EDF 'may bid for British Energy'

British Energy shares have risen almost 40% since February

Electricite de France (EDF) is reported to be considering joining the £11bn bidding battle for the nuclear power company British Energy.

The Times says EDF will offer more than 700p per share while the Reuters news agency says it may be below that level.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Germany's RWE had offered just under 700p a share while Britain's Centrica had proposed an all-share deal.

British Energy is 35%-owned by the British government.

The potential bidders are hoping to take advantage of the government's renewed enthusiasm for nuclear power.

The sale is being handled by NM Rothschild, which is reported to be planning set a deadline for final bids in the next few weeks.

EDF is already the world's biggest nuclear power generator with 58 reactors.

British Energy shares have risen almost 40% since it emerged in February that the company's board was considering a break-up or sale.