Global Korean fried chicken franchise Bonchon is being acquired by Minor Food and Toronto-based Serruya Private Equity from existing shareholders VIG Partners and the Seo family. Terms were not disclosed. Minor Food will oversee operations outside the Americas, while Serruya Private Equity will lead the Americas business and invest in Bonchon’s U.S. platform. The brand plans disciplined expansion, with Canada, Mexico and Chile among priority markets. Founded in Busan in 2002, Bonchon now operates approximately 500 restaurants in nine countries, including about 150 in the U.S. The transaction is expected to close by the end of August.(Bonchon – www.bonchon.com), (Minor Food – www.minorfood.com) & (Serruya Private Equity – www.serruyaequity.com)…….
Following several months of extensive renovations, last week, a redesigned, modernized 28,100 square foot Sports Experts open at the CF Carrefour Laval in Laval. Sports Experts has been in the regional mall since its opening over 50-years ago. Introduced as a buying group in Quebec in 1967, and currently part of FGL Sports, a subsidiary of Canadian Tire, there are about 125 Sports Experts stores in Canada. (Sports Experts – www.sportsexperts.ca)………..
Curaleaf Holdings, the Connecticut-based cannabis company listed on the TSE, has announced plans to offer to acquire all outstanding common shares of Edmonton-based Aurora Cannabis, proposing consideration of $4.00(US) per share. Curaleaf says the combination would create a leading global cannabis platform operating across 17 countries, with more than $1.5 billion(US) in combined last-twelve-month revenue. The companies would combine Aurora’s international medical cannabis business and manufacturing capacity with Curaleaf’s international distribution network and operations in key European markets. Curaleaf stated in a release that it previously approached Aurora privately but was unable to secure meaningful discussions and is now taking its proposal directly to shareholders.
In a following release from Aurora Cannabis, the company started that contrary to the assertion that Aurora refused to engage, Aurora’s lead independent director did correspond with Curaleaf’s CEO, including as recently as July 24, 2026, noting that Aurora was focused on continuing to execute on its business plan over the short to medium term, and did not discourage an ongoing dialogue between the parties going forward. No decision has been made with respect to the Proposal, and there can be no assurance that the Proposal will result in any transaction. Aurora continues to operate its business as usual while executing on its announced strategic plans. Aurora is a global leader in medical cannabis that serves medical markets across Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand with a portfolio of trusted brands. (Curaleaf Holdings – www.curaleaf.com) & (Aurora Cannabis – www.auroramedical.com)………
New research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business finds that two in five surveyed Canadian exporters to the U.S. sell products that could be affected by proposed 50 percent U.S. tariffs on certain CUSMA-compliant goods. Among affected businesses, 77 percent expect revenues to decline, while 35 percent anticipate drops of at least 50 percent. More than 90 percent of Canadian exporters are concerned about the proposed tariffs, including 32 percent who are extremely concerned. The most affected sectors include machinery and equipment, wood and building products, plastics and packaging, agricultural and food products, and arts and creative goods. CFIB president Dan Kelly warned that few small businesses can absorb a 50 percent tariff or pass the additional costs to customers without losing competitiveness. With the proposed measures approaching an August 19 implementation date, many small exporters face pressure to reduce prices, find alternative markets or reconsider their reliance on U.S. customers. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib-fcei.ca)………
Being Frenshe, the wellness brand founded by actress Ashley Tisdale and developed with Maesa, a next gen beauty company that incubates and grows meaningful, innovative brands, has launched in Canada exclusively through Shoppers Drug Mart. Founded in 2022, the fast-growing brand has generated more than $250-million in sales and recently surpassed $100-million in annual point-of-sale sales at a single retailer. Canada represents Being Frenshe’s first international market as the brand expands beyond the U.S. Its portfolio of fragrance, bath, body, hair and lifestyle products is built around a ‘mood-first’ approach, using scent to support emotional well-being and everyday self-care. The brand’s proprietary MoodScience Scent Technology combines fragrance, wellness and innovation. The launch follows Being Frenshe’s expansion into Ulta Beauty earlier this year. Products became available online through Shoppers Drug Mart in early August, with stores rolling out the assortment in late August and full nationwide availability expected by mid-September. (Being Frenshe – www.frenshe.com)………..
H&R Real Estate Investment Trust has entered into an agreement to be acquired by GO Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and a consortium including Blackstone Real Estate, Crestpoint Real Estate Investments, PSP Investments and members of H&R’s founding family. The transaction, valued at approximately $6.7-billion, will combine H&R’s residential portfolio with GO REIT’s New York City properties. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to approvals. Following completion, the combined GO REIT will own 35 residential properties containing more than 13,300 suites across eight markets and four U.S. states. H&R unitholders will hold approximately 66.9 percent of the enlarged REIT. The transaction is expected to strengthen GO REIT’s balance sheet. H&R’s board unanimously recommends that unitholders approve the deal. (H&R Real Estate Investment Trust – www.hr-reit.com) & (GO Residential Real Estate Investment Trust – www.investors.goresidentialreit.com)……..
IKEA Canada is launching KONSTRUNDA, a limited-edition collection designed to make art more accessible and bring greater individuality to everyday spaces. Featuring 18 distinctive art objects created by seven artists, designers and creatives, the collection reflects a range of perspectives, disciplines and generations. The collection includes glassware, ceramics, furniture and textiles, characterized by bold forms, vibrant colours and expressive silhouettes. Pieces range from handblown glass vessels and sculptural stools to textiles designed to function as works of art. IKEA says KONSTRUNDA is intended to encourage self-expression and allow consumers to create spaces that reflect their personalities and stories. KONSTRUNDA will be available at IKEA stores across Canada and online in early September 2026. (IKEA Canada – www.ikea.com)…………
At Montreal-based BTB Real Estate Investment Trust, Marc-André Lefebvre has been appointed Executive Vice President, CFO and COO, effective immediately. Lefebvre has served as BTB’s Vice President and CFO since 2024, demonstrating leadership and strong knowledge of the REIT’s operations. His expanded mandate includes overseeing operations, executing strategy and supporting long-term growth. BTB owns and self-manages 72 industrial, retail and suburban office properties totaling approximately 5.9 million square feet across major Canadian markets. (BTB Real Estate Investment Trust – www.btbreit.com)……..
Several years ago, in a conversation that likely took place over a few cocktails at a convention, I asked a real estate executive with a large national chain, why he retained several different real estate brokerage firms across the country, rather than going with one national organization? His response, that has stuck with me ever since, was both clear and immediate……..”I’m not looking for a location in a market; I want THE location in the market!”
He went on to explain that one of the most common and expensive mistakes that are made, both in terms of money and in time, is failing to fully understand the dynamics of a local trade area. He emphatically pointed out that a good, local, boots-on-the-ground broker will know about those golden opportunities, BEFORE they become common knowledge. He/She will be aware of both comings and goings and rumoured changes that could potentially change the synergy in that market. What traffic-builders are closing? What complementary uses are in the immediate market? And what plans does the landlord have? These are just some of the details that a plugged-in local broker will ‘bring to the table’.
There’s a large convention coming up in a few weeks…………..ICSC@Canada. It’s at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto on October 5 to 7. And all of those smaller, local firms and one-man-brokerages will be there. Get your questions prepared but more important, be prepared to listen. It’s Networking……….the cocktails are optional.
Have a great week……………