US canned food firm Seneca Foods has announced it could buy local peer Independent Foods.
Seneca Foods said it had signed an MOU "contemplating an acquisition" of the company, which makes branded and own-label canned fruit.
Any deal remains subject to a "definitive agreement" between the two sides, as well as the usual shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Last year, Seneca Foods moved to merge with canned veg firm Allens but after months of talks the idea was scrapped.
Seneca Foods makes products under brands including Libby's, Stokely's and Seneca Farms. It manufactures private-label lines and also makes canned and frozen vegetables for General Mills, which the US food giant then sells under the Green Giant brand.