European markets moved with small changes on Monday, after last week's strong rise, with investors' interest turning to corporate agreements and especially to the easyJet acquisition proposal.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was moving marginally higher, at 652.83 points, after its best weekly performance since mid-May.
In Germany, the DAX was up 0.06%, while the CAC 40 in France was up 0.21%. The FTSE 100 also recorded gains in London, while the Spanish IBEX 35 showed a slight decline.
easyJet in the spotlight
easyJet's stock was up about 11%, after the company agreed in principle with American investment firm Castlelake for an improved takeover offer.
The proposal, worth 690 pence per share, values the British low-cost airline at up to £5.5bn. The deal is not yet final, and Castlelake has until August 3 to submit a binding offer.
The travel and leisure sector was among the gainers of the session, registering a rise of about 1%.
Oil and the Middle East
Investor sentiment continues to be supported by the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the decline in oil prices towards pre-conflict levels.
However, markets remain cautious, as no substantial progress has been recorded in the U.S.-Iran talks. Geopolitical developments are expected to continue to influence risk appetite.
Movements in Thales and Ferrari
Thales was down about 1.4% after announcing an agreement to acquire the Gorgé family's stake in Exail Technologies, ahead of a public offering for the remaining shares of the unmanned systems technology company.
In contrast, Ferrari was up around 2%, after the introduction of the limited production 12Cilindri Manuale. The model features a 'Manuale by Wire' system, which simulates a manual driving experience, maintaining dual-clutch automatic transmission technology.
Capital.gr
