Founders Advantage Capital

Calgary, Alberta – March 15, 2017 – Correction – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common shares of $0.0125 per common share.  The dividend will be payable on April 11, 2018 to shareholders of record as at the close of trading on March 30, 2018.

The shares will commence trading on an ex-dividend basis on the opening of trading on March 28, 2018 (not March 29, 2018 as previously announced) as the TSXV is closed for trading on Friday, March 30, 2018.

The Corporation advises that the dividend to be paid on the common shares is designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian income tax purposes.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – February 23, 2018 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its investee partner Dominion Lending Centres Group (“DLC”) was Canada’s top mortgage brokerage firm in Canada in 2017 based on total mortgage volumes.

Gary Mauris, President of DLC commented: “We are very proud of our entire broker network for their efforts in 2017.  With the changing mortgage marketplace in Canada, we believe more Canadians are recognizing the benefits of using a DLC mortgage broker to buy a home or refinance their existing home.  As getting a mortgage becomes more difficult, more and more Canadians are turning to DLC for support in financing what is likely the largest and most important purchase of their lives.”

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – January 25, 2018 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that Dennis Sykora has been appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Sykora is a lawyer, Chartered Professional Accountant and experienced executive who brings a focus of corporate governance and financial discipline.  Mr. Sykora currently serves as a director of Questerre Energy Corporation, an energy company listed on the TSX and Norway Stock Exchange.  Mr. Sykora served as a senior executive with High Arctic Energy Services (an energy services company listed on the TSX) from April 2007 to July 2014 in various roles including as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and General Counsel and served on the Board of Directors until November 2016.  Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a senior corporate executive and 15 years as a lawyer and Chartered Accountant with Felesky Flynn LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, specializing in tax planning.  Mr. Sykora is a member of both the Law Society of Alberta and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta.

Stephen Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation commented: “We are delighted that Dennis Sykora has agreed to join our Board of Directors and expect his extensive business, financial and leadership experience will be of significant benefit to both our Board and management team.”

Mr. Sykora is considered “independent” pursuant to applicable securities laws.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – January 23, 2018 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its investee partner Club16 Limited Partnership (“Club16”) will open a new 22,000 sq. ft. co-ed club in South Surrey, British Columbia on Friday, January 26, 2018.  The new club will replace an existing (smaller) She’s Fit club in South Surrey which was 7,800 sq. ft.  The new club is located at the Grandview Central Shopping Centre at #135 – 16050 24 Avenue, South Surrey and will accommodate up to 8,000 members.

In addition to the new club opening, Club16 is pleased to announce that it will be expanding its personal training across additional locations in 2018.  Club16 offered personal training at three locations in 2017 and, based on the strong demand, management believes it will be well received at other clubs.

Chuck Lawson, President of Club16 commented: “We are pleased to report the opening of the new South Surrey location.  Pre-registration demand has exceeded our expectations, and we expect this location to ramp up quickly as it is an excellent facility.”

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – December 22, 2017 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that Melanie Litoski will join the Corporation’s executive team as Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2018.  Ms. Litoski will replace Ron Gratton, a current board member who has served as Interim CFO since July, 2017.  In addition, the Corporation is also pleased to announce that Chris Kayat has been appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Stephen Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation commented: “We are pleased we committed the time and effort to an extensive CFO search as it has resulted in the Corporation adding a very talented individual.  Melanie brings a wealth of management experience and financial knowledge and we are delighted that she has agreed to join our team in March.  We are also greatly appreciative of Ron Gratton’s contributions to the Corporation over the last six months in leading the executive search and serving as Interim CFO.”

As for the addition of Mr. Kayat to the Board of Directors, Mr. Reid noted: “We are truly fortunate to have a Board of Directors comprised of intelligent and experienced individuals.  Chris is a serial entrepreneur with a strong network of business owners across the country, a co-founder of DLC, a significant shareholder of the Corporation and is sure to be a leader on our Board.  We appreciate Chris committing to serve on our Board and look forward to his many contributions.”

Please see below for biographies on Melanie Litoski and Chris Kayat.

Melanie Litoski – Ms. Litoski is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years’ experience in a variety of industries including transportation, utilities, financial services and retail. Ms. Litoski’s prior roles have included Vice President, Controller for Dollar Financial Group (2014 – present) which operates a network of more than 800 alternative financial services locations across North America; Vice President, Finance and Controller for ENMAX Corporation (2008 – 2014), a Calgary-based utility company; Chief Financial Officer of First Canada, a Canadian transportation company (2005 – 2008); Controller of RST Industries (2001-2005), a division of JD Irving.

Ms. Litoski holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta and became a qualified Chartered Accountant in 1997.  She served as Audit Manager with KPMG LLP before transitioning into private industry in 2001.  In addition to holding executive roles, Ms. Litoski has several years’ experience teaching accounting, tax and management courses at the University of New Brunswick and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta. She has also had reoccurring speaking engagements with the Strategy Institute and Federated Press on accounting and leadership topics.

Ms. Litoski is also an active volunteer holding positions with Financial Executives International, Canadian Women’s Foundation, Airdrie Minor Hockey Association, Wear-2-Start Victoria, Victoria Sexual Assault Centre and Airdrie POWER and has mentored young women through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta’s Mentorship Program and the University of Calgary School Business Mentorship Program.

