The non-binding bid is believed to be in line with French Government’s efforts to restructure its nuclear industry.
EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy said that a potential deal will allow Areva’s reactor and maintenance unit, Areva NP, to form partnerships with other domestic or overseas companies.
Bloomberg cited French newspaper Les Echos as saying that Areva NP could be spun off and listed.
If a deal is finalized, the nuclear giant will be able to meet around a third of its financing needs.
However, EDF is seeking exemptions from Areva’s liabilities associated with its Finnish atomic reactor project, which is reportedly behind schedule.
Areva has been incurring losses for the past four years following non-sale of its reactors since 2007. In 2014, the company reported a loss of €4.8bn.
Areva said it is in talks with other potential partners besides EDF.
