Copenhagen, June 12 - Germany's second-largest sugar refiner Nordzucker is interested in buying the sugar arm of Danish group Danisco and "has the money to pay whatever it costs," its CEO told financial daily Borsen. "We want to actively take part in the last phase of consolidation in the European sugar industry," Nordzucker Chief Executive Hans-Gerd Birlenberg was quoted on Thursday as saying.
"Geographically, the best fit is to buy something in northern Europe, so Danisco Sugar fits very well and that's what's we're most interested in buying."
French sugar producer Tereos is also interested in buying Danisco's sugar unit, its chief executive told Reuters earlier this year.
According to Borsen, Tereos and Nordzucker will submit their bids on Monday. Danisco is expected to pick a buyer by June 23 when it releases its next quarterly report.
The Danish sugar and ingredients group declined to comment. It has said that it wants to spin off its sugar business by the end of the year either through an independent listing or an outright sale.