Short Take: Alcatel plans tracking stock for fiber-optics unit

Alcatel has announced plans to create a tracking stock for its fiber-optics components business. The move is Alcatel's attempt to see the value of its Optronics Division, while keeping the assets of the business. The French telecommunications equipment maker plans to complete the public offering by the fourth quarter of 2000. Alcatel's announcement follows Lucent Technologies' recent decision to spin off its optical components business.