Chris Kayat – Mr. Kayat is the co-founder and Executive VP of Dominion Lending Centres (DLC).  Prior to co-founding DLC, he was the largest Royal LePage owner in Western Canada by market share and overall agent count before selling such franchises to Royal LePage Corporate in 2014 to focus on growing DLC.  Before acquiring his real estate companies in 1997, Mr. Kayat was one of the most productive realtors in British Columbia.  While owning his real estate business, he owned and operated a productive mortgage brokerage which became DLC’s first franchise.  In addition to an impressive professional career, Mr. Kayat has undertaken many community and social initiatives, such as co-founding “Bikes for Kids” and serving as the President of the North Coquitlam United Soccer Club.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – November 27, 2017 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSXV: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to report its financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (“Q3 2017”). Readers should refer to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for complete information, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

All amounts are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.  Dominion Lending Centres Limited Partnership is referred to herein as “DLC”, Club16 Limited Partnership is referred to herein as “Club16”, Cape Communications International Inc. (operating as Impact Radio Accessories) is referred to herein as “Impact” and Astley Gilbert Limited is referred to herein as “Astley Gilbert”. Included within the DLC segment is the operations of Newton Connectivity Systems Inc., herein referred to as “NCS”.

Selected Consolidated Financial Highlights

• One of the measures we use to assess our overall performance is adjusted EBITDA, which is a supplemental measure of our income from operations in which depreciation and amortization, finance expense and other unusual or one-time items are added back to income from operations to arrive at adjusted EBITDA. Please see the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this document for additional information.

Review of Q3 2017 Consolidated Financial Results

Q3 2017 Overview

The Corporation’s financial performance improved significantly over the prior quarter, primarily driven by DLC.  In particular, we note the following from our three month financial results ended September 30, 2017 (with the comparative period being the three month period ended June 30, 2017 as the three month period ended September 30, 2016 does not provide a meaningful comparison):

• Consolidated revenues for the current quarter increased by $2.3 million over the three months ended June 30, 2017 to $21.8 million, which can be attributed primarily to the DLC operations.

• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA has increased during the current period to $7.9 million from $5.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

• Consolidated Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased to $4.5 million from $2.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

• DLC’s revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 have increased by $4.1 million to $12.9 million over the three months ended June 30, 2017. This increase in revenues can be attributed to $1.5 million in seasonal increases in DLC’s volume of funded mortgages and $2.7 million in increased revenues from NCS.

• DLC’s adjusted EBITDA has increased by $5.0 million over the three months ended June 30, 2017 to $7.6 million. The increase in adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to a $4.1 million increase in DLC’s revenues, as well as a decline in DLC’s operating expenses of $0.9 million.

Newton Connectivity Systems Inc. 

As previously reported, DLC acquired NCS in December 2016 and incurred costs and expenses in the first half of 2017 to restructure and integrate NCS.  We are pleased to report that NCS has already become a meaningful contributor for DLC and generated increased connectivity and other revenues for the quarter.  The increased NCS revenues resulted in DLC recognizing an additional $2.7 million in revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the previous quarter.

Prior to the acquisition of NCS, DLC was not involved in the lender connectivity sector. NCS now provides DLC with the opportunity to vertically integrate lender connectivity with its network of mortgage brokers.  In addition to connectivity revenue, NCS also generates revenue from insurance referrals, NCS’s underwriting platform (Isaac), integrated payroll software (EZ Pay) and various other revenue streams.  NCS continues to create and build lender, broker and supplier workflows that complements management’s long-term strategy of connectivity and underwriting consumer, broker and business-to-business applications.

Outlook for Fiscal 2018

As previously announced, the Corporation has acquired a 60% interest in DLC, a 60% interest in Club16, a 52% interest in Impact and a 50% interest in Astley Gilbert.  For fiscal 2018, the Corporation expects its proportionate interest of annual adjusted EBITDA from its four investees to be between $21.5 million – $22.5 million.  The above guidance is prior to the Corporation’s corporate expenses (including G&A).  Further, the above guidance does not reflect any additional acquisitions that the Corporation intends on completing in 2018. For a discussion and update on the Corporation’s 2017 guidance, please see “Outlook and Strategic Objectives” section of the MD&A for Q3 2017.

All outlook amounts set out above are considered forward-looking financial information and are subject to the cautionary statement included in this press release.

As at the date hereof, the Corporation has an aggregate of 38.1 million class A common shares issued and outstanding.

Overview of Financial Results for Investees

Please see the Corporation’s MD&A for Q3 2017 for a comprehensive discussion relating to the financial results for DLC, Club 16 and Impact for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The Q3 2017 financial results do not include any amounts from Astley Gilbert as such transaction was completed on October 31, 2017, being subsequent to the end of the financial quarter.

