Laurence Parisot denounced a U.S. plot against Europe

Posted by admin on August 29th, 2011

LE FIGARO. – Economic activity appears to be a brake brutal. How do you explain it?

Laurence Parisot. – The slowdown is due to meet two sets of causes: the United States, an economic and political situation that was deteriorating, and in Europe, the States that crossed the red line in terms of debt. Once you overcome these difficulties, we find a strong growth and job creation but do not mistake in the analysis of what we experienced this summer. The situation was tense when China began to lecture the U.S. on their debt. The Americans probably wanted then iron the mistigri to Europe. There has been a kind of psychological warfare and an attempt to destabilize the euro area. The markets have overreacted, being by nature very sensitive to rumors, even organized.The moral of the story is that we should not be naive and fall for the autodisqualification: if Europe were attacked, not because it is weak but because it is strong, and if it is envy, because it is enviable.

Who was behind this conspiracy?

I call it an "orchestration" overseas challenges of Europe. See the rumors about the French banks, which were released immediately when they were absolutely unfounded. Our banks are among the strongest in the world. Some of the U.S. media yet announced the death of a particular and even the end of the euro area.We went from attacks on Spain in attacks on Italy and then France, until rumors of degradation of Germany last week! When American publications widely read by investors and financial analysts on false ads headlined drama, questions arise.

The accumulation of debts of the States, however, is a reality …

Certainly. The debts are no longer tenable. They must be absorbed quickly. As shown by the measures taken last week, the government was quick to hear the warning.

You are therefore in favor of the gold back to a balanced budget?

The principle of the golden rule would consolidate the reputation of our country and facilitate the work of any government.Many countries are engaged in it, it would be strange that we're not able to do French.

Ten billion of additional levies for a billion expenditure savings, is this the best way to fight against the deficit?

We had to quickly adjust the situation, the government has. But you are right, this is not enough, and the state must also accelerate the decline in spending. Ideally, a ratio of 1 to 2: twice as many savings on expenses for upward social and fiscal revenues. Measures such as pension reform and the non-replacement of an official two-point in this direction.Going further will require further structural reforms: focus on local communities and to decline the RGPP; work as health, including public hospitals (why does bill over to the insurance sector private for the same benefits?), and finally develop across the public-private partnerships and public service delegations. These channels have the immense advantage of not touching our social model.

François Fillon he had the "SME attitude" that you keep advocating in his anti-deficit plan?

It has indeed been attentive to small businesses but we must do more. Among the SOHO-SME-ETI today are the CAC 40 companies in 2030: they must get the best possible environment in order to grow.That's why we call for an extensive program to délégiférer and deregulate the legal system that encircles the neck to the small and medium enterprises. It should also reduce their taxes. It is shocking that the corporate tax (IS) actually paid by the SOHO-SME is (relative to the operating surplus) of about 39% against 19% for large companies. Among other reasons, the latter deduced from their result the interest on loans, while the SOHO-SME do not because of their reduced ability to borrow. That's double trouble! There is also a reduced rate of corporation tax (15%) for companies whose turnover does not exceed 7.6 million euros. Medef request that the ceiling be raised to 10 million.

Sixteen top managers were willing last week to be taxed more.Do you agree with the exceptional tax on high incomes will be instituted?

We see very high incomes in athletes, actors, professionals: it is not an issue specific to some entrepreneurs. I understand the principle of a special tax to a special moment, but the tree should not hide the forest and make us forget the need for moderation in executive compensation. Also, do not confuse everything. There would be demagoguery to compare the incomparable and put in the same bag annual revenues of 250 000 euros and 2.5 million.Let us ensure that future developments of the threshold does not affect the middle class, including the upper middle classes, which are the engine of the economy.

The inclusion of overtime in the calculation of reduced charges on low wages is not likely does not increase the cost of labor and destroy low-skilled jobs?

There are of course in this action plan that we like less than others. We also deplore the passage of the social package 6 to 8%: it penalizes the profit-sharing that we want to encourage. But all part of a clear logic of debt and that, we salute.

Are you concerned about the evolution of unemployment in the coming months?

We can stop the recent deterioration. Understanding that in TPE-PME is the greatest employment potential and the fostering.Working on better employability of job seekers, integrating strong mutations trades, adapting in real time training.

