GM could ’sell Opel’ stake for nil

General Motors is prepared to part with a controlling stake in Opel/Vauxhall for nothing but a pledge to invest directly in a new company formed from its European operations, said people close to its plans. GM, which might file for bankruptcy in the US, was talking to more than six financial and industrial groups about acquiring a stake in its regional arm, Fritz Henderson, GM’s chief executive, said last week. It wants a firm indication of buyers’ interest in the next two to three weeks.