RICHARDSON NAMED AMONG CANADA'S 50 BEST MANAGED COMPANIES

Attention: Agriculture Editor, Business/Financial Editor, City Editor, Media Editor, News Editor

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, MEDIA ADVISORY--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2010) - Richardson International Limited, Canada's largest, privately-owned agribusiness, has secured a place on the annual list of the 50 best managed companies in the country. The achievement marks Richardson International's first nomination and first win in this prestigious national program for demonstrating its ability to manage change while continuing to build financial success.

Richardson International is actively involved in all aspects of the agriculture cycle: growing, merchandising, grain handling, transportation/logistics, food processing as well as the development of new ideas and better opportunities in agriculture. For over 150 years, the Richardson name has been synonymous with quality and integrity and it continues to be a Canadian leader by cultivating innovative agribusiness products, markets and solutions for a growing world.

"The Best Managed designation is a recognized mark of business excellence and we are extremely proud that Richardson International is among this year's esteemed group of companies being presented with this award," says Hartley T. Richardson, Chairman of Richardson International and President & Chief Executive Officer of James Richardson & Sons, Limited. "This distinction acknowledges Richardson International as a leader in both the agriculture industry and the business community."

"We are honoured to be named as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies this year, mindful that our success is a product of the drive and innovative spirit of our employees and the invaluable support we receive from customers and suppliers," says Curt Vossen, President of Richardson International. "We are confident that this recognition will further support our efforts to recruit and retain talented people who will continue to be highly committed to serving our customers and the communities in which we do business."

About Richardson International Limited
Employing over 1,600 people across Canada, Richardson is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds. Through its Ag Business Centres, the Company sells crop inputs and related services to producers throughout Western Canada. With a canola processing plant in Lethbridge, Alberta, and a second plant soon to be opened in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Richardson is one of North America's largest suppliers of canola oil and meal. In all areas of its business, Richardson continues to provide high quality products and superior service to its customers.

About Canada's Best Managed Companies
Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies continues to be a mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on three levels: 1) Best Managed winner (one of the 50 new winners selected each year); Re-qualified members (repeat winners retain the Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Platinum Club member (winners that maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years). Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post and Queen's School of Business. For further information, visit www.canadas50best.com.


IN: AGRICULTURE, ECONOMY, FINANCE, INTERNATIONAL, MEDIA