Arinc Inc. drew early takeover interest from corporations and private equity firms in the industry. The auction for the aerospace communications firm of Carlyle Group LP is between US$1.3 billion and US$1.4 billion, according to people familiar with the deal.

Aerospace companies that showed preliminary interest to bid were General Electronic Co, Thales SA and Rockwell Collins Inc.

Sources, who asked not be named due to the auction, also added that the deal is being evaluated by major buyout firms. The plan aims to make offers for the first round of the bids by the June 10 deadline.

On the other hand, spokesmen for Carlyle, Rockwell Collins, Thales and GE refused to comment with said auction deal.

According to a Reuters report last February 25, Carlyle Group LP hired JPMorgan Chase & Co along with Evercore Partners Inc. to look for potential buyers for its aerospace firm. Carlyle acquired Aric from six US airlines in 2007 for an unstated amount.