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Bad timing for Facebook. After the first listing of the giant online social networks, which received a mixed reception in the market, the site is subject to a complaint partnership or "class action". Filed in San Jose, California, the "class action" includes 21 cases of U.S. Internet users complaining of an invasion of their privacy. They blame Facebook for continuing to collect data on their online browsing after they leave the site.

The Wiretap Act, the U.S. law on eavesdropping, provides for "damages up to $ 100 per person per day and up to 10,000 dollars a Facebook user," says the complaint. At a rate of 800 million Internet users concerned, the amount required to Facebook miliards reached 15 dollars, or more than 11 billion euros.  

The plaintiffs wish to raise in their "class action" all Americans who have opened a Facebook account between May 2010 and September 2011, reports Bloomberg. They also seek to find ways to involve Internet users living outside the U.S..

Regular controversies on confidentiality rules

Because the class action brought hope to have a copy guaranteed cash advance. "It is not only an action for damages, but a trial on the rules of online privacy that should be a landmark," said David Straite, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs in Bloomberg.  

A spokesman for Facebook, meanwhile, responded that the allegations of the plaintiffs were unfounded and that the company would contest them.

Facebook is regularly the subject of controversy over its confidentiality rules change often and easily mastered by its undefined users. In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg apologized for airing personal network users to advertising agencies. Last year, the group was forced to accept a confidentiality imposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). But in February, Facebook was accused of spying on its users SMS Android application.

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Life insurance quotes are the major means of calculating whether the rate of return is going to be worth the initial outlay.

 

The anticoagulant Plavix, Sanofi's flagship drug, loses its patent on Thursday the United States. Although long-expected, this is a difficult stage for the championship tricolor pharmacy. The arrival of generics is usually depressing sales of an original drug by 80% within months. However, in 2011, sales of Plavix in the United States accounted for 4.8 billion euros. In accounting terms, the decline in sales will have no impact on the accounts of the champion tricolor because the marketing of its flagship product is provided by the U.S. laboratory BMS.

The benefit of Sanofi will, however, heavily impacted. In 2012, the group's net profit will suffer an impact of 1.4 billion euros, due to the loss of U.S. patents on two products, Aprovel / Avapro in March and especially Plavix May 17, announced Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi in February.

Plavix had already lost its patent protection in Europe. But its total turnover in 2011 reached 7 billion euros. This made so ephemeral, without doubt, the top-selling drug in the world, after the cholesterol-lowering Lipitor, sold by Pfizer, has lost its patent protection last November.

Clopidogrel, the active ingredient used for generic for Plavix and marketed by the French lab is fully produced Sisteron (04). However, the laboratory will manufacture other chemical molecules, which means that 500 jobs are not threatened by the loss of U.S. patent for Plavix, Sanofi sure.  

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Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille

 

The Spanish crisis is serious, very serious. It weakens a little more of Europe, its growth and financial system. But, unlike Greece, Spain will not "explode" the euro. Person, even among the fiercest opponents of the single currency is considering an exit from Spain in the euro area. Spain, despite record unemployment, is not on the verge of bankruptcy. Its lending rate to ten years amounted to 5.86% Friday, but they have been higher: 6% mid-April, and 7% in November.

A priori, Spain will not need a bailout General as Greece or Portugal. The Standard & Poor's recognizes itself: the Spanish Treasury has already covered 50% of its funding this year. The country should have no problem to repay its creditors in 2012.

Famine budget!

However, Spanish banks are on the ropes. Savings banks are not the only ones being targeted. There is nothing surprising about that. Unemployment makes mortgage repayments more difficult, weakening bank balance sheets. Massive purchases of Spanish debt by financial institutions of the peninsula, with funds loaned by the European Central Bank (ECB), are not a panacea, far from it, especially if tensions persist in the bond markets.

At this point, the recapitalization needs of the Spanish banking sector are estimated at 50 billion euros: a sum equivalent to half of the Spanish public deficit in 2011. In other words, beyond the reach of government in these times of fiscal scarcity!

But not beyond the reach of the euro zone! The central bankers of Europe, Mario Draghi and Jean-Claude Juncker planchent discreetly on a bailout of Spanish banks able to calm the markets. It would involve the European Stability Fund (EFSF), or the European Stability Mechanism (MES), its successor from 1 July.

Since the alert on the Italian debt last summer, the euro area has assured his rear. It has a "firewall" of 750 billion euros due to cumulative lending capacity of two European rescue fund, the EFSF and MES. For its part, the IMF has increased its resources to $ 430 billion. As for the ECB, it has already injected € 1,000 billion in the banking system, and nothing prevents him to continue

.

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The former trader Jerome Kerviel, who was sentenced in 2010 to a record loss of Societe Generale (SocGen) of nearly 5 billion euros, Friday filed a complaint for "fraud in the judgment" against his former employer. Kerviel Societe Generale accuses of misleading the Paris criminal court in not informing him that she had recovered, thanks to a French tax scheme, 1.7 billion euros on 4.9 billion that she believes she lost because of financial transactions undertaken by the trader.

