Oct 2 (Reuters) - KKR is considering a takeover

bid for chip equipment maker ASMPT ( ASMVF ), Bloomberg News

reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Hong Kong-listed ASMPT ( ASMVF ) is valued at HK$39.39 billion ($5.07

billion), according to LSEG data.

The U.S. private equity firm has made a non-binding,

preliminary approach to take ASMPT ( ASMVF ) private, according to the

report.

Dutch chip equipment maker ASM International,

which owns a 25% stake in ASMPT ( ASMVF ), has been pushed by activist

investors to sell its stake in the past, the report said, adding

that the company has also attracted takeover interest from

investment firms and industry players in Asia.

KKR declined to comment, while ASMPT ( ASMVF ) did not immediately

respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Singapore-headquartered ASMPT ( ASMVF ) has a presence in more than 30

countries, with about 10,800 employees worldwide, according to

its website.

($1 = 7.7660 Hong Kong dollars)