ALSTOM buys into electrical network protection

ALSTOM today announced that it plans to acquire Soulé's
medium voltage surge arresters activity. This activity
generates sales of 8 million euros and employs around 60 people
in southwestern France.

Medium voltage (12 to 36 kV) surge arresters are installed
on overhead distribution lines and eliminate over voltage in
the event of lightning through earthing. This equipment is
utilised by companies involved in the transmission and
distribution of electric power and by industrial companies that
need to protect outdoor installations.

This acquisition will enable ALSTOM to extend its network
protection range of products and will be integrated within
ALSTOM's Transmission & Distribution Sector.

ALSTOM's Transmission & Distribution Sector is a leading
supplier of equipment, systems and services for the power
transmission and distribution market, bringing power from the
generator to large end-users.

Thanks to its world-wide sales network, covering around 100
countries, ALSTOM will be in a position to ensure the widest
distribution of these products throughout the world.