GE plans sale of industrial solutions unit as it divests non-core assets

General Electric Co. is nearing a deal to sell its industrial solutions unit to Swiss engineering company ABB Ltd (ABBN.S) in a deal valued at $2.5 billion to $3 billion, according to Bloomberg reports, which cited internal sources close to the deal.

The companies are likely to announce an agreement by next week, the report said on Friday.

A company spokesman for ABB said the company does not “comment on market rumors.” GE was not immediately available for comment.

GE resumed negotiations to sell its industrial solutions business to ABB after John Flannery, who became CEO on Aug.1, decided to continue to divest the industrial conglomerate’s non-core assets, according to reports.

GE has been reviewing its portfolio after divesting its finance, appliances and NBCUniversal units in recent years.

The company has also been under pressure from Nelson Peltz’s activist hedge fund, Trian Fund Management LP, to cut costs and focus on its core industrial businesses.

Earlier this year, GE agreed to sell its industrial water treatment business to French waste and water group Suez SA (SEVI.PA) and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion).

GE’s shares were marginally up at $24.96 in very light premarket trading.