Olymel & ATRAHAN Transformation To Partner

ST-HYACINTHE, QC — The executives of Olymel l.p. and ATRAHAN Transformation Inc of Yamachiche, Mauricie, announce that they have signed an agreement in principle with the aim of establishing a business partnership for the joint operation of their hog slaughtering, butchering and pork processing activities. ATRAHAN Transformation Inc., a family-owned business founded almost 60 years ago, has over 350 employees. It has a slaughtering capacity of nearly one million pigs per year, and exports quality products to more than 50 countries.

"In a true spirit of partnership, our two companies have decided to initiate discussions in order to join forces and take advantage of all the synergies that will result from pooling our operations in the pork sector. For nearly 60 years the succession of Trahan family members who have run the company have been visionary entrepreneurs, careful to provide proper management for their business. We at Olymel are proud to be able to embark on building a partnership that will strengthen our leadership position in the Canadian agri-food industry and also enable the owners and employees of ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. to enjoy the benefits of this alliance," noted Olymel President and CEO Réjean Nadeau

Once this partnership is concluded, Olymel and ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. will have access to additional supply volumes that will enable them to better meet the demands of their Québec, Canadian and foreign markets. The conclusion of this partnership is expected to result in profitable synergies for both companies. Of course, the 350 employees of ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. will continue operations at the Yamachiche plant. The plant will continue to serve its current customers and respect supply agreements with its suppliers under the Hog Marketing Agreement.

"It is with great confidence that we look forward to partnering with Olymel, a pillar of the Quebec agri-food industry, a strong, diversified company with which we share values such as respect for the individual, achieving the highest standards of quality and excellence in customer service. I am confident that, thanks to this partnership, the company in which the Trahan family has invested energy and passion for nearly 60 years will continue to grow. I also believe that our employees, suppliers and customers will be the first to benefit from the positive effects of this business partnership," added ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. President Denis Trahan.

The amounts involved in the partnership transaction will not be disclosed. The two companies expect to conclude the partnership agreement by May of this year, after due diligence and subject to the necessary approvals in such cases. Until that time, the executives of Olymel and ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. will not make any further comments.

About Olymel

Olymel l.p. is a leader in the production, processing and distribution of pork and poultry meats. The company has made feeding the world its mission, which it pursues passionately with products of impeccable quality. In carrying out its mission every day, Olymel relies on its tradition of maintaining a strong link between farm and table, as well as on innovation and attention to customer and consumer needs. The company employs close to 10,000 persons, including more than 7,000 in Quebec, and has large facilities in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. Olymel exports about a third of its total sales to the United States, Japan and Australia, as well as over 60 other countries. Its annual sales are on the order of 2.8 billion dollars. The company markets its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur and Flamingo brands. For more information about the company, visit www.olymel.ca

About ATRAHAN Transformation Inc.

Founded in 1956 in Yamachiche, Mauricie, ATRAHAN Transformation Inc. is a family-owned business under the direction of Denis and René Trahan and specializing in hog slaughtering butchering and pork processing, as well as the manufacture of pig by-products. Working closely with its partners and suppliers, the company has developed quality pork that meets the standards of demanding customers. The company employs more than 350 persons. Over the years, it has acquired the most modern, efficient equipment, bringing its slaughtering capacity to nearly a million hogs per year. It has annual sales of over 200 million dollars, and exports its products to more than fifty countries, including Japan, China and the United States.

Source: Olymel l.p.