Equitable Group Inc. announced today that it anticipates an impairment charge on its investment in Quebecor World Inc. for the period ended December 31, 2007.

The impending charge is due to the recent market activity of the IQW.PR.5 preferred shares.

Equitable currently holds, as part of its investment portfolio, 207,000 preferred shares Series 5 of Quebecor World Inc.

The book value of the holding is $5.2 million. The impact on net income of a full write down of this investment is estimated to be $3.1 million (24¢ per share). Equitable’s total preferred share investment portfolio as at September 30, 2007 was $170.3 million.

The company says its business operations continue to be in line with management’s expectations.