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Sunday, March 31, 2019 5:50:28 PM
***$VRUS DD PACKAGE*** UPDATED
Verus International, Inc. is an international supplier of consumer products, which it markets under Verus-owned brands to multiple sales outlets. Verus' initial focus is on frozen foods, particularly meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and French fries. Verus has a significant regional presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and sub-Saharan Africa (excluding Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-restricted nations), with deep roots in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
https://www.verusfoods.com
https://twitter.com/Verus_Foods
VERUS INTERNATIONAL, INC. REPORTS 145% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY REVENUE, ANNOUNCES LARGEST FUNDED BACKLOG IN COMPANY HISTORY
Gaithersburg, MD, March 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) today announced financial results for its fiscal 2019 first quarter ended January 31, 2019. In conjunction with this release, the Company is also providing a more detailed description of its strategy for fiscal 2019.
For Q1 2019, management is noting the following items of importance:
• Revenue set an all-time record of $2.4 million in Q1/19, an increase of 145% over the $996,125 logged in Q1/18.
• The company’s gross margin was approximately 15%, in the higher expected range for the current product mix.
• Operating expenses increased 43.3% in the quarter due to extensive legal and other costs related to the recapitalization, but will normalize in future quarters.
• Despite extensive one-time costs, the Net Loss showed a 45.8% improvement over Q1/18
• Payroll expense fell 33% to $98,223 in Q1/19 compared to Q1/18, an indication of the leverage in the current operational model when coupled with record sales.
“The Q1/19 results showed more of the growth that is coming, but also had the heavy legal and other expenses associated with the recapitalization effort that was announced just eleven days after the quarter’s end,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “These are one-time charges associated with what was a very challenging multiparty negotiation. Legal and G&A accounted for nearly 80% of our operating expenses during the quarter, so these line items are going to be dramatically reduced in the next quarter. Without these one-time expenses, Q1/19 would have been a profitable quarter.”
On a forward basis, the Company would like to provide the following update:
• Verus has its largest funded backlog in Company history, currently at $24 million for delivery over the next 12 months
• The Company’s unfunded backlog continues to be very large, but management has elected to discontinue publishing this estimate pending additional trade or working capital financing
• All of the announced orders to date, along with orders under negotiation, are reported at base rates, with the potential for considerable expansion
• The Company is in very late stage talks with commercial sources of credit to unlock a portion of the unfunded backlog
• In terms of potential mergers and acquisitions, Verus is conducting due diligence on eight candidates and is moving forward on several of these companies. Two of these negotiations are at the final negotiation stage. It is not possible to say how many of these candidates will become operating subsidiaries until final contracts are completed.
• In response to numerous investor questions, the Company does not have a reverse split planned at this time, but intends to grow organically to reach the necessary market cap level required for an uplisting to a major exchange
• Verus continues to aim for an uplisting during calendar year 2019
“We have decided not to conduct a traditional earnings call this quarter, but will resume that practice next quarter when our financials return to a more normal spacing. Quite frankly, I have so many projects at critical phases, that I want to get these across the finish line as quickly as possible,” said CEO Bhatnagar. “I am currently working on M&A, new orders, and commercial credit arrangements for new business both overseas and, for the first time, here in the U.S.”
“In terms of the just reported quarter, investors should note that costs surrounding the recap were extraordinarily high and those expenses will normalize in the next quarter, making for some dramatic decreases on some of the expense lines. Because of that, we expect to begin generating an operating profit in future quarters, with bottom line profitability coming as well. In terms of calendar year 2019, our growth rate will continue to accelerate in each successive quarter as we layer on additional business. Based on our discussions with new sources of growth, we also anticipate significant product line and geographic expansion during 2019, with the potential to enter new countries and add higher margin consumer product categories. This is shaping up to be a watershed year for Verus.”
Interested investors are reminded to watch for product updates on the official Twitter feed @Verus_Foods.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/25/1767243/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-INC-REPORTS-145-INCREASE-IN-QUARTERLY-REVENUE-ANNOUNCES-LARGEST-FUNDED-BACKLOG-IN-COMPANY-HISTORY.html
VERUS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION RICE SUPPLY AGREEMENT
March 05, 2019 09:22 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, March 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received an order from a distributor to deliver approximately $4 million worth of rice annually for the Dubai market. Verus will source three to four varieties of rice from multiple producers in India to meet this initial demand. Under the terms of the agreement, Verus will sell rice under both the supplier’s brand name and a Verus brand.
Financing should be in place within a week and the first containers are expected to begin shipping soon at a rate of approximately ten containers per month. These products will consist of basmati and other rice varieties in primarily 10kg package sizes for the retail and commercial markets.
“This is exactly the kind of contract that we believe we can replicate many times over,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “As we announce these orders for branded staples found in just about every home and restaurant in our current markets, investors should remember that these are starter quantities. We expect these orders to grow as they season, with expansion coming from both market penetration and extension into new geographies.”
The rice agreement fits into Verus’s strategic plan to gradually layer on product lines across many retail and wholesale food categories, with an early emphasis on scalable staples.
