European markets see gains

Europe’s markets rose for the first in three days, boosted by a pick up in mergers and acquisitions.

Heavyweight banks were among the top gainers in Europe, including Commerzbank, Barclays, HSBC Societe Generale and standard Chartered.

British Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca also advanced to its highest level in 3 months after speculation Swiss rival Novartis was considering a takeover offer. The two companies have so far declined to comment over any possible deal.

Markets also rallied after Belgium’s Solvay announced the sale of its drugs arm.

Brent crude was also up throughout the day, finishing a fraction over 66 dollars a barrel.

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tags: Europe, Markets