FRANKFURT March 14 (Reuters) - Private equity firm KKR

has launched a 2.8 billion-euro ($3.06 billion)

takeover offer for German electricity and energy producer

Encavis, the company said on Thursday.

Elbe Bidco, an investment vehicle owned by KKR is to offer a

cash consideration of 17.50 euros ($19.13) per Encavis share.

Encavis shares were up 27% in early Frankfurt trading.

The management board and supervisory board of Encavis have

expressed their support for the offer. Encavis had confirmed

talks with KKR last week.

German family business Viessmann will invest as a

shareholder in the KKR-led consortium, after which it will hold

a significant minority stake, it said in a statement. This is

Viessmann's first major commitment since selling its core

heating systems business to Carrier Global Corp ( CARR ) in a 12

billion-euro ($13.13 billion) deal last year.

KKR and the management board intend to delist Encavis as

soon as possible after closing. The management plans to remain

on board under the new ownership.

KKR has already secured 31% of shares in the Hamburg wind

and solar park operator from a group of major shareholders, as

both sides announced on Thursday.

The financial investor's offer is 30% above the closing

price of Encavis shares listed in the MDAX small cap index on

Thursday.

Encavis shares fell to their lowest level in almost four

years in February. Three years ago the valuation was almost

twice as high.

Through the takeover, Encavis will "increase its

contribution to the green energy transition in Europe," KKR

said. "The consortium plans to strengthen the company's project

pipeline, expand capacity and expand its presence in core

markets."

Encavis operates 40 onshore wind farms and 190 solar farms

across Europe. The company also builds and maintains wind and

solar parks through an Italian subsidiary.

($1 = 0.9147 euros)