Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ Support Groupe IPS in the Acquisition of Groupe Vulcain

Québec City, le 10 April 2025

The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ – Chaudière-Appalaches (FRS) has assisted Groupe Systèmes Préfabriqués Intégrés (IPS) with the acquisition of Les Revêtements Vulcain inc., Produits Architecturaux Simard inc. and Location Sténa inc.. 

Founded by Louis-Pierre Létourneau, IPS specializes in the operation of manufacturing companies serving the construction industry. Since 2006, the FRS has backed more than 10 takeover projects carried out by IPS's seasoned management team or its shareholders. 

Groupe Vulcain, still run by Stéphan Simard, manufactures and instals exterior cladding. Mr. Simard took over the business founded with his father and brothers in 1982 and went on to establish Vulcain as an industry benchmark.

"The FRS are key players in ensuring the long-term viability of small and mid-sized local businesses by fostering closer ties among entrepreneurs in the same region. This new partnership with a management team that has developed solid takeover expertise is in line with that approach," said Frédéric Bernard, Regional Vice-President of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ Québec City – Chaudière-Appalaches. 

"This deal will enable us to strengthen our position in the building envelope niche and develop synergies among the group's entities in the region. The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ – Chaudière-Appalaches has been a long-standing partner, and we thank them for their support," added IPS shareholder Christian Giguère. 

Nearly half of the investments made by the 17 Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ in recent years have been to support SME transfers in the regions.

About the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ 

A part of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ network, the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ help further regional economic development in Québec by channelling the savings of more than 795,374 Quebecers into local investments. The Fonds régionaux have invested $1.5 billion in more than 1,700 companies since their inception in 1996. 

With 17 offices across Québec, the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ offer small and mid-sized enterprises customized loan and equity solutions. Each product is developed based on the company's characteristics and the region's economic reality. Requiring no corporate or personal guarantee, FRS loans typically do not entail legal or management fees and are designed to complement traditional financing.