Author: Elena Todorova
123jump.com
Last Update: 1:05 PM EST March 13 2006

European averages closed higher Monday, boosted by merger deals and takeover talk. The biggest advancers were drug maker Schering, up 26% on bid from rival company Merck and London Stock Exchange which jumped 30% on bid speculations, involving U.S. stock exchanges. The German DAX 30 rose 0.9%. London FTSE 100 rose 0.8%.