July 6 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- French aerospace-and-defense group Thales TCFP.PA said it agreed to buy a 35.51% stake in Exail Technologies EXA.PA, and plans to launch a mandatory bid to acquire the entirety of the maritime robotics and navigation systems manufacturer at a later date.

- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies agreed to raise oil output again as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz gradually recovers and Persian Gulf producers restore production.

- German tire maker Continental CONG.DE agreed to sell its ContiTech unit to private-equity firm Lone Star Funds in a deal that values the business at around $4.6 billion and includes potential additional payments of up to $286 million.

- Credit Agricole CAGR.PA said it increased its stake in Italy’s Banco BPM BAMI.MI to 29.3%, in a bid to bolster its foothold in Italy.

- UK budget airline easyJet EZJ.L has agreed in principle to a higher takeover offer by U.S. investment firm Castlelake, in a deal that could exceed $7 billion.

- Genesis Minerals GMD.AX has made a rival bid for Vault Minerals VAU.AX that values the Australian gold miner at $3.9 billion.