TORONTO, Ont. — A trio of transportation companies have made the prestigious list of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2010. 4Refuel of Langley, B.C., Groupe Robert of Rougemont, Que., and TransX Group of Companies of Winnipeg, Man. each earned the distinction by demonstrating business excellence through an independent process that evaluates their management abilities and practices, officials said.

“After two years of shoring up, deleveraging balance sheets and focusing on cost reduction strategies, Canadian businesses now have growth back on the agenda,” said John Hughes, Deloitte partner, private company services, and national leader of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies program. “Clearly, we’re not out of the woods yet, but one of the most impressive aspects of this year’s award recipients is the focus of management teams and employees on growth and investment.”

Combined, 2010’s 50 Best Managed Companies generated $11.5 billion in revenue and employed more than 52,000 Canadians.

“By pursuing innovation and investing in meeting the needs of their clients, this year’s winners have made a positive impact in the Canadian marketplace,” said Jon Hountalas, executive vice-president of business banking for CIBC. “We applaud their success and we’re proud to recognize their contribution to Canadian business.”

2010 Best Managed winners, Platinum Club members, and Requalified members will be honoured at the 18th annual, invitation-only Best Managed Symposium and Gala on March 29 in Toronto.