Montréal, February 3, 2012 – Le Fonds de solidarité FTQ is investing in the Montreal Impact. The announcement was made Friday by Joey Saputo, president of the Montreal Impact and Stade Saputo and Yvon Bolduc, president and director-general of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, as the soccer club enters its first season in MLS, the most prestigious league in North America.
“This is an important partnership with an organization that plays a major role in the economic and sustainable development of Quebec,” said Joey Saputo. “This agreement is more than just a financial partnership. By investing in the club, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ is supporting our development. We will use these additional resources to better launch success in MLS. With this strategic investment in the club, le Fonds is also sending a message to the rest of Quebec Inc. that MLS is major.”
The Fund’s investment of $7.5 million will give it a minority partnership’s share in Free-2-Play, the organization responsible for the management of the Impact, and also include a sponsorship. The agreement is subject to normal closing conditions.
“Le Fonds de solidarité FTQ is pleased to join the Montreal Impact as a minor partner of first class and very well managed sport organization,” declared Mr. Bolduc. “Since 1993, the Impact has become one of Quebec’s most beloved sports institutions. Year after year, Impact supporters continue to grow. The arrival of the Impact in MLS is good for our shareholders and will be beneficial to the neighbourhood.”
Mr. Bolduc also noted the continued contribution of Joey Saputo and his family to the Montreal Impact. “Some 20 years of hard work and success is bearing fruit. Your passion helped the Impact succeed and your vision will help Quebec youth realize their dreams.”
About the Impact
The Montreal Impact is the city’s professional soccer team. The club came to be in 1993 and now has four teams under its umbrella (pros, Under-21, Under-18 and Under-16), as well as a sports-etudes program. The club has won three playoff championships (1994, 2004 and 2009), five regular season titles (1995, 1996, 1997, 2005 and 2006), one Canadian Nutrilite Championship (2008) and took part in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in front of 55,571 supporters on February 25, 2009, at Olympic Stadium. The Impact, playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL) last season, has now joined the ranks of the most prestigious soccer league in North America in 2012, Major League Soccer. Stade Saputo, the Impact’s home field since 2008, will be expanded to seat 20,341 supporters for its first MLS season.
About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ helps drive our economy. With net assets of $8.2 billion as of November 30, 2011, the Fund is a development capital investment fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments in all sectors of the economy to help further Québec's economic growth. Its investments, in all sectors of the economy, contribute to the creation and maintenance of businesses and development in Quebec. The Fund is a partner, either directly or through its network members, in 2,129 companies. With its 583,235 owner-shareholders, it has helped, on its own or with other financial partners, to create, maintain and protect 160,789 jobs. For more information, visit www.cyberfondsftq.com.
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Information for media only
Patrick McQuilken
Senior Advisor for Media Relations and Communications
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Phone: 514 850-4835
Mobile: 514 703-5587
Email: pmcquilken@fondsftq.com
Patrick Vallée
Director of Communications
Montreal Impact
Phone: 514 328-3668 poste 227
Mobile: 514 919-0539
Email:
patrick.vallée@impactmontreal.com