According to Reuters, U.S. private equity firm Carlyle is exploring options to buy Russian oil major Lukoil's, opens new tab foreign assets, three sources familiar with the situation said.
The U.S. has hit Lukoil with sanctions as part of its effort to bring the Kremlin to peace talks over Ukraine, and has blocked Lukoil's attempt to sell assets to Swiss-based trader Gunvor.
Lukoil extracts about 2% of global oil output at home and abroad, and has said it is seeking buyers for its international assets, which produce 0.5% of global oil and are estimated to be worth about $22 billion.
Carlyle is in the early stages of exploring a purchase of the assets, one of the sources said.
Reuters was the first to report Carlyle's interest. It is looking to apply for a U.S. licence allowing it to buy the assets before beginning due diligence, the source said, adding that it could still decide to walk away.
Carlyle has made Lukoil aware of its intentions, a second source said. Carlyle declined to comment. Lukoil did not respond to a request for comment.
Full story Exclusive: Carlyle exploring options to buy Lukoil foreign assets, sources say | Reuters
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