France's Areva sets JV with aluminium giant RUSAL

PARIS, June 19 - French nuclear reactor maker Areva said on Tuesday that its power transmission and distribution unit had agreed to form a 50-50 joint-venture with United Company RUSAL, the world's largest aluminium producer.

The joint venture is expected to generate $500 million in orders over the next five years, Areva said in a statement, adding that the joint venture would become the preferred supplier for turnkey projects, electrical equipment and services in the T&D field for UC RUSAL's plants.

"For Areva, partnering with UC RUSAL will enable the company to strengthen its position on the booming electro-intensive industries market, and to further develop its activities in Russia," state-owned Areva said.