French utility Suez
(SZE.FR) hasn't made an offer for a stake in British Energy Group PLC
(BGY.LN), a company spokesman said Friday.
"We have made
no offer on British Energy shares, contrary to what people might
think," the Suez spokesman said, referring to reports that three
bids had been made for British Energy.
"Currently, our
biggest priority is our merger with Gaz de France. And until we've
finalized our merger, we won't focus on big issues such as such a
possible acquisition," the spokesman said.
Suez is to
merge by this summer with French state-controlled gas operator Gaz de
France (1020848.FR).
"This doesn't mean that, once the
merger is complete, we won't be interested in the U.K. nuclear
market," the spokesman said, without elaborating.
Suez's
spokesman said the company's strategy is to develop local
partnerships before engaging in acquisitions or taking equity stakes.