European shares closed higher on Wednesday.

The Dax Index added 18.81 points, or 0.44% to 4264.35, the FTSE 100 Index rose 21.30 points, or 0.44% to 4882.50, the CAC 40 Index climbed 31.70 points, or 0.80% to 3987.63.

In U.K.: Barclays Bank was up 0.55% to 547.00. Diageo rose 0.77 and closed at 788.50. HSBC added 0.59% to 852.50. Vodafone rose 1.27% to 139.75. Unilever climbed 1.19% to 509.00. Shell rose 0.32% and closed at 472.50.

In France: Alcatel advanced 0.12% to 8.43. BNP Paribas added 0.48% to 52.40. EADS advanced 0.22% and closed at 22.31. France Telecom rose 0.48% to 22.97. Danone was up 1.71% to 74.45. Renault rallied  1.58% to 66.25.