Shares in Safran, owner of mobile phone manufacturer Sagem, surged almost seven per cent this morning after the head of Motorola's mobile devices business said it was interested in buying the loss-making concern.

"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," Ronald Garriques told Le Figaro in an interview.

"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."

Meanwhile, the head of communications for Motorola France has been busy downplaying the comment, saying that Garriques' statements shouldn't be taken as a plan of action, more of a general musing on the industry.

Safran has been looking for a home for Sagem for a while, having indicated in September that it was looking to offload the company. ®

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