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Kuka is the latest and biggest German industrial technology
group to be targeted by a Chinese buyer as the world's
second-largest economy makes the transition from a low-cost
manufacturer into a high-tech industrial hub.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is trying to coordinate an
alternative offer for Kuka, with government sources expressing
concerns about losing German technology to China.
"Should new options arise because of politicians' efforts, then
we will assess those the same way without prejudice as we are
assessing the offer by Midea," Reuter said in an interview
published on Sunday.
He said Kuka has been in contact with federal and regional
governments since before home appliance maker Midea's 4.5
billion-euro ($5.12 billion) bid became public last month.
Asked whether a European counter offer would take priority
should it come together, Reuter said: "This cannot be said in
such a hard and fast way."
The CEO said Midea has already made "several concessions" to
Kuka's management by pledging to keep jobs and R&D capacities in
Germany, adding it may take several weeks for the Chinese
bidder's final offer to arrive.
(Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Alison Williams)
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