Schneider Electric, a French digital automation and energy management firm, on Friday confirmed that it has been engaged in preliminary talks on a potential tie-up deal with US software company Bentley Systems. “Discussions remain at a preliminary stage regarding a potential transaction, and there is no certainty that any transaction will be agreed upon. No further comment will be made until an update is warranted,” the company said in a statement. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Schneider Electric is in talks to take control of Bentley S…