Talks are taking place with Carlyle on the majority stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

DUESSELDORF, Germany (Reuters) -Germany's IG Metall union on Tuesday said it had preliminary talks with Carlyle on the investment firm taking a majority stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and agreed to push for an agreement as quickly as possible. In a newsletter seen by Reuters, the union however insisted that a stake sale to private equity investors could only happen if the state stepped in as well to secure the conglomerate's naval shipbuilding activities. "A first round of negotiations in a small group is scheduled for the beginning of May," IG Metall said, adding that Carlyle was carrying out due diligence about taking a majority stake.

Germany's IG Metall union on Tuesday said it had held preliminary talks with Carlyle and agreed to push for a "best and fair owner" agreement for the investment firm to take a stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. In a newsletter, the union however insisted that a stake sale to private equity investors could only happen if the state stepped in as well to secure the conglomerate's naval shipbuilding activities. "A first round of negotiations in a small group is scheduled for the beginning of May," IG Metall said.