Montréal, August 5, 2009 – The Solidarity Fund QFL has invested $15.5 million to support the growth and development of Groupe Robert, a transportation, storage and logistics company known for its service excellence and culture of quality.
“A Fund partner for the past 16 years, Groupe Robert is a glowing example of a structuring and profitable partnership for our shareholders. Together, we have been able to go through various economic cycles with success. Despite fluctuations in the dollar and in gas prices over the past few years, Claude Robert and his team have managed to run a tight ship. This investment of $15.5 million will help the company seize acquisition opportunities and continue running and growing all of its operations,” stated Gaétan Morin, Executive Vice President, Investments, Solidarity Fund QFL.
Over the years, Groupe Robert has sought to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing a continuous improvement program aimed at speed control and fuel management. In fact, the company has installed a telemetry device in some 1,000 trucks to measure real-time fuel consumption. With a view to optimizing driver comfort and safety, Groupe Robert is also looking to implement ways to better control driver fatigue.
Known for its excellence, Robert Transport was named the 2008 Large Company of the Year by the Specialty Vehicles and Transportation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (AMETVS). It also ranked among Canada’s Best 50 Employers in 2005, 2006 and 2008, and was counted among the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada in 2005 and 2006.
About the Solidarity Fund QFLWith net assets of $6.4 billion as at May 31, 2009, the Solidarity Fund QFL is a development capital company that through its RRSP channels the savings of Quebecers into investments in all sectors of the economy to help create and maintain jobs and to further Québec's economic growth. The Fund is a partner, either directly or through its network members, in 2,000 companies. It currently has nearly 571,000 shareholders and has helped, on its own or with other financial partners, to create, maintain and protect nearly 143,000 jobs. For more information, visit
www.fondsftq.com.
Note: The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives. Sources : Josée Lagacé
Senior Advisor, Press Relations and Communications
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Telephone : 514 850-4835