SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazil's government-run oil company, Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR, PETR4.BR) on Thursday said it has canceled a much-delayed tender to buy 21 offshore drill rigs, and will instead open direct negotiations with two suppliers. "The company will immediately begin negotiations with the two proponents, Ocean Rig do Brasil Ltda and Sete Brasil Participacoes S.A., with the objective of securing the best conditions," Petrobras said in a statement. Petrobras didn't provide any reasons for the change of plan. The drill rigs are scheduled to be built in Brazil. Earlier this year, Petrobras signed a separate contract with Sete Brasil to build a lot of seven offshore drilling rigs. That deal was the first tender in a broader 28-rig order planned by the company. -By Matthew Cowley, Dow Jones Newswires; 55-11 3544 7082; matthew.cowley@dowjones.com