“In our core markets, branded products and fresh foods get the best margins,” explained CEO Bhatnagar. “So, those are areas where we intend to initially focus. When you can establish a footprint with a branded version of a leading staple, such as rice or our previously announced honey, you get the added bonus that the opportunity is essentially open-ended. Rice is a multi-billion dollar import in the places where we already operate, so it was essential that we establish a presence in this key category.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/05/1748164/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-ANNOUNCES-4-MILLION-RICE-SUPPLY-AGREEMENT.html
VERUS INTERNATIONAL SIGNS $10 MILLION HONEY SUPPLY AGREEMENT
February 28, 2019 13:15 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, Feb. 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to supply honey products in Europe and parts of the Middle East. The initial phase of the agreement is expected to generate approximately $10 million in annual sales.
The contract will focus particularly on the United Kingdom and Germany, but will include a dozen countries in Europe and the Middle East. Depending upon the market, Verus will offer from 20 to 30 different stock keeping units (SKUs) covering a broad range of honey categories and product sizes.
“This is an important contract for Verus, because it marks our entry into Europe as an importer of a high-quality staple with consistent demand,” said Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Our long-term goal is to be an international food seller with a wide range of product lines, suppliers and customers on multiple continents. Honey is a universal product that can spearhead that strategy.”
Although Verus has used outbound suppliers from Europe in the past, this marks the Company’s first import sales agreement in Europe. The supplier is a highly-respected global honey producer based in India.
“This honey contract is exciting because it opens up new geographies and product lines simultaneously,” explained CEO Bhatnagar. “The consumer products business is all about building relationships and gaining access to shelf space, so establishing a footprint is the first step in adding other SKUs in additional product categories. Along with this initial dozen markets, we also have the option to enter the U.S. market in the future, so we have the potential to expand our new honey business significantly over time. Honey is one of the few truly global foods, so this will open many new doors for us.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/02/28/1744678/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-SIGNS-10-MILLION-HONEY-SUPPLY-AGREEMENT.html
Verus International Announces $1.45 Million Financing and Retirement of Notes
February 11, 2019 17:30 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, Feb. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received $1.45 million in funding, as detailed in a Form 8-K filed today. The notes were placed with two separate institutional-quality shareholders; individuals who had already invested in Verus through prior purchases. Importantly, this funding places the stock in the hands of friendly equity-oriented investors who expressed a desire to increase their stake in the Company.
Concurrent with this funding, Verus is pleased to announce that it has retired all of the variable rate convertible notes (“toxic notes”) held by four separate creditors. This action is particularly important because it will enable Verus to remove a sizeable reserve from its balance sheet and avoid paying millions of dollars in penalties and other charges. As part of this multi-party agreement, the Company’s other key note-holder, Donald Monaco, has agreed to extend his $530,000 note for an additional nine months, with no significant change in terms. These actions are now completed and signed off by all parties, giving the Company full releases from all prior note holder provisions.
“This marks the culmination of nearly two years of effort to put behind the legacy of RBIZ-related issues. These negotiations were difficult and long, with as many as 15 parties involved in the process. But the end result was well worth the effort, because we negotiated terms that avoided any default interest or fees, were at a substantial discount to the standard premium, and ended the threat of significant dilution from our existing note holders,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Our goal was to create a structure that minimized dilution, but left us with a good foundation to finally begin our growth stage. We know both investors well and they represent a new stage in our goal to move toward institutional-quality funding sources that carry better terms and involve long-term oriented partners.”
The Company is currently working to complete its 10-K, which was delayed while the debt settlement was in process. The 10-K will be filed after reviewing sections that may have been impacted by the agreements announced today. Verus will provide a comprehensive update on its strategic plan in conjunction with the filing of these year-end financials.
“The impact of this funding cannot be understated,” said Bhatnagar. We needed to clean up these existing notes before we could commence our other growth initiatives. With the delinquent debt now erased, we can finally move ahead with a master plan that has been waiting for a green light for many months. Our goal is to uplist to a major exchange in 2019 and to grow our business both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. This financing marks the initial step in that process.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/02/11/1720445/0/en/Verus-International-Announces-1-45-Million-Financing-and-Retirement-of-Notes.html
FORM 3
https://www.otcmarkets.com/filing/html?id=13250128&guid=0MA3UemBced-1yh
Who is Andrew Garnock?
See his two companies neither of which are currently public.
https://www.disruption-labs.com
https://resetbioscience.com
RealBiz Media Group Corporate Update: Announces Completion of Spin-off and New Contract Covering Multiple Products
Press Release | 08/16/2018
Gaithersburg, MD, Aug. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (OTCPink: RBIZ) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that as of August 10, 2018, the distribution of the NestBuilder real estate division was successfully completed. This marks the starting point for Verus Foods as an independent company with a singular focus on the food industry. Most importantly, the Company will now be able to pursue a variety of business opportunities that had been placed on hold under the prior structure.
In that regard, Verus is happy to announce that it has reached an agreement to supply a Dubai-based food seller with up to $1 million (USD)/month in multiple vegetable, fruit and meat categories. Initial products are expected to include mangos, onions, potatoes, eggs, mutton, beef and poultry sourced from suppliers in several countries. Financing is being finalized and will utilize a Letter of Credit (LC) and non-dilutive European and U.S. sources.
