French food giant Danone has reportedly raised its offer for the infant nutrition business of US pharmaceutical group Pfizer.

The bid, according to news website WanSquare, is close to US$11bn in an attempt to outbid rival Nestle, the publication has said.

Reports this week have suggested that Pfizer is nearing a deal to sell its infant nutrition unit for $9-10bn, with European food major Nestle also cited as a potential buyer.

Pfizer has insisted it will get maximum value for its shareholders out of any move to separate its infant nutrition business.