Business World |

Nicolas Sarkozy is he fell off the bed? The Head of State arrived well ahead of schedule Saturday morning at the Salon de l'Agriculture in Paris. While appointments had been given to the press at 9:00 am, for arrival between 9:30 and 10:00, the President took everyone to court in arriving at 8:30.

Half an hour before the exhibition opens to the public, and while all the journalists had not yet arrived, the head of state has been able to finish a quiet and calm in a tense situation. It is accompanied by Ministers Bruno Le Maire (Agriculture) and Michel Mercier (Rural Areas and Regional Planning).It has been particularly welcomed by Jean-Michel Lemetayer, president of the National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA).

"Nicolas Sarkozy is taking its time"

While departing from the tradition, the president has not opened this year's Salon de la Porte de Versailles, it was eagerly awaited by farmers who suffer the brunt of crisis. The Salon de l'Agriculture has always been a difficult visit to Nicolas Sarkozy payday advance . Two years ago, his baptism of fire as president had led to a controversy surrounding the famous phrase, coined a visitor who refused to shake his hand, "Casse-toi pauvre con". Especially, the current president's hard to bear comparison with his predecessor.Jacques Chirac is in fact very comfortable in the exercise, which he demonstrated again Friday during a visit acclaimed.

"It seems that Nicolas Sarkozy, who usually do not linger in the aisles of the Salon, decided this year to take more time to listen to farmers," explains one of the envoys of Figaro on site, which also describes the security services "tense". Anxious to avoid overflow, the bodyguards of the president are intractable. The Roundtable, scheduled for the morning with representatives of the agricultural world, will take place elsewhere out of sight, journalists are invited to follow from the newsroom.

More to come on lefigaro.fr …

Run on electricity, that's fine. Able to recharge its batteries at lower cost and across Europe, it would be even better. This should be discussed at the Council of Ministers Franco-German held this Thursday. The industrial stakes are high, one that will impose "its" Standard for recharging points will be a step ahead. Schneider Electric intends to play this card against his rivals, the French SME in the German equivalent of EDF, RWE, through the Italian or Chinese groups.

The stakes are high. Primarily economic. By 2015, automakers estimate that 10% of French Park, 3 million cars will be electric. To ensure mobility, it takes at least 2.5 terminals per car. Schneider considers prudent in this market "several hundred million euros" for France.But the group is also Europe and the United States, a potential billion.

The second challenge will be to ensure a "green" power users of electric vehicles. "If we must give way to coal fired power plants when everyone recharge his car returning home at about 19 hours, the environmental challenge will be lost, schematically Philippe Delorme, Chief Strategy and Innovation at Schneider Electric. The challenge remains to bring to market vehicles "carbonizing, then using renewable electricity (wind, solar or nuclear). To avoid these peaks of consumption will require that the electric charging stations are able to interact with the network, identify the peak hours and recharge the batteries during these periods.Of course, there is no question of forcing drivers to plug their car between midnight and 3 am, but rather to encourage them with a display of the estimated cost of recharging. "The limits of public support will display two options, a slow charge, for four to six hours at optimum cost, a fast charge, in about thirty minutes, but probably more expensive," said Philippe Delorme instant payday loans .

4.4 million terminals in 2020

These famous terminals will be installed in car parks, private or public, on public property, in columns of 1.5 m, but also in homes. At home, they have the size of a "computer briefcase, with promises be an effort to ergonomics and design. Their installation will require an adaptation of the electrical installation.Recharge a car battery does not require the same amperage as plugging in a toaster! This installation should nevertheless be accessible on the order of 500 to 1 000. An investment that can quickly be profitable if one considers only 3 euros for electricity should be able to run 300 kilometers, cons twenty euros with a heat engine for the same distance.

For its part, the Government has already announced a 1.5 billion euro investment for the installation of 4.4 million terminals in the territory by 2020.

