NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Logility Supply Chain

Solutions ( LGTY ), a maker of artificial intelligence-powered

software that helps companies manage their inventories and

supply chains, is exploring a sale, according to people familiar

with the matter.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based company, which was previously

known as American Software and has a market value of about $400

million, is working with investment bank Lazard ( LAZ ) to gauge

takeover interest from potential buyers, which include private

equity-backed technology companies, the sources said, requesting

anonymity as the discussions are confidential.

The deliberations are at an early stage and the sources

cautioned that no deal is guaranteed. The company did not

immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shares of Logility jumped nearly 11% to touch a 52-week high

after Reuters reported on the sale process on Wednesday.

Logility provides software and technology tools that help

large companies manage their inventory, manufacturing processes

and supply chains. The company has more than 550 clients in 80

countries, according to its website.

Its customers include large corporations including discount

retail chain Big Lots, Twinkies maker Hostess Brands, underwear

brand Jockey International, industrial giant Johnson Controls,

and aerospace supplier Parker Hannifin.

On Monday, investment firm 2717 Partners sent a letter to

the company's board, pushing them to explore strategic options.

In October, the company rebranded itself as Logility and

started trading under a new ticker symbol on the Nasdaq. Earlier

this year, Logility eliminated its dual-class share structure,

which previously allowed co-founder James Edenfield to control

the company through his ownership of the special class of

shares.

Edenfield stepped down from his role as executive chairman

of Logility in February.