French and Benelux stocks - Factors to watch on Jan 6
PARIS, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Below are leading stories from French and Benelux newspapers and company-related news which could have an impact on the region's markets or individual stocks.
UCB (UCB.BR)
The Belgian pharmaceutical group says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had requested a new safety update on its Cimzia drug in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A meeting will take place within approximately 30 days.
For more double click on [UCB.BR]
EDF (EDF.PA)
Its Lake Acquisitions vehicle bidding for British Energy BGY.L has declared its offer wholy unconditional after receiving valid acceptances for some 96.44 per cent of the current issued share capital.
MEETIC (MEET.PA)
The online dating firm said it was targeting a return on average assets of between 20 and 25 percent for 2009 and said disposal of Chinese activities would boost cash position from 2009.
CAYLON (CAGR.PA)
Spanish property firm Colonial (COL.MC) has cut its debt by 273 million euros ($380 million) by selling stakes in Spain's FCC (FCC.MC) and France's Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise (SFL) to French creditor Calyon. [ID:nL5663495]
AMG (AMG.AS)
Dutch-listed Advanced Metallurgical Group expects core earnings in 2008 to be lower than previously forecast due to the economic downturn and announced plans to cut jobs. Its shares closed up 13.2 percent on Monday before the announcement.
For more, double click on [AMG.AS]
U.S. HEALTHCARE / SANOFI-AVENTIS (SASY.PA)
Americans spent $2.2 trillion on healthcare in 2007, or $7,421 per person, according to a U.S. government report released on Tuesday. The 6.1 percent rate of growth over 2006 was the lowest since 1998, mostly because growth in spending on drugs slowed. [ID:nN05531503]
