Oct 23 (Reuters) - Offshore drilling provider Transocean

is in talks to merge with rival Seadrill Ltd , Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The companies are discussing the potential structure of the combination, it said.

However, a final decision has not been made and the companies could choose to remain independent, Bloomberg reported.

Seadrill and Transocean did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

U.S.-listed shares of Switzerland-based Transocean rose 4.1% after the bell while Seadrill gained 10.3%. Seadrill had a market capitalization of about $2.42 billion as of Wednesday, while Transocean was valued at $3.60 billion.

Earlier this year, offshore rig contractor Noble agreed to buy Diamond Offshore Drilling in a $1.59 billion deal, amid rising interest among energy producers to boost their international and offshore drilling inventories.

(Reporting by Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

((Sourasis.Bose@thomsonreuters.com;))