In response to the bid by General Electric to acquire the energy division of Alstom, the French Government issued Decree no. 2014-479 on May 14, 2014. The decree extends the range of foreign investments (whether by way of bid for the company, bid for part of the company or purchase of more than one-third of the stake in the company) requiring prior governmental authorization. In addition to sectors for which prior governmental authorization must already be sought—including military, cryptology, technology, defense and betting—activities relating to the supply of electricity, gas, oil or other energy resources, water, transportation networks and services, electronic communications networks and services, facilities, certain installations or works of paramount importance and protection of public health are captured.
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