DUESSELDORF, Jan 9 (Reuters) -

Several companies have expressed an interest in a possible

partnership with Thyssenkrupp's TKMS marine division, a company

spokesperson said on Thursday after a newspaper reported German

engine maker Deutz wanted to take it over.

Handelsblatt business daily cited industry sources as

saying Deutz was among the companies that had submitted a

non-binding offer for TKMS at the end of last year, adding the

move would help Deutz to set up a new business area.

"We can confirm that several companies have expressed

interest in a possible partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine

Systems (TKMS)," a Thyssenkrupp spokesperson said, adding they

were subject to confidentiality.

"Irrespective of this, we are, as we have stressed,

vigorously pursuing a spin-off of TKMS," added the spokesperson.

Deutz declined to comment.

Carlyle and German state-lender KfW had been

poised to take a majority stake in TKMS, which makes submarines

and frigates, but the U.S. investor dropped out in October,

leaving Thyssenkrupp to pursue alternatives.

Handelsblatt had in December reported that Thyssenkrupp

had received several bids from Rheinmetall, Luerssen

and the German government.