Published Wednesday, December 16, 2020 9:11AM EST Last Updated Wednesday, December 16, 2020 3:36PM EST In the latest sign of the cannabis industry's efforts to streamline its operations and take advantage of what they hope will be a promising U.S. market, two of Canada's most prominent pot companies said Wednesday that they plan to merge. Leamington, Ont.-based Aphria Inc. and Nanaimo-based Tilray Inc. announced they will unite under the Tilray name - a move they say will help them slash costs, control the biggest slice of the Canadian retail market and dominate the burgeoning U.S. cannabis industry. “This transaction brings together two leading cannabis companies, creating a clear global leader, strengthening our global footprint and positioning the new Tilray for further growth,” Tilray chief executive Brendan Kennedy said on a Wednesday call with analysts.