BERLIN, July 12 (Reuters) - German media giant Axel

Springer, which owns Germany's popular Bild tabloid and

political news company Politico, is considering a split of the

company together with private equity group KKR, two

sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The plan would see KKR gain control of Springer's

classifieds business, while CEO Mathias Doepfner would take

control of the media business together with the founder's widow,

Friede Springer, the sources said.

The Financial Times first reported on the break-up talks.