Alstom closes the sale of its Energy activities (Power generation and Grid) to General Electric for an amount of approximately €12.4 billion(1). Consequently the group is entirely refocused on rail transport.
Proceeds of the transaction are used to acquire GE signalling activities for an amount of approximately €700 million and to reinvest in 3 joint ventures with General Electric (in the fields of grid, renewable and French steamand nuclear) for an amount of around €2.4 billion. As previously announced, part of the cash — in the range of €3.2 to €3.7 billion — should return to shareholders. The board of directors, meeting on November 4, 2015, will propose the launch of a public share buy-back offer (OPRA) followed by a capital reduction through cancellation of shares. This operation will be subject to shareholders’ approval at a general meeting which will be convened before year-end. After the full completion of the transaction, Alstom will be deleveraged and rely on a strong balance sheet.
Alstom benefits from a sound market with solid growing factors. Thanks to its presence on all continents, its complete range of solutions and constant innovation, it holds leadership positions in trains, services, systems and signalling, reinforced by the acquisition of GE Signalling. This activity, representing 1,200 employees, opens the signalling freight market to Alstom, while strengthening its presence in North America.
Alstom has a record order book providing long-term visibility. It includes recent significant awards such as the metros for Sydney, Kochi, Riyadh, Paris; signalling solutions for Toronto greater area and Denmark; tram systems for Rio de Janeiro, Lusail and Sydney as well as suburban trains for South Africa, most of these projects being associated with long term maintenance contracts.
“Today represents a major milestone in Alstom’s history. We managed to secure a win-win deal with General Electric, which protects the interests of employees and customers in the Energy businesses, while reinforcing Alstom’s positioning in the transport industry. Alstom today holds leadership positions on a globally growing rail market and will rely on a solid financial base to support its growth strategy. This company, entirely refocused on transport, also benefits from a skilled management team led by Henri Poupart-Lafarge and I am confident in its ability to drive the Group towards future successes,” declared Patrick Kron, chairman and CEO of Alstom.
1 Including €1.9 billion of cash in the Energy businesses transferred to GE, and after €0.4 billion of commercial agreement settled in December 2014 and €0.3 billion of negative price adjustment announced in July 2015.
