Business World |

Online News

The European stock markets in a fragmented, Paris in the green

Wednesday Mar 10, 2010

Hesitation waltz yesterday at the Paris Bourse. After being undecided, the CAC 40 has finally risen from 0.17% to finish at 3910.01 points. Everywhere in Europe, stock markets have evolved sawtooth almost the entire session. At the finish, the indexes have ended in no particular order, the FTSE in London lost 0.08% while the Frankfurt Dax gained 0.17%.

The Paris market has recovered very end of the session, thanks to a small recovery on Wall Street. The NYSE, which also lacked enthusiasm in the morning after his fine recovery in recent days, trying to take a step forward at mid-term.Shortly after the close of European stock exchanges, the Dow Jones advanced 0.19% and 0.41% on Nasdaq.

While the pressure on the issue of debt Greek gradually eased after the successful launch of its loans, Fitch has rekindled concerns about the market deficits pointing to management by Portugal's budget deficit.

Banks in trouble

The rating agency said that a worsening credit rating of the country was "not excluded" bad credit payday advance . The market was also dampened by a load of the other major rating agency Moody's, against British banks.Analysts at Moody's explained that many of these institutions could see their grades degraded "to run if they failed to significantly improve their financial strength."

In Paris as elsewhere, banking stocks were immediately plunged into the red. Crédit Agricole has finally lost 1.41%, 1.49% Societe Generale and BNP Paribas 0.51%. Natixis fell by 0.78% and 0.93% of Dexia. Bad passes also for EADS. The group announced a loss of 763 million euros in 2009 after deciding yesterday to throw the towel in the race for tanker contract from the U.S. Army. The stock has lost 2.80%. Among the few increases in the day, Areva has distinguished (+ 3.59%) while held in Paris an international meeting on access to civilian nuclear power, the great specialty of the French group.


Comments Off

How Michelin has restructured its factories

Friday Mar 5, 2010

This is an example of a successful restructuring: nine months ago, Michelin announced its latest restructuring plan in France. A reorganization to enable the factories concerned "to undertake the changes necessary to ensure their sustainability," according Blehaut Frantz, director of Michelin France. At the cost of job cuts as the group is committed to "without resorting to forced departures.

Michel Rollier, co-director of the group, then stated that "the measures announced are not related to the crisis. To keep plants in France, we need to specialize and making them more competitive, "adding" will maintain a strong industrial base in France. The group also will recruit 500 to 800 people per year in France, over the next three years.

The restructuring implemented in 2009 are structured in two parts. A voluntary separation scheme which 1 875 employees responded.These are developments of late-career (early retirement pension). The second part concerns the consolidation of activities in three plants, with 1 093 job cuts. Among the employees concerned, "228 chose to go work in one of fourteen other sites Michelin in France, welcomes Blehaut Frantz. To facilitate this choice, the group has developed a wide range of mobility aids (removal assistance in finding employment for spouses …) . 516 employees are or will retire early – a choice that seems more in tune with the political time.

Helping conversion

Finally, "347 people have chosen a start, accompanied usually stay in their region," said Frantz Blehaut.In fact, these employees had no choice – unless you change the region – their post being deleted and, in the case of plant Noyelles les Seclin (North), their plant closed. However, they received severance pay of between 32 000 and 60 000 for the oldest with a plan to create business. Michelin has also established "career transition workshops, dedicated to the support of people leaving the group. A concept developed in 2008 when the plant closure Kleber Toul which had over 800 employees. This initiative includes the discovery of business recruiting. "We had set up workshops to discover the art of welding and industrial trades related to building, plumbing, electrician … And have some success." To date, 92% of the Toul found a job .Rather than support at arm's activities moribund better develop new ones where demand exists.


Comments Off

Car Equipment Manufacturers: job cuts

Tuesday Feb 9, 2010

Automotive suppliers will even remove tens of thousands of jobs in 2010. This is reflected in the report prepared as part of the Committee in Support of subcontractors motor development by Christian Estrosi last September, whose findings were released last November. In the newspaper Les Echos this Monday, we learn that it is 40,000 to 50,000 jobs are threatened in France.

