Motorola has expressed interest in purchasing French handset manufacturer Sagem from its aerospace parent company Safran. Sagem has reportedly been struggling with financial losses, getting by with sales of low- to mid-range handsets.

In an interview yesterday, Ronald Garriques, head of Motorola’s mobile handset business, told French newspaper Le Figaro “We have a serious interest in Sagem. It’s an option in a sector that is in the process of consolidating … I do not know yet if we will get it.”

In response to Mr. Garriques comments, Safran released a statement saying Safran is “…pleased to note that one of the major players in the telecommunications market has publicly recognized the quality and professionalism of the teams at Safran’s mobile phones division.” A spokesperson went on to say “Safran also notes that a potential link-up with another mobile phone maker is only one possibility to ensure the sustainable success of this business.”

Garriques also clarified that Motorola would only be interested in acquiring Sagem’s employees, and not other aspects of the business. Shares in Safran rose up to 6.8% following news of Motorola’s interest

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