GE said France would host centres of excellence for its offshore wind and grid business if it is successful in acquiring the Alstom operations.

It also said it anticipates “net growth in jobs in acquired businesses in France, with the employee mix moving toward high-value manufacturing and engineering jobs”.

Alstom’s board said this morning it saw the “strategic and industrial merits” of GE’s offer, but the reference to jobs and investment will also be intended to appeal to the French government.

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