A statement said: “MHI and Siemens AG today announced that they have joined forces in evaluating a potential proposal for certain assets of the French multi-national conglomerate, Alstom in order to strengthen the future position of Alstom, MHI and Siemens.”

No more details are given of the assets involved.

Alstom's energy business, including its onshore and offshore wind operations, is already the subject of