SNC-Lavalin aquires engineering firm in Brazil

MONTREAL , Dec. 22, 2009 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin is pleased to announce the acquisition of Marte Engenharia Ltda., a leading Brazilian engineering firm with approximately 1,000 employees. The firm serves the power industry in Brazil and Latin America, with particular expertise in the design of high voltage transmission lines and electrical substations.

The firm was founded more than 20 years ago, and is well known for delivering studies, engineering, inspection, construction supervision and maintenance services to electric utilities, hydro and nuclear generators, and private companies.

"We are very pleased to welcome Marte to the team," said Cindy Andrew , Senior Vice-President and General Manager of SNC-Lavalin's Transmission & Distribution division. "With the additional expertise of our Brazilian personnel, we have further strengthened our team of transmission and distribution experts, and our position in Brazil's strong and growing economy. We look forward to continuing to deliver major transmission line and substation projects worldwide."

"This is an exciting day for Marte and its employees," said Eduardo Villas , who will become Superintendant Director of SNC-Lavalin Marte. "By joining SNC-Lavalin we offer our clients the best of our local expertise, combined with the worldwide experience and project excellence for which SNC-Lavalin is known. In addition, we can provide career development and growth opportunities for all Marte staff."

Patrick Lamarre , Executive Vice-President responsible for SNC-Lavalin's global power operations, said, "This acquisition complements and reinforces our world class technical expertise in the power industry. With this addition, we are well positioned to serve the South American power industry and to expand our role in Brazil's booming economy."

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

For further information: Media: Leslie Quinton, Vice-President, Global Corporate Communications, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., [phone], ext. 7354, [email protected]; Investors: Denis Jasmin, Vice-President, Investor Relations, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., [phone], ext. 7553, [email protected]