** Australia's No. 2 grocer Coles COL.AX extends its slide from Wednesday's session, with shares dipping as much as 2.4% to A$22.8

** Coles said on Wednesday it is in discussions to acquire pet care group Greencross Pet Wellness from U.S. private equity firm TPG

** TPG is said to be eyeing a ~A$4 billion ($2.76 billion) price tag for Greencross - mirroring the valuation sought in a potential float, according to media reports

** Stock last down 1.3%, trimming YTD gains to 7.5%

($1 = 1.4507 Australian dollars)