The Carlyle Group LP (NasdaqGS:CG) and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR) are seeking to acquire Fleury S/A (BOVESPA:FLRY3) in a deal that may total more than BRL 2.9 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter said. Gávea Investimentos Ltda.

and Apax Partners LLP are also interested in Fleury, three people said, asking not to be named because the talks are private. Gavea isn't large enough to take control of Fleury without partnering with another investor, four people added. Also, Core Participacoes S.A., hired JPMorgan to assess strategic alternatives related to its stake in the company, including a potential entry of new investors in Core.

Officials at Gavea, Apax, KKR and Carlyle also declined to comment to Bloomberg.