Technology and engineering consulting expert - AKKA TECHNOLOGIES GROUP SETS
UP OPERATIONS IN GREATER MONTRÉAL

MONTREAL, Nov. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - AKKA Technologies Group, a technology and engineering consulting expert, sets up operations in Greater Montréal to develop its activities in North America and accelerate its international growth. The newly-created entity, AKKA Group North America, benefiting from the assistance of Montréal International to establish itself in the Montréal metropolitan region, intends to hire over 100 people in the short term.

The Group has more than 5,600 associates on its roster, and has been working with industry and service sector companies for over 25 years to aid them in their quest for innovation and productivity. The company provides guidance at every step of a project's life cycle and offers know-how on all fields to its clients. It has operations in 11 countries around the world: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Romania, Morocco, Spain, UK, India and the United Arab Emirates. AKKA's international sales accounted for 12% of its total earnings, which amounted to €364 million in 2009.

The establishment of AKKA Technologies in Greater Montréal is part of the Group's initiative to increase its international market share, notably in North America, and to offer its services to Québec industry. "AKKA Group North America intends to support major international programs by rapidly developing strategic partnerships with local businesses in the aerospace, rail and new alternative technologies sectors. We will do so through the expertise of our skills and excellence centres which specialize in design, calculation, and processing for real-time onboard systems, and application software," said Maurice Ricci, CEO of AKKA Technologies.

"By choosing the Greater Montréal region, AKKA Technologies is recognizing the importance of Québec in major industries such aerospace and rail. AKKA Technologies' in-depth knowledge of these sectors of excellence in Québec will bring in expertise as well as innovative and creative solutions that will benefit our whole industry," stated Clément Gignac, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

"Businesses such as AKKA Technologies that choose our city help create new wealth favouring all Montréalers. We work daily with our partners to strengthen Montréal as a city of innovation and knowledge. I am very pleased to see that our efforts have paid off," underlined Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal.

"Montréal International is proud to have worked with Entreprise Rhône-Alpes International (ERAI) to help AKKA Technologies—an engineering firm known for its expertise in the high-tech sectors—set up shop in Greater Montréal. This announcement further enhances the international reputation of Metropolitan Montréal as a centre for higher knowledge. The availability of a highly qualified workforce in the region was undoubtedly a key factor in the company's decision to set up in our city," said Jacques St-Laurent, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International.

About AKKA Technologies
AKKA Technologies, a European high-technology and engineering consultancy provides guidance to industrial and service companies across the various stages of their projects, from R&D to industrialization. AKKA Technologies, through its expertise in complementary fields, delivers real added value to its clients in every market segment: automotive, aeronautics, space/defence, consumer electronics, telecommunications, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steelmaking, energy, rail, naval operations and services. Thanks to its highly mobile teams and its global footprint, AKKA Technologies is capable of participating in cutting-edge projects across the world. The Group has more than 5,600 associates in over 50 subsidiaries in France, Belgium, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Germany, Morocco, India, Romania and the United Arab Emirates.

AKKA Technologies is listed on Euronext™ Paris - Compartment C - Code ISIN: FR0004180537. Indices: SBF 250, CAC IT and CAC Small 90. For more information go to www.akka.eu

About Montréal International
Montréal International (MI) was created in 1996 as a result of a private/public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of metropolitan Montréal and to enhance its international status. Its mandates include attracting foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers, as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International is funded by the private sector, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community), the City of Montréal and the Governments of Canada and Québec.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract more than $7.5 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 43,000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed almost half of the 70 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and attract more than 4,000 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

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