Triton Partners, is considering a takeover bid Evotec , Eyk Henning of Bloomberg reported earlier, citing people familiar with the matter. Triton is among several investment firms

(Reuters) -Shares in Evotec soared 22% on Monday after private equity firm Triton confirmed a close to 10% stake in the German drug development company, and a media report said it was weighing a takeover bid.

Evotec shares soared after the company said private equity group Triton had acquired about 10% of its stock. Luxembourg-based private equity firm Triton acquired a total of 17,730,913 ordinary shares in a series of transactions totaling 131 million euros ($140.4 million), the German biotechnology company said.

Updates shares, adds further details. Evotec SE (NASDAQ:EVO) ADRs surged 18% after a report that Triton Partners is considering a takeover offer for the German drug developer. Triton is among one of several investment companies that have been looking at a potential deal for Evotec (EVO) in recent months,

Shares in Evotec jumped as much as 13.3% on Monday after regulatory filings showed private equity firm Triton had built an over 9% stake in the German drug development company. Evotec confirmed to Reuters that Triton now holds a 9.