Jul 09, 2001
An Alcatel spokeswoman confirmed that five German sites could be affected by the plans. The sites, operated by German arm Alcatel SEL AG, employ a total of 2.500 people. They are a passive-components production plant in Bonndorf in the Black Forest, a mechanical assembly plant in Arnstadt, battery assembly plants in Dresden and Warstein, and a plant producing intercom systems in Gunzenhausen.
People within the company believe that the divestments will likely take place before the end of this year.
At the end of June, Alcatel SA chief Serge Tchuruk said the company plans to sell off 41 of its 100 plants by the end of 2002. He said only the only plants that would be retained would be those whose activities belonged to the group's core business.
On Friday, Alcatel SEL AG held its annual general meeting of shareholders. Alcatel SA holds a 98.3% stake. The remaining shareholders were able to find out little more about the possibility of a sale of the German sites. Alcatel SEL AG chief executive Andreas Berhardt told small shareholders that he did not have sufficient information to be able to comment on the matter.
Workforce representatives have already announced that they will resist any divestments, saying they see their jobs at risk.
