text: French Finance Minister Edouard Balladur said the government awarded control of &lt;Compagnie Generale de Constructions Telephonques> (CGCT) to a consortium headed by Swedens AB LM Ericsson &lt;ERIC.ST> last week because its proposal was judged technically sound and valid. Balladur responding to a question following a speech before the Milan Chamber of Commerce said the successful bid by Ericsson and French partners Matra &lt;MATR.PA> and &lt;Banque Indosuez> was well organised and equipment will be readily available. He did not comment further. CGCT has 16 pct of Frances telephone switching market. Reuter
target: BALLADUR DEFENDS CGCT DECISION ON ERICSSON