European stocks fall as markets reacted to elections in France

European stocks fell at the start of trading on Monday as markets reacted to the elections in France.

The French CAC 40 index fell by 0.4%, and the euro fell by 0.13% against the dollar. The UK’s FTSE 100 index fell by about 0.3%, while the German DAX and FTSE MIB index traded around the flat line. The European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.1%.

In corporate news, soft drinks maker Britvic has agreed to a £3.3 billion ($4.2 billion) takeover bid from Carlsberg, for an offer of 1,290 pence per Britvic share. This was an improved offer from Carlsberg which had initially offered 1,200 pence per share but was rejected.