Contact: Jean-Michel Laberge
Deloitte
(514) 393-5046

Montréal, May 4, 2007 — Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche announced today they are evaluating the possibility to have the 27 partners and 223 employees of accounting firm Verrier Paquin Hébert join Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche.

Combining the firms would enable Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche to consolidate its presence in the regions of Montérégie, Mauricie, and in the Eastern Townships.

“This business combination would strengthen our ability to serve private companies in Quebec, by offering them a broader range of business services and access to an enhanced network of professionals. For the partners and people of Verrier Paquin Hébert joining Deloitte would represent great opportunities for professional development and growth,” says André Bannon, Managing Partner of the Québec Centre Region at Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche.

With more than 40 years of experience, the firm Verrier Paquin Hébert is one of the leading accounting firms and business advisors outside the Greater Montreal area. It has offices in seven Quebec cities: Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Longueuil, Trois-Rivières, Bécancour, Sorel and Nicolet.

About Deloitte
Deloitte, known in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l, is one of the leading professional services firms in Québec and Canada, providing audit, tax, financial advisory and consulting services. In Québec, approximately 1,700 people regularly draw on their expertise for clients from every sector of the economy. With over 6,800 people working in 51 offices across the country, Deloitte is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Affaires Plus magazine recognized the firm as one of the best employers in Québec in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Deloitte is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu," or other related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein.