PARIS, May 2 (Reuters) - French dairy group Lactalis

said on Friday it was considering investments in Australia and

internationally but added that it had not signed an agreement

for the possible acquisition of parts of New Zealand-based dairy

giant Fonterra.

Reuters reported on Thursday that companies including

Japan's Meiji ( MEJHF ), Lactalis and Canada's Saputo ( SAPIF ) were considering

bidding for units that dairy giant Fonterra is seeking

to divest.

In response to a question about the report, Lactalis said

"we are naturally considering investments in Australia and

internationally. We would envisage many interested parties would

participate in the sale process. Several pre-emptive steps are

standard ahead of any agreement being considered, and Lactalis

have not signed an agreement."