Martifer denies it has decided higher REpower bid

LISBON, Mar 22 (Reuters) Portugal's Martifer denied a newspaper report on Thursday that it had decided to raise its offer for wind turbine maker REpower in an attempt to beat Areva's competing bid.

Daily Diario Economic reported that Martifer and Suzlon Energy Ltd would announce a higher offer for REpower after French nuclear reactor maker Areva raised its offer by a third to 140 euros per share from 105 euros.

The Martifer/Suzlon offer for REpower stands at 126 euros a share.

''Martifer denies reports that it has taken a decision with Suzlon to revise the conditions of its offer for REpower,'' said Jorge Martins, Vice President of Martifer, in a written statement to Reuters.

''The matter is currently being studied with Suzlon and we will announce a decision once it is made,'' Martins said.

Suzlon, the world's fifth-largest wind turbine maker, last month teamed up with Martifer, a unit of Portugal's largest builder Mota Engil , to launch a bid for REpower.

Martifer owns about 25 percent of REpower.

At 1150 GMT shares in REpower traded 1.09 percent higher at 153.51 euros.

REUTERS DKS HT1925