Blackstone emerges as frontrunner to buy Enverus, sources say

By Milana Vinn and Amy-Jo Crowley

NEW YORK, July 31 (Reuters) - Blackstone Inc BX.N has emerged as the frontrunner to buy energy-focused data provider Enverus, which is currently owned by a rival private equity firm, sources said.

Sources said Blackstone might be ready to pay around $6 billion to acquire the company from Hellman & Friedman.

Reuters reported in May that Hellman & Friedman was looking to sell Texas-based Enverus.

Blackstone declined to comment and Hellman & Friedman could not be immediately reached for comment.

Private equity firm Veritas Capital is another potential suitor for Enverus, said the sources who are not authorized to discuss the private talks publicly.

The talks have been going on for several months but the sources cautioned it is not certain a deal will be reached and noted that other suitors could still emerge.