RNS Number:8709P
Alstom
17 September 2003


A refinancing package agreed by ALSTOM, its banks and the French State was 
announced on 6 August 2003. This plan included the French State entering into
the Company's share capital and providing a long-term loan.

The European Commission today announced the opening of an in-depth enquiry and
its decision in principle to prohibit the French State from participating in the
capital increase or from providing the long-term loan.

ALSTOM's Board of Directors will meet this evening to review the consequences of
this situation. A press release will be issued following the Board meeting.

ALSTOM has requested that trading in its shares be suspended. 


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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