Alinta at impasse with bankers

Shares in Alinta Energy have been placed in a trading halt after the debt-laden company failed to make progress in its discussions with its lenders.

In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange today Alinta said the reason for the trading halt was that the company, "is currently unable to make an immediate announcement pending the outcome of its ongoing discussions with its lending group and advisers in relation to the deleveraging process previously advised to the market."

In a statement yesterday Alinta said that it had received a number of trade bids but it will also consider lender-led solutions.

The company said that all the bids remain confidential and will only be accepted subject to a number of terms and conditions.

Alinta said the company's lenders will be briefed on the bids.

There are several companies reportedly interested in purchasing all or part of the business including Origin Energy, APA Group and BHP Billiton.

The Australian Newspaper reported earlier this week that only two serious bids had been received by last Friday's deadline.

The trading halt will be in place until September 21 or until an announcement can be made.