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Uneasy Wall Street ends down

Tuesday Aug 31, 2010

Top of tough week on Wall Street. After opening in a small decrease (-0.1%), the NYSE has widened its losses during the session to close on a net decrease of 1.39% at 10,010 points. The Nasdaq coward 1.56% to 2120 points while the S & P drops 1.47% to 1049 points.

The euphoria that followed the release Friday of the revised figure for growth in the second quarter will not last. Caution has again made its appearance in spite of macroeconomic statistics as bad as expected. Consumption has picked up 0.4% yoy compared to June. It's better than the expected by analysts, who had estimated the consumption growth to 0.3%, according to their median forecast.Spending growth has outpaced that of household income since, according to the ministry, they are divided up by 0.2%, after virtually stagnating in June

The wait has dominated this session because of the flurry of statistics to be published this week. On Tuesday, it will house prices and economic activity in the Chicago area in August and, finally, the consumer confidence that will be published. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be dominated by such employment with, successively, the ADP employment figures, entries weekly, and finally figures of unemployment and employment in August.

Waltz of mergers and acquisitions

On the corporate side, the dance of mergers and acquisitions continues. 3by (-2.03% to 31.80 dollars) fall after surge 25% to 32.5 dollars on Friday night.As for his suitors, HP (1.47% to 38.56 U.S. dollars) has increased its prices by 3 27 to $ 30, Dell (1.12% to 12.02 U.S. dollars) has aligned its offer Friday morning about $ 27.

The German manufacturer Infineon Semiconductor announced Monday the sale of his division's wireless, which makes components for mobile phones, the U.S. Intel (-2.23% to 17.96 dollars) for 1.4 billion (nearly 1.1 billion euros).

The CEO of Sanofi-Aventis, which formalized Sunday his intention to acquire U.S. biotech Genzyme (3.39% to 69.91 U.S. dollars) to $ 18.5 billion, said that "a lot of time can still drain "by launching a bid, in an interview with Voices dated Monday. But the board rejected Genzyme Monday unanimously the proposed terms.

The Indian government was to meet Monday officials from the Canadian manufacturer of BlackBerry (RIM: -0.88% to 45.59 U.S. dollars) to try to break the deadlock over access to encrypted data from the phone, on the eve of the ultimatum on blocking two messaging services.

French insurer Axa has reduced by almost half its share in the prestigious investment bank Goldman Sachs (-1.97% to 136.66 U.S. dollars), the center of criticism for his role in the Greek crisis, according to documents the regulatory authority of the U.S. markets (SEC).

The U.S. industrial conglomerate 3M (-1.67% to79, $ 65) announced Monday the acquisition of Cogent group (24.40% to 11.09 dollars) to over 900 million dollars (708 million euros) This represents a premium of nearly 18%. 3M will pay $ 10.50 in effect by title Gogent, which posted a closing price of 8.915 dollars Friday.The transaction should be completed in the last quarter of 2010.

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3PAR: the showdown between Dell and HP continues

Saturday Aug 28, 2010

Bids climb for 3PAR. The computer giants Dell and Hewlett-Packard are engaged in a struggle to redeem the American Society of data storage. A standoff that intensified this week.

Last rebound on Friday: HP announced in mid-afternoon that he raised his bid for 3PAR to $ 30 per share, valuing the company proposed data storage to 2 billion dollars! Rival Dell had announced earlier in the day he lined up on the previous HP offers made Thursday night: $ 27 per share, or $ 1.8 billion.

In this battle of "cloud computing (cloud computing via the Internet), and two days are alike. The day of Thursday has been marked by the same scenario.By putting on the table an offer to 1.8 billion, HP responded to Dell, which had outbid earlier in the day.

For Dell, the matter seemed closed Thursday morning. Thirty cents per share closely. Indeed, the offer was raised from Dell was barely higher than that of HP, to 24.30 cents per share against 24 cents. If the transaction would receive the green light from authorities, Dell assured however that it could be finalized before the end of the year. The computer maker also added that the operation "should have a positive impact on [his] profit excluding exceptional items from fiscal 2012.

The "cloud computing" is popular

It was without counting on the pugnacity of HP payday advance lender.The acquisition would allow 3PAR to expand its range of storage products for cloud computing and support services activities, like other industry heavyweights like IBM, they tend to generate higher profit margins than sales of computers.

The ball is now in the hands of Dell. And it did not intend to waive 3PAR Friday. "The group continues to believe that the acquisition of 3PAR, and its storage technology market leaders, is an important operation for our customers and will strengthen Dell's position on these services," he said in its statement.Dell has until Sept. 20 to launch a public offer to acquire all the shares of 3PAR, "unless the offer is extended," he says.