Non-IFRS measures

Adjusted EBITDA for both our corporate head office and investees is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, share-based payments, losses recognized on the sale of investments, and any unusual non-operating one-time items such as corporate start-up costs, reorganization costs and other revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is also adjusted for expenses relating to prior mineral property impairment reversal and arbitration. Readers are cautioned that adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to applicable generally accepted accounting principle measures as determined in accordance with IFRS.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a permanent investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive middle-market privately held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers contractual incentives for growth in favour of our investees. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue managing the business while partnering with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information, please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Financial Information

Certain statements in this document constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to:

• the Corporation’s anticipated proportionate EBITDA of its investees for fiscal 2018;
• the completion of additional acquisitions;
• the ability of our investee entities to distribute cash to the corporate head office;
• the revenue from investees in future quarters being greater than the revenue from investees for the current period;
• our business plan and investment strategy; and
• general business strategies and objectives.

Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made with respect to the following matters, in addition to any other assumptions identified in this document:

• taxes and capital, operating, general & administrative and other costs;
• interest rates;
• general business, economic and market conditions;
• the ability of Founders Advantage to obtain the required capital to finance our investment strategy and meet our commitments and financial obligations;
• the ability to source additional investee entities and to negotiate acceptable acquisition terms;
• the ability of Founders Advantage to obtain services and personnel in a timely manner and at an acceptable cost to carry out our activities;
• that DLC will maintain its existing number of franchisees and will add additional franchisees;
• the continuation of existing Canadian mortgage lending and mortgage brokerage laws;
• the absence of material decreases in the aggregate Canadian mortgage lending business; and
• the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as the Corporation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Corporation and described in the forward-looking information. The material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• the expected benefits of the DLC, Club16, Impact and Astley Gilbert transactions not being realized;
• the ability to generate sufficient cash flow from investees and obtain financing to fund planned investment activities and meet current and future commitments and obligations;
• general business, economic and market conditions;
• changes in interest rates;
• the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future revenue, taxes and costs and expenses;
• changes in, or in the interpretation of, laws, regulations or policies;
• the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals in a timely manner;
• the outcome of existing and potential lawsuits, regulatory actions, audits and assessments; and
• other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this document and in our other filings with Canadian securities authorities.

The foregoing list of risks is not exhaustive. For more information relating to risks, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Corporation’s current annual information form. The forward-looking information contained in this document is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Calgary, Alberta – October 31, 2017 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation” or “FA Capital”) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of a 50% interest (the “Transaction”) in Astley Gilbert Limited (“Astley Gilbert” or “AG”) for $24.7 million (the “Purchase Price”), subject to customary post-closing adjustments.  The Purchase Price was funded through a combination of cash and vendor take back financing.

Astley Gilbert, founded in 1970, has 13 locations across Ontario offering non-traditional digital printing and imaging solutions to over 6,000 active customers in a wide range of industries. In recent years, AG has enjoyed significant organic as well as acquisition growth and has become a consolidator in the industry with the largest market share for architectural, engineering and construction (“AEC”) reproductive printing in Ontario.  AG prides itself by offering its customers same day AEC imaging in addition to online project management tools and onsite managed print services.  Astley Gilbert’s clients include some of the largest AEC firms in Ontario and Astley Gilbert’s solutions are used in key infrastructure projects across Ontario.  From airports to transit lines to commercial buildings, Astley Gilbert is the leading provider of drawings to all industry participants.

In addition to its AEC solutions, Astley Gilbert provides digital print services, high-end brochures, variable data printing, large format graphic displays, online data storage and management solutions, warehousing and logistics and vehicle wraps.  Astley Gilbert’s customers include some of the largest retailers and product manufacturers in the country, which entities require various imaging services including in-store displays, signage and marketing materials. Since inception, Astley Gilbert’s business model embraces technology and industry changes to drive growth, profitability and productivity. More information about Astley Gilbert can be found at www.astleygilbert.com.

On closing of the Transaction, the board of directors of Astley Gilbert was comprised of Wayne Wilbur, Ari Yakobson, Stephen Reid, James Bell and Amar Leekha.

For further information on the Transaction, please refer to the Corporation’s press release dated October 16, 2017.

About Astley Gilbert Limited

Founded in early 1970, Astley Gilbert has grown from a small company serving the on-demand document needs of the construction industry to a full-service print and imaging solutions provider to companies across a wide range of industries. The company expanded by adding more branches, more equipment and more expertise, all of which are supported by strong operational capabilities and a company-wide culture that focuses on customer satisfaction and doing whatever it takes to meet their needs.

For the last three decades, Wayne Wilbur, President & CEO, has helped to shape Astley Gilbert into what it is today.  Astley Gilbert has the highest market share in Canada for AEC reprographic (blueprint) services, as well as a strong and growing position for digital and offset print solutions offering high-end brochures, variable data printing and large format graphic displays, including outdoor signage.

Astley Gilbert’s product and service diversity is expected to continue to expand in both value-add print solutions as well as non-print services. With multiple production facilities, over 70 radio-dispatched customer service vehicles across Ontario and global delivery capabilities, Astley Gilbert has become a leader in delivering on-demand solutions, on paper and online.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of its partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Calgary, Alberta – October 16, 2017 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation” or “FA Capital”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire a 50% interest (the “Transaction”) in Astley Gilbert Limited (“Astley Gilbert” or “AG”) for $24.7 million (the “Purchase Price”), subject to customary post-closing adjustments.  The Purchase Price will be funded through a combination of cash and vendor take back financing.  After completion of the Transaction, the current owners of Astley Gilbert, being Wayne Wilbur, Ari Yakobson and Rino Dambrosio (the “AG Team”), will collectively retain a 50% interest in Astley Gilbert and will continue to manage the day-to-day operations.  Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions and is expected to close on or about October 31, 2017.

