Partners Group Holding AG (SWX:PGHN) is exploring options, including a sale, FOR German renewable energy company VSB Holding GmbH, six sources familiar with the matter said. The Swiss private equity firm has been interviewing financial advisers in the last few weeks, the sources said, adding that the sale process could begin in the second quarter. A sale of VSB could reach a valuation of up to $2 billion including debt, two of the sources said, while a third said that value would be between $1 and $2 billion.

The sources, who requested anonymity as the matter is confidential, cautioned that a deal is not guaranteed and is subject to market conditions. Partners Group declined to comment. VSB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The possible sale coincides with a drop in renewable asset values, although interest in the sector remains high as the European Union requires 42.5% of the bloc's energy to be renewable by 2030. If a sale goes ahead, VSB is likely to attract interest from infrastructure funds and utilities, two of the sources said.