Bell Aliant announces new ownership for Innovatia

SAINT JOHN, NB, Oct. 8 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Regional Communications Income Fund (Bell Aliant) (TSX: BA.UN) is pleased to announce that a share purchase agreement has been reached under which the current senior leaders of Innovatia, Roxanne Fairweather and David Grebenc, will assume ownership of Innovatia.

"Bell Aliant and the executive of Innovatia have determined that the time is right to transfer ownership of Innovatia to existing leaders who have a deep knowledge and understanding of this unique, specialized business," said Karen Sheriff , Bell Aliant President and CEO.

Innovatia Inc. is an award-winning knowledge management company, headquartered in Saint John, New Brunswick , with over 300 employees and contractors in Canada , the United States and India . Innovatia provides customers with end-to-end knowledge solutions that include training, documentation, technical support, and knowledge management professional services.

"Today's announcement is an exciting one for our company, our clients and our employees," said Roxanne Fairweather , Innovatia President and CEO. "Innovatia is a strong company with a proven track record and this transition will allow us to accelerate our innovation and growth agenda as a New Brunswick-based world-leader in knowledge management solutions."

All current employees of Innovatia will continue with the company which will operate under the Innovatia brand from headquarters in Saint John, New Brunswick . Bell Aliant and the new owners of Innovatia will work together in the coming weeks to ensure this transition is as seamless as possible for employees and clients.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close November 1, 2009 .

About Innovatia

Innovatia Inc. offers an expansive set of Next Generation Knowledge Solutions and capabilities, including an eLearning content library, training, documentation, technical support, and professional services. Our solutions help businesses reduce costs and improve productivity through effective creation and distribution of information. Innovatia employs more than 300 people in Canada , United States and India and serves customers around the world in the telecommunications, information technology, energy, and health sectors. For more information visit www.innovatia.net.

About Bell Aliant

Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions and advanced technology solutions. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services. Bell Aliant's employees are committed to deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience. More information may be found at www.bellaliant.ca.

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For further information: Media relations: Alyson Queen, Bell Aliant Public Affairs, [phone], [email protected]