PARIS (Reuters) - Neptune Orient Lines Ltd (>> Neptune Orient Lines Ltd.) said on Saturday it has entered exclusive talks with France's CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping firm, over a potential acquisition of the Singapore-based company.
Neptune Orient Lines Ltd (NOL), controlled by Singapore state investment company Temasek Holdings, said in a statement it had entered the exclusive talks until Dec. 7.
NOL, which has struggled in a prolonged downturn in the global shipping market, said this month it was in preliminary discussions with CMA CGM and A.P. Moller-Maersk (>> AP Moeller Maersk A/S).
CMA CGM [CMACG.UL] could not be immediately reached for comment.
(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Gus Trompiz; Editing by Ruth Pitchford; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