At trial, in October 2010, the former trader was considered solely responsible for the loss suffered by the bank in early 2008, in a financial crisis. Convicted of embezzlement, forgery and using false and fraudulent introduction of data into the computer system of the bank, he was sentenced to five years in prison, three strong, and damages of four colossal, 9 billion euros.

The complaint is filed "for a simple reason," namely that Societe Generale "has failed to say she had received a sum unduly from the tax authorities of $ 1.7 billion euros, "said his lawyer David Koubbi in Europe 1. In a statement released in the evening, Societe Generale said "take note" of the complaint and announced that it "has asked his lawyers to sue for false accusations in the shortest possible time." SocGen also argues that it "will present its case at trial on appeal."

"Fictitious transactions"

According Koubbi Me and some accountants, the bank should not have this deduction because its systems of control of traders like Kerviel had found wanting in this case high quality business cards.

The lawyer asked last week to the French Parliament to establish a commission of inquiry into the tax rebate obtained in 2008 but he had not been reported during the trial of Jerome Kerviel. Shortly after the first verdict, news reports had revealed that the bank had taken advantage of a device that enables companies to benefit, in case of extraordinary losses, a tax deduction of up to one third of the amount lost, or the normal tax rate for corporations. SocGen had explained that the "tax treatment of losses related to fraudulent activities of Jerome Kerviel was done transparently, in accordance with tax regulations."

The former trader also said that Societe Generale has made fictitious transactions similar to yours at the same time. Interviewed by Europe 1, David Koubbi explains: "We discover in the quite extraordinary volume of documents comprising the record that there is a document where it says that Societe Generale has made itself" of "sham transactions ( …) before January 18, which is the last day that Mr. Kerviel was on the premises of the General Society, and then subsequently, on January 21, 2008, when he was not on the premises of the General Society ".

The appeal of Jerome Kerviel, 35, will last from June 4 to 28  

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Vincent Bolloré influence he soon the fate of Vivendi? Anyway, Jean-Rene Fourtou, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, opened the door. And will even wish his presence. "There is no reason that Bollore is not involved on the board of Vivendi, if he is interested," he said Thursday at the general meeting of shareholders of the group.

Intentions of the "Little Prince", which began rising in the capital of Vivendi, are at the heart of all searches. Bolloré officially 1.1% of the entertainment group, but it would have already picked up on the stock exchange securities for up to nearly 2%. After finalizing the sale of its channels Direct 8 Direct and Star in Vivendi, he will own approximately 4% and would then make its debut on the board. This rise is "friendly," said Vivendi every time. "I am delighted that a French shareholder, a family group, deemed an investor wishes to mount a share capital of Vivendi", was recently confirmed to Le Figaro, Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO of Vivendi.

And no doubt that Vincent Bolloré not stop there way. Eventually, he would seek the threshold of 5%. Does he repeat not at will, for years, his ambition to create a large media group? By becoming the largest shareholder of Vivendi and participating in strategic decisions of the group, it would be in a position to influence the destiny of the only French group, which is a world of entertainment. It could also help choose the future leaders of Vivendi.

Bring into the fold of Havas Vivendi

As the capital of Vivendi is very fragmented, with no shareholder, Bolloré could obtain decisive weight without having to own a large block of shares. As he did at Havas, which he chairs by not holding "only" 32.8%. One of the scenarios considered by the observers would, moreover, that Bolloré Havas brings into the fold of Vivendi, in exchange for participation, without spending a lot of cash.

The time was well chosen, while the price of Vivendi, has less than 13 euros, has lost more than a quarter of its value since the beginning of the year. "In the 2000s, all valuations were excessive, we experienced a kind of madness market. We live it the other way today, even though we have never had such good financial results, never reached as much cash, "said Jean-Rene Fourtou.

At Vivendi, more assets may be of interest Bolloré. Canal +, of course. But also SFR, including Jean-Rene Fourtou said she would remain "largely beneficial despite the arrival of Free Mobile". Telecommunications devices can be particularly useful in boss Autolib ', because there are many in the telecom management system and localization of the electric car self-service. Finally, Morocco Telecom, which holds several equity in Africa, can generate synergies with the Bolloré Group. Strong presence in logistics in Africa, Bolloré manages ports, railways … It may be wise to develop telecom. Add to this the fact that Jean-Rene Fourtou and Vincent Bolloré get along well. As for Jean-Bernard Levy, he is the former chief of staff … Gerard Longuet ex-brother-Vincent Bolloré. Such an alliance would have three advantages. It makes sense from a strategic perspective. It could have a positive effect on the course. Finally, it could offset the rise of sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, which owns 2% stake in Vivendi.

