FRENCH engineering giant Alstom has bought Norweb's industrial electricity contracting business for an undisclosed sum.

Norweb Contracting's 300 staff, based in Manchester, will transfer to Alstom under the deal.

The move comes as part of Norweb-owner United Utilities' drive to concentrate on its regulated utility operations.

The division being sold carries out a range of electrical jobs for industrial and commercial groups in the north west of England.

John Roberts, chief executive of United Utilities, said the deal was "a very positive move for Norweb Contracting and its employees, who will be joining a global company with plans to develop the business."

While neither company would say how much Alstom had paid for the division, Norweb Contracting has sales of around £25 million.