"Under the aegis of Jean-Louis Borloo, Minister of Environment, a working group is studying the establishment of a standardized European solution," said Philippe Delorme. It is a car built for the French market can be recharged in Germany. "This issue goes beyond the issue of compatibility of electrical outlets.Charging a car battery will involve many functions of "dialogue" with the loading terminal, even if only to determine its energy needs.

It will also be able to choose between a slow charge, softer to the battery, and a rapid and determine the cost of the operation. Other points are still under study, such as taxing to the terminal of the new "fuel."

ALSO READ:

The tax per kilowatt motor under study

Lefigaro.fr / Jdf.com: In just under ten years, DreamNex has become the European champion of the Internet charming. What were the secrets of your success?

Patrice Macar: First, DreamNex was the first company to spell Internet with a quality, positioned on the high end, which addresses the general adult audience, namely men, women, and couples. In addition, there is no doubt that the sector is in vogue. Sexuality is no longer taboo. It is even likely. Sexy lingerie and sex toys have democratized, as evidenced by the series Sex and the City or the corner Toys Chics at Galeries Lafayette. Even M6 Boutique spent a night broadcast on its new range of sex toys.

Besides selling products, we developed our site Sexyavenue.com entertainment activity, with a video service (VOD), which has seriously accelerated with the spread of broadband. Again, DreamNex has cornered the French market. And the branch meetings has also had some success with its service Eden Flirt "for naughty games and free in a supervised environment.

In acquiring the Belgian Enjoy DreamNex early 2008 that declared its leadership at European level through its service XCAM, a kind of phone sex on webcams, where thousands of independent filmmakers around the world offer discussions erotic home.Buying Enjoy, for just over 40 million euros has been possible thanks to the IPO of DreamNex on Euronext (Compartment C) in March 2007, which then helped raise 15 million euros.

In recent years you've been very aggressive in the market by finalizing purchase of several companies. And you do not stop here …

We have no reason to stop there! Not only is DreamNex leader, but he is always alone on the European market very fragmented. In addition, we have the necessary cash to make acquisitions of our choice. In fact, since the IPO, DreamNex still has as much cash as all previous acquisitions have allowed a return on investment as we have been able to pay shareholders, while bailing out our cases.

In 2009, however, we took a break after four acquisitions in 18 months to restructure the group and maximize the new resources. It has centralized teams, we recruited new managers … But in 2010, one starts to hunt for great opportunities. It focuses on three areas that we know well. For now, DreamNex is strong in France, Belgium, Spain and Italy. We look for companies already well established, why not in Germany. We have two issues being discussed, but nothing is certain yet.

In 2009, your sales totaled 67.3 million euros, down 4.2% on a pro forma basis. What are your goals for 2010?

DreamNex activity, partly due to the vagaries of the consumer has finally stood up well in 2009. Surely it is because people are a little more at home and at restaurant or cinema.It does, they need to entertain. But it is true that we have found that the average basket of purchases on our site is a little less than before Payday Advance . Customers buy on average four products now rather than five.

Anyway, last year was pivotal. It was time to reorganize. The effects are already felt. Even if I never give targets usually I can tell you that the operating profitability of the group will win at least 5 points between the first and second half of 2009, reaching over 25% on the second part of the year .

You've decided to start a business of gaming. Is it not make too much diversification?

We realized that poker players, casinos, paris sports, etc..online customers and the Internet are actually charming in a hearing fairly close. DreamNex has the ability to generate audience. We can then exploit it and add another string to our bow. We will not incur massive investment in this activity. We will call for a turnkey solution for platform games through companies specializing in the field. The challenge now is to comply with legal constraints and heavy comply with specific regulations in force in different European countries.

By launching your own brand, have you played the card of profitability or is it rather a fun little marketing?

Both. It was first launched lingerie SexyAvenue. Now half of our products are sold to our brand. Since June 2009, we sell sextoys SexyAvenue.Note that sextoys now represent half of our total sales. For our sextoys, we chose 15 products that sold best on our site, we went to China, and we asked the same to our sign. Ultimately, the price is a little cheaper and our products SexyAvenue reap a gross profit of at least 70%. Value today, the brand recorded 27% of sales. We aim 30 to 35% in the short term.

