'Question marks' over Opel bids

There are still lots of question marks surrounding the three bids for a majority stake in Opel, Germany's economy minister has said.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said that the bidders needed to take on more risk if any deal was to be agreed.

The German government is closely involved in talks between Opel's owner General Motors and the bidders, having pledged considerable financial support.

If a deal is not agreed, he said, Opel could ultimately face bankruptcy.

'Advanced' negotiations

"There are still lots of question marks. For example, the bidders have to ensure that the new Opel company can start with a strong capital base. Otherwise, the EU Commission will not accept the rescue," Mr zu Guttuenberg said.

"If everything fails, what we do not want to happen - Opel's bankruptcy - cannot be ruled out ultimately," he added.

In May, the German government backed a bid from Canadian car parts maker Magna to take a stake in the troubled carmaker.

However, relations between Opel's owner, General Motors (GM), and Magna have soured in recent weeks, leaving the door open for two further bidders - Belgian private equity firm RHJ International and Chinese firm Beijing Automotive Industries.

Just last week, RHJ said it was in "advanced" negotiations with GM.

Magna wants control of some GM intellectual property rights, as well as distribution rights in Russia, something which the US carmaker is not willing to hand over.

Now it appears there are doubts in Germany about all three bids.

Job losses

GM has just emerged from bankruptcy protection after losing billions of dollars following a massive slump in sales due to the global economic downturn.

As part of its cost-cutting measures, the carmaker is selling GM Europe, which employs a total of 54,500 workers across Europe, with 25,000 based in Germany.

Under the Vauxhall brand, the firm employs 5,500 UK workers and has plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port.

There have been worries that UK workers will suffer sharp job losses as financial support for Opel from the German government safeguards German jobs.

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