Sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that Total had held talks to buy all or part of Engie's E&P business, worth about 5 billion euros (£4 billion).

"Total categorically denies any negotiations about buying Engie's exploration-production activities," Total said in an emailed statement.

Two of the sources told Reuters that Total had already made two informal offers which Engie rejected as too low, adding that it was not clear whether the two parties might reach an agreement.

(Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Astrid Wendlandt)

Stocks treated in this article : Total, Engie S.A.