The shipments will vary in terms of mix, but will generally consist of 1-4 containers of each product per week. Margins and other details will not be disclosed, but fall into the Company’s target range for these types of foods. Shipments are expected to commence in September 2018.
“Now that we are fully independent, we finally have the freedom to create our own identity and become more active in pursuing growth opportunities,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “This contract represents new business (not in our current backlog) and is just the start of the kind of recurring orders that are available to us with the right financing. In this case, we can rely on the LC to minimize our need for funds, while still generating significant revenue.”
In addition to these staples, the Company is also pleased to announce that its roadmap over the next several quarters will involve a number of significant product initiatives, including:
• The introduction of six Verus-owned brands -- in the Italian foods, Middle Eastern and American food categories; and energy, fruit, and coconut lines in the beverage space
• Planned line extensions in beverages
• New retail and snack food product families in areas such as mixed nuts, olive oil and condiments
These initiatives are part of a long-term goal to consistently add products in order to create a robust presence throughout the food supply chain in our target markets.
In terms of corporate matters, the completion of the NestBuilder distribution will now enable Verus to file for a name and symbol change, which is expected as early as next week. Due to the significant number of strategic initiatives in various stages of development, the Company has also elected to discuss topics such as capital structure, additional financing, and potential new business lines in follow-on updates.
“I just completed a very productive international business trip where I met with suppliers, customers and potential partners,” said CEO Bhatnagar. “Due to the significant number of strategic initiatives currently in process, we have decided to schedule a more detailed update after the outcomes of these discussions have been determined. We are currently in near-term negotiations involving new contracts, sources of financing and, for the first time, merger and acquisition opportunities – each of which could have a material effect on our capital structure and the strategic direction of our business. We expect to have clarity on some of these initiatives in the next several weeks.”
DISNEY DEAL AND CT ORDER
One cannot argue the contracts we have with Disney or the $78 mil beef deal, it's all right there in the filings. Would the SEC allow a CT Order for an SEC filer if it wasn't all legitimate? I think not. In fact, I will begin to walk you through what's covered under the CT Order so investors can understand what was given the Confidential Treatment or CT Order. This is important because the Commission now releases orders relating to applications for confidential treatment of certain information otherwise required to be included in filed documents. The Divisions of Corporation Finance and Investment Management issue these orders pursuant to delegated authority. After showing the contracts are legit, I will prove they are also being fullfilled.
I took a screenshot of the beginning portion of exhibit 10.25 && 10.26 so investors can see what the exhibits are for. I encourage investors who haven't, go read the 10-k in its entirely. It may help you better understand the legitimacy of $VRUS and where it's headed in the near future.
https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/ctorders.htm
SEC CT order for Exhibits 10.25 && 10.26
CT Order 10.25. Beef Contract
https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VRUS/news/RealBiz-Awarded-78-Million-Contract-To-Deliver-Beef-to-the-Middle-East?id=147791
CT Order 10.26. Disney Distribution
https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VRUS/news/RealBiz-Media-Group-Verus-Foods-Announces-Exclusive-Juice-Distribution-Agreement-with-The-Walt-Disney-Co-in-the-United-A?id=170497
Now that we can see the contracts are legit, lets see them being fulfilled, right investors?!?! Well here ya' go, contracts are indeed being fulfilled. Now that Verus has removed all past legacy issues from Realbiz Media, and can look to traditional forms of finance, they are now fulfilling this contract at an ever increasing rate as taken from the last 10q
• Verus has its largest funded backlog in Company history, currently at $24 million for delivery over the next 12 months
• The Company’s unfunded backlog continues to be very large, but management has elected to discontinue publishing this estimate pending additional trade or working capital financing
• All of the announced orders to date, along with orders under negotiation, are reported at base rates, with the potential for considerable expansion
• The Company is in very late stage talks with commercial sources of credit to unlock a portion of the unfunded backlog
Verus Mangement
Anshu Bhatnagar – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Anshu Bhatnagar has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2, 2017. In addition, Mr. Bhatnagar is a food distribution veteran and previously was the Chief Executive Officer of American Agro Group, an international trading and distribution company that specialized in exporting agricultural commodities and food products from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Bhatnagar was also a Managing Member of Blue Capital Group, a real estate oriented multi-family office focused on acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate as well as investing in operating businesses from 2008 to 2016. He has also owned, operated and sold other successful businesses in technology, construction and waste management. The Board believes Mr. Bhatnagar is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his extensive business experience.
Anshu Bhatnagar is a highly accomplished senior executive focused on private equity, real estate and running operating business across multiple industries.
Mr. Bhatnagar is a visionary, successful serial entrepreneur with numerous profitable, global businesses to his credit. Well-versed in all aspects of real estate acquisition and disposition, development, financing, leasing and operation and has broad experience across many sectors of real estate - hospitality, office, retail, multi-family, industrial and single family residential. He has a solid track record of developing and implementing strategic business plans that govern daily operations, position in the market, and ultimate disposition.
Mr. Bhatnagar has an exceptional career production – managed commercial real estate portfolios in excess of $1.0B, executed over 100 debt and equity transactions, sponsored a highly successful private real estate fund and a mezzanine debt fund.
