** Shares of U.S. utility AES Corp AES.N rise 11.6% to $12.35 premarket
** Bloomberg News on Tuesday reported firm is exploring options including a potential sale amid takeover interest from large investment firms
** Several major private equity firms and infrastructure investors circling AES, the report added
** AES did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment
** Brokerage J.P.Morgan says AES has the opportunity to secure a higher valuation for the its renewables growth after two years of challenging price performance
** "However, risks could also coalesce if sale talks become firmer, drawing a line in the sand where any lack of a deal ultimately further impairs the AES story," - brokerage adds
** As of Tuesday's close, stock down nearly 14% YTD