News Corp., which is the controlling shareholder in PanAmSat, "wants to avoid delays and complications likely to go along with a sale to any non-US entity, particularly another satellite operator," the newspaper said, based on conversations with industry officials.

An investment team hired by News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch "has made it clear to prospective suitors that the goal is a 'quick and clean' transaction that steers clear of extended antitrust and regulatory reviews."

Up to five competing offers were to be opened Tuesday, with Paris-based Eutelsat expected to bid for the entire company, possibly in partnership with the equity firm of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co., the report said.

SES Global of Luxembourg and New Skies Satellites of the Netherlands are interested in certain satellites and orbital slots and would probably make an offer to whichever entity wins the initial bidding, it added.

The strong interest by several teams of private equity groups and top European companies "indicates that pressure for international satellite-industry consolidation once again is heating up," the Wall Street Journal said.

PanAmSat owns 24 satellites outright and has a "hefty share of the video-transmission market in North and South America and a growing slice of US government business."

It reported revenue of 831 million dollars (690 million euros) last year and has debt of about 1.5 million dollars.

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