Astley Gilbert, founded in 1970, has 13 locations across Ontario offering non-traditional digital printing and imaging solutions to over 6,000 active customers in a wide range of industries.  Astley Gilbert has the largest market share for architectural, engineering and construction (“AEC”) reproductive printing in Ontario, offering its customers same day AEC imaging in addition to online project management tools and onsite managed print services.  Astley Gilbert’s clients include some of the largest AEC firms in Ontario and Astley Gilbert’s solutions are used in key infrastructure projects across Ontario.  From airports to transit lines to commercial buildings, Astley Gilbert is the leading provider of drawings to all industry participants.

In addition to its AEC solutions, Astley Gilbert provides digital print services, high-end brochures, variable data printing, large format graphic displays, online data storage and management solutions, warehousing and logistics and vehicle wraps.  Astley Gilbert’s customers include some of the largest retailers and product manufacturers in the country, which entities require various imaging services including in-store displays, signage and marketing materials.  While technology in general has adversely impacted the traditional print business, technology has positively impacted imaging hardware and reduced the cost to create products in addition to improving the ways in which entities market their products.  Astley Gilbert embraces technology and industry changes to drive growth, profitability and productivity.  In recent years, AG has enjoyed significant growth and has become a consolidator in the industry. More information about Astley Gilbert can be found at www.astleygilbert.com.

Stephen Reid, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation commented: “We are proud to announce our proposed partnership with Astley Gilbert as our fourth investment.  Astley Gilbert is an industry leader in non-traditional digital imaging.  We pursued Astley Gilbert for a long time as Wayne, his team and his company are a perfect fit for FA Capital.  We love that the AG Team wanted to retain a 50% interest in the company that they are so passionate about, and that they chose us as their partner.  We believe that Astley Gilbert is an extremely well-managed company and a great acquisition platform.  FA Capital will lend all necessary resources to continue, and accelerate, AG’s growth. Lastly, this new investment will provide our portfolio with further geographic and sectoral diversification.”

Wayne Wilbur, President and CEO of Astley Gilbert, commented: “Astley Gilbert isn’t just a company to us, it’s our life’s work.  We’ve been able to adapt, evolve and lead over the last 47 years as industry and technology has changed and today Astley Gilbert boasts some of the best imaging technology in the business.  We embrace technology changes and advancements as technology continues to allow us to improve our service offerings to our customers and makes us more integral to their business.  While Astley Gilbert was not “for sale”, we found the FA Capital model compelling for the next chapter of our growth and believe that Stephen and his team are truly unique partners.  We anticipate this partnership will accelerate our growth by providing access to capital and consolidation expertise.”

The Transaction has been structured to provide the Corporation with 50% of after-tax annual cash distributions up to $6.7 million (the “Annual Threshold”) paid by Astley Gilbert to its securityholders, with the AG Team receiving the other 50% of annual distributions up to such Annual Threshold.  The Annual Threshold was set based on AG’s approximate TTM EBITDA less an amount for corporate taxes.  In the event AG is reorganized into a limited partnership, the Transaction contemplates that the Annual Threshold will increase to $9.0 million.  All cash distributions by Astley Gilbert to its securityholders will be subject to Board approval and may be adjusted from time to time to pursue expansion or capital initiatives or other corporate purposes.  To the extent that any cash distributions paid in a year are in excess of the Annual Threshold, the AG Team will receive 60% of such excess distributions, with the Corporation receiving 40% of such excess distributions.  In addition, with respect to any liquidity event, the net proceeds of disposition will be allocated amongst the Corporation and the AG Team based upon their security holdings and adjusted for certain growth in cash distributions received as at the date of the liquidity event.

Following closing of the Transaction, the board of directors of Astley Gilbert will consist of Wayne Wilbur, Ari Yakobson and three nominees of the Corporation.  The Transaction will not be a “significant acquisition” for the Corporation as defined by applicable securities laws.

The Corporation intends to fund the Transaction with available cash on hand from its credit facility.

About Astley Gilbert Limited

Founded in early 1970, Astley Gilbert has grown from a small company serving the on-demand document needs of the construction industry to a full-service print and imaging solutions provider to companies across a wide range of industries. The company expanded by adding more branches, more equipment and more expertise, all of which are supported by strong operational capabilities and a company-wide culture that focuses on customer satisfaction and doing whatever it takes to meet their needs.

For the last three decades, Wayne Wilbur, President & CEO, has helped to shape Astley Gilbert into what it is today.  Astley Gilbert has the highest market share in Canada for AEC reprographic (blueprint) services, as well as a strong and growing position for digital and offset print solutions offering high-end brochures, variable data printing and large format graphic displays, including outdoor signage.

Astley Gilbert’s product and service diversity is expected to continue to expand in both value-add print solutions as well as non-print services. With multiple production facilities, over 70 radio-dispatched customer service vehicles across Ontario and global delivery capabilities, Astley Gilbert has become a leader in delivering on-demand solutions, on paper and online.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of its partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “schedule”, “intend”, “propose”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to:

• completion of the Transaction on the terms set out herein;
• timing of closing of the Transaction;
• the Corporation funding the Transaction with cash on hand from its credit facility;
• the expectation that Astley Gilbert’s growth will accelerate a result of the Transaction; and
• the return on investment for the Corporation.

Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made with respect to the following matters, in addition to any other assumptions identified in this news release:

• that the future performance of Astley Gilbert will be consistent with past performance;
• that all closing conditions will be satisfied or waived;
• that the Corporation’s lender will approve the Transaction; and
• that the parties will be able to successfully negotiate the definite agreements.

Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as the Corporation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Corporation and described in the forward-looking information. The material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• the failure to obtain necessary approvals and consents to complete the Transaction;
• the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions;
• the Transaction will not yield the anticipated benefits to the Corporation; and
• the risks and uncertainties applicable to the operation of Astley Gilbert’s business generally.

The foregoing list of risks is not exhaustive. For more information relating to risks, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Corporation’s current annual information form. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSXV: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to report its financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 (“Q2 2017”).

Calgary, Alberta – August 1, 2017 – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX-V: FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its investee entity Dominion Lending Centres (“DLC”) has completed a sale of its 20% shareholdings in Canadiana Financial Corp. (“Canadiana”) to an arm’s length purchaser for $2.5 million cash.  DLC sought to liquidate its minority interest in Canadiana as Canadiana was not part of DLC’s core mortgage brokerage business.

Gary Mauris, President of DLC commented: “While we believe Canadiana is on track to become a successful non-traditional mortgage lender, we prefer to focus solely on our core mortgage brokerage business and to direct additional capital to acquiring additional mortgage brokers and franchisees.”

The Corporation owns a 60% interest in DLC.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – June 15, 2017) – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common shares of $0.0125 per common share. The dividend will be payable on July 12, 2017 to shareholders of record as at June 30, 2017. The shares will commence trading on an ex-dividend basis on June 28, 2017.

The Corporation advises that the dividend to be paid on the common shares is designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian income tax purposes.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

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.

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – June 14, 2017) – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced USD $75 million (approx. CAD $100 million) senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Facility”) with Sagard Holdings ULC (“Sagard Holdings”), pursuant to which Sagard Credit Partners will be the lender. The proceeds from the Senior Facility will be used to repay the Corporation’s existing senior indebtedness, to complete further acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The initial draw at closing under the Senior Facility is USD $42 million (approx. CAD $56 million), with additional draws subject to Sagard Holdings’ further approval.

The Senior Facility has a five (5) year term and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 700 basis points (with a 1.00% LIBOR floor), payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 each year. The Senior Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all present and after-acquired assets of the Corporation. The borrowings under the Senior Facility are denominated in USD and the Corporation anticipates implementing a foreign currency hedging program to reduce currency risk.

As additional consideration for the Senior Facility, the Corporation has issued Sagard Holdings 2,078,568 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the “Warrants”), which Warrants are equal to 5% of the Corporation’s fully diluted common shares outstanding as at the date hereof. Each Warrant entitles Sagard Holdings to acquire one common share of the Corporation at any time over the next five years upon payment of the Warrant exercise price. The Warrant exercise price for 1,039,284 Warrants is $3.508 (a 15% premium to the 30 day VWAP of the common shares) and the exercise price for the remaining 1,039,284 Warrants is $3.965 (a 30% premium to the 30 day VWAP of the common shares).

About Sagard Credit Partners and Sagard Holdings

Sagard Credit Partners, part of Sagard Holdings (and each a Member of the Power Corporation Group of Companies), is focused on providing debt capital to middle market companies in Canada and the US. Sagard Credit Partners provides custom-tailored debt solutions, focusing on the needs of the borrower, and looks to invest in companies where it can develop deep, long term relationships.

Sagard Holdings is an investment firm based in New York and Toronto which invests long term equity and debt capital in middle market companies in the US and Canada through its affiliates, including Sagard Credit Partners.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a permanent investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing majority interest acquisitions of cash flow positive middle-market privately held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

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.

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – May 31, 2017) – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a USD $75 million (approx. CAD $100 million) senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Facility”) with Sagard Holdings ULC (“Sagard Holdings”), pursuant to which Sagard Credit Partners will be the lender. The proceeds from the Senior Facility will be used to repay the Corporation’s existing senior indebtedness, to complete further acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The initial draw at closing under the Senior Facility is USD $42 million (approx. CAD $56 million), with additional draws subject to Sagard Holding’s further approval. The Senior Facility is expected to close on or about June 16, 2017.

Stephen Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation comments: “After considering various capital alternatives, we believe we have found a strategic partner that will be transformational for our long-term growth and success. The strategic relationship with Sagard Holdings provides us with the liquidity and financial flexibility required to prudently execute our business plan of investing in scalable and defensive founder-run companies. The Sagard Holdings team shares our view of building long-term shareholder value through a diverse portfolio of partnerships in founder run, not for sale, high free cash-flow, stable and well managed premium companies.”

Adam Vigna, Chief Investment Officer of Sagard Credit Partners, added: “We are very pleased to provide this facility to Founders Advantage, a team we have known for many years. Sagard Credit Partners is focused on providing credit to companies with strong fundamentals and where we have long-term relationships with management teams. We look forward to working closely with Founders to execute on the business plan and their growth strategy.”

