Exclusive: EU regulators set to clear EDF's bid for Areva nuclear unit - source

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are set to approve French utility EDF's bid for a majority stake in Areva's nuclear arm without demanding concessions, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The European Commission, which has been examining the deal since April 18, had intense talks with state-owned EDF last week while positive feedback from rivals and customers also swept away initial competition concerns, the source said.

State-controlled EDF wants to acquire 51 to 75 percent of Areva NP, which designs, makes and services nuclear reactors and is worth about 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion). The sale is part of loss-making Areva's rescue plan.

 

($1 = 0.8941 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, editing by Julia Fioretti)