General Motors Company is in advanced negotiations with Punch International NV and ZF Friedrichshafen AG regarding sale of French transmission operation in Strasbourg. The sale involves a production site and a research centre. GM spokesman said, "In a best-case scenario, the sale will be completed by the end of the year 2012." Dow Jones said that a ZF spokesman said that it is in talks with Punch on the deal and representatives of Punch could not be reached immediately for comments on the matter.