The battle began last Aug. 16, when Dell announced plans to acquire 3PAR price of $ 18 per share. A week later, HP came out of the woods. Last Monday, the group also proposed 1.6 billion dollars against 1.15 billion for Dell. The suspense continues, therefore. And the recovery of 3PAR flies …

On Friday, shares of Hewlett-Packard bend 1.5% to 37.6 dollars in Wall Street, about 17 hours, while Dell shares advance 1.8% to $ 12. 3PAR him, flew 21.5%.

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Real estate is shaking Wall Street

Wednesday Aug 25, 2010

After closing down on Monday evening – the Dow has sold 0.38% to 10,174.4 points – Wall Street did not find this Tuesday, opportunities to redress the balance. Instead, the only indicator fell to 16 hours, is extremely disquieting: Sales of existing homes fell to its lowest level since 1995, to 3.83 million annual rate transactions, according to figures released Tuesday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Upon publication of this indicator, Wall Street has plunged into the red, losing 1.48% to 4:10 p.m. at 10,024 points for the Dow Jones, which amounts to huge step towards the symbolic threshold of 10,000 points.

The broader S & P drops 1.61% at 1050 points and the Nasdaq, which includes technology stocks, yields 1.85% to 2120 points.

It was not until Wednesday to expect an improvement, both on the side of the promises of new home sales and durable goods orders.

Mergers and acquisitions are in full swing

If the bears seem to win now, but Wall Street is torn between the potential positive effects of mergers and acquisitions that animates it and the threats still facing strong economic recovery.

BHP Billiton (-1.94% to 65.83 dollars) is expected to announce on Wednesday a 50% jump in interim profits and strong cash flow with which it hopes to deter potential rivals to make an offer to buy out-cons the Canadian Potash Yet seeking a white knight eventually China.

The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis and the U.S. biotech group Genzyme (-0.87% to 67.13 dollars) abut on the determination of a minimum price that would initiate the first comprehensive review of its accounts Target said Tuesday the Wall Street Journal in one hour payday loans.

If Genzyme and Sanofi seem to disagree on the French laboratory's initial offer to buy out U.S. biotech company, however the purchase of McAfee (-0.15% to 47.03 U.S. dollars) Intel (-1.02% to 18.51 U.S. $) continues to fascinate, like the stock market battle between HP and Dell in the acquisition of data storage specialist 3PAR.

The world of mobile phones, Nokia, and the giant American world of microprocessors Intel unveiled on Tuesday a joint research laboratory in central western Finland, they said.

American Apparel (-10.8% to $ 0.66), definitely ailing feared not being able to publish its quarterly results on time and to be delisted.

Disney (-1.70% to 32.37 dollars) could also react to statements yonni Sebbag, the boyfriend of a former employee of the giant media and entertainment Disney, who pleaded guilty to securities fraud Monday after stealing with his partner, financial records of the company and tried to sell to investors.

The dollar to its lowest against the yen

On the currency front, the dollar continued its fall Tuesday against the Japanese yen, down from 9:20 to its lowest level in 15 years, to come punctually at 84.14 yen, immediately after a briefing from the Minister of Finance , Yoshihiko Noda.


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Albert Frere gates CMA CGM

Tuesday Jul 27, 2010

New twist in the drama of the French ship Financial. As stated Wansquare, Saade family, owner of CMA CGM, has initiated discussions with the Belgian billionaire through its capital increase required by the creditors of the group. These negotiations were still preliminary notified to the Commercial Court of Marseille. Brother Albert is not alone. He would lead the discussions in partnership with another French investor.

In this tandem plus the Strategic Investment Fund (ISF) has always said he would participate in this capital increase valued at approximately $ 750 million. Qatar Holdings, which in turn has made an offer earlier this month, would not be totally ruled out by Saade.


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Pension reform in the National Assembly

Tuesday Jul 20, 2010

The parliamentary battle begins. The proposed pension reform concocted by the government will be examined, starting today, for three days by the Social Affairs Committee of the National Assembly. An important step, because it is the text version of the outcomes of these discussions will then be discussed in plenary session from September. However, given the still ongoing negotiations between the government and social partners, members of the majority will ensure the least possible to amend the bill.Objective: To give the government leeway in August and especially September, after the union mobilization of 7 to make concessions on the subject of harsh, assets who started working before age 18, or even polypensionnés as had already suggested Nicolas Sarkozy.

If 400 amendments have already been filed, most are from the opposition, and have very little chance of being passed. Even on the 80 from the UMP, only thirty probablelement be adopted, for instance on strengthening retirement savings. This strategy, as well as the refusal of the chairman of the committee, Pierre Mehaignerie, opening the debates to the public, provoke the ire of the opposition and unions, who believe that the three-day review that will not result 'in a mock debate.

Renunciation of certain amendments

Even some members of the majority, the coming days will gnaw their brakes. According to the rapporteur of the bill UMP, Denis Jacquat, the majority party will waive provide an automatic carry the legal age of retirement from 2018, so as not to inflame the debate, "It's a good question but it is probably not yet time to respond, "Denis Jacquet justified in Les Echos.

In an interview with the Tribune, Pierre Mehaignerie believes however that such amendment would in any case had no chance of being adopted. "I think the majority within the UMP and the New Center is not conducive to the filing of such amendment. It is very difficult to predict long-term parameters such as growth, productivity, determining the resources of pension schemes, "he says.According to Les Echos, Pierre Mehaignerie would otherwise also agreed not to make provision on the establishment of a fund financing the arduous, yet he advocates.

Despite the debate to proceed in camera, Pierre Mehaignerie chose to hold press conferences after each session in order to silence the controversy about the stifling of debate. At least one opportunity for the PS to hear his voice.

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Sony, Adidas and Coca-Cola World Winners

Sunday Jul 18, 2010

The winners of the FIFA World Cup are Spain, Sony, Adidas and Coca-Cola. Just as some teams were able to shine on the ground (Spain, world champion Germany, third, and some emerging countries) and others have left without glory (England, Italy, France, Brazil, Argentina), three brands have also won their World Cup. Sony takes the lead of companies with the most invested in advertising during the World Cup, Adidas has created the greatest impact in terms of sponsorship, and Coca-Cola was the brand most remembered by the French, according to a study published by KantarSport (ex-TNS Sport).

Net loss of 32 million euros for TF1

But if there is a figure to be learned from this study, the total advertising investment for French television: 101.08 million euros, barely two million more than in 2006 .What to surprising when one remembers that the team had reached France to the final four years ago. "Comparatively, this represents very nearly the equivalent of television advertising budget for Renault in 2009," Bruno said Lalande, director of studies pole KantarSport information.

The estimated advertising revenue earned by TF1 to about 55 million euros for a total investment of 87 million euros. Consider a net loss of approximately 32 million euros. "This loss is largely offset by record audiences drawn by the chain during the first two games of Team France," relativize Bruno Lalande. These two games against Uruguay and Mexico, which ended in a draw and a defeat for the Blues, had met respectively 14.9 million and 15.2 million viewers.And it is precisely the day the place these two games as the highest advertising investments have been made: 8.5 million euros on June 11 and 8 million euros on June 17 Although the final between Spain and Germany has generated "only" 7.5 million euros of investment in advertising for French television.

Sony takes advantage of the strategy of French Games

If one goes into more detail, Sony happens then top advertisers with the most invested in advertising during the World Cup with a total of 8.6 million euros, including 1.9 million after the group stage quick pay day loan. The Japanese brand ahead PMU (6.2 million) and McDonald's (5.4 million euros). The French Games that had happened in the lead after the first round does not even appear in the top 10."The French Games invests in advertising for the knock-out stages. The group had to achieve its objectives through the opening of the market for online games, "said Bruno Lalande.

In the war between suppliers, Adidas beat his perennial rival, Nike. "Adidas, with its visibility and paneled field teams, has provided benefits in terms of sponsorship, the equivalent of a global TV campaign with more than 250,000 30-second spots in over 210 countries. The victory of Spain for Adidas unleashed a veritable fireworks display media, "says Bruno Lalande. The icing on the cake sponsor this on television around the field when the final goal of Iniesta is another Adidas. Evidence that the supplier to the three bands can live without the France team. "The loss of the contract of the Blues is far from being a tragedy for Adidas.Quite the opposite, "says academic director of the pole information KantarSport.

Communications Coca-Cola bears fruit

Finally, the French brand that combines the most to the World Cup is Coca-Cola (57.96% of votes), ahead of Adidas (46.39%) and McDonald's (41.43%). Unsurprisingly? "Not that much, answered Bruno Lalande. For ten years we carry out these surveys, Coca-Cola was still behind Adidas. The powerful device of communication including the U.S. group via Youtube bearing fruit, as its survival as a sponsor of sport and World Cup soccer, "says Bruno Lalande.

