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Opel Sale to Be Closed This Week

We've heard that before but this time it looks serious. Opel union boss Klaus Franz revealed that Magna International is on track to take over 55 percent of the German brand this week but admitted that there are still a few points to cleared before those involved could give their final approval.

"We are on the home stretch but there a few more points to clear up,"
Franz said on Monday according to a report by Reuters. "I expect the contract to be signed in the course of this week."

Germany last weekend agreed to provide 4.5 billion euro state loan guarantee to back the deal, Der Spiegel reported, and the other countries that are hosting Opel facilities are now expected to announce their contribution.

The European Union last month urged countries involved in the talks to make decisions on the money to be provided to Magna International.

"We are asking the question, we are waiting for facts and figures to come to our final approach, the time frame the sooner the better. We are running out of time," Neelie Kroes, European Union antitrust chief, told the European Parliament.

"We also need to be clear that the financial sector was a special case. The substantial interventions in the financial sector should not be used as an excuse for massive state aid in other sectors,"
Kroes said. "This is not because we care more about bankers than workers in other sectors. It is because the financial system is the lifeblood of our whole economic system," she added.

Magna will take control of a 55 percent stake in Opel, while General Motors will retain 35 percent of the brand. Opel's employees will receive the remaining 10 percent.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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