Q&A - What are the next steps for GM's Opel?

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The German government is expected to choose a preferred bidder for General Motors' German unit Opel on Wednesday.

Italian carmaker Fiat, Canadian-Austrian Magna International and Belgium-listed industrial holding RHJ International have submitted offers for Opel.

Following are some questions answered on what will happen next in the process to find a buyer for Opel:

WHO WILL PICK AN INVESTOR FOR OPEL?

The German government jointly with GM managers will decide on at least one preferred investor for Opel on Wednesday evening. The investor will then sign a letter of intent to invest in the German carmaker.

The final decision on a buyer for Opel will be made by the U.S. government and parent company GM.

"Currently the outcome of the bidding process is fully open," said Commerzbank analyst Gregor Claussen in a note.

BY WHEN DOES THE SALE NEED TO BE AGREED?

The German government is pushing to work out a deal for Opel before June 1, which is the deadline for parent company GM to complete restructuring talks with stakeholders. GM is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at that time.