Platform businesses will grow through add-on acquisitions of competitors and other complementary businesses.

WesternOne adds to its platform acquisitions by acquiring smaller ‘‘add-on’’ businesses in the same industries, the owners of which typically have no succession plan.

Management believes there are a significant number of these opportunities in Western Canada and that they are well positioned to offer owners of these businesses an attractive exit strategy that can be tailored to their individual circumstances.

WesternOne generally acquires from 51% to 100% of the ownership of each such business, utilizing a combination of cash and Units for acquisitions.

This flexible approach enables WesternOne and selling business owners to structure the most efficient exit strategy from both a tax and operational viewpoint.