Bosch weighing offer for Whirlpool - report

German engineering group Robert Bosch is reportedly considering a bid for US appliance maker Whirlpool.

Reuters cited sources as saying that Bosch has been talking to potential advisers about the possibility of making an offer for Whirlpool, which has a market capitalisation of about $4.8bn.

The sources said it was not certain that an offer would be made.

A Bosch spokesperson told Reuters the company does not comment on "market rumours", while officials at Whirlpool were not immediately available for comment.

At 1305 BST, Whirlpool shares were up 18% at $103.40 in pre-market trade.