Government of Canada Lends Financial Support to La Petite Bretonne Inc.

BLAINVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 22, 2012) - Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, today announced that the firm La Petite Bretonne Inc. has been granted financial assistance from the Government of Canada to acquire leading-edge equipment, automate its chain of production for chocolatines and bolster its production capabilities.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping Quebec's small and medium-sized enterprises continue to develop in order to remain competitive and create employment. By contributing to this La Petite Bretonne project, we are fostering the growth and productivity of our local businesses," said Mr. Gourde.

Founded in 1966, La Petite Bretonne is a world-renowned company specializing in the large-scale production of micro-croissants, chocolatines and other fresh-baked products. The dynamic firm recently adopted a strategic plan to enable it to pursue its development and increase its presence on the American market.

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This $500,000 in repayable assistance has been granted through Canada Economic Development's Business and Regional Growth program, an initiative designed to strengthen the conditions conducive to the sustainable growth of Quebec's regions and small and medium-sized enterprises by, among other things, helping businesses improve their performance, become more competitive and engage more heavily in innovation. According to La Petite Bretonne's management, the company's $8.8 million investment in this development project will result in the creation of 14 quality jobs.

To learn more about La Petite Bretonne Inc., visit www.petitebretonne.com.

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