Rolls Contacted About Allison, GM Says

General Motors Corp. said that it has discussed the sale of its Allison gas turbine division with the world’s major turbine engine makers, including Rolls-Royce.

But a spokesman for the Indianapolis-based manufacturer of aircraft and military vehicle engines declined to say whether Rolls-Royce was closer to a purchase than others.

Industry magazine Flight International said Rolls-Royce is the leading suitor and quoted Allison officials as saying the British aircraft engine maker may acquire a substantial minority stake in Allison.

Management control would remain with Allison executives after the sale, Flight International said.

“We have been talking with the seven or so manufacturers of turbine engines, and Rolls-Royce is one of those,” said Allison spokesman Eric Dickerson. “We’re not in a position to shed any light on the status of those discussions.”

Dickerson said Allison may be able to announce a deal by August if negotiations move quickly or by the end of the year if talks progress slowly.