(Reuters) – German group Robert Bosch is considering a takeover bid for U.S.-based Whirlpool, according to three people familiar with the matter, in a move that would strengthen its position in the home appliance market.
Bosch is talking with potential advisers about making an offer for Whirlpool, which has a market capitalization of around $4.8 billion (4.49 billion euros), said one of the sources, who wished to remain anonymous.
However, it is not certain that an offer will be made, these sources said.
A Bosch spokesperson said the company does not comment on market speculation. Whirlpool officials were not immediately available to respond to a request for comment.
Acquiring one of the world’s largest white goods makers would significantly strengthen Bosch’s appliance business amid growing competition with Asian rivals.
Whirlpool has undergone a major restructuring in recent years, leading to the integration of its European operations into a new company controlled by its Turkish rival Arcelik and the sale of its Middle East and Africa operations.
(Anirban Sen in New York and Emma-Victoria Farr in Frankfurt, with contributions from Josephine Mason; French version by Dagmarah Mackos)
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