Dessau acquires QSAR

LAVAL, QC, Nov. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Dessau's President and Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Pierre Sauriol, is proud to announce the acquisition of QSAR Risk Assessment Service Inc., a Laval-based firm specializing in the assessment and management of environmental risks that has been active in the field for nearly 14 years. The members of QSAR's team will join Dessau's Geo-Environment department.

"We are pleased to welcome the QSAR team to our own. These specialists' unique high-level expertise, including that of Dr. Loranger , an expert in environmental toxicology, provides a powerful complement to our existing services in contaminated soil characterization, site rehabilitation and risk management," Mr. Sauriol said.

"We are very proud to join one of Canada's leading engineering firms. After joining the Dessau team, our professionals will have the privilege of expanding their knowledge and skills thanks to the firm's impressive resources. They will also have unparalleled opportunities to work on major projects and take on interesting challenges within a broader sustainable development context," added QSAR's President, Dr. Sylvain Loranger .

About QSAR

Founded in 1996, QSAR is the first Quebec firm to specialize in assessing human and environmental health risks associated with chemicals, radiation and pathogens in the air, water, soil and sediments. QSAR provides original solutions and innovative alternatives to conventional methods of managing contaminated environments. The firm also provides custom training services in its various areas of expertise.

About Dessau

Founded in 1957, Dessau is the second largest engineering firm in Quebec , the fifth largest in Canada and one of the 100 largest in the world. Dessau has expertise in a large number of areas of activity related to engineering and construction, allowing it to plan, design, build and manage all infrastructure required by its private and public sector clients. The firm employs 4,300 people and has annual sales of $600 million . It is active in 45 cities in Canada and in North Africa , Latin America and the Caribbean. Dessau has been recognized as one of the "50 Best Employers in Canada " and one of "Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies."

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For further information: Sylvain Loranger, Ph.D., President, Service d'analyse de risque QSAR inc., [phone]; Pierre Lévesque, Senior Advisor, Communications, Dessau Inc., [phone], ext. 2084