SAO PAULO (Reuters) - BRF shares pared early gains on Friday after O Globo columnist Lauro Jardim reported that meatpacker JBS was possibly interested in buying the Brazilian food processor.

BRF shares, which had risen up to 10% at the market opening, were up 2% almost one hour into the trading session, at 28.50 reais. JBS told Reuters it does not comment on “speculation” after the report in the O Globo newspaper.

Rival meatpacker Marfrig Global Foods announced last week it reached a 31% stake in BRF and has informed Brazilian antitrust watchdog CADE of the deal..

Although Marfrig has become the largest shareholder in BRF, the company has insisted it will not take over its rival and will be a passive investor.