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Elior not lose your appetite. Sales of the French group, number three European restaurants, jumped 10.4% during the year ended in late September, to 4.2 billion euros. The increase in trading profit was faster: + 14% to 254 million.

Bulimic, Elior completed in March fourteenth acquisition since leaving the Stock Exchange in 2006, swallowing Ansamble, based in Vannes, for an undisclosed sum. The group becomes co-leader, elbow to elbow with Sodexo, the catering in France, where he made last year 56% of its activity. Already number one in Spain, until its second market, Elior will become the leader in Italy with the acquisition of Gemeaz, which allows him to double its turnover. "We now have our three leading markets in Europe, and we can enter a new stage of our development," says Robert Zolade, chairman of the supervisory board and a 25% shareholder group.

The priority is to develop the catering concession (in airports, train stations, highways or parks …), which represented the third year of activity. Elior has won contracts Autogrill face of the Motorway of Poitou-Charentes (A10), one of the largest in France, and the Gare de Lyon in Paris. There he intends to set up signs and Costa Coffee Red Hippo, who will begin their free development. "We are the only operator present in both the catering and concession. We can install in the canteens of corners Paul, Exki and Bert's, "said Gilles Petit, the director general.

The sale of 75% held by Charterhouse easier

This is especially the United States that the group intends to develop its activity in concession. He has just picked up the management of its U.S. subsidiary Areas (600 million euros of turnover). "We now have a truly global hub catering concessions which will represent half of our business," says Gilles Petit, determined to win market share.

Elior is not abandoned, however, catering, more resistant to shocks in the economy. "In France we have a development potential in the areas of administration and education," says Robert Zolade. After winning the tender to manage the restoration of central Fleury-Merogis, Elior holds 20% market share of prisons in France.

For the current fiscal year, the group seeks organic growth of its business catering from 2 to 2.3%. For catering concession, "everything will be played this summer," says Gilles Petit.

Moreover, Elior has renegotiated the repayment of its debt (1.8 billion euros to 31 September), pushing 2013 to June 2017 the next major milestone. "We have no constraint in the implementation of our strategic plan," says Robert Zolade. This will allow the transition to English investment fund Charterhouse, a shareholder since 2006, to more easily find a possible buyer for its 75%.

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Virginia Rometty, the IBM boss, she will be admitted to the very select Augusta National Golf Club, home like every year, in Georgia, the Augusta Masters that lasts jursqu'à Sunday? As official sponsor of the tournament, along with Exxon Mobil and AT & T, the tradition that the leader of IBM obtains de facto membership in the Augusta National Golf Club, and whether it takes the famous green jacket member struck the shield of the tournament during the duration of the Masters.

The golfing institution which has only 300 members, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, is facing a serious dilemma, reports Bloomberg news site. Since its founding in 1933, the Club membership is in effect only for men. Therefore, on the occasion of this 76th edition, can break tradition and considered the patron saint of IBM as the equal of her male predecessors or can it take the risk of alienating a sponsor capital? As a sponsor, IBM provides indeed all technology services to the tournament start at the site of the Masters as "Big Blue" has managed since 1996.

True to its reputation discretionary, the tournament director has declined to comment hiding behind its privacy policy. Asked on the eve of the tournament, Billy Payne swept a backhander issues relating to the admission of Virginia Rometty or not personal business card. "As always, all questions about who can be a member and will have been discussed privately among members," he explained simply.  

The prestige of the tournament excludes any scandal

This situation is not new for the Masters in Augusta that regularly faces numerous calls to modernize. Already in 2003 a campaign was conducted by American feminists to denounce the discriminatory admissions policy advocated by management. In response to the controversy, the tournament has waived any sponsorship for two consecutive editions are depriving the passage of lucrative advertising revenue.

Ten years later, the feminist call cover and want to be heard. Martha Burk, who led the unsuccessful campaign to admit a woman in this place of power and privilege, said that appointing a woman to head an official sponsor is an opportunity for Club abandon all sexism against women. An avid golf player and regular, President Barack Obama also said Thursday, speaking through his spokesman, that Augusta National had to admit the boss of IBM for his club.

Virginia Rometty is the first woman to head IBM. Photo credit: Dima Gavrysh / AP

The legendary New York taxis will bring up to date. Their famous yellow color lightens slightly, their horn is less unpleasant and, above all, they adapt to the needs of businessmen in a hurry as visitors to the city. Within this "cab" new version, an electrical outlet, two USB ports and small reading lights allow passengers to work and recharge their devices. And for those who prefer to enjoy the breathtaking views of the skyscrapers, the roof will now be equipped with a panoramic window.