The Senior Facility will have a five (5) year term and will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 700 basis points (with a 1.00% LIBOR floor), payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 each year. The Senior Facility will be secured by a first priority lien on all present and after-acquired assets of the Corporation. The borrowings under the Senior Facility are denominated in USD and the Corporation anticipates implementing a foreign currency hedging program to reduce currency risk.

As additional consideration for the Senior Facility, the Corporation has agreed to issue Sagard Holdings 2,078,568 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the “Warrants”), which Warrants are equal to 5% of the Corporation’s fully diluted common shares outstanding as at the date hereof. Each Warrant entitles Sagard Holdings to acquire one common share of the Corporation at any time over the next five years upon payment of the Warrant exercise price. The Warrant exercise price for 1,039,284 Warrants is $3.508 (a 15% premium to the 30 day VWAP of the common shares) and the exercise price for the remaining 1,039,284 Warrants is $3.965 (a 30% premium to the 30 day VWAP of the common shares).

Closing of the Senior Facility is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

While the Corporation intends on repaying its existing credit facility with Alberta Treasury Branches with the proceeds of the Senior Facility, we would like to express our gratitude to ATB for their support to date which allowed the Corporation to advance its business plan.

About Sagard Credit Partners and Sagard Holdings

Sagard Credit Partners, part of Sagard Holdings, is focused on providing debt capital to middle market companies in Canada and the US. Sagard Credit Partners provides custom-tailored debt solutions, focusing on the needs of the borrower, and looks to invest in companies where it can develop deep, long term relationships.

Sagard Holdings is an investment firm based in New York and Toronto which invests long term equity and debt capital in middle market companies in the US and Canada through its affiliates, including Sagard Credit Partners.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a permanent investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing majority interest acquisitions of cash flow positive middle-market privately held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Financial Information

Certain statements in this document constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “schedule”, “intend”, “propose”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to:

• the use of proceeds for the Senior Facility;
• the closing date of the Senior Facility;
• the Senior Facility being transformational for the Corporation’s long-term success;
• the relationship with Sagard Holdings will allow the Corporation access to additional capital to execute the Corporation’s business plan;
• the implementation of a foreign currency hedging program to effectively mitigate currency risk;
• the expected pro-forma share ownership of Sagard Holdings after giving effect to the exercise in full of the Warrants; and
• approval of the Senior Facility by the TSXV.

Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made with respect to the following matters, in addition to any other assumptions identified in this document:

• the conditions to closing the Senior facility will be satisfied and all regulatory approvals will be obtained;
• the Corporation will receive approval from Sagard Holdings for additional draws on the Senior Facility;
• the Corporation and its investee entities will continue to operate consistent with expectations; and
• that additional acquisitions will be available to the Corporation on terms and conditions acceptable to it.

Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as the Corporation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Corporation and described in the forward-looking information. The material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• the inability to satisfy the closing conditions;
• the inability to obtain TSXV approval for the Senior Facility;
• unexpected changes in the financial markets;
• the inability of the Corporation to identify additional acquisition targets on terms and conditions acceptable to it, or at all; and
• changes in the general economic and business conditions of the Corporation or its investees.

The foregoing list of risks is not exhaustive. For more information relating to risks, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Corporation’s current annual information form. The forward-looking information contained in this document is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – May 29, 2017) – Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FCF) (the “Corporation”) is pleased to report its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (“Q1 2017”). Readers should refer to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for complete information, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

“We continue to be excited about the performance of our current investments and the pipeline of opportunities being presented to us,” stated Stephen Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. “DLC has continued to grow its funded mortgage volumes despite the recent turbulence in the Canadian mortgage industry and Club16 has increased its membership base by 4.9% year over year. Historically, January through March is the slowest period of the year for home purchases, which impacts DLC’s revenues. Even during the slowest time of year, DLC’s funded mortgage volume grew 11.2% year over year, outperforming our expectations. As these seasonal lows are anticipated, DLC management uses this time for marketing and promotion activities to recruit additional brokers and franchises, which drive additional funded volume growth for the remainder of the year. During the quarter, DLC continued to reposition its newest asset, Newton Connectivity Systems, which was acquired in December 2016. While we are very pleased with the growth outlook and initial revenues being generated by Newton, we are forecasting certain repositioning costs to be incurred during the year, and expect better indications of run-rate profitability in subsequent quarters.”

Please see the Overview and Outlook of Investees section for performance details on each of our investees and Outlook for 2017.

Q1 2017 Highlights

• On March 1, 2017, the Corporation completed the acquisition of a 52% interest in Impact Radio Accessories (“Impact”) for $12.7 million. This acquisition further diversifies the Corporation’s investment portfolio of companies operating in defensive, recession-resistant industries.
• Concurrent with the acquisition of Impact, the Corporation entered into an amended credit facility with ATB Financial to increase its revolving credit facility from $17.0 million to $28.0 million and to cancel its previously existing non-revolving $5.0 million credit facility. As such, the Corporation increased its available borrowing limit from $22.0 million to $28.0 million. The Corporation used its available borrowings to fund the acquisition of Impact.
• Declared first quarterly dividend of $0.0125 per share ($0.05 per share annualized), which resulted in a payment of $0.5 million in April 2017.

