The German SIEMENS group is in talks with KKR - KOHLBERG KRAVIS ROBERTS the US private equity firm about selling several activities out of 50 businesses valued at EUR 2 bn. A joint venture will be created out of this deal. Businesses to be sold off would include MANNESMANN ATECS, engineering arm of MPM - MANNESMANN PLASTICS MACHINERY and DEMAG cranes, as well as 50% held by SIEMENS in the tank maker, KRAUSS-MAFFEI WEGMANN.