March 27 (Reuters) - Nestle's sale of a

multibillion euro stake in its water business has moved forward,

with private equity firms CD&R, KKR and PAI advancing to

the next round of bidding for a 50% stake that could value the

business at about 5 billion euros ($5.75 billion), the Financial

Times reported on Friday.

Platinum Equity has also expressed interest in the deal, the

report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

($1 = 0.8693 euros)