BUZZ-Cantaloupe rises after Reuters report company exploring options including sale

** Shares of payments firm Cantaloupe CTLP.O jump as much as 9.8%; last up 4% at $10.76

** CTLP is exploring strategic options, including a potential sale or a go-private transaction, Reuters reports, citing four people familiar with the matter

** Company is working with investment bankers at JPMorgan Chase JPM.N on the strategic plans

** CTLP, previously known as USA Technologies, has a market cap of $755.9 million as of last close, according to data compiled by LSEG

** Company offers digital payments technology and software to companies providing self-service offerings, such as vending machines, car washes and arcades

** Founded in 1992, the firm went public in 1995 and was approved for listing on Nasdaq in 2007

** As of last close, CTLP up 8.8% YTD

(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru)

((ArasuKannagi.Basil@thomsonreuters.com;))