New Québec Government Provisions Acknowledge Achievements of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins Since Inception

Montréal, November 9, 2007 – Today's announcement of the Québec government's new provisions regarding Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins was favourably received by Desjardins. Alban D'Amours, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, indicated how pleased he was that initiatives taken to drive economic development in all Québec regions have proven worthwhile.

Under these new provisions, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins will benefit from sufficient and permanent capitalization as well as more flexible investment standards to underpin its mission to support Québec cooperatives and companies.

"In so doing, the government has demonstrated its deep concern for companies and cooperatives, and its desire to keep decision-making centres in Québec and its regions," added Mr. D'Amours. "In light of the major challenges facing our regions, financial tools like ours provide invaluable strategic support for their development. At a time when business transfers are gaining more and more attention, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins represents an ideal solution for both outgoing and incoming entrepreneurs."

The information bulletin released today by the Québec Ministère des Finances also announced an increase in the tax credit on purchases of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins shares. The credit will be stepped up from 35% to 50%. In addition, the maximum eligible amount will increase from $2,500 to $5,000.

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins began as a project of Mr. D'Amours during his first term as President and CEO of Desjardins Group. "Six years and almost 120,000 shareholders later, Capital régional has supported nearly 215 companies and cooperatives in all regions of Québec, providing over 29,000 jobs."

Given these new provisions, the sale of shares for the current capital-raising campaign has been suspended, effective immediately, pending regulatory approval of the new prospectus.

"I am optimistic share sales will resume in early December," said André Lachapelle, Chairman of the Board of Capital régional. With such good news and $50 million in shares still to be sold for 2007, I would not be surprised if we saw the same scarcity effect we've experienced in the past where the shares are snapped up in a few days flat," he added.

Louis L. Roquet, President and COO of Desjardins Venture Capital, the Company's manager, found the provisions reassuring. "We have put a great deal of energy into ensuring the continuity of Capital régional, which is now poised to fully meet its regional economic development mission," stated Mr. Roquet. He added that the December 31, 2010 deadline implied a considerably different management model since companies and cooperatives can be supported over a five-to eight-year period.

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 driving the growth of cooperatives and the resources regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins currently supports 215 companies and cooperatives in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (www.capitalregional.com)

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Sylvie Audet
Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Communications
Desjardins Venture Capital
514-281-7799

Danièle Routhier
Manager, Public Affairs
Desjardins Venture Capital
514-281-2211