Common minimal multiples and divisors for rational matrix functions (Q755836)

The theory of common multiples and common divisors of regular matrix polynomials developed in an earlier paper by the second and the third author, \textit{M. A. Kaashoek}, and \textit{L. Lerer} [Indiana Univ. Math. J. 30, 321-356 (1981; Zbl 0449.15015)] is extended to rational matrix functions. Attention is focused mainly on problems of existence, uniqueness, and construction from local data. The theory leads to a complete understanding of simultaneous bitangential Lagrange-Sylvester interpolation for rational matrix functions which is the subject of a subsequent paper by the authors.