June 12 (Reuters) - Thermo Fisher Scientific ( TMO )

plans to sell its diagnostics unit for about $4 billion in an

attempt to offload some of its low-growth assets, the Financial

Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the

matter.

The contract drug manufacturer recently enlisted advisers to

explore private equity interest in part of its diagnostics

business, including its microbiology unit, which produces

infectious disease testing equipment, according to the Financial

Times.

The auction process does not guarantee a sale, the report

said, adding that Thermo Fisher may decide to retain the asset.

Thermo Fisher did not immediately respond to a Reuters'

request for comment.

In February, the company acquired Solventum's purification

and filtration business for about $4.1 billion in cash.