U.S. POT FIRM VERANO LISTS IN CANADA TO AID GROWTH

Cannabis operator Verano Holdings Corp. is going public as a growing number of companies seek financing and weigh deals to capitalize on the sector’s rapid growth. The Chicago-based company began trading Wednesday on the Canadian Securities Exchange following a reverse merger with Alberta-based Majesta Minerals Inc. Some American firms have tapped the Canadian markets as legal restrictions prevent cannabis companies from trading on U.S. domestic exchanges. The public listing will help Verano pursue a strategy of acquisitive growth, according to CEO George Archos, shown. The company said it’s already the third-largest multi-state operator in the U.S. by revenue following a deal with another cannabis company, Alternative Medical Enterprises LLC, which operates in Arizona and Florida.