This "Taxi of Tomorrow" promised by the manufacturer, Nissan, will be "the safest, most comfortable and most convenient that the city has ever had," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The 600,000 daily passengers of taxis will have more space for their legs and can adjust themselves air conditioning and heating in the back. They can also communicate with the driver through an intercom. As for the upholstery, it is anti-microbial.

Nissan continued to conquer America

The Japanese partner of Renault last year won the contract to renew the fleet of 13,000 taxis in New York, beating two other finalists, the Ford and the American Turkish Karsan. Sold 29,700 dollars, the NV200 MPV will invade the streets of New York from fall 2013.

The 13,000 taxis take to the streets of New York in autumn 2013.

Unicredit closed Tuesday, piteously, the ball of the annual results of European banks. As expected, the first Italian establishment has suffered a massive loss of over € 9 billion. After years of too-rapid expansion, the bank decided to move his record to steel wool, to "have no surprises in the future," according to Director General, Federico Ghizzoni. This momentary dip of Unicredit in the shallows of the European ranking – the institution displays the worst performance of the sector just after Dexia – illustrates the new hierarchy of banks.

2011 will remain above all marked by the sharp inflection, from the summer, the crisis in the euro area. Institutions of the countries attacked – Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Greece of course – all bear the scars. They charged a double shock: degradation of their national sovereign debt and recession in their economies against the backdrop of austerity. In this grim context, the first two Spanish banks, Santander and BBVA, have their own in the game With their exposure to emerging markets, they show profits down "only" 35% to 5.4 billion and 3 billion euros, despite a national real estate market devastated.

The challenge of regulation

Second great lesson of the banking hierarchy 2011: the resistance of so-called universal institutions, which rely on local networks, possibly spread over several countries, and financing activities and investment. The success of British giant HSBC and Standard Chartered, whose results have respectively increased by 28% and 12% in one year, illustrates this situation. The resilience of the French BNP Paribas, proud of its profit more than 6 billion euros and its three major European networks, is another variation. Conversely, the Swiss UBS and Credit Suisse, highly dependent on performance of their teams of traders and bankers, driving out of this year huge market turmoil. Their profits were down 44% and 62%.

The challenge of regulation

Deutsche Bank is a notable exception: despite its similar profile, the champion Frankfurt has completed a very successful year. Up 86% year on year, the result exceeds 4 billion euros. Market valuations of the front runners as broadly these capabilities beneficiaries. HSBC leads the pack with a value of 122 billion euros, while Santander, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank weigh respectively 58, 45 and 36 billion in stock.

If Dexia puts the finishing touch of color to the landscape reshaped by the financial crisis. The little French-Belgian bank, run contrary to common sense for years, has lost 11.6 billion euros in 2011. A disaster that financial regulators do not want to hear. To guard against this, they launched a vast banks race to the recapitalization, which will mobilize the entire sector in 2012.

Then prices will drop? In this ritual question about real estate professionals meet today with a little yes. Certainly not a solid yes, frankly, but yes a little, and that is something. Even in the Ile-de-France and Paris, the traditional stronghold of the rise, things are changing. "In 2012, prices should fall by about 5 to 10% in the Ile-de-France," say solicitors. "We expect a relatively sharp decline in activity this year, about 20%, but a decline of more than 5% of prices in France," ahead of his side Pallincourt Rene, President of Fnaim, who is about to give up his siège.Au beyond the delicate exercise of global forecasting, rather symbolic as the evolution of prices can vary depending on the asset markets, all professionals describe the same picture, that of a market slows down, where transactions are less easily. But none ventured to compare the situation to that of 2008. "At that point, everything had stopped, said Sebastien de Lafond, President Meilleursagents.com. This is not the case today, the market remains fluid, even if transaction times are getting longer low fee payday advance. "What has changed in six months? Much and little at a time. Laurent Vimont, president of Century 21, says "a sharp contraction in sales, including in Paris." The slowdown is real: last year, with about 850,000 sales in the former, was a record. This year, professionals expect between 700,000 and 740,000 sales only. "We lost buyers since last July. The apartments and houses that have a default and are too expensive are the same most visited, "said Sebastien de Lafond. "What is new is that Paris is affected by volume, whereas it was the last market to be in 2008," said Mr. Bazaille, president of the Institute for Notarial real estate. The sluggish housing market is not good news for local authorities and public finances. And the change in taxation of capital gains might not make the tax revenue espérées.Finies, flights, quarter after quarter.