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"2011 was a very good year. The outlook is quite favorable for 2012. There will still be strong growth, "said Jean-Paul Herteman Wednesday, Chairman of the Group of French aeronautical and space industries (Gifas), which comprises almost 300 companies large and small. Last year, orders were up 17% to 53.9 billion euros thanks to the success of the Airbus 320neo, ATR regional aircraft and engine that equips the Leap 320neo Airbus A, B MAX 737 C and 919 Chinese Comac. They represent four years of production.

The sector remains the leading French exporter with 23.5 billion euros export. 77% of its consolidated turnover. Research investments represented 15% of turnover (38.5 billion euros). "They have never been higher. Innovation is the key to success, "said Jean-Paul Herteman. But some sectors are faring better than others. The turnover of the space industry is stable at 4 billion euros. The defense is uncertain.

As the United States and other European countries, France will reduce the budget for the armed. "The impact should be spread over time," commented Jean-Paul Herteman. He believes there is a strong consensus among political leaders of all stripes to preserve the defense industry and its dynamism.

In aerospace, Airbus, Safran, Zodiac and other businesses benefit from the good resilience of global traffic, which continues an upward trend. The low-cost airlines equip themselves. The American buying aircraft consume less fuel as the Airbus A 320neo guaranteed personal loan approval. "In business aviation, you feel a slight shudder," noted Jean-Paul Herteman.

Carbon tax: "Europe can not isolate"

Despite a promising outlook, the aviation industry has struggled to find the staff they need. It has certainly increased its workforce last year in France from 3.2% to 162,000 employees. They recruited 13,000 employees and 4500 apprentices trained, but she could hire more. SMEs do not attract young people. They suffer from a lack of awareness.

To change this, the sector can now train apprentices in a large group and one of its subcontractors. But this measure will not suffice. "There is a problem of supply and demand. The offer of Education Is at our request? I do not think so, "said Thierry Voiriot, chairman of Aero-SME Gifas.

Another difficult issue: the decision of Europe to impose since 1 January a carbon tax on airlines around the world. This has caused a tremendous outcry. China is threatening to freeze orders 55 Airbus (our editions of March 31). Anxious to avoid a trade war that would penalize the French aerospace industry, President Gifas regret that Europe has made this decision unilaterally. He called for a solution is found at the international level. "Europe can not isolate themselves," said Jean-Paul Herteman.

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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.

 

SFR on Monday launched an aggressive promotional campaign. Its triple play offer, including the high speed internet, HD television and unlimited fixed telephony is available from 14.90 euros per month for a year, instead of 31.90 euros. The price is EUR 19.90 instead of 37.90 euros, with unlimited mobile telephony. SFR mobile subscribers receive an additional 5 euros, bringing access to triple play 9.90 or 14.90 euros a month, according to the chosen tender. These rates also apply for a subscription fiber.

The promotion of SFR, which formalized the replacement of its CEO last week, is limited to first 5000 subscribers and will end this Friday. It recalls the operations performed by Free site in partnership with the Sales-privees.com, who proposed in 2010 a triple play to 10 euros per month, then to 1.99 euro next year. It also places the price of the subscription neufbox at Alice's, offer low cost Free. This package, just highlighted to Free, includes the Internet, fixed telephony and television from 11.98 euros per month.

The offer is part of SFR in a particular context, however, since the arrival of Free in the mobile sector. In 2011, its competitor has maintained a very high margin of 39.3%, thanks to its activity in ADSL, which allowed him to expand into the mobile. Free on the fixed address could be a way to respond to its new mobile offerings. Meanwhile, SFR also seeks to support its recruitment in the fixed. In 2011, its subscriber base grew by only 3.2% (5 million customers), two times less than the growth of Free (4.8 million subscribers).

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France could seek to accelerate its transition energy. In fact, the country's fuel bill has reached a new record in 2011, up from 32% to 61.4 billion euros, according to figures from the Commissioner General for Sustainable Development announced by Les Echos. The energy bill of France and represented 3.1% of GDP, last year against 2.5% in 2010.

This increase was driven by soaring oil prices. The average price per barrel of oil a year has indeed established last year to $ 111, not seen since the nineteenth century. The price of unleaded gasoline and have reached new heights last week, to 1.6211 euro on average for a liter of unleaded 95 and 1.6610 for that of 98 unleaded, according to data released yesterday by Ministry of Sustainable Development. This price is still below the record high of 1 fast cash without a hassle.4541 euro per liter recorded in May 2008.

Since late 2011, gasoline prices beat record after record in France, propelled by the combination of geopolitical factors that keep crude oil prices at very high levels, and weakening of the euro against the dollar , which amplifies the cost of black gold once its converted value in the single currency.

Nuclear energy has however enabled France to reduce its energy dependence as the country has a net electricity exports by 2.6 billion euros. The development of renewable energy has also enabled France to reduce the weight of its energy dependence.

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