April 9 (Reuters) - Germany's ThyssenKrupp AG

is exploring exit options for its materials trading subsidiary

that could be valued at as much as 2 billion euros ($2.21

billion), Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people

familiar with the matter.

The company has held talks with potential advisors as it

seeks options for Thyssenkrupp Materials Services, including a

spinoff of the business and a sale.

The unit provides logistics and processing services for

materials such as steel and plastics.

The firm is trying to streamline its struggling steel

business, under pressure from high energy costs and cheap Asian

rivals.

ThyssenKrupp is focused on the separation of its Steel and

Marine division, the company told Reuters, adding that the

primary aim for all segments is to increase growth and

performance, including through partnerships and portfolio

activities.

The company said in March it was moving ahead with a planned

spin-off of a minority stake in its warship division.

($1 = 0.9042 euros)

(Reporting by Chandni Shah and Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru;

Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)