GENIVAR, a Canadian leader in engineering and construction, gains a presence in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Léandre Gervais & Associé(e)s joins GENIVAR
Val-d’Or, May 18, 2005 – GENIVAR, a Canadian leader in engineering and construction, today announced the acquisition of the consulting engineering firm Léandre Gervais & Associé(e)s (LGA). Based in Val-d’Or and Rouyn-Noranda, LGA has nearly 80 employees. The transaction gives GENIVAR, with 1,200 employees, a solid presence in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Deploying skills
“LGA has developed world-class expertise in engineering and project management in mining and forestry products infrastructure and installations. Located in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, their offices will become a GENIVAR centre of excellence in mining and metallurgy and an important strategic region for growth of the firm, including the Northern Quebec region,” said Pierre Shoiry, President of GENIVAR. “This centre of excellence will not only provide clients with engineering services, an area in which LGA has solid expertise, but will also develop its know-how in mining and metallurgical processes through a transfer of knowledge from GENIVAR’s current team. LGA possesses recognized expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering as well as automation, instrumentation and control. All these skills position the firm as a strategic partner of choice for companies in the mining, metallurgical and forest products industries. They will enable GENIVAR to support clients in every aspect of their operations and in their development of large capital projects in Canada and abroad.”
Developing a multidisciplinary team
GENIVAR also intends to expand the skills base of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue offices, particularly in municipal engineering, transportation and building sectors, and to develop the range of environmental and energy services offered. This will enable GENIVAR to strengthen its business relationships with current and prospective clients in the region. The firm is currently carrying out several studies and projects, most notably for Hydro-Québec, private power producers and native communities. “It is a win-win situation no matter how you look at it,” Mr. Shoiry explained, “as much for our team, which will further develop its multidisciplinary capability, as for our clients. GENIVAR’s business culture favours putting down roots in the communities we serve, developing skills locally and being near our clients—an approach that creates added value and promotes the establishment of long-term relationships.”
Well established partners in their region
LGA was founded in 1995 by its current president, Léandre Gervais, P. Eng., who has 15 years of experience in the mining industry. Mr. Gervais becomes Regional Vice-President, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec and is responsible for developing both the business and the skills base in these regions. Yves Bouchard, Eng., will manage the Val-d’Or office and work closely with his current partners, Réjean Founier, Eng., Stephen Authier, Tech., and Jean Béliveau, Eng., who assumes responsibility for developing the mining centre of excellence. Sylvain Dallaire, Eng., will continue managing the Rouyn-Noranda office. All six men are becoming GENIVAR shareholders and they will be directly involved in project implementation, follow-up with clients and GENIVAR’s commitment to local communities.
“We are very pleased to join forces with GENIVAR, because it gives us new momentum,” said Mr. Gervais. “We now have the possibility of multiplying our business opportunities and to carry out even larger and more complex projects due to GENIVAR’s size, capacity and vast pool of multidisciplinary skills, and the growth potential of our region. We share the same values, in particular, a dedication to quality service and professionalism. GENIVAR is a highly respected firm in the engineering and construction fields and its entrepreneurial philosophy is similar to ours. That is why we look forward to a future full of opportunities for our team as well as an range of services for our clients.”
LGA has carried out an impressive number of projects in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, northeastern Ontario and abroad. Recent projects include the Lapa gold mine infrastructure in Abitibi for Agnico-Eagle; Tembec’s Temlam laminated veneer lumber plant in Amos; and the Casa Bérardi gold mine north of La Sarre for Aurizon Mines. Several other projects have also been completed in Kazakhstan (Kazzinc-Maleevsky), Peru (Yauliyacu) and Tanzania (Barrick Gold).
About GENIVAR
GENIVAR is a Canadian leader in engineering and construction, delivering global solutions based on an integrated approach to projects. The firm has 1,200 employees and offices in Canada, Africa and the Caribbean. GENIVAR provides services in engineering, construction, environmental studies and organizational development.
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Information:
Marlène Casciaro
Director of Communications
GENIVAR Inc.
Tel.: (514) 340-0046, extension 184,
or (819) 825-4274
marlene.casciaro@genivar.com
Léandre Gervais, Eng.
Regional Vice-President and Associate
GENIVAR Inc.
Tel.: (819) 825-4274
