Montréal, March 2, 2009 – Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins announced today that share sales are now closed for its 2008 issue. Since the beginning of the 2008 issue on March 18, over $140 million were raised for investments to promote Québec’s economic vitality.

Once again this year, due to the exceptional support of the Desjardins caisse network, a multitude of investors took advantage of the 50% Québec tax credit. “As our SMBs grapple with economic uncertainty, it is very important that funds like Capital régional keep supporting the bright futures of companies and cooperatives,” stated André Lachapelle, Chairman of the Board of Capital régional.

Share sales for the 2009 issue will get underway on April 15, 2009.

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 122,000 shareholders, the Company contributes to Québec’s economic development while driving the growth of cooperatives and the resource regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins currently supports more than 200 companies and cooperatives in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (www.capitalregional.com)