(Reuters) – Private equity firm Carlyle has hired advisers to study a sale of Cognitrix that could value the North Carolina-based energy producer at as much as $3 billion to $4 billion, the Financial Times reported, citing three people familiar with the matter.
Carlyle is also selling other energy assets owned by its infrastructure business in separate transactions, according to the report released on Friday.
Interest in utility companies is growing, as technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence and data centers, boost energy demand.
The Financial Times reported that investment bank Lazard (NYSE:) and law firm Latham & Watkins were hired to advise on the sale.
Carlyle and Latham & Watkins did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment, while Lazard declined to comment.
Cognitrix, which Carlyle bought from Goldman Sachs in 2012, owns more than 70 gas, coal, solar and other renewable assets.
Last month, investment firms Global Infrastructure Partners and CPP Investments agreed to take US utility Allete (NYSE:) private in a $6.2 billion deal.