VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 08/04/11 — Viridis Energy Inc. (“Viridis” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE: VRD), a “Cleantech” manufacturer and distributor of alternative energy providing biomass fuel to global residential and industrial markets, announced today that it has signed a strategic agreement with AbellonCleanEnergy Limited, a leading integrated sustainable energy solutions provider based in Ahmedabad, India, with operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, U.K., India and Africa. The collaboration of the two green energy companies covers three facets of the business: procurement and supply agreement for existing production, the proposed acquisition and development of Monte Lake property, and a strategic investment in Viridis.
The companies have agreed to a 5-year “off-take” agreement requiring Viridis to provide a minimum of 30,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of wood pellets during the first twelve months – beginning August 2011 – and 40,000 MTs annually during the remainder of the five year agreement, for a total of 190,000 MTs over the five-year contract. Abellon, with its worldwide marketing and sales capabilities, would receive exclusivity to market Viridis products to the residential home heating and commercial markets in the United Kingdom and Europe (Except Italy, where Abellon shall have exclusivity for all market segments, including Industrial power generation) for all wood pellets, agri-biofuels and energy pellets; Viridis has reserved the right to supply its wood pellets for industrial power generation in these regions. Abellon will also have the first right of refusal for at least 50 percent of the output of all Viridis– present and future projects in North America.
In addition, Viridis and Abellon will form a joint venture company for the purposes of pursuing opportunities in alternative energy, including the construction of a new wood pellet facility at the Monte Lake Forest Products Ltd. (“Monte Lake”) located in Monte Lake, British Columbia. Viridis signed an option to purchase the Monte Lake property on May 27, 2010. Currently Viridis and Abellon are jointly negotiating new terms with Monte Lake and expect to close on the acquisition during the third quarter of this year, subject to TSXV approval, after which the disclosure of the final terms of the deal will be announced. All production of renewable bioenergy by facilities owned by the joint venture will be purchased by Abellon at a price based on a predetermined profit margin. To further solidify its partnership, Abellon has subscribed to 10 percent of Viridis– common stock directly from the Company through participation in the private investment in public equity (PIPE) placement announced on December 10, 2010, as amended on June 30, 2011. Viridis looks forward to Abellon–s involvement at the Board of Directors level with the appointment of one nominee to the Board and one nominee to the Executive Committee of Viridis, subject to TSXV approval.
Abellon CleanEnergy, part of global Abellon Business Group, with interests in clean energy, agriculture, genomics research, education, and social development, endeavors to generate sustainable clean energy solutions through a focus on biomass pellets, bio-power, advanced generation biofuels, as well as newer value chain opportunities such as bio-refineries and its processing industry. The company currently has a portfolio of low-carbon energy technologies in the bio-energy sector that illustrate its focus on environmentally and financially sustainable global renewable energy.
Chris Robertson, Viridis– chief executive officer, said, “Abellon–s ecological and business philosophies closely mirror those of Viridis, which makes this strategic partnership very important for both companies. Abellon has incredible research and marketing resources and, over the last few years, has studied the wood pellet industry to fully understand its potential as a sustainable bio-energy source and the growing worldwide demand for its use as a heating and energy source. We could not have found a better partner with which to participate in Viridis– global expansion.”
“Abellon is committed to advancing access to sustainable energy, worldwide. We recognize the importance of energy to economic growth and development, especially to emerging countries. Our mission is to uncover innovative, endemic solutions that are environmentally and financially sustainable and locally supported, further contributing to regional economic progress,” commented AdityaHanda, Managing Director and CEO of AbellonCleanEnergy Limited. “Our research into biomass and, more specifically, wood pellets prompted us to search for an industry expert with which to partner. Viridis has a strong history in this industry and its management team has a solid background in the forestry industry. We are very pleased to have found such a proficient partner to team with as we expand our renewable biomass effort.”
About Viridis Energy Inc.
Viridis Energy Inc. (TSX VENTURE: VRD) is a publicly traded, “Cleantech” alternative energy company specializing in the agricultural and wood waste biomass. Located in Vancouver, B.C., Viridis Energy operates Cypress Pacific Marketing and Okanagan Pellet Company, two acquisitions in the wood pellet sector, thus providing the company with vertical integration for distribution and manufacturing. For more information on Viridis Energy Inc. please refer to the company website at .
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company–s future operations. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management–s current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a continued downturn in general economic conditions in North America and internationally, (2) the inherent uncertainties associated with the demand for biofuels, (3) the risk that the Company does not execute its business plan, (4) inability to finance operations and growth (5) inability to retain key management and employees, (6) ; an increase in the number of competitors with larger resources, and (7) other factors beyond the Company–s control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company intends to update such forward looking information in the Company–s MD&A in the event that actual results differ materially from such forward-looking statements contained herein. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section in the Company–s MD&A filed with Canadian security regulators.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Viridis Energy Inc.
Michele Rebiere
Chief Financial Officer
905-847-5226
Grannus Financial Advisors, Inc.
Yvonne L. Zappulla
Managing Director
212-681-4108