French Finance Minister Edouard Balladursaid the government awarded control of &lt;Compagnie Generale de
Constructions Telephonques> (CGCT) to a consortium headed by
Sweden's AB LM Ericsson &lt;ERIC.ST> last week because its
proposal was "judged technically sound and valid."
    Balladur, responding to a question following a speech
before the Milan Chamber of Commerce, said the successful bid
by Ericsson and French partners Matra &lt;MATR.PA> and &lt;Banque
Indosuez> was "well organised and equipment will be readily
available." He did not comment further.
    CGCT has 16 pct of France's telephone switching market.
 Reuter
