March 14 (Reuters) - Elbe Bidco has launched a takeover

offer for German electricity and energy producer Encavis

, the company said on Thursday, confirming previous

talks.

Elbe Bidco, a company owned by private equity firm KKR

, is to offer a cash consideration of 17.50 euros

($19.13) per Encavis share.

The management board and supervisory board of Encavis have

expressed their support for the offer.

($1 = 0.9147 euros)