German robotics maker Kuka poised to sign Midea bid

Visitors look at the models displayed by German robotics maker Kuka AG at an industry fair in Shanghai. [Photo/CFP]

German group wants assurances on its headquarters, factories and employment

German robotics maker Kuka AG is on the brink of agreeing to a takeover bid from Chinese bidder Midea Group Co that includes a long-term commitment to its existing headquarters, factories and jobs, a source close to the negotiations said.

Kuka needs to decide in the coming week whether it wants to recommend the acceptance of Midea's 4.5 billion euro ($4.99 billion) bid, the biggest German industrial technology company to be targeted by a Chinese buyer in a wave of recent deals.

The source told Reuters that there had been a breakthrough in negotiations between Kuka and Midea, with the results presented to a meeting of the supervisory board on Saturday.

"Now the details just need to be finalized so that the agreement can be signed in the coming days," the source said.

The agreement to maintain the current headquarters, factories and employees should run until 2023, the source added.

Kuka was not immediately available to comment.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that Midea had offered Kuka guarantees, including the independence of the company's management and on its listing in Frankfurt.

News of Midea's bid for Kuka last month caused a furor among German politicians, though Midea has since said it would allow Kuka to operate independently and help it expand in China.

On a visit to Beijing this month, Chancellor Angela Merkel signaled that she would not try to prevent a takeover, but also left the door open to German firms making a counter-offer.

No potential German or European rival bidder, however, has emerged at this stage.