RIA Novosti quoted Russian government said GM decision not to sell Germany Opel to the Magna-Sberbank consortium was surprising.

GM decided recently to retain its big European subsidiary, citing an improving business environment in Europe.

Mr Vladimir Putin Prime Minister was quoted as saying by his spokesman Mr Dmitry Peskov that "GM placed its European division in control of a trust, which has effectively approved the deal. It is up to the trust to take any further steps. In this connection, GM's decision to reverse the deal is causing surprise."

Ms Angela Merkel German Chancellor recently expressed disappointment with the decision, describing it as a defeat.

Mr Rainer Bruederle Economy Minister said the government would now seek to recover the EUR 1.5 billion bridge loan the government gave Opel last year to keep it afloat until Canadian auto parts maker Magna and Sberbank could take it a 55% stake.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)