European stocks climbed, extending their third consecutive quarterly gain, as a report showed retail sales unexpectedly increased in Germany last month.

“German retail sales are a positive for market participants ahead of the Easter break,” said Norman Villamin, who helps oversee about $44 billion as European chief investment officer at Coutts & Co. “But they just reinforce the idea that Europe is running a two-speed economy. In Cyprus, banks open for the first time since the onset of its crisis today, and we will focus not on what are likely to be long lines, but rather whether the capital controls are extended beyond the four days proposed.”

D.E Master Blenders 1753 NV surged the most since its initial public offering after the coffee and tea company spun off by Sara Lee Corp. said Joh. A. Benckiser may take it over.

Ziggo NV rose to its highest price in two weeks as Liberty Global Inc. bought a 12.65 percent stake in the Dutch cable- television operator.

FTSE 100 6,403.77 +16.21 +0.25%

CAC 40 3,719.48 +7.84 +0.21%