April 8 (Reuters) - Southwest Gas Holdings ( SWX ) unit

Centuri Holdings said on Monday it is seeking a valuation of up

to $1.8 billion in its initial public offering in the United

States.

Centuri, which builds and maintains energy networks that

power millions of homes and businesses across the U.S. and

Canada, said it plans to raise about $260.4 million by offering

12.4 million shares priced between $18 and $21 apiece, according

to a regulatory filing.

It is the latest in a series of companies that have pursued

going public over the past few months, encouraged by rising bets

of interest-rate cuts this year and a soft landing for the

economy.

Last year, parent company Southwest Gas ( SWX ) said it plans to

separate Centuri through an IPO, use the proceeds to cut its

debt and reduce its ownership after the launch.

UBS Investment Bank, BofA Securities, J.P.Morgan and Wells

Fargo are among the underwriters for Centuri's offering.