) is dedicated to providing safe,
sustainable Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) mobility solutions in
collaboration with municipal governments to reduce traffic
congestion and carbon emissions. OjO's vision is to change
rideshare for good by creating a sustainable mobility eco-system
that connects people, cities, and businesses. OjO's platform is
built with open APIs to allow for integration with partners and
multi-modal transportation solutions. To find out more, please
download the OjO mobile app or visit www.ojoelectric.com.
About Gotcha Mobility, LLC
Gotcha is an e-mobility company dedicated to providing
innovative shared mobility products and technologies that get
people out of single-occupancy cars and safely onto efficient,
sustainable electric mobility products. The company operates
e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-trikes as transportation solutions
tailored to cities and universities across the U.S. Gotcha empowers
communities to lead happier, more productive lives through the
transformative power of affordable, accessible micro-transit. For
more information, visit www.ridegotcha.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Information
This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements"
and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian
securities legislation that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other
factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects,
and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements in this news release include, but are not limited to,
statements with respect to: OjO and OjO's business and prospects
and the Company's objectives, goals or future plans; and the
business, operations, and management of the Company.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of
estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which may cause actual results and future events to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general
business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation,
legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory,
political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive
board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks
set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release.
Accordingly, the forward-looking statements discussed in this
release, may not occur and could differ materially as a result of
these known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties
affecting the companies. Although the Company believes that the
assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on
these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news
release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur
in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by
law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.
Reader Advisory
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts
responsibility of the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a
solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities under the Financing
in the United States. The
securities have not been and will not be registered under
the United States Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or
any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within
the United States or to U.S.
Persons (as defined under the U.S. Securities Act) unless
registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws or an exemption from such registration is
available.
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SOURCE OjO Electric Corp.