PARIS (Reuters) -French aerospace group Safran is nearing a decision to pick France as home for a new 400-million-euro carbon brakes factory following a contest between sites in France, the United States and Canada, two people familiar with the matter said.

The politically sensitive decision, which is subject to approval by the aerospace supplier's board and has been overshadowed by a debate over energy prices, could be announced as early as Thursday, the people said, asking not to be named.

Safran declined comment.