McDonald's is one of the largest businesses in France, with more than 73,000 employees and euro 4 billion in annual sales
France's economy minister, Arnaud Montebourg, said he intervened in GE's bid to protect French interests
Minister's meeting with Immelt put off after Siemens offer
Many economists say that the ECB is now all but certain to take action at its March 6 meet
Debt rose as governments pushed ahead with austerity measures to tackle crisis
Spanish bond yields approach 6% euro at its lowest level in two weeks