U.S. agricultural equipment maker AGCO Corp is keen on buying sector player CNH Global, part of Italian industrial group Fiat, AGCO's CEO Martin Richenhagen told business daily MF in an interview released on Wednesday.

Richenhagen said he had met with Fiat's chief executive Sergio Marchionne a few days ago, but it was not clear whether the Italian group was willing to divest the unit. "Marchionne still does not seem ready to sell, but he could change his mind," Richenhagen added. CNH, which produces the Case and New Holland farm and construction equipment brands, is 89% controlled by Fiat. The company has a market capitalization of $10.7 billion.  Fiat declined to comment.

Posted on: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 05:56:19 EST

A subsequent statement by Richenhagen said talk was theoretical. For that article, click here