This was reported by two sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The move underscores the broader impact of the Middle East crisis. The French energy giant began working with advisers last year to evaluate options for its Italian unit, including the sale of a minority stake to a financial partner or a listing of ordinary shares on the stock exchange, with the aim of raising liquidity to invest in its fleet of nuclear reactors.
o A shift in Italy's regulatory framework and, more importantly, disruptions to energy flows from the Middle East have hampered the operations of Edison, Italy's second-largest gas importer, the sources said.
o 'At this stage, we are still evaluating all available options, particularly in light of various recent developments, and we are closely monitoring market conditions', EDF said in an emailed comment to Reuters.
o Edison declined to comment.
o Last month, the companies postponed a decision on the potential sale until at least this month, according to Reuters reports.
o Sources stated that EDF's advisers are now working to revise Edison's business plan to account for LNG procurement challenges.
o Discussions with potential investors could resume starting in September, one of the sources added.
o The transaction will only materialize if the Middle East crisis does not weigh significantly on Edison's valuation, the source said.
o Sources told Reuters last year that Edison could be valued between 7 billion and 10 billion euros.
o Edison, which holds a long-term contract with QatarEnergy for the supply of 6.4 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Italy, said on Monday that its Gulf supplier had notified it of the cancellation of five additional LNG cargoes, extending force majeure until mid-August.
(1 dollar = 0.8597 euro)
(Translated by Enrico Sciacovelli, editing by Andrea Mandà)
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