Louis Dreyfus is considering a merger with fellow commodities group Olam International (OLAM.SI) and a listing of certain activities are possible options to expand the family-owned company, Les Echos said.

The business daily, which did not cite its sources, reported on Thursday that share-listing options being considered were either for the company's LD Commodities subsidiary, valued at US$8 billion ($10.6 billion), or the Brazilian activities of LD Commodities via a listing in Sao Paulo.

Singapore-based Olam is one of Asia's largest commodities firms, with activities in supply chain management and processing of a wide range of agricultural products, and generated total revenue of $10.5 billion in its 2010 financial year.

Contacted by Reuters, no one at Louis Dreyfus was immediately available to comment on Les Echos' report.

Fellow French daily Le Figaro reported on Wednesday that Louis Dreyfus, one of the world's largest commodity trading houses, was considering listing shares, a report later confirmed by a bank source who had been in contact with the group.

Le Figaro said a decision on whether to proceed with a listing should be taken in the coming weeks, but according to Les Echos a decision may take up to a year, with family members keen to take their time over what would be a break with the tradition of the closely held group.

Founded in 1851, Louis Dreyfus processes, trades and distributes agricultural commodities ranging from grains to coffee and cotton. Its other businesses included energy storage and distribution, as well as property development.

Former chief executive Robert Louis-Dreyfus, who died in July last year, passed on his majority stake in the group to a special trust, with the remaining capital owned by other family members.