Carlyle-Backed Neptune Said to Bid for Engie’s Exploration Arm

Neptune Oil & Gas Ltd., the energy acquisition firm set up last year by Carlyle Group LP and CVC Capital Partners, is in talks to buy French utility Engie SA’s oil and gas business, according to people familiar with the matter.

The investment vehicle, led by former Centrica Plc Chief Executive Officer Sam Laidlaw, has made an initial offer for the Engie assets that span the U.K., Norway, Algeria, Egypt, Germany and Asia, the people said. Neptune may bring in a partner to bid for assets outside of the U.K.’s North Sea, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.