AV&R Vision & Robotics and IMAC Automation, a company developing manufacturing automation, are merging to become AV&R, world's largest engineering firm specializing in robotics for the aerospace industry.

The two prosperous SMEs from Quebec unite their strengths in order to offer more complete automation, robotics and vision solutions to their customers. The new AV&R group comprises today of more than 120 employees, including 80 engineering graduates, in its offices in the Old-Montreal and in Saint-Bruno.

Strong of its expertise in Robotic Finishing and Automated Visual Inspection, the new branch AV&R Aerospace adds to its offer niched in this market Integration Services, allowing it to automate complete production lines, thanks to the addition of IMAC Automation's veteran team.

The AV&R group is proud to present the new corporate image of its team of experts specializing in aerospace to reflect this progression:

This merger is made possible through the support of Fondaction CSN, financial partner since 2006, and by the financial contribution of the Solidarity Fund QFL.

"Fondaction is proud to support the merger of IMAC's automation cutting-edge expertise within AV&R. This merger will allow AV&R to continue its conquest of the world markets by offering an even more comprehensive expertise in the various fields of automation and robotics in particular for the aerospace industry" says Geneviève Morin, Investment Chief at Fondaction CSN.

"Quebec is a leader in the global aerospace market and this transaction proves it. The Solidarity Fund QFL is proud to count among its partners a company formed by the merger of two Quebec SMEs. This transaction will ensure a place in the global aerospace market for the new Quebec SME thanks to the expertise and the quality of its workers" stated Ga©tan Morin, Executive Vice-President, Investments at Solidarity Fund QFL.

AV&R Vision & Robotics already was well-known in aerospace, but with the addition of IMAC Automation's strengths, AV&R Aerospace ensures its notoriety around the world.

The Investment from the Solidarity Fund QFL is an agreement in principle with AV&R and is subject to final closing.