Takata Corp , the Japanese company facing billions in liabilities stemming from its defective air bag inflators, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as early as next week as it works toward a deal for financial backing from U.S. auto parts maker Key Safety Systems Inc., sources said on Thursday.
Takata, one of the world's biggest automotive suppliers, has been working for months to complete a deal with Key Safety.
A person briefed on the matter told Reuters Key was expected to acquire Takata assets as part of a restructuring in bankruptcy.
Nikkei reported a new company created under Key will purchase Takata operations for about ¥180 billion ($1.62 billion) and continue supplying air bags, seat belts and other products, leaving liabilities behind in a separate entity.
Takata declined comment. Michigan-based Key, owned by Chinese supplier Ningbo Joyson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Also at stake is $850 million owed by Takata to major global automakers under a settlement agreed to earlier this year stemming from the automotive industry's largest-ever safety recall.
