PARIS — Alcatel SA's top executive said Wednesday that the French telecommunications equipment maker is still open to deals in the United States after its failed bid to buy U.S. rival Lucent Technologies Inc.

        Merger talks between Alcatel and Lucent broke down Tuesday after days of intense negotiations.

        A deal, reportedly valued at up to $32 billion, would have been one of the largest takeovers of a U.S. technology group by a European firm, and would have made Alcatel a major player in the U.S. market.

        Alcatel chief executive Serge Tchuruk, speaking to reporters in a conference call, said he is still eager to develop the company's U.S. presence, but he is in no rush to strike other deals.

        “Our objective to become a bigger player in the U.S. market is essential,” Mr. Tchuruk said. “If opportunities arise ... why not? But we are not hunting for consolidation,” he said. About 23 percent of Alcatel's revenues come from North America.

Comair enlists business backing
P&G sees industrial uses for ingredient in olestra
Coca-Cola plant marks 100 years
Losses go across the boards
Goodyear replacing Ford tires
Energy traders missing some fizz
Questions hindered convention funding bid
Alcatel chief open to U.S. deals
Lucent's government work might snag foreign merger
Business Digest
Morning Memo
Tristate Summary
What's the Buzz?