Paris and European stock markets end in red

The European financial markets have closed lower Monday, investors still fearing a slowdown in the global economy, but the exchanges were, however, supported by numerous mergers and acquisitions in progress.

The Paris CAC 40 index finished the session with losses, yielding 20.43 points (-0.58%) to 3487.01.

Trade volumes were particularly weak during this meeting due to a holiday in Britain.

The pharmaceutical values showed the strongest gains, taking Sanofi-Aventis 0.66% after the rejection of its proposal for redemption by Genzyme.

Intel announced on Monday the takeover of the division of components for mobile equipment of Germany's Infineon Technologies for $ 1.4 billion, pushing back the title of the latter 3.69% at closing.

Other declining value, the title Safran lost 2.3%, the group had denied preparing a bid for Capital of Zodiac, whose title has however jumped 10.45%.

• Sanofi-Aventis Sanofi becomes, pause in acquisitions
• Sanofi extends until February 15 on Genzyme's Takeover
• Sanofi-Aventis has approached the U.S. laboratory Genzyme
• The Paris Bourse – The values to follow Tuesday
• The action Danone rose after the agreement between Nestlé and Pfizer