French car-maker PSA Peugeot Citroen said it is in exclusive talks to sell a controlling stake in its logistics business to Russia's national railway for £640 million.
The company said the talks with JSC Russian Railways could see the Russian firm take a 75% stake in GEFCO, one of Europe's leading automotive logistics businesses.
PSA Peugeot Citroen said the deal would help GEFCO expand into China, India and Latin America, in addition to accelerating its growth in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Last year GEFCO made £3 billion in sales. It employs 10,300 people and specialises in transport of parts and vehicles for the car industry.