Michael O’Gorman – Director
Michael O’Gorman has served as a member of our Board since August 11, 2017. Mr. O’Gorman has over 35 years of successful food brokerage, food manufacturing, project management, finance and legal experience in the international arena. Since 1982, Mr. O’Gorman has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crassus Group of companies, includes entities whose subsidiaries specialize in sourcing and marketing all natural, healthy food and consumer products. In addition, from 1976 to 1979 he served as Chief of Staff in both the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He has firsthand experience with agriculture since he has owned and operated a 252-acre farm where he raised both crops and Black Angus cattle. Mr. O’Gorman has spent a number of years working at major international law firms as well serving as a Member of the Corporate Law Department, Director of Litigation Support Group of Peabody International Corporation, Fortune 100 NYSE from 1979 to 1986. Mr. O’Gorman received his JD with a concentration in international law from the University of Connecticut, MBA in international finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University and BS in organic chemistry from St. Peters College. The Board believes Mr. O’Gorman is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his experience in agriculture and the food industry.
Thomas Butler Fore – Director
Thomas Butler Fore has served as a member of our Board since August 11, 2017. Mr. Fore is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and executive with experience in numerous categories of business, including real estate, media, personal care products and fashion. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sora Development, an award winning real estate development firm focused on large mixed-use projects with a specialty in public-private partnerships since 2007. In addition, from 2012 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Tiderock Media, a film production company and in 2014 he founded Digital2go Media Networks where he also served as a member of its board. Mr. Fore is also involved as an advisor and partner in numerous other enterprises in media, real estate and consumer products. Mr. Fore received his BA from Towson University. The Board believes Mr. Fore is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his background and experience in the industry.
Piyush Munot - CFO of Operations in Middle East, Africa && Asia
Piyush Munot has more than 18 years of total work experience including over a decade in the Corporate Finance & Advisory field. Prior to joining Al Masah Capital, Piyush worked at Al Dahra Holding, a food and agriculture dedicated sovereign wealth fund focusing on Fund Management & Investments. In addition, he also worked at KPMG for 7 years in their Business Valuations and M & A division. Piyush holds a Bachelors of Commerce from Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai, India, is a Certified Public Accountant from USA and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management.
CEO's words on CFO hiring; "In just the last few months, we have added an independent board, a very experienced CFO from a multibillion dollar public company.
Bringing in Piyush Munot as CFO to oversee our operations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia is a tremendous hire. We don't expect most investors to know some of the companies in the region, but Piyush was recently Group Finance Controller at a Division of Al Dahra Holdings, one of the leading sovereign wealth fund agri businesses in the UAE.
He has worked at major accounting firms such as KPMG and PWC, and is a US certified public accountant. He is also a great addition to our team and will help seamlessly integrate our overseas operations into our corporate accounting structure here in the US."
Chris Cutchens - Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Gaithersburg, MD, Oct. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (RBIZ), currently operating as Verus Foods (the “Company”), today announced that it has named veteran financial professional Chris Cutchens as Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Cutchens assisted with the most recent quarterly financial filing and is deeply familiar with the Company’s operations through that experience.
Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in public and private corporate finance. Most recently, Chris served as COO/CFO of MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, a private-equity owned, national employee benefit program provider and administrator. Prior to MidAmerica, Chris served as CFO of Aspire Financial Services, a private-equity backed, national retirement plan solutions provider for all tax codes. Prior to Aspire, Chris held various leadership positions: Corporate Controller of Carrier Enterprise, a multi-billion-dollar joint venture between Watsco, Inc. and industry giant Carrier Corporation; Corporate Controller of Watsco, Inc. (NYSE), the largest publicly-traded distributor of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment and parts in the U.S.; and Director of Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting of MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE), the largest publicly traded recreational boat retailer in the U.S., when the company achieved a record $1.2 billion in revenue.
Chris was Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2015 CFO of the Year of privately held, medium-sized companies in Tampa, Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and holds a BS in Accounting and a MA in Accounting Information Systems from the University of South Florida.
“We are very pleased to have Chris join our team to give us a more consistent presence in managing our accounting and reporting functions,” said Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Now that we are about to enter our growth phase, it is time to bring the CFO duties back to the U.S. in order to streamline our efforts. Chris worked on our most recent Q3/2018 financial filing, which was particularly complicated as it included the final consolidated quarter reflecting the NestBuilder spin-off, so he is already embedded with Verus and understands our systems and financials. In addition to his deep experience with public company finances, early in his career Chris was a senior auditor with KMPG, where he worked with multi-billion-dollar retailer Publix Supermarkets, giving him direct experience in the retail environment where Verus operates.”
Filling the CFO position is the first item on a list of pending corporate actions designed to enhance the growth prospects of Verus as it begins to operate as a fully independent entity. The Company will layer on additional resources, both at the executive and operational level, as needed, to support this growth.
https://www.mkr-group.com/case_studies.html
Investor Relations Contact: MKR Group Inc. Mark Forney mark@mkrir.com
This package was brought you by Joecanada13 and Thoth
More updates to come.
