Sept 6 (Reuters) - Mexican magnate Carlos Slim has

increased his stake in oil and gas producer Talos Energy ( TALO )

through his company, Control Empresarial, by acquiring

approximately 2.7 million shares for around $30 million,

according to a filing released late Thursday.

Shares of Talos Energy ( TALO ) were up 1.5% at $10.95 in afternoon

trade.

The move comes after Talos CEO Tim Duncan stepped down on

August 29 after serving for more than 12 years in the role and

board member Joseph Mills was named as the interim chief

following Duncan's departure.

Earlier this year, the Mexican tycoon expressed interest in

increasing his investments in the oil sector.

This includes involvement in Talos' projects, following his

acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Talos Energy Mexico last year,

which provided him access to part of the offshore Zama oil

project.

Slim's firm, the largest shareholder of Talos Energy ( TALO ), has

increased its stake in the company to about 23.8%, up from the

previous 22.3%, according to LSEG data.