Bain Capital and PAG Asia Capital are evaluating bids for Takata Corp., joining KKR & Co. among private equity firms with an interest in the Japanese air bag supplier behind a record safety recall, according to people familiar with the matter. Takata's shares surged.

The discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to formal offers, the people said, asking not to be identified as the deliberations are private. Takata's most pressing issues are establishing the extent of its recall liabilities, and persuading carmakers to continue doing business with the company, two aspects that will be key for potential buyers in weighing prospective bids, another person said.

Representatives for Hong Kong-based PAG Asia and Tokyo-based Takata declined to comment. Boston-based Bain didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Takata's shares jumped as much as 12 percent and closed 1.64 percent higher at ¥435.