Lucent/Alcatel merger reportedly could see workforce cut by 20 pct

LONDON (AFX) - Tens of thousands of jobs will be axed if preliminary 50 bln stg merger talks between Lucent Technologies and Alcatel are successful, with more than 20 pct of the 250,000-strong combined workforce to go, reports the Sunday Times, citing technology analysts. 

	    Some technology analysts reportedly believe it will lead to one of the biggest batch of job losses seen in the corporate world. 

	    The report also says that regulatory and management issues would mean a successful outcome of the talks will be difficult to achieve. 

	    The report says the board of Lucent, which is one of the U.S.' leading technology companies, is expected to meet this week to discuss whether to pursue the talks. 

	    Instead, the report says it may decide to reject the approach and proceed with a series of disposals to reduce debt and stave off a financial crisis. 

	    Lucent's market value has fallen by 200 bln usd over recent months and last month the group had to deny rumours that it faced bankruptcy.

Related stock : (NIL)