Trois-Rivières, June 8, 2026 – Following the announcement on June 5 confirming the acquisition of Duchesne et Fils by the Zohar Group and the continuation of its operations, the SADC and CAE Network, along with CAE Laprade Trois-Rivières, wish to highlight the exceptional mobilization that has secured the future of this iconic manufacturing company in the Mauricie region.

This transaction brings an end to several months of uncertainty for the Yamachiche-based company, its employees, its suppliers, and the entire community that revolves around this economic institution founded nearly 100 years ago. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the SADCs and CAE, more than a hundred jobs have been preserved, and recognized manufacturing expertise will continue to contribute to Quebec’s prosperity.

As part of this operation, CAE Laprade Trois-Rivières granted the largest financing package in its history to Groupe Zohar, a major initiative made possible by the financial tools developed by the SADC and CAE Network and the solidarity of its members.

An extraordinary intervention

For the SADC and CAE Network, this contribution demonstrates the network’s ability to mobilize quickly when strategic businesses face major challenges.

“The financing provided for the acquisition of Duchesne et Fils represents an extraordinary intervention for our Network. Typically, SADCs and CAEs offer smaller-scale loans. In this major case for the economy of the Mauricie region and Quebec, we were able to go much further thanks to the financial tools developed by the SADC and CAE Network and the solidarity of our members. This collective effort enabled CAE Laprade Trois-Rivières to make a tangible contribution to the continued operations of a major manufacturing company. It demonstrates that when our Network joins forces, it can make a real difference in preserving businesses, jobs, and the expertise of our regions.”

— Pascal Harvey, President and CEO of the SADC and CAE Network

The intervention carried out in this case reflects the fundamental mission of the SADCs and CAEs: to support regional economic development by assisting entrepreneurs and offering them financial solutions tailored to their needs.

Saving More Than Just a Business

For CAE Laprade Trois-Rivières, the Duchesne et Fils case went far beyond a simple financial transaction.

“When we analyzed this case, we weren’t just looking at a company’s financial statements. We were looking at the future of hundreds of workers and their families, the future of a century-old business, and that of a community that has built itself around it for generations. In Yamachiche, Duchesne et Fils is much more than an employer: it is a symbol of pride, expertise, and resilience. Thanks to the exceptional mobilization of the SADC and CAE Network, we were able to act quickly and provide a solution. This intervention demonstrates that our Network is capable of responding swiftly when businesses in our regions face major challenges. By helping to preserve this company and its jobs, we have also helped to preserve an important part of the economic heritage of the Mauricie region and Quebec.”

— Jean Laroche, President of the SADC and CAE Network and of CAE Laprade Trois-Rivières

This mobilization was also praised by regional economic development stakeholders, such as the SADC of the Maskinongé MRC, who recognize the importance of preserving a business so vital to the region.

The Strength of a Network

The success of this operation demonstrates the relevance of the economic development model championed by the SADCs and CAEs for the past 45 years. Thanks to their presence in all regions of Quebec, their on-the-ground knowledge, and their ability to work collaboratively, network members are able to act quickly when the future of Quebec’s economic flagship companies is at stake.

The support provided to Duchesne et Fils also demonstrates the Network’s ability—through its primary financial tool, Capital Réseau—to develop innovative financial solutions and mobilize capital for the benefit of communities.

As an example of the strength of the collective model of the SADCs and CAEs, Capital Réseau has enabled the entire Network to rally around three major economic challenges: business succession, digital transformation, and the green transition of SMEs. This regional solidarity is already bearing fruit. In just 17 months, the three dedicated funds have invested $14.75 million in 416 Quebec SMEs, mobilizing nearly $219 million in additional capital and supporting more than 5,400 jobs. Every dollar invested has generated nearly $15 more in the economy, demonstrating the exceptional catalytic effect of these funds.

About the SADC and CAE Network

The 57 SADCs and 10 CAEs have been working for 45 years to promote economic development in their communities. The SADC and CAE Network comprises more than 1,000 professionals and volunteers who support and fund over 10,000 entrepreneurs and 1,500 local economic development projects each year. SADCs and CAEs offer entrepreneurs personalized and ongoing support, as well as flexible financing products tailored to their needs.

Economic Development Canada for the Regions of Quebec provides financial support to SADCs and CAEs.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Christine Pilote, Director of Communications | SADC and CAE Network | Tel.: 581-999-6363 | [email protected]