GDF Suez CEO: Not Our Calling to Take Areva Stake - Report

GDF Suez (GSZ.FR) doesn't have a role in recapitalizing the struggling nuclear group Areva SA (AREVA.FR), GDF Suez chief executive Gerard Mestrallet says in a newspaper interview published Friday.

After Areva last week warned of a $5.6 billion loss in 2014, speculation has swirled over whether the 85% state-owned company will need a capital injection. That speculation was fueled when energy minister Segolene Royal said she wants Areva to find synergies with state-controlled power utility Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR) and the state Commission for Atomic Energy.

"We are watching carefully," Mr. Mestrallet says in the interview with French daily Le Figaro. "Public authorities haven't asked us anything yet and GDF Suez doesn't have a calling to own capital in Areva," he adds, noting that GDF Suez isn't an equipment maker.

Government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said Wednesday the state won't take position on the matter until Areva presents a strategic plan next week.

"Before this plan is presented, it wouldn't be very constructive to foresee solutions," said Mr. Le Foll, who is also agriculture minister.

Newspaper Web site: http://www.lefigaro.fr

-Write to William Horobin at [e-mail]

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