In accordance with the decision taken by its Board of Directors on May 4, 2000, Alcatel announces the creation of Nexans, born from its Cables and Components activity.

Nexans ranks among the Top 3 players in the world cables industry, and regroups power cables, copper and optical fibre cables for telecommunications, and conductor businesses. Sales stand at 4.6 billion euros (approx. for year 2000) and it employs some 18500 people in over 20 countries worldwide.

Nexans' business activity emerged with the 20th century, within the company Câbles de Lyon, and today it covers a wide range of solutions which combine hi-tech products and high added value, using considerable technical expertise.

"Nexans has successfully restructured production, which will enable it to benefit fully from the recovery in the market. Nexans' aim is to pursue a dynamic external growth policy and further its development on the international scene, thanks to a sound financial structure and low indebtedness" says Gérard Hauser, future CEO of Nexans and current chairman of Alcatel Cables and Components.

An advertising campaign has just kicked off in the major European countries to promote Nexans' identity among customers and opinion leaders. The name derives from the Latin word nexus, meaning link or connection, and it perfectly illustrates the role that cables and systems play in the world of high technology and their many applications in modern life.

Press Contacts:
Nicolas Arcilla Borraz Telephone : +33 (0)1 55 51 52 24 Email : nicolas.arcillaborraz@alcatel.fr

With acknowledgement to www.nexans.com.