After much delay, the final signing of deal to sell German carmaker Opel to the Canadian group Magna will take place on November 3 at the earliest, GM vice president John Smith said on Friday.

The signing of binding agreements on the sale by GM of a 55-percent stake in Opel to Magna and its Russian partner Sberbank might be authorised by GM's board at a November 3 board meeting, Smith said in a statement.

The board would consider a letter by German Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg to the European Commission to explain whether German aid for the deal was available to all bidders or just to Magna.

"Given the significance of the Opel transaction, GM?s Board will soon meet in its regularly monthly meeting (November 3) to consider Minister zu Guttenberg?s letter and changes to the Magna/Sberbank proposal that have occurred since its last review on September 9," Smith said.

Meanwhile, work would continue to "complete all preparations for the signing of binding agreements should that be authorized by GM?s Board at the November 3 meeting," he added.

GM has agreed to the sale but the EU commission is concerned that 4.5 billion euros (6.7 billion dollars) in promised German aid was only available to Magna.

The on-again, off-again saga has dragged on since February, with the fate of at least 10,500 of GM Europe's workforce of around 50,000 hanging in the balance. Related article: Spain warns Opel workers over Magna