French utility EDF (EDF.PA) has entered exclusive talks with state-owned bank Caisse des Depots and its unit CNP Assurances to sell them a 49.9 percent stake in power grid unit RTE, it said in a statement on Thursday. EDF said the deal would be done on the basis of an indicative value of 8.45 billion euros for 100 percent of RTE’s equity and that it could close in the first half of 2017, once regulatory approvals have been obtained. Markets have long speculated about a partial sale of RTE, which is complicated by the fact that under a 2004 law, RTE’s capital must be held by EDF or other public entities.
Reuters 28th July 2016 read more »