April 29- Akzo Nobel NV:. *UBS cuts price target to 41 euros from 44 euros; rating sell. For a summary of rating actions and price target changes on European companies: Reuters Eikon users, click on RCH/ EUROPE Reuters 3000 Xtra users, double-click RCH/ EUROPE Reuters Station users, click. 1580.
April 25- Akzo Nobel NV:. *Commerzbank cuts to hold from buy; cuts price target to 51 euros from 65. Reuters Station users, click. 1580.
*Iraq says companies conspired with Saddam Hussein regime. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan said the government of Iraq could not recover damages and other remedies under a U.S. anti-racketeering law because most of the wrongful conduct took place in foreign countries.
European shares closed slightly lower on Friday as investors locked in profits ahead of the weekend and once again focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding the "fiscal cliff" in the U.S.
*Akzo Nobel and Daimler among top gainers. *Rise in China manufacturing boosts sentiment for equities. LONDON, Dec 14- European shares steadied near 18- month highs on Friday, lifted by chemicals group AkzoNobel and carmaker Daimler, and many traders expected a further gradual rise before the year-end.