Trading in the shares of retail group Casino was suspended on the Paris Bourse on Wednesday at the company's request, pending publication of a press release and until further notice, stock exchange operator Euronext said.

In dire financial straits, Casino has put in place a safeguard plan, which was approved earlier this month by its shareholders and creditors. In December, it announced the opening of exclusive negotiations with Auchan Retail and Groupement Les Mousquetaires, parent company of Intermarché, to sell them 313 supermarkets and hypermarkets. (Written by Diana Mandiá, edited by Blandine Hénault)