Four private equity firms are interested in Fiat's stake in Comau, the Turin-based automations systems firm, as part of the Italian car manufacturer's bid to reduce its €6bn ($5.5bn) debt pile.

Bain Capital, Doughty Hanson, CVC Capital Partners and Carlyle Group are all looking at Comau, which was mooted to float, according to a report published on Panorama, the Italian website.