Catherwood LibraryILR School

In a decision that largely reflects a national concern for job security, the French government has chosen to delay a decision regarding GE?s offer to buy one of the country?s largest industrial manufacturers, Alstom. Although all parties have stated that talks went well last week regarding the sale of the state-owned transportation and energy company, opposition voices have been growing more outspoken at GE?s involvement. The dissenters believe that GE?s management decisions would be too far removed from the welfare of the 10,000 French employees, citing that an offer by Siemens has yet to be fully considered. The French President had made it very clear before negotiations that the retention of French jobs was his biggest concern. The deal with Siemens raises some anti-trust concerns given the German company?s sizable transportation business, and if combine with Alstom would easily be the world?s largest rail business.