The Italian industrial group PIRELLI is negotiating the sale of its electric cable subsidiary in which it is the world leader, with a 10% market share. This business represents a turnover of 3.1 bn euro and employs 14,000 in 54 plants throughout the world. In addition, PIRELLI ENERGIE CABLE ET SYSTEM FRANCE, French subsidiary of the Italian group, has, with TUNISIE CABLE, set up a joint venture specialised in the production of electric cables for cars in Tunisia. Called AUTO CABLES TUNISIE, the joint-venture is to be held to the tune of 51% by PIRELLI and 49% by TUNISIE CABLE. The two companies will invest a start-up capital of 3.6 million euro. In 2003, turnover should be 15 million euro for an annual production of 500,000 km of cables.