Ball Corporation is reportedly exploring a sale of its aerospace unit – said to be worth in excess of $5 billion.

Reuters reports that Ball, the world’s largest supplier of beer cans, launched an auction process to sell its aerospace unit.

There is said to have been interest from BAE Systems and Textron, as well as private equity firm.

Ball launched its aerospace division in the 1950s and has gone on to be a key contractor in areas such as earth science, aerial exploration and national security and intelligence programs.

The sale is said to be so Ball can focus more on its beverage packaging operations.

It’s aerospace unit accounted for 13% of its consolidated net sales in 2022.