GM put the gas-guzzling unit on the block in June, part of its effort to focus on building smaller cars. The automaker said last week it would soon open formal talks with potential bidders, but so far has not identified who has expressed interest. Notably in recent weeks, potential buyers from India, China and Russia have discounted their interest.
Terry Johnsson, GM Middle East managing director, told Reuters Tuesday, "there has been interest from various parties within the Gulf," noting that Middle Eastern investors have in the past shown interest in other automaker assets on the block as well. Johnsson admitted he was not directly involved in the sale process, and said he was unsure whether the potential buyers have done anything more than expressed an interest.
Despite denials of interest, most expect an existing automaker bidder such as India's Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. or Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska's Russian Machines to land Hummer. But either buyer could be interested in partnering with investors from the Middle East or elsewhere to help finance a deal. - Lou Whiteman
See Reuters story
See Dealscape post on GM preparing for Hummer talks
See TheDeal.com story on GM putting Hummer on the block
See Dealwatch: Autos
Count two Middle Eastern investors among the potential bidders for General Motors Corp.'s Hummer brand. 
