SAP would retain a controlling stake in Qualtrics, which will remain an integral part of its "Intelligent Enterprise" strategy, Klein said. "We are in it for the long run," he told reporters on a conference call.

Chief Financial Officer Luka Mucic said details were still to be worked out, noting it was typical for stock market offerings of tech companies to comprise a stake of 10%-15%.

The goal, Mucic added, would be to capitalise Qualtrics properly while giving SAP greater latitude to invest in developing its own business or make smaller "tuck-in" acquisitions.

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Michelle Martin)