Investissement Québec recently provided financial support of more than $1.3 million from its own funds to support the acquisition of Matelas Orthopédique by Francis Martin, Éric Goulet, Annick Tardif and Karine Tardif, who will collectively take over from Ghislain Fortier, a shareholder for more than 25 years. This support is in addition to that of other partners who have contributed to the realization of the succession project.
Over the past three decades, Matelas Orthopédique has specialized in mattress manufacturing and has carved out a niche for itself against the competition by offering a diverse and high-quality product offering. The East Broughton-based company is constantly expanding and develops its products using the latest technologies on the market.
“The Matelas Orthopédique announcement is a wonderful story of entrepreneurship that demonstrates the vitality of Chaudière-Appalaches businesses. Our regional network teams are on the front lines supporting local businesses. Their daily commitment actively contributes to the economic development of all of Quebec. The results announced today demonstrate not only the relevance of our mission, but also Investissement Québec’s ability to remain attentive to Quebec businesses and adjust its offerings to better meet their challenges,” says Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.
“The support provided by Investissement Québec throughout our acquisition process was very helpful. The financial assistance resulting from this work is the culmination of a rigorous process,” says Francis Martin, General Manager of Matelas Orthopédique.
Summary of activities
Investissement Québec took advantage of this announcement to unveil its activities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. In an economic context marked by uncertainty and against the backdrop of a tariff war with the United States, Investissement Québec's economic development mission has proven more relevant than ever in meeting the needs of businesses in the region, such as Matelas Orthopédique.
Indeed, during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the state-owned company implemented financing and support solutions in line with the challenges faced by businesses, which had to deal with various economic turbulences and the threat of tariffs imposed by the American administration. The Panorama financial solution was launched at the end of the fiscal year to support the working capital needs of companies aiming to increase or diversify their sales outside the United States, coupled with support from our international network.
The Company also launched the Grand V initiative, which combines financing and technological support to stimulate business investment, increase their productivity and propel their growth.
Investissement Québec experts from Chaudière-Appalaches once again this year helped support local businesses, whether through their financing and investment interventions, technological support or market development.
Here are some highlights of Investissement Québec’s impact:
More than 250 financial interventions, for financing exceeding $760 million, contributing to the completion of projects worth nearly $1.15 billion.
Some 130 support sessions provided by regional network teams or in innovation, enabling companies to be more innovative, increase their productivity or take the digital turn.
262 export support initiatives were carried out by Investissement Québec International teams to support companies' efforts abroad and in the rest of Canada to diversify their markets. These efforts led to firm sales worth $257 million. At the same time, $738 million in foreign direct investment or reinvestment by subsidiaries of foreign companies was confirmed in the region during the fiscal year.
“For businesses in Chaudière-Appalaches that want to take action and develop projects to support their growth, increase their productivity and ensure their competitiveness in a rapidly changing economic context, Investissement Québec is there. Thanks to the combination of our support and financing services, we are able to demonstrate agility and creativity to support companies in the region and all regions of Quebec, so that they are more innovative, more productive, and diversify their markets to ensure their sustainability,” emphasizes Maxime Dionne, Regional Director for Chaudière-Appalaches.
For all of the state corporation's activities, nearly 6,750 support interventions and 2,350 financing interventions generated financial commitments of more than $4.7 billion during the year to support projects with a total value exceeding $21.4 billion.