See Ibox for more information
Verus International, Inc. is an international supplier of consumer products, which it markets under Verus-owned brands to multiple sales outlets. Verus' initial focus is on frozen foods, particularly meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and French fries. Verus has a significant regional presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and sub-Saharan Africa (excluding Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-restricted nations), with deep roots in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
https://www.verusfoods.com
https://twitter.com/Verus_Foods
VERUS INTERNATIONAL, INC. REPORTS 145% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY REVENUE, ANNOUNCES LARGEST FUNDED BACKLOG IN COMPANY HISTORY
Gaithersburg, MD, March 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) today announced financial results for its fiscal 2019 first quarter ended January 31, 2019. In conjunction with this release, the Company is also providing a more detailed description of its strategy for fiscal 2019.
For Q1 2019, management is noting the following items of importance:
• Revenue set an all-time record of $2.4 million in Q1/19, an increase of 145% over the $996,125 logged in Q1/18.
• The company’s gross margin was approximately 15%, in the higher expected range for the current product mix.
• Operating expenses increased 43.3% in the quarter due to extensive legal and other costs related to the recapitalization, but will normalize in future quarters.
• Despite extensive one-time costs, the Net Loss showed a 45.8% improvement over Q1/18
• Payroll expense fell 33% to $98,223 in Q1/19 compared to Q1/18, an indication of the leverage in the current operational model when coupled with record sales.
“The Q1/19 results showed more of the growth that is coming, but also had the heavy legal and other expenses associated with the recapitalization effort that was announced just eleven days after the quarter’s end,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “These are one-time charges associated with what was a very challenging multiparty negotiation. Legal and G&A accounted for nearly 80% of our operating expenses during the quarter, so these line items are going to be dramatically reduced in the next quarter. Without these one-time expenses, Q1/19 would have been a profitable quarter.”
On a forward basis, the Company would like to provide the following update:
• Verus has its largest funded backlog in Company history, currently at $24 million for delivery over the next 12 months
• The Company’s unfunded backlog continues to be very large, but management has elected to discontinue publishing this estimate pending additional trade or working capital financing
• All of the announced orders to date, along with orders under negotiation, are reported at base rates, with the potential for considerable expansion
• The Company is in very late stage talks with commercial sources of credit to unlock a portion of the unfunded backlog
• In terms of potential mergers and acquisitions, Verus is conducting due diligence on eight candidates and is moving forward on several of these companies. Two of these negotiations are at the final negotiation stage. It is not possible to say how many of these candidates will become operating subsidiaries until final contracts are completed.
• In response to numerous investor questions, the Company does not have a reverse split planned at this time, but intends to grow organically to reach the necessary market cap level required for an uplisting to a major exchange
• Verus continues to aim for an uplisting during calendar year 2019
“We have decided not to conduct a traditional earnings call this quarter, but will resume that practice next quarter when our financials return to a more normal spacing. Quite frankly, I have so many projects at critical phases, that I want to get these across the finish line as quickly as possible,” said CEO Bhatnagar. “I am currently working on M&A, new orders, and commercial credit arrangements for new business both overseas and, for the first time, here in the U.S.”
“In terms of the just reported quarter, investors should note that costs surrounding the recap were extraordinarily high and those expenses will normalize in the next quarter, making for some dramatic decreases on some of the expense lines. Because of that, we expect to begin generating an operating profit in future quarters, with bottom line profitability coming as well. In terms of calendar year 2019, our growth rate will continue to accelerate in each successive quarter as we layer on additional business. Based on our discussions with new sources of growth, we also anticipate significant product line and geographic expansion during 2019, with the potential to enter new countries and add higher margin consumer product categories. This is shaping up to be a watershed year for Verus.”
Interested investors are reminded to watch for product updates on the official Twitter feed @Verus_Foods.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/25/1767243/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-INC-REPORTS-145-INCREASE-IN-QUARTERLY-REVENUE-ANNOUNCES-LARGEST-FUNDED-BACKLOG-IN-COMPANY-HISTORY.html
VERUS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION RICE SUPPLY AGREEMENT
March 05, 2019 09:22 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, March 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received an order from a distributor to deliver approximately $4 million worth of rice annually for the Dubai market. Verus will source three to four varieties of rice from multiple producers in India to meet this initial demand. Under the terms of the agreement, Verus will sell rice under both the supplier’s brand name and a Verus brand.
Financing should be in place within a week and the first containers are expected to begin shipping soon at a rate of approximately ten containers per month. These products will consist of basmati and other rice varieties in primarily 10kg package sizes for the retail and commercial markets.
“This is exactly the kind of contract that we believe we can replicate many times over,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “As we announce these orders for branded staples found in just about every home and restaurant in our current markets, investors should remember that these are starter quantities. We expect these orders to grow as they season, with expansion coming from both market penetration and extension into new geographies.”
The rice agreement fits into Verus’s strategic plan to gradually layer on product lines across many retail and wholesale food categories, with an early emphasis on scalable staples.
