June 9 (Reuters) - TriNet Group (TNET.N), an online payroll services provider with a market value of close to $7 billion, is exploring a potential sale of the company, according to people familiar with the matter. The Dublin, California-based company is working with investment bank Morgan Stanley (MS.N) to engage with potential acquirers, the sources said. TriNet shares rose 15% on the news to $111.85 in afternoon trading in New York on Friday. Founded in 1988, TriNet provides a wide range of human resources services to small and medium-sized businesses, including payroll, compliance and tax credit services. TriNet shares are up 44% so far this year, significantly outperforming an 11% return in the Russell 1000 index, as its business benefited from companies continuing to hire despite a spike in inflation.

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Persons: Morgan Stanley, Michael Angelakis, TriNet, Milana Vinn, Marguerita Choy, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: TriNet, Comcast, General Atlantic, Federal Reserve, Thomson Locations: Dublin, California, New York, TriNet