THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC AND HSBC BANK CANADA JOIN FORCES
TO SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION OF QUÉBEC SMES

MONTREAL, Nov. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and HSBC Bank Canada today announced that they have signed a cooperation agreement to support and accelerate the expansion and growth opportunities of Québec companies wishing to do business internationally.

This three-year agreement will assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who aspire to develop business internationally with the implementation of their projects, including expansion, acquisition and investment activities. Together, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and HSBC Bank Canada will offer qualified SMEs financing for projects of 10 million dollars and more, as well as banking services.

"One of the enduring barriers for SMEs doing business internationally is the lack of overseas knowledge and contacts, and so we are very pleased to work with the Caisse in supporting Québec companies that want to expand around the world," said Lindsay Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Canada.

"Québec companies face major hurdles internationally," said Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse. "For SMEs, acquisition and expansion project financing is difficult to find. Our goal is to support their efforts. We are very proud to work with HSBC Bank Canada, a bank whose renowned expertise and extensive global network will complement our efforts to help promising and successful Québec companies."

ABOUT THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. At December 31, 2009, it held $131.6 billion of net assets. As one of the leading institutional fund managers in Canada, the Caisse invests in the main financial markets as well as in private equity and real estate. For more information: www.lacaisse.com.

ABOUT HSBC BANK CANADA
HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 260 offices, including over 140 bank branches and is the leading international and trade finance bank in Canada. With around 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories and assets of US$2,418 billion at 30 June 2010, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations.

For further information:

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec    Maxime Chagnon Senior Director, Media and Public Relations 514 847-5493

HSBC Bank Canada Fabrice de Dongo Senior Manager, Public Affairs 416 868-8282