Production Lareault to remain in Que. following business transfer

Andrea Borodenko and Antoine Casimir have acquired Lavaltrie-based Production Lareault, ensuring the company remains in Québec hands. (CNW Group/Production Lareault)

LAVALTRIE — A strawberry plant producer, Production Lareault, says new owners Antoine Casimir and Andrea Borodenko have acquired the Lavaltrie company, founded in 1953 and run by Luc and Lyne Lareault. With 185 hectares in the Lanaudière region, the company thus remains a Québec operation as it marks its 70th anniversary this year.

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Desjardins Group and FCC provided loans for this transaction.

“We are honoured to take up the torch from Luc and Lyne Lareault, who succeeded in building a Québec flagship with an international reputation. The support of our financial partners was crucial to the deal’s success and to keeping the head office in Québec. We are also delighted that all the employees will remain and that we can count on the support of Luc and Lyne Lareault to facilitate the transition. Lareault is an excellent platform for our future projects, which will leverage the company’s enviable reputation for quality and innovation,” said Antoine Casimir and Andrea Borodenko.

“Antoine and Andrea are dynamic Quebecers who know the market very well. They have several meaningful projects in mind for the future. I’m confident that their shared passion and expertise will propel Production Lareault to the next level,” said a delighted Luc Lareault, who will remain with the company to ensure a smooth handover and support Antoine and Andrea’s expansion plans.

“Business transfers are a major challenge for our SMEs. We are proud to support sellers like Luc and Lyne Lareault, and buyers like Antoine Casimir and Andrea Borodenko, who take the time to develop a succession plan that will help their company grow. Whether it’s coaching or financing, solutions exist for entrepreneurs who want to ensure the future of the company they’ve built and for buyers who want to contribute to our local economy,” said Janie C. Béïque, President and CEO of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.

“If our SMEs are to continue driving the Québec and Canadian economies, we must support owners looking to sell and entrepreneurs looking to buy,” said Paul Béland, FCC’s Senior Relationship Manager. “Thanks to the keen business sense and know-how of Production Lareault’s former and new owners, this transfer will long be held up as an example. What a great way to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary. We wish Production Lareault and its new owners the best for the future.”