The precarious employment with the proliferation of part-time, Temporary … How about it?

As part of the agreement on unemployment insurance signed earlier this year, we will create with the unions a working group on the evolution of modes of compensation. We have also provided a social debate on the labor market. I want to bring these reflections to improve the overall employment-unemployment-training. The procedures surrounding the employment contract must further progress: as such, they are blocked by their length and excessive legalism. Fear of hiring is the biggest problem for companies.Should be conducted with the collective labor disruptions that have been done with individual outs. We do not say enough that breaking conventional setup for the first time in France "flexicurity" and everyone wins.

What is the menu of your negotiations with the unions in the second half?

The priority in the coming days is to implement the employer-union agreements in the first half of youth employment. We will also continue negotiations on the value and the modernization of the peer. We will also discussions on the social well-being at work and professional equality between men and women, in which we will include paternity leave.

What is your strategy to get your ideas during the presidential campaign?

In 2007, we published a book, Need air that marked the campaign.We prepare "Need air 2" due out in early January. "Need air 2" propose structural reforms but also bring a great European project. Some time ago, it happened that I meet entrepreneurs who admitted to having voted no to the Maastricht Treaty, now I see those same business leaders confident, enthusiastic and ready to move resolutely towards European federalism economic and social development. France will remain in France if and only if Europe is united, united and powerful.

CAC 40: 3000 points, a psychological threshold

Posted by admin on August 23rd, 2011

The CAC 40 is risky there twice this month. He was immediately returned. The threshold of 3000 points, as seen on the Paris market was down on Thursday 11 and Friday, August 19. On Monday morning, the Paris index recurred, opening down 0.85% to 2989.60 points. But again, it started to rise immediately after slipping below 3000, and closed on Monday evening at 3051.36 points (1.14%), having flown over 3100 points During the session this afternoon.

The level of 3000 points may well not be a technical threshold (it does not automatically trigger a sell order or purchase), it still plays a role of "support" on which the market arises before rebounding .Daniel Gravier, Head of Sales Trading at XTB France, believes that "this psychological level is transcribed in the courts and thus returns to a technical threshold."

The cross downward psychological sounded an alarm in markets which do not have a habit of getting carried away by their feelings. Professional traders define their purpose of orders passages through complex mathematical calculations, generated by high-powered software that constantly scan the share price indices, securities, commodities and all that is listed in order to predict the best time to invest or sell. And to build the software, the banks are recruiting the cream of engineers. But in this world of numbers, there is also a psychological dimension.So, see the CAC 40 fell below 3,000 points spurred the market to recover.

"This is a symbolic level, for its part says Harry Sebag, an analyst at Saxo Bank. In times of great nervousness, while visibility is poor, investors cling to benchmarks in the short term payday loans. It's an excuse to reposition itself for purchase. This morning, we felt that the markets began to rebound because the shares had suffered a significant discount. " And hope for regime change in Libya was a good news for oil companies operating in the country, making a breath of excitement to the Paris Bourse.

"Safeguards" but also to accelerate the panic

"These thresholds are safeguards on which the market rebounds," says Harry Sebag. But the psychological effects of contracts may jégalement ouer a role accelerator panic attacks.The violent stalls indices observed recently on global stock markets have shown. In Paris the CAC 40 fell by 32.4% since July 1, affected by short-term concerns (the debt crisis in the euro zone, bad macroeconomic indicators in the U.S. and deteriorating debt rating for American Standard & Poor's), but not only. "In late July, the market downturn downward was rational, said Jean-Louis Mourier, an analyst at Aurel BCG. However, the extent of movement and the high volatility experienced by markets in recent days show an overreaction. "

The index in Paris he could sink even lower? The scenario is possible if the disappointing macroeconomic indicators continue to grow and corporate earnings in the third quarter does not reassure investors, said Harry Sebag.Saxo Bank analyst would watch while the threshold indicated by the software, around 2850 points or even 2500 points. "But I hope we will not get to that," he adds.