"More than at any price"

appetite for stone is real. Credits: Jean-Michel Turpin / Fedephoto

A few weeks before the start of the tourist season in Greece, industry professionals are concerned about given the country's image abroad. The clashes that broke out between police and demonstrators, repeated strikes in public transport and the crisis affecting the economy, trade and health, greatly tarnish the reputation of "Mediterranean paradise" Greece had so far.

For Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile in Athens, it is a bad trial because the country. "Violence is not the nature of the Hellenes. There are fewer demonstrations and strikes if they only last a few hours when it comes to archaeological sites. The Acropolis is always accessible to all, "protested she.  

Lower prices

While acknowledging that bookings were down this summer, Francoise Deschamps makes a point of honor to overcome stereotypes, "apart from the American Express (which is rarely accepted because traders are unwilling to pay 7% commission) you can pay everywhere with a credit card or a Visa. No need to bring cash into oneself. Distributors are always stocked, "she says.

The large luxury resort with beach, private pool and gourmet restaurant at the guesthouse, hoteliers were for the most part, forced to lower room rates and offer additional services to each reservation. "Our prices have dropped by at least 20%," says Adrian Vassilikos, director of Airotel, owns six hotels in the country. If the crisis is especially hoteliers, because of increased taxes and reduced bookings, Adrien Vassilikos remains confident: "Tourists know that Athens, like the rest of the country, is one of the most safest in the world. No risk of terrorism or crime. The crisis has not increased the number of pickpockets. To this we must add that in case of accident or illness, we have very capable hospitals, providing care free and urgency, "he said quick cash.

Of solidarity

Tourism is the second largest economic sector in the country, representing 17% of GDP, after shipping. In 2011, Greece has benefited more or less the effect of revolutions and Arab tourism, compared to the previous year, increased by 10%. This year, some professionals rely on the solidarity towards Greece, shot by the crisis. This movement is gaining ground worldwide and in all sectors. Twenty major Greek groups, as the airline Aegean or Coca-Cola Hellenic, even financed full-page newspaper ads French, German, Dutch, Belgian and British. Under the slogan "give a chance to Greece", these advertisers show a country in flux, despite its economic vicissitudes.

A bank of tourism in the study

To improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector, the Greek government uses the aid of the "task force". This working group of the European Commission, whose representatives are installed in the Greek capital, shook the tourism industry. "Being competitive yes, but then to build infrastructure for mass tourism, there is a margin," worries Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile. "Greece is a country that fits the needs of every tourist. You can still find himself alone on a beach, eating in a tavern or family homestay accommodation is unique and should not destroy it for the sake of competitiveness, "she adds. Several projects are in preparation at the Ministry of Finance including the creation of a bank or tourist development projects of ancient sites, remote islands from Piraeus or agricultural areas.

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The romance between romance novels and digital media should not go unnoticed at the book fair opens its doors today. Special emphasis will indeed be given to the digital revolution, a growing market on which the various places novels in rose water have already made a place in the sun. The editors observe indeed a craze for romance in digital format. The books displayed feelings of record sales in electronic format. On the platform Numilog, the main French eDiffuseur digital books, two books of romance publisher Harlequin France top the list of the four best sellers.

Stéphane Aznar, the Chief Harlequin France asserts that "digital is a significant part of our business and our sales figures for e-books are well above the national average." The subsidiary equally owned by Hachette Livre and the Canadian publisher Harlequin expects to achieve 15% of its business in the digital within two years, where sales of e-books now represents 2-3% of national market value, according to Livres Hebdo. And a number of romance novels who observes an exponential growth in sales in digital format looks forward to continuing its development. The group that is "very early stage in an ambitious way on digital," said Stéphane Aznar, now offers downloadable titles in 1000 and is expected to multiply by three by the end of the year.

Attractive prices

Besides an abundant supply, the editor explains the success of its sales of e-books by lower prices of around 30% of his books to those papers. Now readers of romance novels are very large consumers: "Our readers read 15 to 30 novels a year," said Stephane Aznar. The price factor has a significant impact.

Even finding the United States and England where the market for e-book is much more developed than in France. Susan Edwards, Director of Operations at the U.S. publisher Ellora's Cave (house specializing in erotic novels) and evokes the "voracious appetite" for its readers to the digital format, although more discreet than the paper version. "E-books take up much less space, cost less. And no need either to move into a bookstore to get them, "she says.

The Reader mask coverage

The discomfort that many enthusiasts are having to buy songs or read stories of love also disappears in public with electronic media. Indeed, in transit, the book covers too "flaming" are hidden behind the hulls iPhone or digital reading lights. Gillian Green, editorial director of Ebury, told the Guardian that "there is such a snob vis-à-vis the genre that readers do not assume their tastes. With shelves and reading lights, they no longer have to hide. "

Everything leads us to believe that the romances in electronic format have good times ahead! The New Yorker as well as ensures the success of the ebook in the United States reflects this passion for romance novels.

