The German white goods giant and Electrolux competitor Bosch has been in contact with advisers about a possible bid for the American competitor Whirlpool, reports news agency Reuters, citing three sources.
According to the sources, it is not clear whether Bosch will make a bid for Whirlpool.
Bosch has declined to comment on the reports and Whirlpool has not been available for comment.
The Electrolux share price rose by almost 4 per cent on the Stockholm stock exchange following the reports.