(Reuters) - BlackRock ( BLK ) is in early-stage talks to take a minority stake in hedge fund Millennium Management, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the situation.

The talks are at an early stage and may not lead to a deal, the report said, adding that any equity stake is likely to be small.

If the deal were to materialize, it would mark the first time that Millennium founder Izzy Englander has taken outside investment in the company, FT said.

Millennium declined to comment. BlackRock ( BLK ) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.