Shares entitle investors to a Québec income tax credit of up to $2,500 and give concrete support to the development of Québec SMEs and cooperatives

Montréal, May 9, 2012 – Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins (CRCD) announces the launch of the 2012 share issue, with a capital value of $150 million. The shares will be available through the Desjardins caisse network in Québec starting May 28, 2012. Backed by the savings of some 107,000 shareholders, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins will pursue its mission to support the growth of Québec SMEs and cooperatives.

Purchasing shares of Fonds CRCD allows shareholders to provide concrete support for the development of SMEs and cooperatives in Québec’s regions and also enjoy a substantial provincial tax credit of up to $2,500 on a maximum eligible subscription of $5,000 per year.

The last capitalization for an authorized $150 million in 2011 sold out entirely in less than four months, well before the February 29, 2012 deadline.

About Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a publicly traded company managed by Desjardins Venture Capital. With close to 107,000 shareholders and net assets of $1,220.4 million, the Company contributes to Québec’s economic development while driving the growth of cooperatives and the resource regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins directly and indirectly supports close to 300 companies, cooperatives and funds in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (www.capitalregional.com)