Suez, the French utility planning to merge with Gaz de France, said yesterday it will not buy a stake in British Energy but would be interested in reaching a deal to develop and produce reactors with the Scottish-based nuclear power provider.

"If we can play an industrial role, let's talk about it but if this is strictly a financial role, then we are not interested," said Gerard Mestrallet, the chief executive of Suez.

Mestrallet, who was speak- ing on the sidelines of a nuclear conference in Paris, said Suez was in regular contact with British Energy representatives but was waiting to find out what role the com-pany and the UK Government wanted potential partners to play.

"If they say a stake in British Energy and that's it, then we are absolutely not interested. But if they want to involve us in the development and production of one or several reactors then we are willing to have discussions," Mestrallet added.