Dutch shipbuilders Damen and Royal IHC have held talks over a potential takeover of Croatia's struggling Uljanik Group.
The country's economy minister Darko Horvat told the Hina news agency that the pair were invited to carry out due diligence, but have not yet done so.
The yards have reportedly said they are now not interested in bidding for the shipbuilder, which operates the Uljanik yard in Pula and 3 Maj in Rijeka.
"Whether they will express their interest or not will be clear on the 18th, but I am certain that by the 25th we will have serious offers both for the shipyard in Rijeka and for the one in Pula," Horvat added.
Italian giant Fincantieri and cruiseship owner Scenic Cruises - an Uljanik customer - are in the running for the group, with another potential bidder expected to look over its books this month.
Uljanik has been struggling with cashflow for wages, while customers have been cancelling orders.