“In our core markets, branded products and fresh foods get the best margins,” explained CEO Bhatnagar. “So, those are areas where we intend to initially focus. When you can establish a footprint with a branded version of a leading staple, such as rice or our previously announced honey, you get the added bonus that the opportunity is essentially open-ended. Rice is a multi-billion dollar import in the places where we already operate, so it was essential that we establish a presence in this key category.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/05/1748164/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-ANNOUNCES-4-MILLION-RICE-SUPPLY-AGREEMENT.html
VERUS INTERNATIONAL SIGNS $10 MILLION HONEY SUPPLY AGREEMENT
February 28, 2019 13:15 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, Feb. 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to supply honey products in Europe and parts of the Middle East. The initial phase of the agreement is expected to generate approximately $10 million in annual sales.
The contract will focus particularly on the United Kingdom and Germany, but will include a dozen countries in Europe and the Middle East. Depending upon the market, Verus will offer from 20 to 30 different stock keeping units (SKUs) covering a broad range of honey categories and product sizes.
“This is an important contract for Verus, because it marks our entry into Europe as an importer of a high-quality staple with consistent demand,” said Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Our long-term goal is to be an international food seller with a wide range of product lines, suppliers and customers on multiple continents. Honey is a universal product that can spearhead that strategy.”
Although Verus has used outbound suppliers from Europe in the past, this marks the Company’s first import sales agreement in Europe. The supplier is a highly-respected global honey producer based in India.
“This honey contract is exciting because it opens up new geographies and product lines simultaneously,” explained CEO Bhatnagar. “The consumer products business is all about building relationships and gaining access to shelf space, so establishing a footprint is the first step in adding other SKUs in additional product categories. Along with this initial dozen markets, we also have the option to enter the U.S. market in the future, so we have the potential to expand our new honey business significantly over time. Honey is one of the few truly global foods, so this will open many new doors for us.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/02/28/1744678/0/en/VERUS-INTERNATIONAL-SIGNS-10-MILLION-HONEY-SUPPLY-AGREEMENT.html
Verus International Announces $1.45 Million Financing and Retirement of Notes
February 11, 2019 17:30 ET | Source: Verus International, Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD, Feb. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Verus International, Inc. (“Verus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received $1.45 million in funding, as detailed in a Form 8-K filed today. The notes were placed with two separate institutional-quality shareholders; individuals who had already invested in Verus through prior purchases. Importantly, this funding places the stock in the hands of friendly equity-oriented investors who expressed a desire to increase their stake in the Company.
Concurrent with this funding, Verus is pleased to announce that it has retired all of the variable rate convertible notes (“toxic notes”) held by four separate creditors. This action is particularly important because it will enable Verus to remove a sizeable reserve from its balance sheet and avoid paying millions of dollars in penalties and other charges. As part of this multi-party agreement, the Company’s other key note-holder, Donald Monaco, has agreed to extend his $530,000 note for an additional nine months, with no significant change in terms. These actions are now completed and signed off by all parties, giving the Company full releases from all prior note holder provisions.
“This marks the culmination of nearly two years of effort to put behind the legacy of RBIZ-related issues. These negotiations were difficult and long, with as many as 15 parties involved in the process. But the end result was well worth the effort, because we negotiated terms that avoided any default interest or fees, were at a substantial discount to the standard premium, and ended the threat of significant dilution from our existing note holders,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Our goal was to create a structure that minimized dilution, but left us with a good foundation to finally begin our growth stage. We know both investors well and they represent a new stage in our goal to move toward institutional-quality funding sources that carry better terms and involve long-term oriented partners.”
The Company is currently working to complete its 10-K, which was delayed while the debt settlement was in process. The 10-K will be filed after reviewing sections that may have been impacted by the agreements announced today. Verus will provide a comprehensive update on its strategic plan in conjunction with the filing of these year-end financials.
“The impact of this funding cannot be understated,” said Bhatnagar. We needed to clean up these existing notes before we could commence our other growth initiatives. With the delinquent debt now erased, we can finally move ahead with a master plan that has been waiting for a green light for many months. Our goal is to uplist to a major exchange in 2019 and to grow our business both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. This financing marks the initial step in that process.”
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/02/11/1720445/0/en/Verus-International-Announces-1-45-Million-Financing-and-Retirement-of-Notes.html
FORM 3
https://www.otcmarkets.com/filing/html?id=13250128&guid=0MA3UemBced-1yh
Who is Andrew Garnock?
See his two companies neither of which are currently public.
https://www.disruption-labs.com
https://resetbioscience.com
RealBiz Media Group Corporate Update: Announces Completion of Spin-off and New Contract Covering Multiple Products
Press Release | 08/16/2018
Gaithersburg, MD, Aug. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (OTCPink: RBIZ) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that as of August 10, 2018, the distribution of the NestBuilder real estate division was successfully completed. This marks the starting point for Verus Foods as an independent company with a singular focus on the food industry. Most importantly, the Company will now be able to pursue a variety of business opportunities that had been placed on hold under the prior structure.
In that regard, Verus is happy to announce that it has reached an agreement to supply a Dubai-based food seller with up to $1 million (USD)/month in multiple vegetable, fruit and meat categories. Initial products are expected to include mangos, onions, potatoes, eggs, mutton, beef and poultry sourced from suppliers in several countries. Financing is being finalized and will utilize a Letter of Credit (LC) and non-dilutive European and U.S. sources.
