Updated

Shares in French train and equipment manufacturer Alstom have spiked on reports that General Electric Co. is considering making a bid for the company.

Alstom said in a statement Thursday that it has not been "informed of any potential public tender offer for shares of the company."

It said it would not comment further until its annual earnings report May 7.

Alstom shares climbed more than 12 percent in early Paris trading Thursday, to 27.43 euros.

Alstom, which is based in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret, is a leading global maker of high-speed trains, power plants and grids, wind turbines and other equipment.