Business this week

François Pinault said he was “keeping his options open” about making a bid for Suez, a French utility company. The statement from the retail and luxury-goods tycoon (made through his holding company) came after France's stockmarket regulator asked him to spell out his intentions in response to speculation in the media. Suez, which is mired in a politically controversial merger attempt with Gaz de France, sought further clarification of Mr Pinault's remarks.