KPMG study compares tax costs in major cities around the world - Companies in<br>Greater Montréal benefit from among the lowest tax costs in the world

MONTREAL, May 14 /CNW Telbec/ - According to KPMG's study on Competitive Alternatives 2010, Special Report: Focus on Tax, published on May 12, companies in Greater Montréal benefit from among the lowest tax costs in the world. Now into its second edition, the study evaluates the fiscal competitiveness of 41 large international cities in 10 countries. In research and development (R&D), Montréal ranks second behind Melbourne, Australia, and takes top position in the Canada-USA region in terms of the most advantageous tax regime for a business in this sector. In the Business IT services, the Greater Montréal region has also climbed into second place.

All sectors taken together, Metropolitan Montréal ranks fourth in the world among the major international cities analyzed in the study, behind only Vancouver, Monterrey and Mexico, as having the most advantageous tax regime for businesses.

"The results of this study allow us once again to emphasize the importance of the R&D tax incentives offered to innovating companies by the Governments of Québec and Canada. Montréal's excellent ranking confirms that promoting competitive tax incentives is a winning strategy for Greater Montréal, which remains a location of choice for high-tech companies," stated Luc Lacharité, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International.

About Montréal International

Montréal International (MI) was created in 1996 as a result of a private/public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of metropolitan Montréal and to enhance its international status. Its mandates include attracting foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers, as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International is funded by the private sector, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community), the City of Montréal and the Governments of Canada and Québec.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract more than $7.5 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 43 000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed more than 25 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and attract more than 4 000 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

For further information: Benoît Lefèvre, Communications Advisor, Montréal International, [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]