NEW YORK, April 1 (Reuters) - Private equity firm EQT

is nearing a deal to acquire compliance software

maker Avetta for more than $3 billion, including debt, according

to people familiar with the matter.

EQT has prevailed in a sale process run by Avetta's owner,

private equity firm Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe, the sources

said. If the negotiations conclude successfully, a deal could be

reached as early as this week, the sources added.

The sources requested anonymity because the matter is

confidential. Avetta, Welsh Carson and EQT did not immediately

respond to requests for comment.

Avetta's software helps companies monitor their supply

chains. Founded in 2003, the Lehi, Utah-based firm's offerings

are used in more than 120 counties, according to its website.

Welsh Carson acquired a majority stake in Avetta in 2018 for

an undisclosed amount. A year later, Welsh Carson merged Avetta

with BROWZ, another software vendor focused on supply chain risk

management.