Brussels/Berlin  - Brussels-based financier RHJ International said on Monday that talks with General Motors (GM) to buy the US carmaker's European offshoot Opel had reached an advance stage.

RHJ's statement opens up again the race for Opel with the Belgian group emerging as a major rival to the Canadian auto parts group Magna International, which up until now had been a leading contender to buy the GM unit.

"These discussions have been taking place over a number of weeks and are at an advanced stage," the RHJ statement said.

RHJ spokesman Arnaud Denis told the German Press Agency dpa: "We have presented an offer that is very attractive for all sides."(dpa)