Aerospace-Parts Maker Esterline Technologies Is Exploring Potential Sale

Company currently has a market value of $2.2 billion; process at early stage

Aerospace-parts maker Esterline Technologies Corp. is exploring a potential sale, according to people familiar with the matter.

The process is at an early stage, the people said, and there is no guarantee the company will reach a deal to sell itself. As of Friday afternoon, Esterline had a market value of $2.2 billion; with a typical premium, the company could be valued at nearly $3 billion in a sale.

The...