((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
German bus and train service company Flix is seeking alternatives to an IPO and is in talks with investors including private equity firm EQT
EQTAB.ST , with a view to a potential sale of its stake, said two people familiar with the matter.
The talks are at an early stage, the sources said.
Business newspaper Handelsblatt, which first reported the news, said the negotiations were for a 30% stake in Flix.
The company could be valued at 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in a deal, one of the sources said, adding that the amount would be higher than what a possible IPO at present.
Flix and EQT declined to comment.
Reuters reported last year that Flix had chosen banks as advisors for an initial public offering (IPO) planned for the first half of 2024.
The banks involved were JP Morgan JPM.N, Goldman Sachs
GS.N and BNP Paribas BNPP.PA , sources said at the time. (1 dollar = 0.9302 euros)