In European equities markets on Friday, the FTSE Eurofirst 300 ended the day and the week higher, gaining 0.6 percent on the day and the same amount on the week to close at 1,213.86.

However, with elections scheduled for Sunday in Germany, the Xetra Dax was down 0.4 percent for the week to 4,986.50 as uncertainty over the outcome remained a concern for many.

Takeover rumors provided most of the non-election interest during the week. Danone, the French food group, saw sharp gains in its shares Friday on the announcement that the French government would discontinue its efforts to protect the company from takeover attempts.

Earlier in the year when rumors that Pepsico would bid for Danone, the French president said that the government would protect the company, but the French industry minister has now said that the company must defend itself. While Danone lost 0.2 percent for the week, it gained 2.3 percent on Friday to €92.60 at the close.

In the defence sector, defence electronics group Thales and aerospace group EADS both benefited from rumors that EADS would bid for Thales. Thales gained 2.2 percent to €38.44, while EADS was up 0.4 percent to €28.30.

Meanwhile, in the telecommunications sector, Nokia added 3.2 percent to €13.49 after it adjusted its third-quarter sales and profit estimates upward.