Selected Consolidated Financial Highlights

Review of Q1 2017 Consolidated Financial Results

Consolidated revenues were $13.7 million, compared to $nil during Q1 2016, due to the timing of acquisitions made during fiscal 2016. Specifically, as the acquisition of Dominion Lending Centres Limited Partnership (“DLC”), Club16 Limited Partnership (“Club16” or “Trevor Linden Club16”) and Impact Radio Accessories (“Impact”) closed on June 3, 2016, December 20, 2016 and March 1, 2017, respectively, there were no financial results consolidated into the Corporation’s financial statements during Q1 2016. DLC’s $7.2 million in revenues for Q1 2017 were impacted by the expected seasonally slowest period for home purchases, but were supplemented by $0.6 million in revenues generated by DLC’s most recent acquisition, Newton Connectivity Systems Inc. (“Newton”). As Newton is still restructuring and ramping up its services, we expect growing quarterly revenues from Newton going forward. Club16 generated revenue of $5.5 million during Q1 2017, which excludes the annual club enhancement fee paid by the Club16 members every May, which $2.2 million was received on May 3, 2017. Impact generated revenue of $0.9 million since its acquisition (31 days of the current quarter), which is effected by the timing of certain larger purchase orders during the year. Please see “Overview and Outlook of Investees” section below for additional details on investee performance.

Consolidated loss from operations was $1.8 million, compared to $2.9 million during Q1 2016. The current quarter loss is impacted by the $9.6 million of consolidated general and administrative expenses and seasonality of DLC’s operations. DLC ($4.1 million), Club16 ($3.8 million), Impact ($0.3 million) and Corporate ($1.5 million) each contributed to the consolidated general and administrative expenses. DLC’s expenses do not vary proportionately with the fluctuations in revenue caused by the changes in home buying season. As a result, loss from operations for Q1 2017 is impacted more heavily than in other fiscal quarters when revenues are expected to be higher and costs are not increased proportionately. Also, DLC incurred $0.3 million in severance costs related to DLC and Newton during Q1 2017. Newton incurred a loss from operations of $1.0 million during the quarter, which is expected to improve during fiscal 2017 as operations continue to ramp up. Further, Club16’s annual club enhancement fee is not earned until May every year, which $2.2 million was received on May 3, 2017. This revenue has no associated costs, which results in a significant positive impact to income from operations during the next fiscal quarter. Due to the seasonality of DLC’s business, the changing run-rate profitability of Newton, the timing of Club16’s annual club enhancement fee, and the variable timing of Impact’s revenue, the loss from operations for Q1 2017 is not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results.

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $1.4 million, compared to negative adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 million during Q1 2016. This increase over the prior year is significantly due to the completed acquisitions. As noted above, due to the seasonality of DLC’s business, the changing run-rate profitability of Newton, the timing of Club16’s annual club enhancement fee, and the variable timing of Impact’s revenue, the adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2017 is not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results.

Consolidated net loss attributable to shareholders was $1.6 million, compared to $4.0 million during Q1 2016. This variance over the prior year quarter is primarily driven by the full consolidation of the financial results of DLC, Club16 and Impact during Q1 2017. As discussed above, due to the seasonality of DLC’s business, the changing run-rate profitability of Newton, the timing of Club16’s annual club enhancement fee, and the variable timing of Impact’s revenue, the net loss attributable to shareholders for Q1 2017 is not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results.

Overview and Outlook of Investees

In addition to the information provided in the Q1 2017 consolidated financial statements and associated MD&A, we would like to note the following additional information regarding our investees.

DLC Limited Partnership

The Corporation acquired its 60% interest in DLC on June 3, 2016. Prior to the acquisition, DLC’s unaudited revenue for Q1 2016 was $6.4 million. The revenue for Q1 2017 was $7.3 million, representing 14.1% revenue growth year over year. This growth over the prior year is significantly due to the 11.2% increase in funded mortgage volumes during Q1 2017, compared to Q1 2016. DLC’s revenues are significantly impacted by the home buying season, which is typically more heavily weighted during the months of May through September. As a result, we expect additional revenues to be earned during the upcoming fiscal quarters when compared to Q1 2017.

DLC’s income from operations and adjusted EBITDA were $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which were significantly impacted by both direct costs of $1.3 million and general and administrative expense of $4.1 million. As noted above, DLC’s revenue is seasonal in nature caused by changes in the home buying season, and general and administrative costs do not vary proportionately with these seasonal fluctuations. As a result, income from operations for Q1 2017 is impacted more heavily than in other fiscal quarters when revenues are expected to be higher and costs are not increased proportionately. Also included in income from operations for the current quarter are the revenues and costs associated with Newton, totaling a net $1.0 million in costs, which include $0.2 million of severance related expenses. As Newton continues to ramp up its operations, we expect the income from operations to increase going forward. Currently, Newton represents approximately 3% of the connectivity platform market. As DLC represents approximately 35% of the Canadian mortgage brokerage industry, migrating mortgage brokers to the Newton platform would have a meaningful impact on DLC’s revenues and adjusted EBITDA.

