Siemens CEO not interested in robot maker

BEIJING: Siemens has no interest in becoming a white knight for German robot maker Kuka , which is the target of a 4.5 billion euro ($5.06 billion) takeover bid by Chinese home appliance maker Midea , Siemens´ chief executive said.

"If we had been interested, we would have acted on it some time ago," Joe Kaeser told German broadcaster ntv in an interview on Sunday.

Midea´s bid has fanned a furious debate over Chinese takeovers in Europe, with politicians such as German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel calling for tougher restrictions.

It has also prompted Berlin to consider whether Kuka´s technology is crucial for the digitalisation of German industry, an economic priority.

Kaeser, speaking to the broadcaster on the sidelines of Chancellor Angela Merkel´s trade visit to Beijing, said he believed Gabriel, who is also Vice Chancellor, was relaxed about Kuka´s situation.

"I don´t believe that Mr Gabriel has a concern," Kaeser said.

"As Economy Minister, he´s looking out for his country in that sense, it´s quite natural that he should look at alternatives," Kaeser added.

Gabriel said earlier this month there was an effort under way to develop an alternative offer for Kuka.

Germany´s Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily reported that Gabriel had spoken to German car manufacturers and Siemens about mounting a possible counter-bid for Kuka.