Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins renews its commitment to developing
Québec's economy

QUÉBEC CITY, March 26 /CNW Telbec/ - At the 9th Annual General Meeting of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins today at the Québec City Convention Centre, Chairman of the Board André Lachapelle expressed special pride in the Company's achievements in 2009. Mr. Lachapelle focused on the ability of Capital régional to capitalize on economic conditions and further its mission of growing Québec's SMEs and cooperatives.

He was also pleased to underscore that the entire authorized issue for 2009- $150 million - had sold out before the February 28, 2010 deadline. "My warmest thanks go to our shareholders. They trust us, and with their commitment, they contribute to creating and retaining more than 32,000 jobs across Québec."

Marie-Claude Boisvert, COO of Desjardins Venture Capital, the Company's manager, confirmed that Capital régional had played a key role in supporting and guiding entrepreneurs through the troubled economic waters of recent times. "Our support was not merely financial. To provide thought leadership, we treated some of our partners to personalized coaching by seasoned and experienced entrepreneurs," she explained in her address.

The Annual General Meeting of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins also demonstrated how much the Company has contributed to regional economic development. An approach especially favoured by the Company is the business buyout - acquiring a majority interest in a company and then selling it forward when the next generation is financially ready to take the helm. Bridging between two generations of entrepreneurs makes it possible to keep business ownership in the regions. The financing put in place for the Aviation Division of Les Pétroles Therrien is a prime example, allowing the founder of the company to pass the torch to a new management team and shareholders while ensuring that operations would continue and jobs and expertise would remain in the region.

Last, both Mr. Lachapelle and Ms. Boisvert highlighted the partnership between Desjardins Group and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced last January. "This is a major vote of confidence and it speaks volumes about Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins' expertise and confirms the significant role Desjardins Venture Capital plays in the economic development of the regions," Ms. Boisvert remarked. "It is one more asset in our toolbox that supports us in our mission. You may be sure we will put it to the best of use, to the advantage of our SMEs."

About Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins

Founded in 2001, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins is a publicly traded company managed by Desjardins Venture Capital. With over 118,000 shareholders, the Company contributes to Québec's economic development while driving the growth of cooperatives and the resource regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins currently supports more than 225 companies, cooperatives and funds in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (capitalregional.com)

For further information: (for journalists only): André Chapleau, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, [phone], 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7229, [email protected]; On March 26 and 27: Press room at the Québec City Convention Centre, [phone]