French stocks - Factors to watch on August 20

PARIS, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Below are leading stories from French newspaper and company-related news which could have an impact on the French market or individual stocks.

STMICRO (STM.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)

STMicroelectronics and Ericsson announced an agreement to merge ericsson mobile platforms and ST-NRP wireless into a joint venture.

For details, see: [STM.PA-LEN-RTRS]

NATIXIS (CNAT.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)

French investment bank Natixis said on Tuesday it would maintain its plans for a 3.7 billion euro ($5.45 billion) rights issue to fix credit crisis damage despite objections from an activist hedge fund investor.

For story click on [ID:nLJ381539]

MICHELIN (MICP.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co (GT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said it would close 12 percent, or 92, of its company-owned U.S. stores and cut 600 full- and part-time jobs as the U.S. economic downturn put more pressure on the company.

BANKS

Goldman Sachs & Co slashed its earnings outlooks for five major rivals on Tuesday, citing mounting write-downs on mortgages, a slowdown in overall activity, and legal expenses. For details, see: [ID:nN19319516]

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