EDF Said to Weigh Options for $17 Billion Electricity Grid

Electricite de France SA is considering options for its French distribution network, Reseau de Transport d’Electricite, which could include a stake sale or partial spinoff of the business as soon as this year, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The majority state-owned utility has held meetings with advisers about the structure and timing of a possible transaction, which may value the whole of RTE at as much as 15 billion euros ($17.1 billion), the people said, asking not to be identified because talks are private. EDF, based in Paris, hasn’t made a final decision and any deal is dependent on new Chief Executive Officer Jean-Bernard Levy settling on his strategy, and the French government agreeing to the terms, the people said.