Sinopec, CNOOC to take Petrobras stakes

Two Chinese companies that invested in Brazil's deep-water oilfields two years ago are looking to increase their presence as state-run Petrobras sells assets to pay down debt, according to industry sources.

China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, or Sinopec, and China National Offshore Oil Corp, are among the companies interested in buying stakes in so-called pre-salt offshore exploration blocks, the sources said.