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The smallest city in the United States seeks inhabitant (s) and buyer (s). Don Sammons, the only resident of the town of Buford, in the State of Wyoming, decided to put his entire town for auction on April 5 for the price of $ 100,000 or about 76,000 euros. The sale includes a house with three bedrooms, a gas station, a shop that also serves as a post office, a garage, a school dating from 1905 and the postal code of the city (82 052).

Don Sammons who came to settle there in the 1980s, the city acquired in 1992 with his wife and son. Its only inhabitant who is also the mayor confides in his welcoming gas station nearly 1,000 customers a day in summer and 100 winter. But at the time of retirement, after the death of his wife and his son had deserted the scene, he believes it is now time to move on.  

An abandoned village of Limousin for sale

The future buyer will not complain about the neighborhood. Located at 2400 meters altitude and windswept, the small town of 4 hectares, bordered by the Rocky Mountains, was deserted after the railroad that served the was deflected. Buford claims the title of the smallest city in the United States. There is also no surprise that it is in Wyoming. With a population of 563,626 inhabitants in 2010, the State of West is the least populous country and has the lowest density with just over two per square kilometer. But according to the website of Buford, the city has not been abandoned. Founded in 1866, a time she counted 2,000 inhabitants and has also seen a few past personalities including U.S. President Ulysses S.Grant who visited in 1869. Butch Cassidy, the famous outlaw immortalized on screen by Paul Newman's even been arrested after pointing a trade.

The city is a bargain when compared to other cities recently implemented vente.Un little further north, in the neighboring state of Montana, the town of Pray is for sale for a whopping $ 1.4 million or just over one million euros. Another opportunity to be seized, this time closer to home, the hamlet of Courbefy, in Haute-Vienne, will be auctioned in May for $ 330,000 Euros.

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In a mobile market completely disrupted by the arrival of Free Mobile, Bouygues Telecom said it had lost 159,000 customers, of which 134,000 went to Free Mobile. This represents 1.4% of its fleet of 11.3 million mobile customers. Last week, Orange announced that it had lost, for its part, 201,000 mobile customers in total, or 0.7% of its fleet.

Result, Bouygues Telecom expects a decline of 10% of its turnover in 2012 to 5.14 billion euros. The arrival of Free Mobile is not the only cause. Martin Bouygues, CEO of the group, also cited pell-mell "regulation, the end of the differential termination, terminal costs, Chatel law which is one of the most protective for the consumer."

"It took us a while to get to the current situation. We will need some time to get out, "said Meg Whitman, arrived at the helm of HP five months ago. She spoke Wednesday night to mark the publication of first quarter results (ended Jan. 31) group.

Quarterly net income fell 44% to $ 1.5 billion, for a turnover down 7%, to $ 30 billion. The group anticipates a further decline in sales for the current quarter, weighed down by falling sales of PCs and printers. These divisions are still suffering the consequences of statements by the former CEO, Leo Apotheker, who suggested last August that HP would stop producing PC. To this were added the shortage of hard drives, a result of floods in Thailand, and the economic downturn. Finally, the PC division and tablets (PSG) has seen its sales drop by 15% in value and 18% by volume. This decline is likely to cost in addition to HP's leading position worldwide PC. The U.S. could be dethroned in the coming months by China's Lenovo. The direction of HP also noted the weak consumer demand for printers and evoked a reorganization of this division that has long been the cash cow of the group. For the current year, Meg Whitman still expects a profit of $ 6.3 billion.

Reduce expenses

"We must invest to save, save to grow," said Meg Whitman, without even specifying the amounts listed online cash advance. "We must optimize our supply chain and reduce the number of our references," she added. "The electronics industry is interested in the effect of increasing production methods introduced in the automobile: a common platform from which several models are broken," says one industry expert. For example, a frame may be common to one or two PCs, a tablet and a hybrid product. One way to significantly reduce development costs and production. This mode of industrial production would respond perfectly to the deployment of Windows 8, scheduled for the end of the year. The new version of the operating system from Microsoft is designed to promote convergence between PCs, tablets and smartphones.

Moreover, the allusions to Meg Whitman to the need to develop a simpler system ("one HP"), more integrated, suggest that job cuts are not ruled out. "Our big customers want to deal with a single point of contact when speaking to HP," she said. A way as to emphasize the importance of a presence in both the hardware (PC) and services. Meg Whitman also took care to reaffirm its confidence in the future of the company, its ability to adapt to changing conditions.

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