Claridge and la Caisse join forces to take advantage of business opportunities in Israel's technology and innovation sectors

MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Claridge and la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec are proud to announce a partnership to launch Claridge CDPQ Israel, a new investment firm based in Tel Aviv, dedicated to investments in Israel's civil technology and innovation sectors. Frequently referred to as the 'new Silicon Valley,' Israel has transformed into a world-class business ecosystem for the innovation sector. The progress has been so remarkable that Israel has become one of a select group of countries with the most companies listed on NASDAQ.

"We are putting in place the necessary infrastructure and capital to develop investment opportunities in technology companies with high growth potential that have succeeded in reaching the marketing stage. The partnership with la Caisse fits perfectly in our common strategic and patient investment philosophy," said Pierre Boivin, President and CEO of Claridge Inc.

The launch of Claridge CDPQ Israel is part of la Caisse's strategy to establish a presence in high-growth countries with partners who have an in-depth knowledge of the market. "Our participation in Claridge CDPQ Israel gives la Caisse access to a globally-recognized hub for innovation. Such an environment will offer higher returns, greatly benefiting our depositors," said Andreas Beroutsos, la Caisse's Executive Vice-President of Private Equity and Infrastructure. "Through the new firm, la Caisse can also give Québec-based companies access to these innovative Israeli technologies, ultimately serving Québec's economic development."

Management of the new firm will be headed by Oded Tal, an Israeli who previously held the position of Chief Investment Officer at Claridge in Montréal from 2000 to 2008. Until recently, Mr. Tal served as Managing Director and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for Leumi Partners, the investment banking arm of the notable Leumi banking group. In this capacity, he spearheaded a number of significant transactions and investments in Israel that gave him a deep understanding of the country's business community.

"We are confident that the partnership between Claridge and la Caisse, combined with Mr. Tal's expertise, will add to the significant business experience and sustained community investment of the Bronfman family in Israel. Together, these factors are crucial ingredients in a winning recipe that will benefit parties in both Québec and Israel," added Stephen Bronfman, Executive Chairman of the Claridge Inc. Board of Directors.

About la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2014, it held $214.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, la Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate, globally.

About Claridge Inc. 
Founded in 1987 by Charles Bronfman, Claridge is an investment firm headquartered in Montréal, Québec. Today, the firm represents the interests of the Stephen Bronfman family and is actively involved in managing a diverse portfolio of third-party investments, as well as direct equity participations in the food, technology, energy, entertainment and real estate industries.

SOURCE Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

Claridge Inc., Montreal, Louis Aucoin, MPA, Octane Strategies, [email protected], [phone]; Tel Aviv, Aviv Weizmann, Stern-Ariely PR, [email protected], [phone]; Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Media Relations, Jean-Benoît Houde, [email protected], [phone]