Spanish utility Iberdrola (IBE.MC) is in talks to acquire a controlling stake of Brazilian electrical energy generator and distributor Neoenergia SA (GNAN3.BR), the Wednesday edition of the local newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo reported.

According to the newspaper, which cited an unnamed person close to the company, Iberdrola is planning to raise its stake in Neoenergia to 60%. Currently, the Spanish company hold a 39% stake in Neoenergia.

Contacted by Dow Jones Newswires earlier Wednesday, Iberdrola's press officer was not immediately reached for comment.

Iberdrola is in talks to buy the stake in Neoenergia from local pension fund Previ, the pension fund for employees of government-run bank Banco do Brasil SA (BBAS3.BR).

-By Rogerio Jelmayer, Dow Jones Newswires; +55 11 3544 7071; rogerio.jelmayer@dowjones.com