Italian automaker Fiat is one of the three interested parties looking to buy Sweden's Saab Automobile, the Swedish government said Wednesday, officially confirming the move.

"We can confirm that Fiat is one of the parties the government is in contact with over Saab's sale," said Johanna Martin, spokeswoman for Swedish Industry Minister Maud Olofsson.

She declined to give the names of the other two potential buyers.

A Saab spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Fiat, which is currently looking to acquire General Motors' European operations, said on May 4 that it was also interested in buying Saab.

The Italian automaker's name has been often linked to the Swedish company, but its interest had not previously been officially confirmed by Saab or the government.