SNC-LAVALIN ACQUIRES HYDROSULT

MONTREAL, Dec. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin is pleased to announce that it has acquired Hydrosult, an internationally recognized Montreal-based consulting firm specialized in the water sector. Founded in 1980, the firm has been operating internationally for 30 years, providing planning, management and engineering services in all areas of the water sector.

Ismail Najjar, Hydrosult's former president and owner, is now Vice-President, Water Resources. He and his team will be part of SNC-Lavalin's Environment Division. Mr. Najjar has over 30 years of international project experience and is a founding member and past governor of both the World Water Council and the Arab Water Council, and past Director of the International Water Resources Association.

"There is a growing demand for water resource planning and irrigation services in the international market and Hydrosult's services, including its internationally seasoned team of specialists, complement our own environmental consulting expertise in this sector. We have been working with Hydrosult for many years and they are our partners on our project in Afghanistan," said Jim Burke, Executive Vice-President, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.  "Ismail Najjar's reputation and extensive knowledge further strengthen our presence in this market, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia."

SNC-Lavalin (TSX:SNC) is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 35 other countries around the world, and is currently working in some 100 countries. www.snclavalin.com.

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