Montréal, April 14, 2009 – The ninth capitalization period of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins totalling $150 million begins April 15, 2009 across the Desjardins caisse network. Purchasing the shares qualifies shareholders for the substantial 50% provincial tax credit on a maximum eligible amount of $5,000 annually. Shareholders who obtained the tax credit when they invested seven years ago, for example on December 31, 2001, have enjoyed an after-tax return of more than 9.2%.

Since its creation, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins’ mission has been to contribute to Québec’s economic development and to drive the growth of the resource regions. As at December 31, 2008, total commitments reached $477 million in 213 companies, cooperatives and funds contributing to the retention of over 30,000 jobs.

Confidence in Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins has remained high throughout the years and at the end of fiscal 2008, the Company had 122,128 shareholders. The last issue, which closed on February 28, 2009, raised more than $141 million and allowed Capital régional to continue its front line role in the economic development of Québec.

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)