The board of directors for Lisle-based Navistar reacted positively to a bid from VW's Traton in a letter released Friday. "Following discussions between Navistar and TRATON, Navistar's board of directors confirmed that it would be prepared to move forward with a transaction in which TRATON would acquire Navistar for $44.50 per share in cash," the release said. In the letter, Navistar's board asked Traton to confirm that a price of $44.50 per share is a basis for finalization of definitive agreements. Navistar's board confirmed that an offer of $44.50 per share has the support of Navistar's two largest shareholders. On Friday, Navistar gained $8.10 in trading, up to $43.52. VW sees acquiring Navistar as a major step toward challenging sector leaders Daimler AG and Volvo AB on a global scale.