The company said on Thursday that the German 'warship manufacturer TKMS had submitted a 'non-binding offer for its smaller counterpart 'German Naval Yards (GNYK)

TKMS stated?in an emailed message, without disclosing details?around this offer.

TKMS, spun off from Thyssenkrupp parent in October, said last month that it 'expected to decide soon' whether to purchase?GNYK. This reflects its ambition to expand due to the growing demand for defense equipment.

GNYK is a part of CMN Naval, a family-owned shipbuilder in France that specializes in yacht and naval construction. It employs 400 people directly.

A person familiar with the situation has confirmed that Inocea Group, a British firm specialising in defence, maritime and industrial products, is in discussions to buy GNYK.

In December, the number of European defense firms looking for ways to expand was higher.

(source: Reuters)