Greece remains a popular summer destination

Posted by admin on August 13th, 2011

The fall of 6.9% of GDP in the second quarter is not for nothing. While the empty streets of Athens with the approach of August 15, the Greeks are reluctant to take a vacation. According to a survey by the Consumers' Association, six out of ten Greeks will not go this year because of the crisis. Specifically, "46% do not go a week, and only 5% will go over two days," Gianna Karatyni analysis of the Consumers' Association. "Morale is not, but the wallet either. Now the Greeks think twice before leaving, especially when the price of ferry tickets, for example to go to Crete for a family of four with a car, is 600 euros, one quarter of household earnings. A luxury, "she says.

Yet the absence of the Greeks is not visible on the beaches of the islands of the Aegean Sea. And for good reason, this summer, tourists from around the world flock by the thousands.Travel agencies estimate that 20% increase in bookings compared to 2010. "The French are fighting the same record," adds Theodore Chartomatsidis, director of the Hellenic Tourism Office in Paris: "Applications abound every day with our services. The numbers prove it. There is, for now, an increase of at least 28% of French tourists in Greece this year, "says he. "That means they could exceed one million visitors, a figure that was the goal for three years. It is therefore encouraging because with few means of promotion, we have shown that there is another Greek than the economic crisis, like the food for example No teletrak payday loan. The French responded immediately, in solidarity, above all, "he adds.

A safer country as Tunisia and Egypt

In the port of Piraeus, boats, coming and going in the islands of the Aegean Sea, are met.Karine, a French tourist, who came with family, preparing to embark for the island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese. Impressed by the number of travelers, she concluded that ultimately the economy will be beneficial to Greece: "I think people, especially the French, were frightened by the situation in Tunisia or Egypt. Greece remains a safe country, to which is attached without really knowing him. The holidays are enjoyable, even if sometimes small strikes, "said she. Like many tourists, Karine does not hide his desire to acquire a small house overlooking the sea "if prices fall with the crisis," she says. The property prices have not fallen but never mind, for some tourists, there is an incentive to come back next year.

The Greeks do not let themselves down so far.Some invade the beaches near the capital, while others go for short-haul and less expensive way, almost 30% of Greeks went beyond their prejudices to enjoy the beaches and rates of neighboring Albania.

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The Obama administration objects to the loss of triple A

Posted by admin on August 7th, 2011

"An appraisal contains an error of 2000 billion dollars speaks for itself." Lapidary, the only reaction to the loss of "AAA" rating from the U.S. Treasury, the equivalent of the Ministry of Finance, illustrates the strong tensions that occurred Friday between the Obama administration and the rating agency Standard and Poor's, crystallized around a miscalculation of 2000 billion.

As tradition dictates, S & P has informed earlier this afternoon the Treasury's decision before making it public. This is usually an opportunity for the government to point out any factual errors. At this meeting, U.S. officials soon discover that the projections of S & P over ten years the budget deficit and public debt do not coincide with the figures of the executive, from the work of the Office of Congressional Budget (CBO).The U.S. public debt stood at 93% of GDP in 2021 instead of the expected 85%, a difference of two trillion dollars.

Standard and Poor's emphasizes the "political risks"

Faced with protests from the government, the rating agency starts with defense. She claims to be part of the work of the CBO, a retaining projection "alternative" of government spending, considered more realistic. After discussions, however, she agrees to return to the initial forecasts. The Treasury advised her to give himself time to review the numbers cold.

Far from judging, Standard and Poor's does not reverse its decision to lower the rating of the United States to "AA +" with 'Negative' outlook. The agency submits a new version of its release to focus on "political risks" to see the country taking insufficient measures against its budget deficit.In another statement released at night, she explained that the correction of the error has changed only marginally forecasts of debt in 3 to 5 years to come, "decisive" for its decision. "This is a technical error, no serious consequences," says one within the agency payday loans for bad credit.

According to S & P, the political debate on these issues in the United States is indeed not up to the problems caused by a debt of more than 14,500 billion.According to a U.S. government source quoted by CNBC, this episode proves that the decision by Standard and Poor's was taken regardless of the numbers, while revised data showed that the deficit would be sustainable over the next ten years.

"Latest victim of the failure of Obama's economic"

The rating agency had in fact warned in mid-July the Obama administration she wanted a deficit reduction of 4 trillion dollars over ten years to maintain the triple-A, instead of hard-won 2.1 trillion. John Chambers, President of the Evaluation Committee of S & P, also found on CNN that Washington could have prevented the lowering of the notes within the ceiling as soon as the statutory debt.He said the responsibilities were shared by the Administration and Obama, but also "the previous administration."

