The French arm of U.S. electronics group Molex which has been the subject of violent protests from workers afraid they might lose their jobs, could be acquired by investment firm HIG Capital.

HIG Capital said on Monday it was interested in buying Molex France, adding it was working with the French government to try to ensure Molex's site at Villemur-sur-Tarn, which has been threatened with closure, would be kept open.

French industry minister, Christian Estrosi, said he was confident a deal could be reached with HIG Capital to save the site, which employs some 280 workers.

Last month, workers from the site who were on strike attacked a Molex director, jostling him and hurling eggs at his entourage. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Dan Lalor)

Electronics