European shares fell on Thursday as investors remained cautious ahead of the European Central Bank's interest rate decision, while Virgin Money rose after Britain's National Building Society expressed interest in buying the bank.
By 0815 GMT, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.3 percent, with most sectors falling except healthcare and insurance.
The auto and parts sub-index was the biggest loser, down 1.1 percent, heading for its biggest decline in seven weeks.
Everyone is waiting for the European Central Bank's decision on interest rates, scheduled to be issued at 1315 GMT, and it is expected to keep them unchanged at record high levels.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will hold a press conference at 1345 GMT.
Virgin Money shares jumped 35.7 percent to their best day ever after Nationwide Building Society agreed to buy the bank in a potential £2.9 billion ($3.69 billion) deal.
Meanwhile, Hugo Boss shares plunged 17 percent to the bottom of the benchmark index as the German fashion house forecast operating profits for 2024 below market expectations.
