Egyptian billionaire and Orascom founder Naguib Sawiris has said he is in talks with partners about a possible bid for Orange Switzerland, which France Telecom is looking to sell, reports Bloomberg.

A group led by Sawiris could finance a bid for the Swiss number three operator, which could be sold for as much as EUR2 billion. In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Sawiris said he wouldn’t make a bid alone and is on the lookout for potential partners. Sawiris added that final bids are due by the end of the year and that four bidders have so far been selected to make offers, following first round bids in October.

Bloomberg sources said Iliad founder Xavier Niel has teamed up with Goldman Sachs' private equity division for a bid for Orange Switzerland, while the Apax Partners and EQT Partners private equity firms are also reported to be interested. Reuters reports that French internet, telephone and TV provider Cablecom is also interested in Orange Switzerland.

It was recently reported by Bloomberg that France Telecom excluded CVC Capital from the race to acquire its Swiss operator division, unless it meets certain strict criteria. The decision was believed to have been taken as CVC Capital already owns another Swiss operator, Sunrise, meaning the sale of Orange Switzerland to the group could run into antitrust problems.

Sources said CVC could still bid for Orange Switzerland if it agrees to acquire the operator with no conditions and takes full responsibility for winning regulatory approval regarding a possible merger with Sunrise. However, they added that CVC had not received documents regarding the sale.

France Telecom is also believed to be considering selling its minority stakes in Orange Austria and Portuguese operator Sonaecom. France Telecom CEO Stephane Richard recently told Bloomberg that the company is looking at potential acquisitions and partnerships to bolster its position in the Middle East and Africa.