State-owned Cochin Shipyard is reportedly in early talks to take over struggling Indian private builder ABG Shipyard.

Preliminary discussions have taken place over the acquisition of a controlling stake, the Mint newspaper reported, citing two people close the situation.

Lenders hold 50.46% of ABG after a debt restructuring. This stake may be worth up to INR 5bn ($74.4m).

The yard has not commented.

Indian