DSV A/S (CPSE:DSV) is interested in buying C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (NasdaqGS:CHRW)'s business that specializes in arranging international cargo transport on behalf of shippers, two people familiar with the matter said. DSV, which is looking to expand in North America, last week met with a small group of investors and said that it would be interested in acquiring C.H. Robinson's global forwarding business, which would give it critical access to trans Pacific ocean trade lanes, the sources said. The unit could fetch a price of as much as $9 billion, the sources said.

The sources requested anonymity as these discussions were confidential. DSV, however, is currently not interested in acquiring all of C.H. Robinson or its freight brokerage business, the sources added. C.H. Robinson, in February reached a settlement with activist investment firm Ancora Advisors.

As part of the agreement, the company appointed two new directors immediately and formed a committee to explore strategic options. A DSV spokesperson declined to comment. A C.H. Robinson spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A representative for Ancora declined to comment.