The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec involved in refinancing Québec company Garda

MONTREAL, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced today its $62.5 million investment in the form of a term loan in Garda World Security Corporation ("Garda"), a world-class Québec company known for its security solutions, cash logistics and risk management advisory services. This loan is consistent with the refinancing of the company's bank credit agreements carried out by a group of financial institutions. As a result of this transaction, Garda will be in a position to continue expanding its business segments and optimizing its capital structure.

"A partner of Garda for many years, the Caisse continues to support the growth of this successful Québec company for the benefit of our clients, the depositors. Garda has proven successful in several areas, resulting in its lead position in North America, where it offers services in growing business segments to a diverse client base. Garda is currently experiencing strong growth to which its management team has greatly contributed through its proven management approach," explained Marc Cormier, Executive Vice-President, Fixed Income.

ABOUT THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2011, it held $159.0 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, the Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity and real estate. For more information: www.lacaisse.com.

ABOUT GARDA
Garda (TSX:GW) is a global provider of Security Solutions, Cash Logistics and Global Risk Consulting. With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the firm's 45,000 dedicated professionals, among the most highly qualified and best-trained in the industry, serve clients in countries throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Garda works with clients in a broad range of sectors and industries including financial institutions, retailers, manufacturers, insurance companies, governments, humanitarian relief organizations, natural resources, construction and telecommunications. For more information, visit: www.garda.com.

SOURCE CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBEC