Rothschild is in line to advise Electricité de France on asset sales in Latin America and Europe, seen as a precursor to the company's initial public offering next September.

Rothschild, with BNP Paribas, is already advising EdF on the €11bn ($14.5bn) privatisation by the French government of a 30% stake in the company. Morgan Stanley and Calyon are advising the state. The flotation would be a record for France.