Buyout firms including CVC Capital Partners and KKR & Co. are considering bids for Toshiba Corp., people familiar with the matter said, after the Japanese conglomerate said it would open the door to potential buyers.

The person familiar with the matter said that the acquisition-minded company has been holding high-level discussions with Toshiba and its advisers. Bain Capital has also been considering whether to sell.

Negotiations are still at an early stage, and several private equity firms may eventually decide to bid on their own or form an alliance. It is also possible not to initiate an acquisition.