AREVA strengthens its position in the nuclear services market in South Africa

On November 5, 2006, AREVA increased its shareholding from 45% to a majority 51% in Lesedi Nuclear Services, a leading black empowered engineering and services company in South Africa.

Over the past 26 years, AREVA has continually delivered products, technical support and services to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, built by the group and operated by Eskom. Since forming a partnership with Lesedi in 2001, many of these products and services have been locally sourced.

For South Africa, nuclear energy is a means of diversifying from coal, which currently represents over 90% of its generation capacity. According to the Government, nuclear generation capacity should increase by 12,000 MW in the coming 20 years. By taking a majority share in its subsidiary Lesedi, AREVA is reinforcing its commitment to invest in the development of South Africa's nuclear market, and is providing the company with the means to become a major player in this market.

Furthermore, AREVA is strengthening its involvement in various initiatives that support South African Government policies for industrial participation, training and empowerment of previously disadvantaged people, jobs creation and skills transfer.