Currently, industry professionals, such as Michelin, Valeo and Faurecia still revolve overstaffed by about 25,000 jobs to outsourcing and 14,000 for the equipment of one rank, that is to say those who deal directly with major manufacturers."By adjusting the calculation from the future evolution of automobile production lights and possible productivity efforts, the Task Force falls even on an estimate of 40,000 to 50,000 jobs too," reads in columns the business daily.

The job cuts have already begun. Already, in late December, all suppliers were documenting 265,000 employees, or 35,000 fewer than in 2008, and 55,000 fewer than in 2005. Plans starts or closings of sites, almost all companies have downsized.

Positions on an ejection seat

Thus, 2010 will be another year of unrest in the area. Last year, pressure from Molex or Continental was rising power.

According to the Committee Estrosi, all branches, with the exception of the forge would be affected.The report mentions the possible disappearance of 7 out of 10 jobs in the molds and tooling in just two years, reports Les Echos. In rubber, overstaffing are estimated to 5,300 jobs from a total of 46,500.

The radar screens already viewing site closures. As the unit of Plastic Omnium Sandouville or that of Noyelles les Seclin Michelin.Furthermore, Visteon should further reduce its workforce, for example on the website and that of Gondecourt Renault Flins.

Moreover, the stress that a reorganization Echos – Meeting of the eleven branches in three areas – at Valeo lead to further job cuts, especially "in the administrative and executive officers," according to a coordinator CFE-CGC.

Ways to do better

This commission set up by Christian Estrosi, comprising manufacturers, suppliers, subcontractors, trade associations, research organizations, trade unions and elected officials, was intended to provide short-term measures to support sub-contractors in trouble, d 'solutions to better anticipate and better support the structuring of the industry .

Following the presentation of findings, Christian Estrosi and had announced last November some measures. Since the creation of a fund within the Fund for the Modernization of Automotive (FMEA) for sub-contractors of rank 2 and up. It especially allows easier access for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) of the automotive industry to 2 billion euros managed by OSEO and the ISP for the strengthening of equity or quasi equity, established under the plan SME financing.

On the accompanying measures of economic and strategic changes, the state funding of strategic diagnosis for SMEs in the sector is provided for those who request it. Also, a platform or "stop" will be formed under the auspices of the Prefect, to inform SMEs.In addition, a working group on employment trends in the automotive industry has been launched. As a "scientific board" to provide a technical and manage the excess capacity of different sectors.

Regarding measures related to innovation, the government called for better coordination between clusters Motor (MOVEO, ID4Car, Car of the Future).

Christian Estrosi had said in late November that he was "very attentive to the establishment of partnership relations with all suppliers, large or small. A similar quality and price, was the preferred logic ecosystem around local produce suppliers.

The Exchange requested evidence

At the Paris Stock Exchange on Monday, Michelin lost 0.9% to 53 euros, Valeo drops 1.9% to 22.2 euros, Faurecia coward 1.33%, to 14.4 euros and sells Plasctic Omnium 1 13% to 25.4 euros.These companies sign strongest stock declines in the automotive sector.

For Paris-based analyst, "this plan is good news for the French automotive industry because it sends a strong signal of government support." He said he especially aims to create a shock in the short term."In market terms, it is likely that this plan has already been partially played, and he must demonstrate its ability to limit the drop in auto sales scheduled in the months to come," he said.

ALSO READ:

"The difficult reorganization Renault

"Reorganize the production car, a puzzle

"Opel is closing its plant in Antwerp

Valeo eliminates 5,000 jobs worldwide

"Visteon files for bankruptcy of its U.S. operations

Struck by the crisis, ThyssenKrupp restructures

"The revolt against Italy Fiat

The use of violence did not prevent layoffs


Comments Off

The government continues to put pressure on Total

Monday Feb 1, 2010

After giving a first pressure on the management of the oil company, Christian Estrosi, Minister of Industry, insists the government "will not accept" the closure of the Total refinery at Dunkirk "as long as n 'There will be no guarantees the necessary continuity "of some 800 jobs involved," he said Monday on radio BFM.