DLC expects to continue to expand its network of mortgage brokers and franchisees by focusing on their recruiting initiatives, as evidenced by DLC’s continued quarter over quarter growth in funded mortgage volumes and increases in franchises and brokers. As a result of these growth initiatives, we anticipate DLC having steady growth in its funded mortgage volumes in 2017, resulting in steady growth in revenues and adjusted EBITDA.

The Corporation is receiving $540,000 per month in after-tax cash distributions from DLC.

Trevor Linden Club16

The Corporation acquired its 60% interest in Trevor Linden Club16 on December 20, 2016. Prior to the acquisition, Club16’s unaudited revenue for Q1 2016 was $5.0 million. The revenue for Q1 2017 was $5.5 million, representing 9.2% revenue growth year over year, which is partially driven by the 4.9% increase in membership base. Also, Club16 received its annual club enhancement fee from its members on May 3, 2017 for $2.2 million, which will be included in the financial results of the next quarter.

Club16’s income from operations and adjusted EBITDA were $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The income from operations and adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2017 represent normal course operations, and we expect continued growth in the total fitness club members based on the historic growth trend.

Club16 anticipates continued growth in its personal training services, which are a relatively new product offering. These services are expected to add to Trevor Linden Club16’s revenues and adjusted EBITDA. During Q1 2017, Club16 earned $0.7 million in revenues related to personal training services (gross margin of 43%), compared to $0.3 million during Q1 2016 (gross margin of 24%).

Trevor Linden Club16 expects to continue adding new members by increasing total square footage of gym space via opening a new location and expanding one of the current locations during 2017. It is anticipated that these initiatives will have a positive impact on 2017 fitness club membership revenues and adjusted EBITDA.

The Corporation is receiving $270,000 per month in pre-tax cash distributions from Club16. The Corporation offsets this income with its corporate general and administrative expenses to reduce the income taxes payable to nil.

Impact

The Corporation acquired its 52% interest in Impact on March 1, 2017. Revenues for the month of March 2017 were $0.9 million, consistent with March 2016. Total revenues for Q1 2017, including the period prior to the acquisition, were $2.4 million, consistent with the same prior year period.

Impact’s income from operations and adjusted EBITDA were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which represents 31 days of operations. As Impact is subject to certain fluctuations in timing of larger purchase orders, we expect variability in the quarterly financial results.

Impact expects to increase sales by adding distributors and anticipates that its products will gain additional exposure as the distributors expand their own businesses (via organic and acquisition growth), which will result in more distributor representatives selling the Impact products. It is anticipated that these initiatives will have a positive impact on 2017 revenues and adjusted EBITDA.

The Corporation is receiving $104,000 per month in after-tax cash distributions from Impact.

Non-IFRS measures

Adjusted EBITDA for both our corporate head office and investees is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, share-based payments, losses recognized on the sale of investments, and any unusual non-operating one-time items such as corporate start-up costs and other revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is also adjusted for expenses relating to prior mineral property impairment reversal and arbitration. Readers are cautioned that adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to applicable generally accepted accounting principle measures as determined in accordance with IFRS.

About Founders Advantage Capital Corp.

The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a permanent investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive middle-market privately held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation’s innovative platform offers disproportionate incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our investees. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue managing the business while partnering with a long-term partner.

The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FCF”.

For further information, please refer to the Corporation’s website at www.advantagecapital.ca.

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Financial Information

Certain statements in this document constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to:

• the Corporation forecasts certain restructuring costs to be incurred related to Newton;
• the Corporation expects better run-rate profitability in subsequent quarters from Newton;
• the Corporation expects growing quarterly revenues from Newton going forward;
• the Corporation plans to obtain additional financing either through debt or equity;
• the Corporation is forecasting positive cash flows from operating activities;
• the Corporation expects DLC’s funded mortgage volumes will continue growing;
• the Corporation expects Newton to continue to ramp up its operations;
• the Corporation expects Newton’s income from operations to increase going forward;
• DLC anticipates it can increase Newton’s market share;
• DLC expects to continue to expand its network of mortgage brokers and franchisees;
• the Corporation expects Trevor Linden Club16’s membership base to continue growing;
• Trevor Linden Club16 anticipates continued growth in its personal training services;
• Trevor Linden Club16 expects to continue adding new members;
• Impact expects to increase sales by adding distributors;
• Impact expects its products will gain additional exposure; and
• The Corporation’s ability to win potential acquisitions over competing sources of investment, including, but not limited to, private equity, royalty funds or related structures.

Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made with respect to the following matters, in addition to any other assumptions identified in this document:

• The Corporation being able to source and negotiate transactions on acceptable terms and in a timely manner;
• The Corporation being able to source additional financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner;
• That the Board of Directors for each of the investee entities resolves to continue distributing cash as expected; and
• That the business of DLC, Trevor Linden Club16 and Impact will not suffer any material adverse changes.

Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as the Corporation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Corporation and described in the forward-looking information. The material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• The adequacy of the Corporation’s existing resources to complete additional potential transactions;
• The return for any acquisition not being as expected by the Corporation post-closing; and
• Incremental risks associated with any additional investee company, as well as the risks associated with the industries in which additional investees operate.

The foregoing list of risks is not exhaustive. For more information relating to risks, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Corporation’s current annual information form. The forward-looking information contained in this document is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.