The first political reaction in Washington have shown just block pointed to by S & P. Mitt Romney, candidate for the Republican primary for the 2012 presidential election, has described the downgrade of American "latest victim of the failure of Obama's economic" and the Republican president the House of Representatives "consequence of uncontrolled spending in Washington in recent decades."The Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, has instead called for "a balanced approach to deficit reduction," with lower costs but also increases targeted taxes, it rejected the Republicans, under pressure ultra-conservative "tea parties" in the recent discussions on the debt.

(With branches)

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"We must accelerate the transformation of Veolia"

Posted by admin on August 5th, 2011

LE FIGARO. – In March, you have confirmed your strategic plan. You present today a major restructuring program. What happened a few months?

Antoine Frérot. – We must accelerate the transformation of Veolia to a new model. Circumstances require. Our strategy has not changed in three months: we want to regain profitable growth. To achieve this, we must be more selective by focusing on industries and geographies well chosen rather than spread ourselves too thin, and generate an ability to maneuver by selling assets less attractive and reducing costs. The first results are there, but insufficient, he must go further and faster. The world has changed since January. Problems related to the financial structure of local government and sovereign debt of countries of southern Europe have worsened.They depress the economy and weigh on the purchasing power. Among the consequences, the pressure on the prices of water contracts in France is increasing. Moreover, the tensions in North Africa have had an impact on our business.

How will formalize this acceleration of the reorganization?

We operate in 77 countries and carries 79% of Veolia's sales in eight of them. We decided to give some to focus on 40 countries. In many countries, we carry less than 30 million euros in turnover. We will leave less than 10% of our business. Veolia is a global, but it is not intended to be present in every country in the world. We will leave some countries of southern Europe and northern Africa, and dispose of marginal activities.The dispersion of administrative costs and control excessive.

The group did he not been arrogant in its expansion?

Between 2003 and 2007, strong global growth has been the opportunity to expand into new countries. Central Europe and Asia, we did not know it would work so well. Other activities are less well developed. Only those who do not take risks do not make mistakes.After this expansion phase, we are in a phase of digestion and concentration, although there are also some great opportunities for profitable growth in a difficult period, provided to be extremely rigorous in their selection.

What are your priorities?

We want to develop expertise on rare occasions when the demand and profitability are strong in areas where our critical mass allows us to increase our business without additional structure. These include, for example, combined heat Poland, waste treatment in England and wastewater treatment in Central Europe. By focusing on what we know how and know less than our competitors do, we will maintain strong profitability.I would add that we want to develop our own, without additional debt.

Do you think the executive committee now has the same vision of the company. This was not the case before?

In new era, new team. With the pressure on prices, our cost reductions are insufficient. We must go further, which is difficult without changing the organization. Management must be mobilized to achieve our goals: to remove a layer in the organization, change the map of our business units and restructure our seats. This acceleration of the implementation of our strategy is the next step. Veolia must be more than ever in battle.

What is the impact of your savings plan in France?

In France, where we make 39% of our business, we must strengthen our management. Our seats are too numerous and sometimes redundant, they must reduce.We will also review the organization of our teams in our division for water efficiency.

Could you get a capital of Dalkia?

It depends on the strategy of our partner. My feeling is that EDF is now the job of energy efficiency.

The transport activity is less profitable than others. Can you speed up your withdrawal from this sector?

We already share this activity with a partner, CDC, and the proposed initial public offering is to provide the means for its development without mobilizing financing of the group.

All these measures are not they also a way to settle the age Proglio?

No. They have one goal: preparing the future of Veolia.

Thomson is back online

Posted by admin on August 4th, 2011

Washing machines, refrigerators, ovens … all the brand Thomson. This is not a museum of the appliance, but a comeback. After production ceased in 2005 Thomson devices, FagorBrandt, the owner, decided to restart it, only on the Net.

An original in more ways than one. This is the first time a group of electrical devices sold directly to the public. Other brands are marketed on the Internet, but always through distributors, specialists or not selling online. Manufacturers usually just sell parts on their website.Not Thomson.

