Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. (TSE:9531) has joined the race to acquire a minority stake in Think Gas Distribution Private Limited, Indian natural gas supplier owned by private equity fund I Squared Capital Advisors, LLC, said two people aware of the development. Tokyo Gas is doing due diligence at present, said sources. The potential investor will buy about 30% stake in Think Gas, valuing the company at $1 billion - $1.2 billion.

Investment bank Barclays is advising I Squared for the stake sale. Mubadala Investment, the sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, is the other major contender for the minority stake. Mubadala Investment and a couple of Japanese investors, including Sumitomo Corporation (TSE:8053), are among the contenders to acquire a 30% stake in Think Gas Distribution, ET first reported on May 12.