German shares ended near the day's highs buoyed by buying in German chemical stocks after a blockbuster Swiss industry merger was announced. The gains came on the back of a higher dollar despite losses in German debt markets. The market was generally buoyed by news that Swiss chemical and drugs companies Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz would merge, prompting talk that German rivals would need to create more partnerships.

CAC-40: 2008.03 (+2.14)

The Paris Bourse posted a small gain as the CAC-40 index finished the day fractionally higher. Volume was heavier than in previous days, reaching 5.7 billion francs. Canal Plus jumped by 16.52 per cent as almost 3 per cent of its capital changed hands, while Havas was up 7 per cent.

Mibtel: 9726 (-28)

Milan shares ended easier, but off the lows, as scattered buying was seen throughout the day at the lower levels, but the row between TIM and Omnitel weakened the telecoms sector and dampened market sentiment.