French and Benelux stocks - Factors to watch on Aug 17

PARIS Aug 17 (Reuters) - Below are company-related news and leading stories from French and Benelux newspapers which could have an impact on the region's markets or individual stocks.

SANOFI AVENTIS (SASY.PA)

Sanofi-Aventis' recently approved heart drug could play a role in reducing Canada's burgeoning health-care costs, the head of the company's Canadian operations said in an interview on Friday. For story, click on [ID:nN14393318].

SOCIETE GENERALE (SOGN.PA)

Barclays (BARC.L) and French bank Societe Generale have received investment banking licences for Saudi Arabia, the Financial Times reported on Monday, quoting the Saudi markets regulator. For story, click on [ID:nLH555776].

BNP PARIBAS (BNPP.PA)

Le Monde newspaper reported over the weekend that French bank BNP Paribas would slash bonuses for its top 10 earners this year.

Le Monde said the bank planned to put aside between 15 million to 16 million euros ($21.4 million to $22.84 million) this year for its top performers, meaning each will receive on average 1.5 million to 1.6 million.

EDF (EDF.PA)

Sunday Times reported that consortia were willing to bid around 4 billion pounds for EDF's electricity distribution network in the UK.

NYSE EURONEXT (NYX.PA)

SmartPool, a pan-European non-displayed trading unit of NYSE Euronext (NYX.N), on Monday said it was extending into trading mid-market capitalisation stocks.

For story, click on [ID:nLG258947].

VAN DER MOOLEN VDMN.AS

Van der Moolen's directors are considering a management buy-out of certain units of the struggling Dutch brokerage, and external parties have also shown interest in taking over some divisions, Het Financieele Dagblad reported over the weekend, citing sources familiar with the matter.

For related news, double click on [VDMN.AS]