"Given the strong growth in sales of appliances on the Internet, representing about 15% of 800 million euros of turnover generated by large appliances, we decided to use the mark Thomson to sell products through our own site, www.thomson-electromenager.fr, "said Pierre Bondoux, head of e-commerce FagorBrandt.

In one year, online sales of home appliances rose 36% in France. In addition, choosing to launch a brand 100% Internet, the group does not compete with traditional distribution directly, which markets the group's other brands (Fagor, Brandt, Sauter, entry …). Unlike Thomson, owned by the Spanish cooperative since the 1990s, when the activities of Thomson appliances were separated from the pole and arms-mail was not delivered for nearly six years.Finally, by boosting Thomson, FagorBrandt enjoys the sympathy of the brand equity with consumers guaranteed approval cash advance loans.

French manufacturing

Now, 80% of one hundred and twenty references now marketed under the brand Thomson is produced in one of four French factories of the group. "We have participated in the development of the label" Guaranteed Origin France "and will begin to communicate on this topic on our products," said Pierre Bondoux. An additional asset for Thomson, who decided not to price its main selling point. "Manufacturers are investing more and more to innovate. But on the Internet, only the price argument is put forward, "says Pierre Bondoux.

Over the months, Thomson should put online datasheets of increasingly sophisticated, real sales pitches. There is also a service technician "home", true brand specialists."And we deliver at home, made by two persons to the floor in the installation room, with resumption of old equipment and packaging," said Pierre Bondoux. By September, the facility will also be an option. A real difference to benefit from certain sites, which sometimes simply drop the parcels on the sidewalk.

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A victim of a late traveler wins lawsuit against the SNCF

Posted by admin on July 31st, 2011

"Today I am very happy that the rights of passengers are finally recognized," says Celine Cloquet-Claret. The acupuncturist Lyon, aged 33, welcomed the decision of the District Court of Paris, which proved him right in front of the station in a case of delayed train. And, although it has not affected the Euro 4044 she claimed: 3000 euros for moral damages and 1,044 euros in fees for these professional meetings. "The most important thing is that I have made my day pay off," said Celine Cloquet-Claret in figaro.fr.

The traveler asked for 4000 euros

In addition to the refund of his ticket, the SNCF will pay € 300 in damages for hurt feelings and € 500 in court costs. Is "approximately 900 euros payable immediately," according to his lawyer David Metaxas. This amount does not fully cover the fees it would receive due."This difference is explained by the fact that we could not account for the entire injury," said the lawyer figaro.fr. Five other passengers the route Paris-Lyon filed a writ of summons and also claim the same amount "equivalent to a day's work," according to counsel for the National Federation of Associations of transport users.

Background: Friday, January 8, 2010. As every week, the young woman took the train to Lyon to 8 hours to Paris where she planned 12 treatments of the Beauty of the Hotel Majestic. Fifteen minutes later, the TGV stops. "After two hours, we were told it was a problem on the overhead line, but we say when it would be resolved," she says. After seven hours, the train leaves for finally coming into Gare de Lyon to … 4:32 p.m., when he was supposed to arrive at 10:03.Meanwhile, the acupuncturist has lived a nightmare. "It was getting cold and I could not tell my customers I was late (because of the catenary problem, heat and phones do not work)," said she easy payday loans. Then comes lunch. The station serves meal trays. "But there were only 150 to 300 passengers and I could not eat," she says.

"These assignments will multiply"

Furious, the girl immediately returned to Lyon. "I lost my day, she says." And money: 1044 euro, the amount of his fees for the twelve sessions. The envelopes distributed by the station for a refund the ticket does not cover that amount. On the advice of his lawyer friend, she decides to press charges. His lawyer believes that the station has breached its contractual obligations, "the obligation of punctuality" and "the requirement of safety and information."According to him, a broken overhead on the network, causing disruption of traffic, is not a case of force majeure. "This kind of delay can not be seen as unpredictable, it happens all the time," says the lawyer. He added: "Beyond the delay is the way the station handled the things that is problematic: it does not inform the passengers, they are left without heating or hot drinks, we do not offer evacuate them. "

