Frankfurt was buffeted by yesterday's futures expiry, ending 45.37 higher at 4,732.11 on the Xetra Dax.

Adidas-Salomon gained DM15.30 at DM184.80. Preussag jumped DM34.40, or 4.8 per cent, to DM735.05 on news of plans to expand its travel agent operations with a bid for the German group, First Reiseburo.

Steel leader Thyssen added DM10.90 at DM287. Paris ended 43.70 higher at 3,751.17 on the CAC-40 index after a slightly busier session for a three-day gain of 2.4 per cent.