EXCLUSIVE-US packaging firm Silgan signals interest for Germany's Gerresheimer, sources say

MUNICH, March 20 (Reuters) - U.S. packaging company Silgan Holdings SLGN.N has signalled interest in taking over German medical packaging maker Gerresheimer , according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Silgan is working with advisers on the approach that could value Gerresheimer at 41 euros per share, one source said, cautioning that there is no certainty there will be a bid and that a transaction will be completed.

Gerresheimer declined to comment.

Silgan was not immediately available for comment.

Gerresheimer shares rose 6.7% following the news to trade at 18.9 euros.

Gerresheimer, worth about 600 million euros ($694 million), has seen its shares drop more than 80% from its 2023 peak and the stock is down 37% since the start of the year.

The company said in late February that Germany's financial regulator BaFin is widening a probe into its financial statements, adding pressure on the medical products maker as it grapples with accounting issues and a plunging share price.

The Duesseldorf-based company held talks last year with private equity investors over a potential sale, but the conversations ended without an agreement.

($1 = 0.8644 euros)