PARIS. May 4: French engineering and electronics group Alcatel Alsthom said Friday it intends to group its German subsidiaries under a single holding company as part of a broader strategy aimed %t strengthening its representation in countries where it operates. reports AP.

The French group said it plans to transfer ownership of its German-based companies with operations in telecommunications. cables, systems and batteries to a holding company. Alcatel Deutschland GmbH.

This will include Alcatel SEL AG. a company that is more than 99 per cent controlled by Alcatel.

ft said a control .agreement will be signed giving Alcatel Deutschland control of Alcatel SEL. and the French parent will give the German holding the financial means to restore Alcatel SEL's equity in case of losses incurred by the unit.