The shipments will vary in terms of mix, but will generally consist of 1-4 containers of each product per week. Margins and other details will not be disclosed, but fall into the Company’s target range for these types of foods. Shipments are expected to commence in September 2018.
“Now that we are fully independent, we finally have the freedom to create our own identity and become more active in pursuing growth opportunities,” explained Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “This contract represents new business (not in our current backlog) and is just the start of the kind of recurring orders that are available to us with the right financing. In this case, we can rely on the LC to minimize our need for funds, while still generating significant revenue.”
In addition to these staples, the Company is also pleased to announce that its roadmap over the next several quarters will involve a number of significant product initiatives, including:
• The introduction of six Verus-owned brands -- in the Italian foods, Middle Eastern and American food categories; and energy, fruit, and coconut lines in the beverage space
• Planned line extensions in beverages
• New retail and snack food product families in areas such as mixed nuts, olive oil and condiments
These initiatives are part of a long-term goal to consistently add products in order to create a robust presence throughout the food supply chain in our target markets.
In terms of corporate matters, the completion of the NestBuilder distribution will now enable Verus to file for a name and symbol change, which is expected as early as next week. Due to the significant number of strategic initiatives in various stages of development, the Company has also elected to discuss topics such as capital structure, additional financing, and potential new business lines in follow-on updates.
“I just completed a very productive international business trip where I met with suppliers, customers and potential partners,” said CEO Bhatnagar. “Due to the significant number of strategic initiatives currently in process, we have decided to schedule a more detailed update after the outcomes of these discussions have been determined. We are currently in near-term negotiations involving new contracts, sources of financing and, for the first time, merger and acquisition opportunities – each of which could have a material effect on our capital structure and the strategic direction of our business. We expect to have clarity on some of these initiatives in the next several weeks.”
DISNEY DEAL AND CT ORDER
One cannot argue the contracts we have with Disney or the $78 mil beef deal, it's all right there in the filings. Would the SEC allow a CT Order for an SEC filer if it wasn't all legitimate? I think not. In fact, I will begin to walk you through what's covered under the CT Order so investors can understand what was given the Confidential Treatment or CT Order. This is important because the Commission now releases orders relating to applications for confidential treatment of certain information otherwise required to be included in filed documents. The Divisions of Corporation Finance and Investment Management issue these orders pursuant to delegated authority. After showing the contracts are legit, I will prove they are also being fullfilled.
I took a screenshot of the beginning portion of exhibit 10.25 && 10.26 so investors can see what the exhibits are for. I encourage investors who haven't, go read the 10-k in its entirely. It may help you better understand the legitimacy of $VRUS and where it's headed in the near future.
https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/ctorders.htm
SEC CT order for Exhibits 10.25 && 10.26
CT Order 10.25. Beef Contract
https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VRUS/news/RealBiz-Awarded-78-Million-Contract-To-Deliver-Beef-to-the-Middle-East?id=147791
CT Order 10.26. Disney Distribution
https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VRUS/news/RealBiz-Media-Group-Verus-Foods-Announces-Exclusive-Juice-Distribution-Agreement-with-The-Walt-Disney-Co-in-the-United-A?id=170497
Now that we can see the contracts are legit, lets see them being fulfilled, right investors?!?! Well here ya' go, contracts are indeed being fulfilled. Now that Verus has removed all past legacy issues from Realbiz Media, and can look to traditional forms of finance, they are now fulfilling this contract at an ever increasing rate as taken from the last 10q
• Verus has its largest funded backlog in Company history, currently at $24 million for delivery over the next 12 months
• The Company’s unfunded backlog continues to be very large, but management has elected to discontinue publishing this estimate pending additional trade or working capital financing
• All of the announced orders to date, along with orders under negotiation, are reported at base rates, with the potential for considerable expansion
• The Company is in very late stage talks with commercial sources of credit to unlock a portion of the unfunded backlog
Verus Mangement
Anshu Bhatnagar – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Anshu Bhatnagar has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2, 2017. In addition, Mr. Bhatnagar is a food distribution veteran and previously was the Chief Executive Officer of American Agro Group, an international trading and distribution company that specialized in exporting agricultural commodities and food products from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Bhatnagar was also a Managing Member of Blue Capital Group, a real estate oriented multi-family office focused on acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate as well as investing in operating businesses from 2008 to 2016. He has also owned, operated and sold other successful businesses in technology, construction and waste management. The Board believes Mr. Bhatnagar is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his extensive business experience.
Anshu Bhatnagar is a highly accomplished senior executive focused on private equity, real estate and running operating business across multiple industries.
Mr. Bhatnagar is a visionary, successful serial entrepreneur with numerous profitable, global businesses to his credit. Well-versed in all aspects of real estate acquisition and disposition, development, financing, leasing and operation and has broad experience across many sectors of real estate - hospitality, office, retail, multi-family, industrial and single family residential. He has a solid track record of developing and implementing strategic business plans that govern daily operations, position in the market, and ultimate disposition.
