European stocks jump as Alliance Boots merger provides buzz

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — European stock markets rose as they started the new quarter on a firm note, with confirmation of a Boots-Alliance Unichem merger providing excitement for investors in Britain.

London's FTSE 100 index climbed 0.49 percent to 5,504.80 points, the Frankfurt DAX 30 gained 0.48 percent at 5,068.23 points and in Paris the CAC 40 added 0.58 percent at 4,626.86.

The DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index of leading eurozone shares increased 0.60 percent to 3,448.92 points on Monday.

The euro stood at 1.1926 dollars.

In London trade, Boots and Alliance Unichem both pushed higher after confirming widespread weekend press reports of a merger that will create Europe's leading retail pharmacy business.

The share price of Boots leapt 4.60 percent to 636.5...