In return, Fiat had expected a 35% stake in Chrysler, a strong base from which to buy the rest of the company should it so wish, as well as a manufacturing and distribution base in America.

ECONOMIST: America's car industry

But it is surely no coincidence that Mr Verheugen is pressing more strongly than ever these days for the creation of a European force strong enough to intervene in crises where the Americans do not wish to be involved.

ECONOMIST: Günter Verheugen, ever up-and-coming | The

Because bank valuations have remained depressed since 2008, relatively strong banks that wish to make acquisitions might see the public markets as a means of validating their valuations as higher than industry norms, enabling them to use their stock to pay for acquisitions, Burrows said.

FORBES: Banks Trickle Back To IPO Market

On the opening day of the consultation delegates unanimously expressed their strong belief in the vision of UNESCO, their wish for it to become a more effective and valued agency at national, regional and global level and their readiness to contribute to this task.

UNESCO: Meeting for European National Commissions Concludes

"During these trying times we wish President Mandela well and for his family to be strong, " the ANC said in a statement.

BBC: Nelson Mandela back in hospital with lung infection