In the most recent trading session, European stocks substantially rose, mainly on the back of the Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index jumping back to growth after its first ever weekly loss since the beginning of the New Year, and also amidst speculations that takeovers and mergers might pick up after a year of slump.

Asian shared, on the other hand, recorded declines.

Leading the power scoreboard of the winning European stocks were International Power and Cadbury, and while the former hit a 16 month high in value after speculations that GDF Suez SA is looking for a major tie-up with the firm, the latter added 1.6% to its trading value on the back of speculations that Kraft would be further increasing its acquisition bid.

"M&A is a theme we've entered into our portfolios. We favour stocks that will acquire sales through takeovers. This theme will develop in Europe and these stocks will continue to perform", said Louis de Fels, a Paris-based money manager at Raymond James Asset Management International.

The Dow Jones Stoxx 600 gained 0.6% to hit a new high of 257.92 at about 11:21 AM in London. Since March, the index has gained 63%, mainly on the back of near zero interest rates across US and Europe.