FINALIST 2019

Since 2016, Jacques Marchand has been Director, Investments & Large Enterprises, at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). His mission is to support the growth of Quebec businesses thanks to major investments.

Once again, his team demonstrated its know-how last November, in connection with a $200M investment in Plusgrade share capital. This Montréal-based business is the world leader in travel industry upgrade solutions.

To be a good investor, it is essential to identify the skills of management teams and entrepreneurs.

Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton - image

The CDPQ had to stand out from competing investors who were also very interested in acquiring an interest in Plusgrade. For Marchand’s team, this was the opportunity to leverage in-depth knowledge and a strong analytical ability of Plusgrade’s industry. Another of the team’s assets was their speed of execution: it only took them three months to complete the transaction.

Focussing on expansion

The CDPQ’s investment will enable the company to enter new international markets and diversify its line of products. Plusgrade’s solutions already help more than 70 airlines to optimize their inventory management. Plusgrade has also begun offering its software to cruise operators.

Beyond his professional activities, Marchand is a great cycling enthusiast. For several years now, he has taken part in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau and has raised funds for the Sainte-Justine UHC Cancer Centre.

 

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