Anyway, this new case comes a little more tarnish the image of the station, faces many delays in recent months including that of the famous night train from Port Bou-Strasbourg / Nice arrived with more than 24 hours after his departure. For two other stories of late, two lawyers had also won their case against the company several months ago. "These assignments will multiply, says Mr. Metaxas. Users have had enough.Subscriptions are too expensive and their purchasing power decreases. Through these victories, users must realize that they can recover more than just a ticket refund. "

The Paris Bourse remains cautious in mid-session

Posted by admin on July 27th, 2011

Concerns still dominates trade in the Paris Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The CAC 40 was down 0.65% to 3763.42 points in mid-session. Elsewhere in Europe markets evolve piecemeal. In London, the FTSE-100 index advances 0.87% at 5915.80 points while in Frankfurt the Dax was down 0.24% to 7331.9 points.

Yesterday, the CAC 40 index closed below 3800 points, troubled by debt problems in the United States. One week before the deadline, Congress remains divided despite the new call for compromise of President Barack Obama urged the Republicans to act to prevent default after August 2, including the economic consequences could be severe.

Republicans and Democrats offer two different plans.On the one hand, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, insisted on Tuesday his plan, a "reasonable approach" he said to avoid default. On the other, the head of the Democratic majority in the Senate, Harry Reid, defended his rival project. "The Senate plan is the only real compromise that we have in Congress today, and it's best chance to avoid an economic crisis in a week," he said.

Christine Lagarde, the new director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also called on Washington to "find a real solution." She also asked the Europeans to apply "quickly" the plan against the debt crisis.

The dollar is still worth

Since then, global markets are nervous. In Asia this morning, the issue of U.S. debt was back the Nikkei.Wall Street closed down yesterday for the second straight session. "While remaining confident, we also understand that there is some anxiety as we push things until the last minute," lamented the spokesman of the Presidency, Jay Carney.

On the currency side, the dollar is still abused. The euro, however, gives some ground in late morning at 1.4495 dollars against 1.4509 late Tuesday. Oil is not his direction, the barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August the amount of 34 cents to 99.25 dollars and that of Brent North Sea crude for September delivery taking 17 cents to 118.45 dollars.

In this gloomy atmosphere, operators keep an eye on the indicators of the day. United States, orders for durable goods and the weekly crude inventories will attract the attention early in the afternoon.The Fed's Beige Book will also be an important appointment (20 hours in Paris). The unemployment figures for June in France fall after-hours trading (6:00 p.m.).

Values ​​to follow

PSA: -7.86% to 27.18 euros (largest decrease in the ACC)

Net income in the first half rose 18.5% to 806 million euros and sales of 9.7% to 31.1 billion euros.The negative impact of the earthquake in Japan and the rising cost of raw materials led him to a little more cautious for the full year.

Nexans: -7.62% to 60.76 euros

The group reported a loss in the first half of 151 million euros, and announced a provision of 200 million euros for the European survey.

Atos: + 5% to 39.15 euros

The French IT services company said Wednesday net profit in the first half of 2011 up 66% year on year to 100 million euros, and welcomed the 11% growth in its operating margin in a statement no fax payday advances.

AreclorMittal: + 2.64% to 22.70 euros (largest increase in the ACC)

The world of steel recorded a 10% drop in net profit in the second quarter, but has been as expected a further improvement in profitability, according to a statement released Wednesday.

LVMH: + 1.08% to 131.40 euros

The group saw sales increase by 13% in first half operating performance and increase by 22%, driven by demand for luxury goods that do not weaken despite the uncertainties surrounding the global growth.

Vinci: + 1.51% to 41.22 euros

The group announced Tuesday a record order book and robust business in the first half, making it possible to confirm its growth target of more than 5% of sales in 2011.

Euler Hermes: + 1.72% to 61.02 euros

The credit insurer said Tuesday it hoped to reach at least 320 million euros in net income in 2011, an increase of almost 10% compared to 2010 despite continued pressure on prices and the lack visibility of the markets.

M6: + 0.06% to 15.76 euros

The group is expected to improve its diversification activities in the second half after a difficult first half of the year, told Reuters on Tuesday Jérôme Lefebure, its chief financial officer.

Saffron: + 0.12% to 28.74 euros

The group finally completed the acquisition of specialist U.S. facial recognition software L-1 Identity Solutions after hiring a former head of a major U.S. intelligence to overcome any concern related to safety.

