A number of companies have expressed an interest in a possible collaboration with Thyssenkrupp's TKMS marine department, a business representative stated on Thursday after a paper reported German engine maker Deutz wanted to take it over.

Handelsblatt service daily cited market sources as saying Deutz was among the companies that had actually submitted a. non-binding deal for TKMS at the end of last year, including the. move would help Deutz to establish a new business area.

We can confirm that several business have revealed. interest in a possible partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine. Systems (TKMS), a Thyssenkrupp representative stated, adding they. underwent privacy.

Irrespective of this, we are, as we have actually worried,. intensely pursuing a spin-off of TKMS, added the spokesperson.

Deutz decreased to comment.

Carlyle and German state-lender KfW had actually been. poised to take a majority stake in TKMS, which makes submarines. and frigates, but the U.S. financier left in October,. leaving Thyssenkrupp to pursue alternatives.

Handelsblatt had in December reported that Thyssenkrupp. had actually received several quotes from Rheinmetall, Luerssen. and the German federal government.

(source: Reuters)