July 30 (Reuters) – Tesla executives have been told to prepare for ‌a separation of its ‌China business ahead of a potential merger with ​SpaceX, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a person familiar with the talks.

Tesla advisers have ‌discussed possible ⁠options for a separation, including a spinoff, sale or ⁠closure, the report said, adding that it was unclear how quickly ​Tesla could ​spin out ​or sell the ‌China business and that the plans could change.

Tesla and SpaceX could not be immediately reached for comment outside regular business hours.

Earlier this month, ‌Tesla CEO Elon ​Musk left the door ​open to ​the EV maker merging ‌with his other trillion-dollar-plus-valued ​firm SpaceX, ​declining to dismiss the possibility and citing growing overlap between ​the companies.

(Reporting ‌by Fabiola Arámburo in Mexico ​City; Editing by Christian Schmollinger ​and Muralikumar Anantharaman)