Geneva - Shares in Swiss cement group Holcim surged by over 4 percent and those of French cement and building supplies giant Lafarge by 6 percent late on Friday on rumours they are in merger talks.
Holcim's press service was not available for comment.
The price of Holcim shares surged 4.33 percent to 78.30 Swiss francs.
The main SMI Swiss stocks index was showing a fall of 0.12 percent to 8,511.49 points.
Lafarge shares jumped 6.13 percent to 62.46 euros while the Paris CAC 40 was showing a gain of 0.69 percent. - Sapa-AFP