Publicis shares jump 7% on M&A chatter By Reuters

LONDON/PARIS (Reuters) – Shares in French advertising group Publicis jumped as much as 7% on Friday afternoon after the British trade publication Campaign reported on its website that the French group had held talks with a potential private equity investor.

Traders told Reuters the article had triggered the sharp gains of Publicis’ stock. At 1357 GMT, Publicis’ shares were trading up 5% at 44.90 euros.

The Campaign also reported however that there were currently no formal negotiations between the two parties. Publicis was not immediately available for comment.