Share prices moved higher in midday trading, as worries about the overnight rise in oil prices were countered by reassuring earnings from a handful of French companies, while continued speculation of upcoming merger and acquisition activity in Europe also added to the positive tone, dealers said. At 1.07 pm the CAC-40 index was up 14.80 points at 4,485.23, on volume of 1.4 bln euro. On the Matif, September CAC-40 futures were trading 16 points firmer at 4,486.5, while the euro slipped to 1.2223 usd from 1.2266 usd late yesterday. Although investor sentiment remains wary in light of the fresh oil price rise, seen after the US Department of Energy posted lower stock levels than expected late yesterday, the increase helped push index heavyweight Total to new all-time highs. The stock was trading up 1.90 eur or 0.9 pct at 219.10. Analysts at UBS also reiterated their 'buy' rating on Total today while raising their oil price forecasts to 2007. "We see neither the prospect of a slowdown in demand nor the extra supply necessary to bring prices materially down from current levels," the broker said. Lagardere pursued its recent string of gains, rising 0.15 to 59.10 after posting first-half Media net profit of 142 mln eur, well ahead of forecasts, while also raising its 2005 operating profit growth forecast to 5-9 pct from 4-8 pct. CEO Arnaud Lagardere also confirmed the group is looking into the buy of a 21 pct stake in Italy's RCS MediaGroup, adding to the string of potential corporate deals in Europe.