"We will take all necessary time for this operation to take place in the best possible conditions", Le Maire said.

Utility group Veolia said on Monday it would improve its 2.9 billion euro (2.63 billion pounds) offer to buy the bulk of Engie stake in Suez by Sept. 30.

The French state holds a 23.6% stake in Engie.

(Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Writing by Matthieu Protard; editing by Louise Heavens)