25 August 2006 - Alstom yesterday signedan agreement for the acquisition of Shenzen Strongwish, a Chinese company specialised in the design and delivery of remote monitoring and diagnostic (RM&D) services.

Online monitoring services are used to assess the condition of power plant equipment in service and to detect defects in critical components, before these degenerate to cause major failure. Alstom's Value Program utilises RM&D services to extend to customers' risk management and predictive maintenance services.

The acquisition will strengthen Alstom Power Service activities in terms of presence and business in China, where Strongwish has developed a leading position in the fast-growing market for continuous live RM&D services. Strongwish is the only Chinese provider currently of these services to have successfully established a "24/7" live monitoring centre for more than 40 customers.

Alstom said in a press release that Strongwish's strength in China, combined with Alstom's existing AMODIS RM&D product, will deliver a comprehensive RM&D product offering to the fast-growing Chinese market.

Strongwish was created in 1998 and has grown rapidly since. The company employs around 100 highly skilled people in Shenzhen and in five regional offices. Sales were RMB 41M in 2005 (approx. 4 million euros).

Walter Graenicher, Alstom's Power Service Sector President, said: "Strongwish brings to us their in-depth knowledge of the Chinese market whilst their expertise complements ours in the emerging and fast-growing market of remote monitoring and diagnostic services for power plants."