Russian private independent gas producer Itera Holding is seeking a joint venture with Russia 's state-controlled gas monopoly OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) to develop small and mid-sized gas fields in Siberia , Itera said Wednesday.

Itera has offered Gazprom a program to develop fields of less than 50 million cubic meters of gas reserves in Yamalo-Nenets district.

"We think the optimal form of cooperation would be a joint venture, in which Gazprom holds a controlling stake," Itera's General Director Vladimir Makeev said as quoted on the company's website.

In October, Itera's Vice President Alexander Berezikov said the company is ready to offer up to 50% of shares to a strategic investor, and that talks are ongoing.

Gazprom wasn't available for comment.