Nissan Motor is selling its stake in Calsonic Kansei, its biggest supplier, a deal it hopes will be a lifeline for a parts maker struggling to keep pace with technology.

Japan's second-largest car maker said it will sell its 41% of Calsonic Kansei to private equity firm KKR for Yen206.9 billion ($1.87 billion), based on KKR's offer of Yen1,860 ($16.78) a share - a 28% premium to the November 22 closing price. KKR said it plans to make an offer for the remaining shares in February.