Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) is about to be sold to SNC-Lavalin Group, according to a June 27 report in the Globe and Mail.
The Montreal-based engineering firm could finalize the deal for AECL's commercial division as soon as this week, according to the newspaper. AECL's Chalk River nuclear reactor, which produces molybdenum-99 for nuclear medical imaging applications, will remain -- at least for now -- in government hands.
Under the proposed deal, the Candu reactor sales and service division would be separated from AECL's Chalk River laboratory and its National Research Universal reactor. The Canadian government will continue to own Chalk River but will have the facility managed through an outside contract.
SNC-Lavalin became the sole bidder after an international search for potential buyers. The firm reportedly has assured the Canadian government that it aims to boost AECL's reactor sales and servicing.
