Manroland Likely To Announce Insolvency Shortly -Sources

Germany's ailing printing machine maker Manroland AG is likely to file for insolvency after a possible investor hopped off board, a person familiar with the matter told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.

According to several sources, the company's supervisory board is currently discussing the future of Manroland.

Should the body opt for insolvency after discussing it with the executive board, the insolvency application could be filed as soon as Friday, the person familiar with the matter said.

A new investor could still save the company from that step, but that scenario seems unlikely, the person said.

Shareholder MAN SE (MAN.XE) declined to comment on the information, while Manroland only confirmed that a supervisory board meeting is taking place.

Owners Allianz SE (ALV.XE) and MAN SE said recently they are exploring options for Manroland with a view toward finding a sustainable solution for the company.

Manroland hasn't been doing well in previous months due to the economic slowdown and after already suffering enormously under the economic crisis of 2008/2009.

-By Nico Schmidt and Eyk Henning, Dow Jones Newswires; [phone]; [e-mail]