Vodafone Group PLC (VOD.LN) and Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (0013.HK) are looking for buyers for their Vodafone Australia joint venture, The Australian newspaper reported Friday, citing unnamed industry sources.

The newspaper said it "understands" a preliminary information memorandum has been circulated to test market reaction to a sale to telecommunications companies and sovereign wealth funds in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere.

The report said the joint venture and Vodafone Group both strongly denied a sale is being considered. Spokespeople for Vodafone Australia weren't immediately available for comment Friday.

 
Newspaper website: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au 
 
   -By Sydney bureau; 61-2-8272-4680; djnews.sydney@dowjones.com