The probability of generating certain profinite groups by two elements

In this paper we consider the question of finite generation of profinite groups. We study the class of profinite groups which are inverse limits of wreath products of alternating groups of degree ≥5. We prove that the probability of generating such inverse limits by two elements is strictly positive and tends to 1 as the degree of the first factor tends to infinity. Our method of analysis requires a survey of the maximal subgroups of iterated wreath products of alternating groups. Although we have been unable to classify these precisely we do obtain upper bounds for the number of conjugacy classes of maximal subgroups which we believe to be of independent interest. The author is grateful for financial support received under the FCO-award scheme.