SAO PAULO, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Brazilian petrochemical

producer Braskem ( BAK ) has no plans to sell its plants in

the United States, its chief executive said on Thursday, adding

they are an "integral part" of the company's strategy.

Earlier in the day, newspaper O Globo reported that chemical

firm Unipar was in talks to buy Braskem's ( BAK ) units in

Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia in a deal estimated at

around $1 billion.

Unipar did not immediately respond to a request for comment.