Deals
France Fortifies Anti-Takeover Law as GE, Siemens Eye Alstom
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France gave itself the power to block foreign takeovers in what it considers strategic industries amid General Electric Co.’s $17 billion bid for Alstom SA’s energy units and a possible competing Siemens AG offer.
In a decree signed late last night by Economy and Industry Minister Arnaud Montebourg that broadens a 2005 law, foreign investment will need government approval in areas such as energy, equipment, plants and transportation that he said are critical for national security. The 2005 law had focused primarily on military and defense-related operations.