July 18 (Reuters) - Specialist insurance provider CFC,

backed by private equity firms EQT and Vitruvian

Partners, is exploring a UK listing that could value the firm at

more than 5 billion pounds ($6.71 billion), the Financial Times

reported on Friday.

The insurer is also considering other options, including a

listing in the U.S. or even a sale, the report said, citing

people familiar with the matter.

Discussions are still in early stages, and any deal was

unlikely before the second half of 2026, they added.

CFC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for

comment.

The two European private equity firms made a "significant"

investment in CFC in 2021, valuing the London-based firm at more

than 2.5 billion pounds at the time.

Founded in 1999 as a cyber insurance provider, CFC has since

expanded into more than 20 specialist insurance classes, its

website said.

The firm operates nine offices globally, with more than 950

employees serving roughly 150,000 customers.

CFC's listing could breathe fresh life into London's IPO

market, which has been hit by a string of delistings and IPO

departures in recent years, with fast-fashion major Shein being

the latest to walk away.

The UK has been trying to make London a more attractive

destination for companies to list and raise funds, and has made

major changes to its listing rules last year.

($1 = 0.7448 pounds)