Unconfirmed reports have been widely published that Intelsat, the world’s largest commercial satellite operator, has been approached for possible sale.

On April 17, the Wall Street Journal reported on its Website that Intelsat’s private equity owners, approached by buyout firm Blackstone Group, are open to selling for as much as $6 billion for the company. Bloomberg the same day cited two people with knowledge of talks between the Blackstone Group and Apax Partners Worldwide LLP and Permira Advisers LLP, two among four private equity firms which in 2004 had taken Intelsat private in a $3.1 billion deal. Credit Suisse is reportedly handling the sale.

Neither Intelsat nor Credit Suisse was immediately available for comment.