The worldwide stock option program launched by Alcatel in January has received great support from the company's employee base. 58 900 employees subscribed to this program, which is about 50 percent of the workforce. This plan of 9 million options had been proposed in the framework of a capital increase representing 2.25 million shares. Identical programs were rolled out in 50 countries, in line with local legislation.

All major subsidiaries of Alcatel participated in the program. These subsidiaries, representing 49 920 subscribers, had the following participation rates: Italy (62%), France (59%), Australia (58%), Germany (52%), Spain (51%), United Kingdom (49%), Belgium (41%), United States (37%). The highest participation rate was registered in countries with smaller Alcatel entities: India (84%), Malaysia (70%), Guatemala (68%), Equator (67%), Taiwan (67%), South Korea (65%). These entities represent 1 410 subscribers.

Due to the successful response to the program, the demand for shares was greater than the availability. A reduction process will be applied, which favors those who have subscribed for 50 shares or less.

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