In the cutthroat world of low-end handset makers, legitimate Chinese brands such as Ningbo Bird are worried about knock-off brands cutting into their sales.

ALCATEL, the French telecoms equipment maker has placed its mobile phone production business in the hands of Chinese manufacturer TCL. The deal opens the door for a full sale later and provides Alcatel with a dignified exit from a market in which it has been losing money.

May 2--Alcatel, the French telecoms equipment maker has placed its mobile phone production business in the hands of Chinese manufacturer TCL. The deal opens the door for a full sale later and provides Alcatel with a dignified exit from a market in which it has been losing money.