(Bloomberg) -- Renault SA is open to Nissan Motor Co. pursuing merger talks with Honda Motor Co. as the French automaker seeks way to insulate itself from the crisis plaguing its long-time alliance partner, according to people familiar with the situation.

Renault is eager for the Japanese company to find ways to become stronger given it isn’t itself willing to inject cash into Nissan, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. With a 36% stake, Renault remains Nissan’s biggest shareholder and its approval will be key to any agreement, the people said. 

While Renault is open in principle to a deal that can make Nissan stronger, it will closely evaluate any offer that’s made to the Japanese company with an eye to protecting its own interests, the people said. Nissan talks with Honda are still in the early stages, they said.

A spokesperson for Renault declined to comment.

Nissan and Honda are facing challenges globally but especially in China, where local brands led by BYD Co. are taking over. European peers including Renault are contending with a bumpy transition to electric vehicles in their home region.

Renault’s shareholding is a holdover from its longstanding alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Alliance and Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said earlier this year that if there were new partnerships that could make the grouping of automakers stronger, Renault would welcome that. Even in the event of a stake sale, the French manufacturer would benefit from rising Nissan shares.

Nissan’s stock jumped 24% on Wednesday, while Honda’s shares declined 3%. Renault rose as much as 7.4%.

Honda is considering several options with Nissan including a merger, capital tie-up or the establishment of a holding company, Executive Vice President Shinji Aoyama said on Wednesday following reports overnight of talks between the carmakers.

Nissan’s troubles exploded into the headlines in early November, when the company slashed its profit forecast and said it would have to cull 9,000 jobs globally. It also announced a 20% cut to global output as consumers turn their backs on its lackluster lineup, leaving Nissan models gathering dust at dealerships.

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