Québec City, March 28, 2008 – The 7th Annual General Meeting of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins was held today at the Québec City Convention Centre. André Lachapelle, the Company's Chairman of the Board, took particular pride in underscoring the steadfast support of more than 120,000 shareholders whose investments contribute to the growth of 195 companies, providing close to 30,000 jobs in Québec.

Mr. Lachapelle also mentioned that the sale of shares is continuing through the Desjardins caisse network. He was pleased to announce that only $50M remains available after a mere 10 days of sales. “We’re seeing real enthusiasm for this product—and just as strong as it was a few years back,” remarked Mr. Lachapelle. “Our shareholders know that buying Capital régional shares is an attractive investment, particularly for those who have no extra RRSP contribution room.”

Louis L. Roquet, President and Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Venture Capital, the Company’s manager, explained the strategies put in place to confront economic conditions that appear unlikely to improve anytime during the upcoming year. “We’ve been proactive, we’ve refined our strategies, our teams are more highly specialized and our investment portfolio is less vulnerable,” he reported “Given that Capital régional’s permanent status requires a different strategy, we can now commit to investing close to $200M over the next two years. We’re also actively continuing our support to our partner companies who will have to face an extremely difficult economic climate. Because after all, our entrepreneurs have put 40 years into building up our economy—and we’ve got to keep our businesses here in Québec.”

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins

Founded in 2001, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins is a publicly traded company managed by Desjardins Venture Capital. With over 120,000 shareholders, the Company contributes to Québec’s economic development while supporting the growth of cooperatives and the resource regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins currently invests in 195 companies and cooperatives in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (capitalregional.com)

- 30 -

For further information:

Close this window