Alcatel and Lucent Technologies Respond to Merger Talk Rumours

27th March, 2006 - Alcatel have published the following release on their website in relation to widespread rumours of a merger: "We can confirm that Lucent and Alcatel are engaged in discussions about a potential merger of equals that is intended to be priced at market."

"There can be no assurances that any agreement will be reached or that a transaction will be consummated. We will have no further comment until an agreement is reached or the discussions are terminated."

The companies between them employ over 90,000 staff and are worth more than $22bn. A merger would combine Lucent's strengths in mobile, especially in the US, with European and IPTV related strengths.

For more information about Alcatel please visit http://www.alcatel.com

For more information about Lucent please visit http://www.lucent.com