Some of the world's largest buyout firms, from Advent International Corporation to The Carlyle Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:CG), are considering bidding for mobility and materials unit of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD), people familiar with the matter said. Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) and CVC Capital Partners Limited are also studying the business, according to the people. The unit could be valued at as much as $12 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

Some of the private equity firms could opt to team up or partner with institutional investors, the people said. DuPont is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to gauge interest in the business, which makes polymers and resins for vehicles, the people said. The portfolio includes brands such as Zytel, which is used to replace metal parts subject to ultra-high temperatures, and Delrin, designed for industrial applications ranging from cars to electrical insulation.

No final decisions have been made, and there's no certainty the suitors will proceed with offers, the people said. Representatives for DuPont, Advent, Apollo, CVC and Goldman Sachs declined to comment. A spokesperson for Carlyle didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.