Mr. Bhatnagar has an exceptional career production – managed commercial real estate portfolios in excess of $1.0B, executed over 100 debt and equity transactions, sponsored a highly successful private real estate fund and a mezzanine debt fund.
Michael O’Gorman – Director
Michael O’Gorman has served as a member of our Board since August 11, 2017. Mr. O’Gorman has over 35 years of successful food brokerage, food manufacturing, project management, finance and legal experience in the international arena. Since 1982, Mr. O’Gorman has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crassus Group of companies, includes entities whose subsidiaries specialize in sourcing and marketing all natural, healthy food and consumer products. In addition, from 1976 to 1979 he served as Chief of Staff in both the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He has firsthand experience with agriculture since he has owned and operated a 252-acre farm where he raised both crops and Black Angus cattle. Mr. O’Gorman has spent a number of years working at major international law firms as well serving as a Member of the Corporate Law Department, Director of Litigation Support Group of Peabody International Corporation, Fortune 100 NYSE from 1979 to 1986. Mr. O’Gorman received his JD with a concentration in international law from the University of Connecticut, MBA in international finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University and BS in organic chemistry from St. Peters College. The Board believes Mr. O’Gorman is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his experience in agriculture and the food industry.
Thomas Butler Fore – Director
Thomas Butler Fore has served as a member of our Board since August 11, 2017. Mr. Fore is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and executive with experience in numerous categories of business, including real estate, media, personal care products and fashion. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sora Development, an award winning real estate development firm focused on large mixed-use projects with a specialty in public-private partnerships since 2007. In addition, from 2012 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Tiderock Media, a film production company and in 2014 he founded Digital2go Media Networks where he also served as a member of its board. Mr. Fore is also involved as an advisor and partner in numerous other enterprises in media, real estate and consumer products. Mr. Fore received his BA from Towson University. The Board believes Mr. Fore is qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of his background and experience in the industry.
Piyush Munot - CFO of Operations in Middle East, Africa && Asia
Piyush Munot has more than 18 years of total work experience including over a decade in the Corporate Finance & Advisory field. Prior to joining Al Masah Capital, Piyush worked at Al Dahra Holding, a food and agriculture dedicated sovereign wealth fund focusing on Fund Management & Investments. In addition, he also worked at KPMG for 7 years in their Business Valuations and M & A division. Piyush holds a Bachelors of Commerce from Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai, India, is a Certified Public Accountant from USA and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management.
CEO's words on CFO hiring; "In just the last few months, we have added an independent board, a very experienced CFO from a multibillion dollar public company.
Bringing in Piyush Munot as CFO to oversee our operations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia is a tremendous hire. We don't expect most investors to know some of the companies in the region, but Piyush was recently Group Finance Controller at a Division of Al Dahra Holdings, one of the leading sovereign wealth fund agri businesses in the UAE.
He has worked at major accounting firms such as KPMG and PWC, and is a US certified public accountant. He is also a great addition to our team and will help seamlessly integrate our overseas operations into our corporate accounting structure here in the US."
Chris Cutchens - Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Gaithersburg, MD, Oct. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (RBIZ), currently operating as Verus Foods (the “Company”), today announced that it has named veteran financial professional Chris Cutchens as Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Cutchens assisted with the most recent quarterly financial filing and is deeply familiar with the Company’s operations through that experience.
Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in public and private corporate finance. Most recently, Chris served as COO/CFO of MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, a private-equity owned, national employee benefit program provider and administrator. Prior to MidAmerica, Chris served as CFO of Aspire Financial Services, a private-equity backed, national retirement plan solutions provider for all tax codes. Prior to Aspire, Chris held various leadership positions: Corporate Controller of Carrier Enterprise, a multi-billion-dollar joint venture between Watsco, Inc. and industry giant Carrier Corporation; Corporate Controller of Watsco, Inc. (NYSE), the largest publicly-traded distributor of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment and parts in the U.S.; and Director of Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting of MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE), the largest publicly traded recreational boat retailer in the U.S., when the company achieved a record $1.2 billion in revenue.
Chris was Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2015 CFO of the Year of privately held, medium-sized companies in Tampa, Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and holds a BS in Accounting and a MA in Accounting Information Systems from the University of South Florida.
“We are very pleased to have Chris join our team to give us a more consistent presence in managing our accounting and reporting functions,” said Verus CEO Anshu Bhatnagar. “Now that we are about to enter our growth phase, it is time to bring the CFO duties back to the U.S. in order to streamline our efforts. Chris worked on our most recent Q3/2018 financial filing, which was particularly complicated as it included the final consolidated quarter reflecting the NestBuilder spin-off, so he is already embedded with Verus and understands our systems and financials. In addition to his deep experience with public company finances, early in his career Chris was a senior auditor with KMPG, where he worked with multi-billion-dollar retailer Publix Supermarkets, giving him direct experience in the retail environment where Verus operates.”
Filling the CFO position is the first item on a list of pending corporate actions designed to enhance the growth prospects of Verus as it begins to operate as a fully independent entity. The Company will layer on additional resources, both at the executive and operational level, as needed, to support this growth.
https://www.mkr-group.com/case_studies.html
Investor Relations Contact: MKR Group Inc. Mark Forney mark@mkrir.com
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