Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori SpA is reported to be examining its options for merging its printing business with another party.

Reports in Italian national newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore said that the company was considering a partnership or joint venture with an international partner, private equity house or domestic printer.

At the same time, Financial Times Deutschland has claimed that French security company and mobile phone manufacturer Sagem will launch a bid for Germany's national printing press which prints Germany's euros, passports and national identification cards.

The newspaper said the deadline for submission of a bid will be Wednesday of this week, adding that the German government maintained a right to veto any foreigner from acquiring companies of national interest.