Maxxam Analytics acquires CANTEST, BC's leading independent laboratory

NEWS RELEASE

MISSISSAUGA, ON, and BURNABY, BC, October 19, 2009 – Maxxam Analytics International Corporation – an OMERS Private Equity portfolio company – announced today that it has acquired Burnaby, BC-based CANTEST Ltd., including its laboratory locations in Victoria and Winnipeg. CANTEST is British Columbia’s largest independent analytical laboratory business, specializing in environmental, food and pharmaceutical laboratory services. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Maxxam CEO Jon Hantho said: “The acquisition of CANTEST represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen Maxxam’s presence in Western Canada and more specifically in the British Columbia marketplace, where we will now have over 350 employees. CANTEST represents an ideal growth platform and we will look to expand the current scope of laboratory services with new investments over the next year.  Additionally, we plan to expand Maxxam’s service offering by leveraging CANTEST’s specialized expertise to other markets across Canada and internationally.”

“This acquisition continues CANTEST’s growth trajectory, while carrying on the work and legacy of its founder, Dr Donald B. Rix, C.M., O.B.C., a leader in the British Columbia biotechnology and business communities,” Hantho added. “Like Maxxam, CANTEST has a solid commitment to science, innovation, quality and exceptional customer service.”

Said Dr. Rix: “This transaction represents a great opportunity for CANTEST and our employee team. With the strength of Maxxam’s national footprint and sound Canadian ownership, CANTEST is now ideally positioned to be part of a great growth engine that creates new jobs and career opportunities."
Maxxam will be working with a senior team from CANTEST over the next two months to identify the best options for integrating the organizations and ensuring a seamless transition for all customers.

For further information:
Maxxam – Mississauga                                   Bryan Mills Iradesso
Jon Hantho                                                         Allan Austin
Tel: 905 288 2163                                             Tel: 416 447 4740
Cell: 416 886 0855                                           Cell: 416 254 7858
 
About Maxxam
Maxxam Analytics is Canada’s largest independent analytical laboratory services company, with expertise in environmental laboratory services, petroleum services, food safety and sciences, and forensic and DNA services. As a result of this acquisition, the company will have 1,800 employees at 30 laboratory and service centre locations across Canada. Website: www.maxxam.ca
OMERS PE manages the private equity activities of OMERS and today has in excess of $4 billion of investments under management. OMERS PE’s investment strategy includes the active ownership of businesses in North America and Europe. Website: www.omerspe.com.
OMERS is one of Canada’s largest pension  plans, with more than $43 billion in assets invested around the globe in publicly traded investments, real estate, infrastructure and private equity. It provides retirement benefits to over 390,000 current and former employees of more than 900 municipal governments, school boards, libraries, police and fire departments, children’s aid societies, and other local agencies throughout Ontario. Website: www.omers.com.

About CANTEST
CANTEST is British Columbia’s largest independent analytical laboratory business. It specializes in environmental, food and pharmaceutical services and has approximately 300 employees at its Burnaby, Victoria, Winnipeg and Boston laboratories and sales offices. Website: www.cantest.com