Sopra: -0.27% to 56.35 euros

The group confirmed on Tuesday its forecast for organic growth in sales in 2011 and anticipates an improvement in operating margin in the first half.

Spir communiction: -3.20% to 38.14 euros

The group engaged in a difficult transformation plan, announced Tuesday he was still a net operating profit in 2011 despite a drop in this indicator during the first half of the year.

Icade confirms its objectives

Next Radio TV: -0.66% to 13.50 euros

The group reported Tuesday a sharp increase in its financial results for the first half, boosted by the increase in hearings RMC and BFM TV background current density.

Icade: -0.97% to 82.51 euros

The group confirmed its targets for 2011 and Tuesday 2012 after reporting strong growth in its interim results, bolstered by improved margins from its Development division and reducing its cost structure.

Compagnie des Alpes: + 0.09% to 22.20 euros

The group reported Tuesday a decline in sales on a comparable basis as part of its third quarter, related to a decline in activities of skiing due to an unfavorable timing of the Easter holidays and a deterioration in the snow.

After market, Valeo, Thales, Ipsos and FDR will publish their first-half results. Air France-KLM, Vallourec, Areva, Altran, Mr Bricolage, Rexel, Gecina Nexity and reveal their results and revenues for the second quarter.

The euro area off the Greek fire

Posted by admin on July 23rd, 2011

To save its common currency, Europe is the part of the fire. The seventeen countries of the euro have violated a prohibition group, assuming the risk of a possible partial collapse of Greece. But national leaders have also pushed their own taboos in order to restore confidence and resolder the team in front of the fire.

The Brussels summit, cleared the day before by a dinner at three in Berlin, saw everyone had a role. Jean-Claude Trichet, haughty guardian of monetary orthodoxy, has reluctantly accepted the possibility of a "default" of Greece, even if he believes will be averted. Nicolas Sarkozy rempoché its bank tax – a project specifically designed to avoid trial in Athens of bankruptcy, albeit limited. Angela Merkel pays back.She agrees to substantially beef up the European bailout fund of indebted countries, ignoring the doubts that undermine his coalition in Berlin. And it sends a "very big thank you" to his interlocutors.

Unexpected, even courageous, the device stopped Thursday night is also a leap into the unknown. The danger was that the shock wave feared a possible default "selective" in Athens come sweeping new defenses in the euro area. The Head of State has carefully avoided the word "default" but he assured that the euro area lavish in time "all the necessary guarantees." Encouragingly, the agreement was welcomed Thursday by a rising euro and a market rebound.

Reduce the debt burden

By sacrificing a principle, the summit also seeks to limit the contagion. "What we do for Greece, we will not do for any other country," warns Nicolas Sarkozy.The summit's final declaration said that "Greece is in a unique situation of gravity in the euro area (…) Therefore it requires an exceptional solution." In contrast, the other 16 euro countries "reaffirm their inflexible determination to honor their individual signature" loan. No way to drift to other parts of the chain, such as Portugal and Ireland have a drip European, or like Spain and Italy regularly shaken up the markets.

For Greece, the immediate objective is to reduce the debt burden by involving banks and private equity funds. "This is to address the root of the problem" of insolvency, said Angela Merkel. The summit adopted a "menu of options," modeled on the plan proposed by the international financial community.It was also shown Thursday in Brussels by Baudouin Prot, Director General of BNP Paribas, and Josef Ackermann, head of Deutsche Bank. Voluntarily, but under strong pressure, banks must give up some money owed to them, particularly in France and Germany. Financially, the most dramatic innovation is the green light to EFSF to "intervene in the secondary market" in the clear to buy back government debt to investors. In the case of Greece, Ireland and Portugal, it would relieve the banks that hold securities impaired.

158 billion euros

Seventeen of the two, however, establish safeguards. The one at the request of Jean-Claude Trichet as the ECB will return to establish a priori the "exceptional circumstances".The other at the request of Angela Merkel, as the green light is given "by mutual agreement" of members of the rescue fund. This leaves almost a right of veto in Berlin, leaving no question of a European institution to have its way of guarantees provided by Germany

The summit amounted to 109 billion euros the amount of public funding in the second bailout of Athens. Taking into account the participation of the private bill climbs to 158 billion euros. The IMF confirmed its contribution in the evening, without specifying the amount. As expected, the euro area has decided to extend for 7.5 years "to a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years' duration of its loans to countries in need. Meanwhile, the interest rate will be reduced to 3.5%. The summit finally evokes "a comprehensive strategy for growth and investment" in favor of Greece, through the European Structural Funds.He renounced the baptized "Marshall Plan" European and still has to quantify.

