Aurora Cannabis says AI-generated news reports of $215M deal and new partnership are 'entirely false'
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 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.
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).
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.
More to follow.
Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on X @jefflagerquist.
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