Aurora Cannabis denies 'entirely false' AI-generated news reports of $215M deal and new partnership
Aurora Cannabis (ACB.TO)(ACB) is denying the validity of multiple news reports published on Wednesday. One claims the Canadian pot company is acquiring a New Zealand-based cannabis producer in a $215 million cash and stock deal. Another announces a new partnership to distribute medical cannabis in Europe.
'Neither of these stories are true in any way. This is entirely false information,' Aurora's vice-president of communications and public relations Michelle Lefler stated in an email to Yahoo Finance Canada on Thursday. 'I can confirm we take this situation very seriously and are taking the appropriate actions.'
Toronto-listed Aurora shares fell more than 20 per cent on Wednesday, despite the Edmonton-based company reporting strong financial results in its most recent quarter before the opening bell. Shares fell about four per cent in early trading on Thursday, hitting their lowest level since April.
A story posted on the website Investing.com says Aurora 'announced today the acquisition of MedLeaf Therapeutics, a specialized medical cannabis producer, for $215 million in a cash and stock transaction.'
The article, which says it was generated with the support of artificial intelligence and reviewed by an editor, quotes Aurora CEO Miguel Martin, and cites filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
"The company has not entered into any such agreement, has had no discussions with MedLeaf Therapeutics with respect to any business combination transaction, and has not made any statement or filed any information pertaining to any such transaction," Aurora stated in a news release.
A separate article appearing on Investing.com published Wednesday, also quoting Martin and citing SEC filings, references a new strategic partnership between Aurora and European pharmaceutical distributor MediPharm GmbH to expand its medical cannabis presence in Germany and other EU markets.
"Aurora has issued two press releases in the last 24 hours denouncing any information listed on Investing.com," Lefler added in her email on Thursday.
Yahoo Finance Canada has contacted Investing.com for comment. As of 10:40 a.m. ET the story about the new partnership was still available online, whereas the other regarding the purported acquisition had been removed.
Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on X @jefflagerquist.
Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
UBS Says Future Estimates for Freshpet, Inc. (FRPT) Are Too High
Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) remains one of the 7 best future food stocks to buy according to analysts, reflecting its strong growth potential in the premium pet food market. Amy Rene/ Citing concerns about overly optimistic growth expectations, UBS gave a 'Sell' rating to Freshpet stock with a $65 price target on June 16, 2025. The analyst called out the company's top and bottom-line estimates as too high, which are in the mid-to-high teens growth range, as implied by its pricing. The analyst believes this will lead to valuation contraction. Based on the company's guidance for 2025, it projects 15%-18% revenue growth, which would result in $190-$210 million in adjusted EBITDA. Meanwhile, Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) surpassed analyst estimates in Q1 2025, where it reported an 18% YoY increase in sales and 45.7% growth in its adjusted gross margin. Thus, Freshpet, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:FRPT) short-term performance is one to keep an eye on. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of fresh food and treats for dogs and cats in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It is one of the best future food stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of FRPT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Marketing Stocks to Buy Right Now and . Disclosure: None. 登入存取你的投資組合
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Omnicom Group Inc.'s (OMC) $13 Billion Deal with IPG Under Investigation Over Political Bias Concerns
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) is one of the . Back in December 2024, Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) announced its plan to acquire The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., which is a leader in the advertising and marketing services sector. The planned merger is valued at over $13 billion through an all-stock transaction, possibly making the merged entity one of the largest advertising groups globally with annual revenue exceeding $25 billion. Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) continues to be considered one of the best advertising agency stocks to buy right now. However, on June 12, 2025, it was reported that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will review the merged entity of Omnicom Group and The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG), and may restrict it from withholding ad placements on media platforms for political purposes. This move is attributed to corporate America's political biases, which fuel concerns about fairness and competition in the digital market. Thus, this step may result in a delay of the M&A process for Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC). Based in New York City, OMC is a global media, marketing, and corporate communications holding company. Its main segments include advertising, customer relationship management, public relations, and specialty services. While we acknowledge the potential of OMC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Undervalued Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Low Risk High Reward Stocks Set to Triple by 2030. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
CHAUDHRI: How businesses can stay ahead of workplace issues
My origin story as a business owner started in 2021 when I launched my own firm – Workly Law. With some savings I created a website, registered a business number and opened a trust account. I rented a very small private office in a co-working space. I was also a very new mom operating on my then seven-month-old child's erratic sleep schedule. Then, I hired my first employee; a sharp lawyer, newly called to the bar. Even though I was an employment lawyer myself, I had a lot to learn about how to grow my business while also creating a workplace that could retain talent and grow. I drafted my own employment contracts and then considered my own workplace policies. How would I manage sick time, remote work requests and vacations? Also, there were a slew of mandatory policies I had to roll out just to be legally compliant. CHAUDHRI: Terminations can be hard to fight – even for the powerful CHAUDHRI: Multinational corporations beware – one size does not fit all CHAUDHRI: Alleging cause requires hard evidence I recall this period as one of mild frenzy. We had to grow our footprint in the marketplace, retain new clients and hire lawyers. Any business owner will agree that creating a good workplace is not something that springs up organically. It's more like a finicky rose bush. It needs watering, tending to, and sometimes a little pruning. Do this with discipline and something starts to blossom. As time goes on, I have supported more and more employers to help navigate the legal challenges in their workplaces. This year, with my team, we created a 2025 employer guide. Our guide breaks down key employer obligations like the following: Changes to the Employment Standards Act – On a very regular basis, the Ontario Employment Standards Act is updated with new legal obligations that employers are required to comply with on an immediate basis. Our guide sets a framework for what employers need to do to be legally compliant in 2025. The right way to manage a sick leave – The law has changed on what documentation employers can seek to support an employee medical leave. We have set out best practices for employers to follow. The legal implications of remote work – Employers are increasingly interested in how to return employees to the office while retaining as much of your workforce as possible. Key clauses you need in every employment agreement – From strong termination clauses to confidentiality agreements, our guide lays out what every employer should consider when hiring a new employee. It has been a challenge but also a thrilling experience to put what I've learned as an employment lawyer and a business owner into a document that can help other businesses. Like anything, it will evolve as I learn more and as the world of employment law evolves. Being a business owner is a high privilege, but it is one that is steeped obligation. Business owners are the guardians of the livelihoods of their workers. We have to try, as best we can, to get it right. Have a workplace problem? Maybe I can help! Email me at sunira@ and your question may be featured in a future column. The content of this article is general information only and is not legal advice.
