Frankfurt Dax: 4010.48 (+111.53)

German shares eased back in afternoon electronic trading as Wall Street failed to maintain its momentum as profit-taking set in after Tuesday night's huge gains. The IBIS Dax, which measures after-hours trading, was on 4005.54, with a shortage of buyers being blamed for the minor weakening. Merger talk kept bank shares firm while Adidas made gains, boosted by the Salomon takeover bid.

Paris CAC-40: 2944.00 (+3.45)

French shares closed marginally higher but off the session's 2976.21 high as the relapse on Wall Street hit sentiment in Paris. There was good volume, boosted by heavy dealing in Salomon, which has received a takeover bid from Adidas. Salomon closed 17 per cent higher, just a few francs short of the Adidas offer price.

Milan MIBTEL: 14881 (+5)

Italian shares were mixed as traders switched positions ahead of the expiry of futures and options contracts tomorrow.