French automaker Renault , Nissan Motor's largest shareholder, is open in principle to the Japanese automaker pursuing merger talks with peer Honda Motor , two people familiar with the matter said.

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.

Following a report that Honda is looking to merge with Nissan comes word that Foxconn, the Taipei, Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer best known for assembling millions of Apple iPhones per year, is interested in acquiring Renault’s remaining equity in Japan’s number-three automaker.