Anthropic in talks with private equity firms on AI joint venture, The Information reports

March 11 (Reuters) - Anthropic is in talks with a group of private equity firms, including Blackstone BX.N and Hellman & Friedman, to form an AI-focused joint venture, The Information reported on Wednesday.

The partnership would aim to sell the Claude maker's technology to companies backed by the investment firms, the report said, citing a person involved in the discussions and another individual who was briefed about it.

If finalised, the partnership would adopt a Palantir-style model to offer consulting services to help companies integrate Anthropic's AI into their operations, the report said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Anthropic and Blackstone did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

There is an ongoing dispute between the U.S. and Anthropic over restrictions on the military's use of its AI tools that resulted in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeling the company a supply chain risk and banning its use by the U.S. Department of Defense and its contractors.

The recent conflict between the U.S. government and Anthropic temporarily affected discussions over the joint venture, but talks are ongoing, according to The Information report.

Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday the Pentagon informed its senior leaders that use of Anthropic's AI tools, including Claude AI, could continue beyond the previously announced six-month phase-out period if deemed critical to national security.