QYOU Media (TSXV: QYOU) this afternoon had a major announcement, with the release of the news that Brand Capital International has agreed to invest up to US$8.0 million into the firm. Brand Capital is the strategic investment arm of Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, whom is more commonly known as The Times Group, the largest media conglomerate in India.
The arrangement will see an initial investment into QYOU by Brand Capital of US$2.0 million, at a price of C$0.28 per share. The arrangement will see the media firm take ownership of 9.0 million shares of the issuer, with the option to invest a further US$6.0 million under certain terms.
As part of the initial investment, Brand Capital has been granted an option to invest an additional US$2.0 million at the great of $0.29 and the 20 day volume weighted average price of the equity, less a 25% discount if the equity is under $0.50, or a 20% discount if the equity is between $0.51 and $2.00, or a 15% discount if the equity is above $2.01. The option is valid between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2022.
Between each of January 1, 2023 and March 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024, Brand Capital will also have the option to purchase further equity in QYOU Media amid similar terms.
Brand Capital International is focused on deploying the branding expertise and intellectual capital of The Times Group, focusing on building effective branding for growth and value creation. The Times Group is a 183 year old corporation that reaches 700 million Indians every month through numerous media channels.
“Having Brand Capital International, the strategic investment arm of the The Times Group, as a partner with QYOU Media is a tremendously gratifying and important endorsement as we continue to move towards becoming a dominant brand for young India. Their strategic expertise and massive experience as India’s largest media conglomerate makes their entry as a new partner on our journey a truly important milestone. We look forward to working with the entire organization as we aim to build a large and loyal fan base of young Indians across television, OTT and mobile.”
Curt Marvis, CEO and Co-Founder of QYOU Media
Proceeds from the financing are to be used to build out operations, which includes distribution contracts, ad sales, branding efforts and content licenseing.
QYOU Media last traded at $0.33 on the TSX Venture.
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