DUESSELDORF (Reuters) – Several companies have expressed an interest in a possible partnership with Thyssenkrupp’s TKMS marine division, a company spokesperson said on Thursday after a newspaper reported German engine maker Deutz wanted to take it over.
Handelsblatt business daily cited industry sources as saying Deutz was among the companies that had submitted a non-binding offer for TKMS at the end of last year, adding the move would help Deutz to set up a new business area.
“We can confirm that several companies have expressed interest in a possible partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS),” a Thyssenkrupp spokesperson said, adding they were subject to confidentiality.
“Irrespective of this, we are, as we have stressed, vigorously pursuing a spin-off of TKMS,” added the spokesperson.
Deutz declined to comment.
Carlyle and German state-lender KfW had been poised to take a majority stake in TKMS, which makes submarines and frigates, but the U.S. investor dropped out in October, leaving Thyssenkrupp to pursue alternatives.
Handelsblatt had in December reported that Thyssenkrupp had received several bids from Rheinmetall, Luerssen and the German government.
(Reporting by Tom Kaekenhoff; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Miranda Murray)
