Deutsche Bank is to be hired by EDF to manage the sale of the UK's most expansive electricity distribution network. Bidders will be sought out in the summer.
The sale will continue EDF's efforts to reduce its debts accumulated during the £12.5 billion acquisition of British Energy last year.
EDF Energy's debt now stands at £22.3 billion after buying British Energy.
In order to achieve the proposed building of four nuclear reactors in the UK, EDF is undergoing an asset-disposal programme to raise the funds needed: at least €5 billion for each one.
The distribution network for sale transmits power to about 8m homes in East and South East England.
It is thought that infrastructure investors such as Global Infrastructure Partners, and Canadian pension funds including Borealis, will be interested in the sale.
It has been reported that EDF are to make a final decision on the sale after July. The appointment of Deutsche Bank is also yet to be finalised.
