France's Lactalis says no agreement signed about possible Fonterra deal

PARIS, May 2 (Reuters) - French dairy group Lactalis said on Friday it was considering investments in Australia and internationally but added that it had not signed an agreement for the possible acquisition of parts of New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra.

Reuters reported on Thursday that companies including Japan's Meiji, Lactalis and Canada's Saputo were considering bidding for units that dairy giant Fonterra FCG.NZ is seeking to divest.

In response to a question about the report, Lactalis said "we are naturally considering investments in Australia and internationally. We would envisage many interested parties would participate in the sale process. Several pre-emptive steps are standard ahead of any agreement being considered, and Lactalis have not signed an agreement."