Licensed marijuana producer Aphria Inc. announced Monday it will buy Brampton-based medical cannabis firm Nuuvera Inc. for $826 million.

The deal is the latest of many in Canada’s marijuana industry as companies look to gain market leverage before the drug becomes legal later this year.

The combined company will leverage Nuuvera's extensive international network and best-in-class manufacturing practices to become “the preeminent global supplier of premium cannabis,” Aphria said in a release.

"The combination of Aphria and Nuuvera creates a true global leader in medical cannabis with excellent potential for growth and value creation," said Vic Neufeld, chief executive officer of Aphria. "This transaction, which builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies, brings together our top tier ability to grow high-quality cannabis at a low cost with Nuuvera's expansive international network, expertise in processing and access to industry-leading technology. I am thrilled to welcome Nuuvera to the Aphria family and I am confident they will play a significant role in our continued success."

