Paris, July 16, 2008—Socotec, the market leader in the construction and real estate technical inspection in France, has decided to enter into exclusive negotiations with CDC Capital Investissement with a view to sell the majority of its capital to a new investor, alongside the company’s management and employees.

The share capital of Socotec is held entirely by approximately 2,800 of the company’s current and retired employees. The sales of Socotec increased in 2007 to reach 404 million euros. The closing is intended to occur by the end of 2008.

Shearman & Sterling represented Socotec and its shareholders.