According to sources, the French dining company Sodexo SA is exploring the possibility of acquiring its American competitor Aramark (ARMK.US) in order to seek overseas growth.

Sources indicate that Sodexo has been intermittently discussing the possibility of acquiring Aramark in recent months. So far this year, Aramark's stock price has risen by 33%, bringing the company's market cap to around $9.8 billion.

Sodexo, listed in Paris, has a market cap of approximately 11.6 billion euros (13 billion dollars). Any potential trade may face antitrust scrutiny, and Sodexo will also need to raise funds for such a large-scale acquisition. Sources mention that it is still uncertain whether these discussions will lead to a deal.

Representatives from Sodexo and Aramark declined to comment. Following the announcement of the news, Aramark's post-market trading on Wednesday surged by more than 10%.

Aramark provides dining services and facility management for schools, hospitals, businesses, and major sports events in over a dozen countries. The company is also a concession provider for 60 national and state parks in the United States. Last year, the company divested its uniform rental & leasing services division and registered the business as Vestis Corp. (VSTS.US).

Sodexo, headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux on the outskirts of Paris, specializes in providing dining services for institutions, businesses, schools, and hospitals. The company has provided services for multiple Olympic Games, including the recent Paris Olympics.

In the USA, Sodexo merged its North American business with Marriott International Inc.'s food service and facility management business in 1997. According to its website, Sodexo currently has over 104,000 employees at more than 3,400 locations, including K-12 schools.