French power-station equipment and train maker Alstom SA (1022047.FR) isn't eyeing a stake in compatriot Areva's (CEI.FR) nuclear unit Areva NP, which is being sold by Siemens AG (SI), a spokesman for the company said Tuesday.
Italy's Il Sole 24 Ore reported earlier Tuesday that Siemens' 34% stake in Areva NP, which the German company is divesting, is likely to go partly to Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI) and partly to Alstom.
"Alstom is not interested in buying all or part of Siemens' stake in Areva NP," Alstom spokesman Stephane Farhi said.
Alstom's Chief Executive Patrick Kron repeatedly has expressed the company's interested in a potential tie-up with Areva. Alstom not being interested in the Siemens stake doesn't change that, the Alstom spokesman said.
Areva declined to comment. But the company has previously said it will buy the Siemens stake.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's administration, which wants France to aggressively promote its nuclear expertise, has long been mulling the future of Areva. One potential scenario is a tie-up with Alstom.