SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, said today it had been approached by Macquarie Bank and the Texas Pacific Group amid speculation of a takeover that could be worth more than 10 billion Australian dollars ($7.7 billion).The approach, made on behalf of an unnamed consortium, was “confidential and incomplete” and was being investigated by Qantas, the airline’s acting company secretary, Cassandra Hamlin, said in a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.

Macquarie Bank Ltd. didn’t immediately comment.

Australia’s largest airline, Qantas Airways Ltd. said it has undertaken discussions with a range of individuals and companies, including airlines, on possible partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions over a period of years.