Paris, 23 April 2008

The deal
IDIA has teamed up with Crédit Agricole Nord Est Regional Bank to take part in a capital increase by Soprol, an industrial holding company that comprises the oilseed processing businesses of Sofiprotéol, its majority shareholder.

In 2007, Soprol overhauled its capital structure in a bid to secure the financial resources needed to pursue its future development in edible oils, renewable energy and oleochemicals. As part of this, it opened up its capital to two financiers, Caisse des Dépôts and IDIA.

IDIA is now taking part in this new capital increase via Sofipar, its investment vehicle. The deal brings our total investment to around 40 million euros, making us one of Soprol's premier partners.

The company
Specialised in oilseed processing, the Soprol group is market leader in France. It has seed-pressing capacity of 4 million tonnes a year and oil refining capacity of over 2.5 million tonnes (through Saipol). It can also produce 2 million tonnes of biodiesel a year through Diester Industrie and boasts a 38 per cent share of the retail market for edible oils through the brands of the Lesieur group.

Soprol has a staff of 1,350 and operates 15 industrial sites. Turnover in 2007 exceeded 2.5 billion euros.

Investment rationale and strategy
This partnership forms part of Sofiprotéol's sustainable development strategy. By bolstering the financial resources of its subsidiary, Soprol, Sofiprotéol wants to continue increasing its business in vegetable oils and renewable energy, both at home and especially abroad.

The deal is consistent with IDIA's strategy of forging long-term partnerships with high-potential companies. It also enables Crédit Agricole to strengthen its position in the oilseeds sector.

IDIA Antonia Lambert Alcantara, Head of Investments - antonia.lambert-alcantara@ca-idia.fr
Philippe Cristao Pedro, Associate - philippe.cristaopedro@ca-idia.fr

About IDIA
Within the Crédit Agricole Group's Private Equity and Finance Division, IDIA is the investment structure dedicated to agri-business.
IDIA'S team of 17 professionals manage 1 billion euros through dedicated capital development funds (Idia Participations, IDIA Développement, Sofipar). Idia also manages vineyards and land and forest holdings of the Crédit Agricole Group
www.ca-idia.fr