Brazilian cellphone operator TIM Participacoes (TSU), the local unit of Telecom Italia S.p.A. (TI), is in preliminary talks over the purchase of local long-distance telecom operator Intelig from Docas Investimentos, TIM said in a statement Thursday.

"There are preliminary discussions involving Intelig Telecomunicacoes Ltda over a potential interest in the company's assets and/or telecommunication activities or the establishment of other commercial or operational agreements," said the note.

The statement was made at the request of the local Securities and Exchange Commission, or CVM, after local business daily Valor Economico reported Monday that TIM and Intelig were close to a deal.

In Thursday's release, TIM said that no deal had been signed.

-By Alastair Stewart; Dow Jones Newswires; 5511 2847-4520; alastair.stewart@dowjones.com