On June 6, six Quebec companies were honoured in the family and entrepreneurial succession categories for the 16th edition of the Business Transfer Awards. The competition, organised by PwC Canada, Familles en affaires – HEC Montréal and their partners, celebrates the success of private Quebec companies that have successfully completed their succession process, while ensuring their longevity and growth. This year’s event was chaired by Marie-Claude Houle, President and CEO of EBC Inc. and attended by over 150 guests.
The Winners of this 16th Edition
Family Transfer
Gold: Oberson
Founded in 1963 in the Eastern Townships by Maurice Oberson, the second-generation Oberson family business is a retailer specialising in the sale of bicycles, skis and snowboards. Headed by Alexandra Oberson, president and daughter of the founder, and Daniel L’Écuyer, vice-president, Oberson has around 150 employees.
Silver: Cuisine idéale
Cuisine idéale was founded in Sherbrooke in 1971 by Yves Gagnon, and manufactures kitchen cabinets that it distributes throughout North America. With 250 employees to date, it has three plants, two in Sherbrooke and one in Berthierville. Brothers Jean-Bernard Gagnon, President, and Pierre-Yves Gagnon, General Manager, joined the family business in 2012.
Bronze: Groupe Marie-Claire
Groupe Marie-Claire operates in the retail sector, offering women’s clothing, body care, home furnishings and decoration. Founded in 1965 by a couple, Réal Lafrance and Marie-Claire Bousquet, the family business is now one of the biggest players in retail, with six banners, 1,500 employees and nearly 300 shops in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. Since 2018, the second generation—Sylvain (president), Martin (vice-president) and Stéphanie Lafrance (vice-president)—has been at the helm of the company.