AGL Energy Limited (ASX:AGL) has quietly started a sale process for its smart meter business, Active Stream, which has piqued the interest of some big-name investors. Street Talk understands Vector Inc. (JASDAQ:2656), Macquarie Group Limited (ASX:MQG) and Calvin Capital Group Limited are among parties that are in-and-around an auction. It is being run by Ironstone Capital, which is said to be close to short-listing bidders to go through to a second round.

Sources suggested the business could be worth around $100 million.