BERLIN (Reuters) - German logistics billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne said that he was examining the submission of a public takeover bid for HHLA, the main operator of Hamburg port, but would prefer an agreement with the city of Hamburg on its privatisation.

"We are examining the submission of a public takeover bid, but would prefer an agreement with the city of Hamburg on privatisation - be it in the direction of Kuehne Holding, or in the direction of Hapag-Lloyd," in which he owns a 30% stake, Kuehne told Reuters in an emailed statement.

(Reporting by Oliver Hirt, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Rachel More)