It’s the end for this Quebec chocolate maker

The Quebec manufacturer of the brand Theobroma Chocolat has just gone bankrupt, learned The newspaper.

Located in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. Meanwhile, near Quebec, Vigneault Chocolatier and Fortis VL have ceased their operations, laid off thirty of their employees and abandoned the idea of resuming their activities, we include reading the documents presented in the court.

According to preliminary estimates. the two sisters companies, properties of the Josée Vigneault couple and Jean-René Lemire, left debts of at least $ 8.5 million. From the whole, 85% of these debts are considered by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), the receiver appointed to the file, as guaranteed receivables.

In addition to the National Bank of Canada. which composes with a shortfall of more than $ 3 million, the main creditor guaranteed in this case is a company with Granby number owned by Styve Morin, known in the field of alternative loans (money now). Its shortfall would amount to more than $ 4.2 million.

Silence radio

Neither of the two owners of the Chocolatier group followed the requests for interviews on Monday Journal. But according to the understanding of the National Bank. presented before the Superior Court in June, an accumulation it’s end this quebec chocolate of factors would have led to its financial ruin.

Among these: threats from customs tariffs from the Trump administration. the increase in the cost of raw materials-starting with that of cocoa-and management’s inability to find investors for the necessary funding.

Founded in 1988, the company invested $ 10 million in 2020 it’s end this quebec chocolate in its new Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures factory. Responding to strong demand, the company had then strongly invested in its automation and the development of new products.

“We started with an incredible passion, but especially with a loan of $ 50,000 from my stepfather,” Jean-René Lemire explained to Journal. […] Our philosophy has always been to do people good. ”

Assets put on sale

In an attempt to recover the maximum of funds due to creditors. PWC has put most of the company’s assets for sale. In addition to stocks ($ 820,673), the receiver is currently looking for buyers for production equipment ($ 2.75 million), including mussels, and buildings ($ 4.35 million).

Trade brands, such as those in Theobroma sticks, are also part of the assets that could be sold by the receivers. However, the latter did not risk assessing their value.

A first assembly of creditors is scheduled for July 31. In order to have the right to vote, creditors must have made proof of complaint to the trustee.