The Government looks forward to the official position of Total in this case. The group must decide precisely Monday on the fate of the Flanders refinery, which employs 370 employees and 450 subcontractors.Depui mid-September, the site is in "stop cyclical" because he can no longer sell its output, given the current weakness in demand for fuel.

"For the moment we have no binding commitment on the part of Total and I say very clearly, the Government will be firm," said Minister of Industry free credit score .

The previous March 2009 is remembered

In any case, the government has warned it did not intend to be outdone in the folder "Total". "We will not accept an initiative to be taken unilaterally without any commitments are made to sustain current employment at the refinery," says Christine Estrosi.

Last Tuesday, the Minister noted that Total was considering the possibility of opening an LNG terminal in the port of Dunkirk.

In March 2009 already, the oil company had attracted the ire of politicians, after announcing the abolition of 555 posts in France, including 249 by 2013 in the refinery. A few weeks earlier, had issued a total record profit for 2008 of 13.9 billion euros.


Comments Off

The Paris Bourse expected up

Monday Jan 18, 2010

A rebound in perspective. The Paris Bourse is scheduled to begin this week in the green, having closed sharply lower Friday. After pointing downward, the future will resume within minutes of opening. The CAC 40 gained 0.53% to 3975 points.

This morning the Asian seat ended in a steep downward trend. The Nikkei lost 1.16%. The disappointing results from JP Morgan affect the morale of investors who doubt the health of the banking sector. Friday, Wall Street had already set the tone by closing on a negative note. On Monday, the U.S. places are closed due to holiday.

No macroeconomic statistics that could reverse the trend is expected.

Renault under the microscope

As for values to follow, Renault is expected to turn.Group CEO, Carlos Ghosn, announced Saturday that the new Clio 4 will be made to Flins (Yvelines) and Turkey, without giving further details on the distribution of production at both sites. The reaction of Peugeot will also be expected.

According to the British press, GDF SUEZ is considering a reconciliation with Britain's International Power. The transaction details are not mentioned.

Louis Welsh, CEO of EADS Sunday welcomed signs sent by the client countries of the military transport aircraft Airbus A400M.The France had announced it planned to discuss the cost overruns of the project therefore would not be abandoned.

Air France KLM would react Exchange after publication in the Japanese press of a rapprochement between Japan Airlines (JAL) and Delta Air Lines, which should lead JAL to join the SkyTeam alliance, which includes Air France-KLM.

According to the Tribune, Axa interested in a stake in the giant Russian Aluminum Rusal, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and Paris (Euronext) next week. Rusal hopes to raise 2.6 billion dollars (1.8 billion) through its entry into the market.

Accor CEO Gilles Pelisson said in an interview with Journal du Dimanche that the group should not be separated from its brands Sofitel and Motel 6.He said the resumption of the hotel market will slow in the first quarter of 2010.

The luxury goods group Compagnie Financiere Richemont announced Monday before market turnover exceeds expectations in the third quarter of 2009/2010. The latter rose 2% to 1.585 billion euros, while analysts expected a decline. For the current year, Richemont gave no forecast

Aeroports de Paris (ADP) after market must publish its traffic for the month of December.

At 18h, Casino and Mercialys publish their figures for the fourth quarter while Soitec unveil his own in the third quarter.


Comments Off

France: the debt exceeds 75% of GDP

Wednesday Dec 30, 2009

The gross public debt (government, social security and local authorities) continues to rise. At the end of the third quarter, gross debt under the Maastricht amounted to 1457.4 billion, up from 29.4 billion the previous quarter, according to figures published by INSEE on Tuesday. "Expressed as a percentage of GDP, it is approximately 75.8%, up 1.9 points," says the National Institute of Statistics. In the second quarter, the debt had reached 73.9% of GDP.

