Europe stocks lower, Vivendi Off, C&W Worldwide Up

European stock markets opened lower on Thursday, with banks, oil, pharma, miners and autos all contributing to the weaker tone, and downbeat China data in the spotlight. The Stoxx Europe 600 index (XX:SXXP) +0.44% fell 0.3% to 263.30, with Vivendi SA off 7%, CGG Veritas SA (FR:GA) -0.78% down 2.3% and Essilor International SA (FR:EI) -2.14% down nearly 2% after those companies reported. Shares of Cable & Wireless Worldwide PLC (UK:CW) +17.90% soared 23% on reports that Tata Communications Ltd. IN:500483 +1.22% may make a bid for the U.K. group. The German DAX 30 index (DX:DAX) +0.59% fell 0.2% to 6,843.46, while the French CAC 40 index (FR:PX1) +0.38% fell 0.3% to 3,443.05. The FTSE 100 index (UK:UKX) +0.58% was flat at 5,870.51. These data have been excerpted from the Market Watch News.