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Fiat shares climb on takeover rumour

Shares in Italian auto giant Fiat jumped by 1.91 percent to €7.745 in Milan on Thursday on a German magazine report of a possible takeover by Volkswagen that Fiat denied.

Fiat shares climb on takeover rumour
Fiat shares were also boosted by data showing a 5.4-percent rise in European auto sales in June. Fiat photo: Shutterstock

Fiat stock rose despite the market overall falling, with the benchmark FTSE Mib index down 1.49 percent in midday trading.

The shares were also boosted by data showing a 5.4-percent rise in European auto sales in June, confirming a recovery in a sector badly hit by the economic crisis.

Fiat rejected the report in Manager Magazin that said Volkswagen was looking into "a takeover or partial takeover" of its Italian-US competitor Fiat-Chrysler.

The magazine said Volkswagen was particularly interested in Chrysler and its US distribution network, while the Italian side could focus on luxury cars like Fiat's Ferrari brand.

Exor, an investment company controlled by the Agnelli family which has a controlling stake in Fiat, said: "There has been no discussion on a merger of Fiat with Volkswagen".

SEE ALSO: Fiat Chrysler lays out global push

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GREENPEACE

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium

At least two people were hospitalised Tuesday after a Greenpeace activist crash-landed on the pitch before the Germany-France match at Euro 2020 when his powered parachute microlight struck spidercam cables at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium
The activist lands on the turf of the Allianz Arena. credit: dpa | Christian Charisius

The pilot flew over the pitch just before kick-off in the Group F clash with “Kick out oil” written on the canopy of his parachute.

However, when the pilot hit television cables above the pitch, it knocked his microlight off balance and he landed on the turf after clipping one of the stands, where the casualties happened.

The activist was arrested soon after landing.

A Munich police spokesman told AFP that at least two people suffered head injuries and “both had to be taken to hospital, we don’t know yet how serious the injuries are”.

The police spokesman said the activist appears to have escaped injury, but “we are considering various criminal charges. Munich police has zero understanding for political actions that put lives at risk”.

UEFA also slammed the botched stunt.

“This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

The parachutist above the stadium. Photo: dpa | Matthias Balk

“The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

The stunt was a protest against German car manufacturer Volkswagen, one of the sponsors of the European Championship, Greenpeace explained in a Twitter post.

“UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions,” said UEFA.

Greenpeace said they regretted any harm caused.

“This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or hurt people,” read a Twitter post on Greenpeace’s official German account.

“We hope that everyone is OK and that no one was seriously injured. Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent.”

“Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan.”

READ MORE: Climate activists rage as Germany opts for drawn-out coal exit

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