German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday.
"Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome," TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.
TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK. This reflects its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence equipment.
GNYK is part of the family-owned CMN Naval group - a French shipbuilder active in naval and yacht construction - and employs around 400 people directly.
British defence, marine and industrial firm Inocea Group is in talks to buy GNYK, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters in December. This indicates broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.
(Reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff and Christoph Steitz; Editing by Miranda Murray)