The increase over the period, less than that observed in the second quarter (61.1 billion euros), was driven in particular by the increase in debt of the state. To finance the budget deficit, the state has cut its debt of 23.4 billion euros.The debt has also funded a stake in the Company making state participation in a French bank, Crédit Agricole 3 billion, INSEE said.

The social security funds have also contributed to the increase in gross public debt to the tune of 5.9 billion euros, "particularly as a result of increased indebtedness of the ACOSS (3, 9 billion euros), "details the INSEE.

The government has included in his bill to finance the debt was still progress to 77.9% of GDP at the end of the year. In 2010, it expects debt to 84% of GDP, without taking into account the large loan.

Moreover, net public debt, which includes cash and short-term is highest increase over the period, the gross debt.It was heavy with 57.1 billion euros over the second quarter, rising late September to 1331.5 billion. In case a "sharp decrease in cash of the State (-28.3 billion), returning to a level close to that of a year ago," said INSEE.

ALSO READ:

"Debt: France, no better than Spain

The France fly into record debt

»VIDEO ANALYSIS:" The markets can absorb for the moment the debt "


Comments Off

Paris at its highest annual

Wednesday Dec 23, 2009

At approximately 9:10 am, the CAC 40 rose 0.32% to 3910 points, after already accumulated a gain of 2.70% since Monday. The index reached its previous meeting in the highest annual stood at 3918 points, while socializing with 3923 points.

The rally bullish year end is continuing on the European and U.S. indices. Yesterday, the publication of a further rise in housing resales (+7.4% in November) in the United States has reassured investors on the takeover of the U.S. real estate.This is the seventh month of increase over the past eight months.

On the macroeconomic front, the United States publish the expenditure and income of households in November at 14h30, the index of consumer confidence in Michigan in December and new home sales in November to 16 hours, and oil stocks weekly at 16:30.

Values follow

According to the newspaper Le Figaro, Veolia ally himself with the Italian railway company Trenitalia to launch TGV from France in 2012 to compete with the station.

The French government has selected BAE Systems to deliver an order of military vehicles in an amount of 246 million euros at the expense of Thales, according to The Times.

Maurel & Prom has announced the successful tests on the exploration well OMGW-1 (Gwedidi-1), located in Gabon, on the exploration permit Omoueyi.

The sales group Ares appears to 34.8 million euros over the first six months of fiscal 2009-2010.

Sanofi-Aventis would consider acquiring a stake in the Danish biotech company Zealand Pharma.

EDF could open the French market for electricity in Russia's Gazprom by Voices. "Gazprom will supply gas and electricity recovery in Europe," according to an anonymous source.


Comments Off

Towards a restriction of tax loopholes

Tuesday Dec 1, 2009

The overall ceiling of tax loopholes Will it be lowered? The UMP general rapporteur of the Committee on Senate Finance, Philippe Marini, filed an amendment to that effect to the draft budget for 2010. He wants the overall cap, currently 25 000 plus 10% of income goes to 20 000 plus 8% of income. "The expected savings for the state are not huge. But this measure reflects our desire to limit the tax loopholes, "says Philippe Marini. And the senator also wants reform of the Scellier back to the original text submitted by the cabinet in September. The government had planned to turn green when the device supporting the rental investment, making it less attractive for homes not meeting the standard "low consumption". But the National Assembly had then reduced the impact of greening.However, Philippe Marini supports the amendment adopted by the Assembly of taxation benefits and work accidents. And he does not wish to return, for now, on the measures which the Assembly amended the tax shield (100% inclusion of dividends in the income deficit due one year on average). The question now is what will decide the Finance Committee on Tuesday and above all sitting senators. For his part, the president of the centrist finance committee, Jean Arthuis, will introduce his amendment removing the TFR, all being funded by the end of the tax shield, creating a sixth installment of income tax and higher taxes on capital income. Without any illusions about his fate.


Comments Off