Asciano is discussing the potential sale of a non-controlling interest in its terminals and logistics business division.

Ports operator Asciano has confirmed it is discussing the potential sale of a non-controlling interest in its terminals and logistics business division with third parties.

However, the company says the discussions are preliminary and incomplete and no agreement has yet been reached.

The statement follows reports in the Wall Street Journal that the company has been discussing the sale of a large interest in four Australian ports to China Merchants Group Ltd.