July 30 (Reuters) -

Private equity firm Five Point Infrastructure is in talks to

sell Northwind Midstream Partners for about $2.3 billion to U.S.

midstream company MPLX ( MPLX ), Bloomberg News reported on

Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

In May, Reuters had reported that Five Point is exploring a

potential sale of the Permian Basin gas infrastructure operator,

with any deal expected to value the company upwards of $2

billion, including debt.

The deal could be reached in the coming weeks but talks

could still be delayed or falter, the Bloomberg report said.

Dealmaking in the pipeline sector has been picking up pace

as companies look to cut costs, add scale or access attractive

oil and gas producing regions.

In February, MPLX ( MPLX ) said it would buy the remaining 55%

interest in the BANGL natural gas pipeline from the affiliates

of WhiteWater and Diamondback Energy ( FANG ) for $715 million,

as it looks to expand in the Permian Basin.

Five Point Infrastructure, MPLX ( MPLX ) and Northwind Midstream

Partners did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for

comment.

Formed by Five Point in 2022, Northwind Midstream has

developed a system of pipelines, compressor stations and a

treatment facility in New Mexico.