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Canada’s largest strawberry plant producer changes hands

Quebec’s Antoine Casimir and Andrea Borodenko have acquired Canada’s largest strawberry plant producer, Production Lareault. The Lavaltrie, Que., company, with 185 hectares in the Lanaudière region, was founded in 1953 and run by Luc and Lyne Lareault. Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Desjardins Group and FCC provided loans for this transaction.

“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 Luc, who will remain with the company to ensure a smooth handover and support Casimir and Borodenko’s expansion plans. All of Production Lareault’s employees will remain with the company in the transition, as well.

“Business transfers are a major challenge for our SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises). 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,” 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, in a press release. “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.”