BALLADUR DEFENDS CGCT DECISION ON ERICSSON
French Finance Minister Edouard Balladur
said the government awarded control of <Compagnie Generale de
Constructions Telephonques> (CGCT) to a consortium headed by
Sweden's AB LM Ericsson <ERIC.ST> last week because its
proposal was "judged technically sound and valid."
    Balladur, responding to a question following a speech
before the Milan Chamber of Commerce, said the successful bid
by Ericsson and French partners Matra <MATR.PA> and <Banque
Indosuez> was "well organised and equipment will be readily
available." He did not comment further.
    CGCT has 16 pct of France's telephone switching market.
 Reuter