Last but not least: media monitoring of the World Cup by the French. Contrary to what one might have thought, only 4% of French have followed the event via the Internet (Facebook, YouTube …) against over 64% watching television."The early elimination of the Blues had an impact on the consumption of the French media, which has significantly slowed the use of other media including Internet," says Bruno Lalande. Once the team he supports is removed, the fan tends to be less reactive to turn to the media like the Internet.

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BP could contain the oil spill by Monday

Sunday Jul 11, 2010

This is the most reassuring news announced by the U.S. authorities for more than two months. According to Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen American to oversee cleanup operations in the Gulf of Mexico, BP should be able to contain 100% the gap in the well from which oil flows to by Monday. A new funnel, bigger than previous ones, is currently installed by the British oil.

This funnel, called "Top Hat Number 10", should recover up to 80,000 barrels of oil per day (12.7 million liters), against 25,000 now. The authorities are optimistic that based on their assessments, the well lost more than 60,000 barrels per day. The previous dome will be first removed. A large quantity of oil escape so well for 48 hours.But once the new funnel posed, the results will be immediate, promises Thad Allen.

Since April 20, the day of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon platform off the coast of Louisiana, BP has increased its attempts to clogging, all unsuccessful.

No stop before August

BP was more cautious in its forecasts. Bob Dudley, responsible for managing the disaster, spoke of another scenario where difficulties in installing the new funnel could delay the time from Monday to Thursday.

But authorities are confident: "We have the climate we need," said Thad Allen. The admiral, however, required to calm the enthusiasm that followed the announcement. "I used the word 'contain' and not 'stop'," he commented.According to him, the well would not be closed as well as two-pass will not be completed free instant credit score. These wells, dug deep to inject cement and mud, should not be installed until mid-August. Once the leak stopped, the extensive cleaning and restoration of the ratings will continue.

Anadarko does not pay

On this last point, BP was again struck Friday denied Anadarko Petroleum. The company, which owns 25% of wells responsible for the spill, said she would not pay the $ 272 million that BP is asking her to cover their share of cleanup costs, according to U.S. law known pollution.

On June 18, the tension was raised a notch between the two partners lorsqu'Anadarko stated that the explosion of April 20 on the platform Deepwater Horizon, "was preventable and was a direct result of decisions and actions BP unthinking.

In another e-mail sent Friday, a spokesman for Anadarko, John Christiansen, however, felt that his group remained "committed to working in good faith with BP to reach a satisfactory resolution."

BP is now awaiting the response of Mitsui, which owns 10% of the wells. The British oil giant is claiming $ 112 million for cleanup costs.The company has not yet made its position.

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Bernard Arnault is the richest man in France

Thursday Jul 8, 2010

Bernard Arnault regain its leadership among the rich. After having given way in 2008 to boss Gerard Mulliez Auchan, the boss of LVMH prances again tops the ranking of richest people in France, published Wednesday by the weekly magazine Challenges.

Arnault's fortune amounted to 22.7 billion euros, against 19 billion for Mulliez. Among the top three also included Liliane Bettencourt, whose name is now mentioned more as the protagonist of a politico-financial series and its maintenance in the third-largest fortunes in France.

"2010, the year of the crisis for the rich"

Despite the context of crisis, the profits of the rich have increased compared to 2008 payday loan lenders.According to the study, the total capital assets of the 500 largest French professionals has increased by 25% in one year, from 194 to 241 billion euros. That figure remains below the record level of 2007 (280 billion euros). The weight of the 500 largest fortunes in the French economy has also declined from 17% of gross domestic product (GDP) three years ago to 12.4% today.

Several indicators suggest that 2010 will be "the year of the crisis" for the rich, notes the weekly. In one year, the title LVMH has indeed jumped 40%, like that of L'Oreal.


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Berge, Niel and bought Pigasse The World

Tuesday Jun 29, 2010

Monday, Le Monde has turned a page of his story in a calm atmosphere. Once is not custom. Upon completion of the supervisory boards of the World, offers the trio Pierre Berge, Xavier Niel and Matthew Pigasse ("BNP") received 11 votes. The other nine votes abstained. Employee representatives had 9 votes, and Louis Schweitzer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, which made the difference in making its voice and that entrusted to him by Claude Perdriel, boss Le Nouvel Observateur and unsuccessful candidate for the resumption of the World. Louis Schweitzer has done everything to ensure that The World is lost in a new crisis between the employees and field representatives (Lagardère and Prisa, La Stampa, Pierre Lescure, Jean-Louis Beffa …).

