Aurora Cannabis disputes Curaleaf's hostile takeover bid claims
Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) issued a statement disputing claims made by Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA, OTCQX: CURLF) in connection with Curaleaf's unsolicited takeover bid for the company, according to a press release from Aurora.
Aurora's board of directors and a newly formed special committee of independent directors are reviewing the offer with financial and legal advisors. Aurora shareholders have been advised to take no action pending a formal recommendation from the board.
Aurora CEO and Executive Chairman Miguel Martin said Curaleaf's public comments appear designed to pressure shareholders into making a short-term decision. "They are trying to acquire our world-class EU-GMP global infrastructure at the lowest possible price, depriving our shareholders of the long-term value our strategy is built to deliver," Martin said.
Aurora disputed several specific claims in Curaleaf's bid circular. The company said its German medical cannabis business remains a key contributor to international growth, noting that the reimbursement market segment Curaleaf cited as a challenge accounted for less than 10% of Aurora's total German volume prior to regulatory changes. Aurora also reported 17% year-over-year growth in international net revenue in fiscal Q1 2027.
Aurora said it holds the top market share position by revenue in Poland and is expanding in the UK. On Aug. 19, 2026, the company acquired Internode Pharma Limited and HAP Pharma Limited to expand direct distribution in that market.
The company also said its EU-GMP production capacity has increased by more than 40% over the past five years, calling Curaleaf's statements about its cultivation methods inaccurate and outdated.
Aurora said discussions with Curaleaf have taken place since June 2026, most recently on Aug. 12, and included Aurora's lead independent director and its CEO. The takeover offer remains open for at least 105 days from the launch of the bid.
