HONG KONG - Toshiba Carrier of Japan and GD Midea of China have been reported to be negotiating a joint venture that would make it the largest air conditioning equipment manufacturer in China, according to a story in theFinancial Times.

The Financial Times report says that the venture could be finalized as early as this spring, with a possible formal announcement by June.

GD Midea is said to be one of the largest air conditioner manufacturers in China. Toshiba Carrier, a joint venture between Japanese conglomerate Toshiba and the Carrier Corporation, is one of the biggest Japanese air conditioner manufacturers.

Publication date: 04/05/2004