Over the weekend, in the daily columns, he emphasized the seriousness of the financial situation and warned: "I hope there will be convergence." At the end of the supervisory board, Gilles Van Kote The president of the Society of Editors (RS) welcomed "the gesture of a great lord of Claude Perdriel, which withdrew its offer and voted for its competitors. On Monday morning, Claude Perdriel and Orange announced they were withdrawing their offer, drawing the lesson of the plebiscite of employees of the World for the trio "BNP". Indeed, on Friday, the different societies of staff (Le Monde, Le Monde Interactif, Telerama, International Mail, employees, managers …) have made an overwhelming majority (between 80% and 91% for the Society of Editors World) for the trio Pierre Berge, Xavier Niel and Matthew Pigasse. After the vote, will open exclusive talks with the trio BNP.Beforehand, prospective buyers are, as they had committed 10 million euro move before July 5 to cross to Le Monde's financial deadlines July 10 and have enough money to take all summer . "Then, in late July or early September a new supervisory board will endorse the negotiations and the deal should be finalized in late September or early October," said Gilles Van Kote.

Negotiations with Lagardère and Prisa

In total, Pierre Berge, Xavier Niel and Matthew Pigasse provide 110 million euros. Therefore, they will control 64.65% of capital. For the first time in the history of the world, workers will abandon the majority stake and control group. The trio "BNP" had taken the measure of the importance of this decision. That is why he insisted on preserving the editorial independence of publications group.Better, it should make a gesture in their favor. Pierre Berge has promised to create a foundation with 10 million euros destined to gradually increase the share of employees to 33%.

With other shareholders, Lagardère and Prisa, also diluted, dialogue should engage. Following the recapitalization, Lagardere will have only 5.86% of capital, and Prisa 5.1%. Lagardère cons grin and heart. In the vote, he refrained. "This is a position consistent with what we've always said. We did not oppose the rescue of the World while taking care to preserve our interests, "responded Khiroun Ramzy, the spokesman of the group. However, Lagardere clearly leaning in favor of the trio Perdriel, Prisa, Orange, with whom he had begun negotiations for the acquisition of its stake in the holding company and Le Monde Interactif. In total, he was to receive nearly 40 million euros.The trio "BNP", everything remains to be done. "The investors must now specify their intentions. Everything depends on the proposals they will make us, "adds the group. However, the trio "BNP" remained unclear. If he says he must "return to the activity in the digital world", it does not specify the amount he is prepared to pay to redeem the 34% of Lagardère in Le Monde Interactif.

The other loser is the media giant Prisa Spanish. The group led by Juan Luis Cebrian came late in the battle alongside Claude Perdriel and Orange. He has to defend its interests in the holding head. But his stance in favor of an issue of the daily morning have undermined his bid.

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Bouygues will renovate the Velodrome stadium in Marseille

Tuesday Jun 22, 2010

It is ultimately the Bouygues group has been selected for the renovation, expansion and coverage of the forums Velodrome stadium in Marseille, which hosted several matches of the Euro Cup in 2016. Jean-Claude Gaudin, senator, mayor of Marseille, was announced yesterday with the presidents of the urban community of Marseille, the General Council and the region that will participate in financing this project.

So far we spoke of a shipyard between 120 million and 160 million euros, the project selected is $ 273 million. It is however more expensive than the one presented by Vinci, Bouygues competitor in this competition.Jean-Claude Gaudin is a "new Velodrome stadium for next fifty years" which will be built!

The Velodrome, the second stage of France in terms of capacity, will reach its tonnage from 57,000 to 67,000 seats and all the galleries will be covered. This coverage, which had not been made during the previous renovation of the stadium in 1998 for the World Cup, was claimed a hue and cry by the fans.

Municipal Stadium will

During the period of construction, scheduled to begin in summer 2011 for completion in summer 2014, the stadium will remain usable even if it could accommodate only 42,000 spectators, that is to say, the number of subscribers Olympique de Marseille.

Funding for the transaction will come to 50% by the City, the Metropolitan Regional Council and the General Council.The other half will be funded through a public-private partnership (PPP) of thirty-five years. A "naming" is planned for obvious reasons of profitability, even if Jean-Claude Gaudin does not fail to promise that the city will stage he would continue to be a public service and carrying the name Velodrome. Without doubt the trade name it is there next to it.

In addition, the sale by the City the right to build a hotel, shops, a museum of the OM will ensure 30 million financial returns.

The choice announced Monday must still pass the course the city council vote on July 12. In this context, Bouygues did not comment yesterday.

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