GE spokesman is quoted as saying “GE is evaluating a wide range of strategic options for our appliances business, including discussions with Electrolux and other interested parties”, although it wouldn’t name them.

Analysts are suggesting that there would be a mutual benefit in such an acquisition. Electrolux, which recently opened a cooking appliance factory in Memphis, is looking to increase its falling market share in North America, while GE is widely reported as looking to shed its appliances interests in order to allocate resources to higher-growth businesses.

With the economic problems that have beset the European market, Electrolux president and chief executive Keith McLoughlin has been quoted before as saying that he is keen to pursue growth in Asia and North America.

Electrolux has grown by acquisition in the past. It bought Zanussi in 1984, Frigidaire in 1986 and AEG’s household division in 1994.

In 2013, revenue remained flat for the GE lighting and appliances business at around $8.3 billion (£5bn) – that was just 2.3 per cent of overall profits.

If acquired by Electrolux, GE Appliances would gain a greater global footprint and expand its business outside of America, which is its main focus.

Another company reported to be interested in GE Appliances is five-year-old start-up Quirky, which recently teamed up with GE to produce a line of air conditioners that can be controlled from a smartphone.

As well as Quirky, pundits have thrown the names of Samsung and Arçelik into the hat as companies likely to be interested in striking a deal for GE Appliances.

GE did put the appliances business up for sale in 2008, but there were no takers. It is now reported as saying that it is in “no rush” this time to complete a deal and there is no “dire need for cash”.