The president of Japan's Sony Group, Totoki Hiroki, sidestepped direct comment on media reports about a potentially big acquisition by the group.

Totoki said in a meeting in Tokyo on Thursday that it "is difficult" to comment on specific reports.

US media reported earlier this month that Sony Pictures Entertainment and a private equity firm jointly made a 26 billion-dollar cash offer for American media giant Paramount Global.

Totoki said his company is always interested in high-quality assets, such as intellectual properties. He added that, in general, Sony Group's basic stance is to positively explore various opportunities, provided the investment is expected to yield returns that meet the group's standards.