International sell-out not to affect Alstom SA
May 2003
News
Healthcare (Industry)
Company statement, Mark Wilson, Group managing director, Alstom SA
Patrick Kron, chairman and CEO of Alstom (France) announced, amongst other initiatives, the intended sale of the Alstom Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector internationally as part of a programme to strengthen the Alstom balance sheet and focus the company on the transport and power business worldwide.
This does not materially affect Alstom SA (South Africa), as the local shareholding was restructured last year to include empowerment companies, financiers and management, with Alstom retaining 10%. The company today is an independent organisation focused on local manufacturing and added value. It employs 4000 people and has an annual turnover in excess of R2,5 billion. It has 25 operating units, including three empowerment subsidiaries, 19 production facilities and 21 distribution centres throughout southern Africa.
In the South African T&D sector, local technology has been developed specifically for the sub-Saharan African environment and is owned by the local company. Access to international technology is secured through a shareholders agreement. This agreement guarantees the support of Alstom with regard to distribution, representation and technology rights. It specifically covers and protects Alstom South Africa in the event of any changed shareholding in Alstom or its subsidiaries. Philippe Joubert, president of Alstom T&D and chairman of Alstom South Africa, visited South Africa last week and gave assurances to stakeholders of Alstom South Africa that the commitments made by Alstom will be upheld.
Alstom T&D is currently No. 2 in the global market, and is autonomous and self-sustaining from a management, marketing and technology perspective. Alstom has indicated that it will not consider a piece-meal disposal of the T&D business. Alstom will consider all practical disposal alternatives available, including a leveraged buy-out by management, with the objective of reaching a final decision as soon as practically possible.
Alstom South Africa will be included in all discussions pertaining to the T&D business where it impacts on the local company, and will communicate directly with all stakeholders once a firm strategic direction has been established.
For more information contact Mark Wilson, Alstom SA, 011 820 5037.
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Beyond the exhibition: AATF 2025 Conference lineup brings exclusive
News
While the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025 exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge automation solutions, the real game-changing insights will be found within the conference halls.
Read more...
How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a
SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...
Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo South Africa
News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...
RS Group cements its position as an ESG leader
News
RS Group has announced its inclusion in the prestigious CDP A-list, having improved its CDP rating this year from A- to A for its commitment to climate action, environmental transparency and disclosure
Read more...
ECSA awards full accreditation to IIE degrees
News
The Independent Institute of Education has received full accreditation from ECSA. This is the first private higher education provider in the country to be recognised in this manner by the industry authority.
Read more...
Growing demand for staple foods in Africa drives Bühler’s growth
News
Opportunities in strengthening local supply chains, especially within food processing and agribusiness, will be the main focus for Bühler Southern Africa in 2025.
Read more...
South African students advance to international round of Young Researchers awards
News
Two Masters in Engineering students from Stellenbosch University have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa for their originality and relevance to the forestry sector, which plays a key role in producing wood and paper.
Read more...
The ultimate range for design and repair
RS South Africa
News
Design and repair are fundamental aspects of any industry. The launch of the new RS PRO Design & Repair range caters to a wide array of industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy and utilities, facilities management and intralogistics.
Read more...
Why Africa needs automation now
News
The upcoming Africa Automation Technology Fair will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to chart Africa’s automation future.
Read more...
printer friendly version