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Summer festivals: artists' fees up

Posted by admin on July 16th, 2011

"There are two ways to bring artists in a festival. It depends if you have money or if we have not. " Here's how CEO François Floret and coprogrammateur Festival Route du Rock in Saint-Malo (from 12 to 14 August 2011), summarizes the difficulties faced by the organizers of summer music festivals at the time to place their programming. Because the area is changing for ten years.

Faced with the collapse of record sales, artists tend to want to catch up on their live performances. In recent years, the stamp of a headline average doubled from 100,000 to about 200,000 euros concert . Two years ago, the claims of artists such as rock bands Radiohead and the Arcade Fire could reach 500,000 euros a night delivery. A luxury that the Route du Rock, after more than 20 years of existence can not afford.Especially since the philosophy of the festival "has always been focused on the discovery of new talent," says its director.

A total of 340,000 euros per year are devoted to the artistic, or just over 19% of the annual budget of the event. Festival Rock en Seine in Paris (from 26 to 28 August 2011), this percentage reached 33% on a budget of 6 million, for a festival attendance of 105,000 in 2010.

Few artists have their own agents

To perform their scenes, organizers go through the special agents of the artists. But in most cases, they must go to production companies (the "turners") who sell the show, usually including travel, by winning 15% of the sale. Remains the responsibility of organizing the cost of hotel and catering.The financial balance of a music festival, big or small, is always delicate balance between inflation of stamps and need for headliners known to attract an audience often more sensitive, especially in times of crisis, to "safe bets".

Especially as competition from large foreign festivals like that of Open'er in Gdynia (Poland), heavily sponsored and line art more variable, contributes to the inflation of the claims of artists and the business side of an event. This year's Route du Rock will receive about 17,000 spectators to reach its equilibrium point. To get to lower costs artistic, the organizers can sometimes rely on the recognition of certain groups. This was the case last year, where the rock band The National has made a financial investment for their third participation in the Route du Rock, who has made known in France in 2005.But these returns elevators are rare, "artists tend to quickly forget their ideals of youth" deplores François Floret.

Artistic expenses under pressure

More confidence in the festival of the summer Vaour (Midi-Pyrenees), the artistic budget does not exceed 28%, 5% for the music (about 10,000 euros). Again, the trend in the price of contracts bought production companies are on the rise. No need to be an international star in setting its prices. "We can see, especially for groups that have no problems selling dates, says Sylvie De Sousa, in charge of music programming of the festival that drew in 2010, 18,000 people in nine days. Those who have more difficulty selling their shows make an effort. " The average cost to the organizers groups received between 800 and 1300 euros per service.And the festival should be more attention to his artistic expenses, some concerts are free.

Finally, the last festival that highlights specific financial issues, the uniqueness of the service provided. Artists to bring only one date is in fact a greater financial effort, where the organization of a tour allows you to spread fixed costs over several dates. A show to 1500 euros per day on tour will be up an average of 4000 euros for a single date.

Theater festivals are much more subsidized

In terms of theater festivals, the financial efforts of the programming is even greater. "Music festivals generate more ticket revenue for those plays, because they mobilize a public far more numerous. Which is also the case for ancillary revenues (bar, derivatives).In the end, the part flow from music festivals, especially the general public is much stronger, "said Jonathan Fox, the head of the theater program of the festival Vaour. In addition, the confidential nature of the discipline is also in this sense, although of lesser importance.

On the other hand, the troops come for several performances, which smooths the cost over several days. Ultimately benefits of a theater festival like the summer of Vaour range from 500 to 3000 euros, "the notoriety aspect of the company also playing its role," says Jonathan Fox. By comparison, a one-man show in Paris like the comedian François Rollin costs between 5,000 and 10,000 euros. These characteristics explain why the sector is generally far more subsidized. For example, 22% of the budget of the festival of the summer of Vaour comes from public subsidies.

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