Analysts who follow Fiat shares on the Milan stock exchange foresaw little change in company policy.

Fiat shares lost nearly a fourth of their value in October and November.

But Fiat shares have recovered about 5 percent of their value in recent days.

Fiat shares closed on Friday at 32.1 euros, up from about 21 euros early last October.

Fiat shares fell 5.4 percent, to 5.86 euros.

Fiat shares rose by 2.2 percent on expectations that the new Italian government might stimulate the car market.

Fiat shares have fallen more than 65 percent since Mr. Fresco took over in 1998.

Only 600 Fiat shares traded on Friday and only 10,400 changed hands in April.

Though details of the accord remained obscure, it was not expected to include an offering of new Fiat shares.

The arrests buffeted Fiat shares and rippled through the Milan stock exchange.