Media outlets are reporting that consumer giant Unilever is in serious talks with The Honest Company, and may very well win the bid for the e-commerce startup. The deal which is in the early stages, could be valued above $1 billion, these sources say. Co-founded by actress Jessica Alba, online-based The Honest Company sells a number of consumer products including baby diapers, formula, wipes, laundry detergent and personal care products.

The Honest Company would be the latest in a string of acquisitions in the e-commerce space by larger operations and consumer packaged goods companies. Unilever earlier this year acquired Dollar Shave Club, also in a $1 billion deal. Walmart acquired Jet.com — another e-commerce operation that was burning through a remarkable amount of cash to grow—for around $3.3 billion.
 

Rumors regarding the sale of The Honest Co. started swirling last week. Earlier this year the company had hired Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to explore the possibility of an IPO.