RPT-UPDATE4-SocGen misses Q3 profit forecast as bid talk returns

(Repeats to additional Reuters subcribers)

* Q3 net profit 426 mln eur vs 481 average forecast

* Says economic environment still uncertain

* Says well placed for recovery from crisis

* BNP Paribas denies Tribune article it eyeing SocGen

* Shares up 4.6 pct, recovering from recent losses

(Adds analyst and fund manager comments, updates shares)

By Sudip Kar-Gupta and Julien Ponthus

PARIS, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Societe Generale's (SOGN.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) lower-than-expected third quarter profit has highlighted the French bank's weakness compared to many of its rivals and its position as a possible bid target if there is a sector shake-up.