Vattenfall keen to sell Swedish electricity grid

STOCKHOLM, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Vattenfall's chief executive is keen to sell the Swedish power group's entire electricity network in Sweden to free money to invest in Britain's nuclear power industry, Swedish media reported on Tuesday.

Sweden's Channel 4 reported on its website, quoting sources and a policy document, that Vattenfall AB [VATN.UL] CEO Lars Josefsson wants to sell the Swedish grid -- valued at some 50 billion Swedish crowns -- despite protests from some management.

According to the document, Vattenfall wants to find a buyer for its electricity grid by the end of the year, with final negotiations on a sale completed next autumn.

Sources told the news channel the power giant wants to free up cash through an asset sale so it can buy into British nuclear power plants.

Erik von Hofsten, Head of Media Relations for Nordic markets at Vattenfall, told Reuters the company would not comment on rumours about its business.

"Vattenfall is a large group and we continuously look through our business," he said. "Of course, we are into a lot of business-related discussions all the time." (Reporting by Mia Shanley; editing by Andre Grenon)