France achieves a masterstroke by taking a big option on this technology essential to 99% of global internet traffic

Masterstroke by the French State: major acquisition of 80% of ASN, a submarine cable giant

Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry, made it official in Calais a strategic takeover by the French State, which acquires 80% of the capital of ASN, a world leader in the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of submarine cables. This operation, which underlines the crucial importance of these infrastructures for the country's digital sovereignty, marks a decisive turning point in French industrial policy.

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Founded in 1858, Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) is a benchmark in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of transoceanic and regional telecommunications cables. These cables are the arteries through which almost all communications and data pass between continents, representing 99% of global internet traffic. With an annual turnover of 1.12 billion euros, doubled in five years, and a significant growth outlook, ASN continues to deploy its infrastructures, including on major projects like 2Africa, aimed at connecting Europe , Asia and Africa. The company employs 2,400 people across four sites in Europe and manages a fleet of seven specialist vessels, with more than 750,000 km of cables already installed.

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The strategic importance of the acquisition for Europe

The State's acquisition of a majority stake in ASN via the State Participation Agency (APE) meets a dual objective: to strengthen France's digital sovereignty and ensure strategic independence at the European level. Antoine Armand stressed that this acquisition was a demonstration of the State's capacity to secure vital sectors for the digital future of the country and its European partners. With Nokia considering a potential resale of ASN, France has taken the lead to prevent this key player from falling “into the wrong hands”.

The challenges of digital sovereignty

By taking control of ASN, the French State ensures the protection of its strategic digital infrastructures and guarantees that skills and jobs will remain in France. This approach is part of a broader objective of supporting companies operating in long-term technological sectors, critical for the economic resilience and digital security of the country. The French authorities are also particularly vigilant against the risks of sabotage, particularly by divers or small submarines, potentially threatening the integrity of submarine cables. In the event of danger, a protocol has been put in place to guarantee the circulation of essential data, such as that of hospitals, airports and banks, even if it means temporarily limiting bandwidth-intensive services like Netflix or YouTube.

Economic and industrial repercussions of the acquisition

This operation is one of the most significant for the APE, which manages a portfolio of 85 companies representing a value of 180 billion euros. By controlling ASN, the State demonstrates its active role in the management of national strategic assets, influencing sectors as diverse as energy, industry, transport and telecommunications. ASN, the only European manufacturer of submarine cables and holder of a third of the global market, now has the resources to accelerate its growth and maintain its competitiveness against other global players.

A long-term vision for ASN and the submarine cable sector

With a constantly growing order book and customers among the largest international digital operators, ASN is well positioned to continue to grow and innovate. The State, as majority shareholder, will be able to play a decisive role in defining the company's future strategies, supporting its international expansion and its technological innovation efforts to further secure communications infrastructures.

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This article explores the strategic acquisition by the French State of 80% of the capital of ASN, highlighting the importance of this operation for digital sovereignty and French industrial policy. By acquiring significant control over a world leader in submarine cables, France affirms its commitment to securing its critical infrastructure and protecting its long-term economic and strategic interests.

Source : economie.gouv.fr

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