France's CMA CGM has reportedly agreed a deal to buy Singapore rival NOL.
The Mer et Marine website cited sources as saying a contract could now be finalised quickly.
A deal would bring the Saade family-controlled owner closer to the two biggest containership companies, Maersk Line and MSC.
State-controlled NOL, which operates the APL line, said Denmark's Maersk was also in talks when it confirmed a takeover was possible on 8 November.
The
