DÜSSELDORF (dpa-AFX) - Industrial group Thyssenkrupp is negotiating an exit from shipbuilding. A financial investor is to take a majority stake in submarine manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the German state a minority stake, the German newspaper Handelsblatt (Tuesday edition) reported in advance, citing several people familiar with the plans. Thyssenkrupp wants to remain involved, but also only with a minority share. The financial investor's entry is intended as a temporary solution. In the long term, it is possible to merge with a division of the Bremen-based Lürssen shipyard.

Thyssenkrupp has been exploring options for its naval business for some time and is aiming for independence for TKMS. The Essen-based group can envisage partnerships or even European consolidation. In mid-August, Lürssen suggested a German shipyard merger.

With 6500 employees, TKMS is one of the world's leading suppliers of conventional submarines. According to financial circles, the American private equity fund Carlyle is considered the most likely buyer of a majority stake, as the "HB" further writes. However, Thyssenkrupp is also said to have held talks with KKR, Advent and Triton.

While the talks with the financial investors were continuing, Thyssenkrupp had negotiated the outlines for the state entry with the German government, people familiar with the negotiations reported further. However, final decisions have not yet been made. The company and the financial investors did not comment on the information to "HB". The federal government also initially kept a low profile./nas/jha/