What, ten years ago, you had the idea and the courage to get started in this business?

In fact, my ambition was to be undertaken on the Internet. I felt the revolution. I told myself that I must be part of this incredible movement. I wondered what kind of business I was targeting. I quickly noticed the United States, the adult business was going well. Meanwhile, in Europe, there was almost nothing, apart from sites in Pigalle …So I chose this niche, but with a real professional approach.

You must have had a hard time build your credibility at the beginning …

It is true that banks and other partners looked at me wrong at first. It was ten years ago and attitudes were different. There are still some people who are uncomfortable with the activity of DreamNex, but overall it's much more relaxed than before. Especially now that DreamNex is listed on the stock market and managed to get a good picture, relations are much easier.

Interview by Marine Rabreau.

ALSO READ:

"DreamNex: Gilbert Dupont initiates coverage has in optimism

2007: DreamNex, an introduction very 'sexy' to come

PC producers smile again. According to Gartner, it has sold nearly 306 million computers worldwide in 2009, against 302.2 million units in 2008. An increase of 5.2% in one year. In November, the firm analysts foresaw growth of 2.8% this year. This recovery was mainly driven by a surge in sales of 22.1% over the fourth quarter alone. While the basis of comparison is largely favorable. The global economy plunged into crisis a year earlier, with only 78 million PCs sold in the fourth quarter of 2008 (+1.1% over the same period in 2007).

Today, all regions of the world leave more beautiful. "The United States and Asia-Pacific had already been positive indicators in the third quarter, but fourth quarter results give more evidence of a global recovery," said Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa.For the first time in three quarters, in fact, the regions Europe, Middle East and Africa were up in the fourth quarter.

Redistribution of cards

A recovery has been particularly successful in producing Taiwanese Acer. The latter took the opportunity to eclipse Dell's second largest computer manufacturers in 2009, after flying his way to his American rival in the third and fourth quarters. Over the year, Acer has sold 39.897 million in total PC, a jump of 29.4% which enabled him to capture a market share of 13%. Dell, meanwhile, reported sales of 37.355 million computers over the year, down 9.1%. Its market share fell to 12, 2%, against 14.1% a year earlier.

The battle for second place does not seem to affect Hewlett-Packard, anyway. The American manufacturer is sticking to its first place. And by far.The world has sold 58.947 million computers in 2009, registering an increase of 11.3% comfortable compared to 2008. HP wins a market share of 19.3% (against 18.2% last year).

Sales from consumer PCs and cheaper

According to analyst Gartner, HP, Acer and Toshiba, the fifth largest producer with 15.495 million computers sold in 2009, received a "strong consumer demand." The business market, it remains uncertain. This is not the business of Dell, which has mainly specialized in selling office equipment. Finally, Mikako Kitagawa highlights the success of the cheapest PC. To demonstrate the success netbooks, often sold at less than 300 euros, continues unabated.Finally, the launch of the new operating system Windows 7 to fall was a great marketing coup for the holidays.

ALSO READ

"The mini-PC saves computer sales

"The computer sales resume with the increase

"Computers at any price

After rising prices of cafes and restaurants in November and revealed Tuesday by INSEE, they were not going to Bercy auspiciously. Yet, while recognizing that these figures are not up to the commitments, Herve Novelli has not enjoined Tuesday to go further in the final statement he prepared to lower the VAT in catering. Aware of the difficulties of independent schools, the secretary of state for trade and was merely asking restaurants to moderate their rate increases at inflation for the year 2010.

The prices charged by restaurants and cafes have indeed increased by 0.1% in November, according to Insee, an increase equivalent to that recorded by all consumer prices.A study of services Bercy, 55% of restaurants only have indeed lowered their prices in line with commitments made in consideration of the reduction in VAT. In total, since 1 July 2009, a rate cut by the restaurants alone amounts to 1.41%, while that seen in cafes amounted to 0.95%, INSEE showed. These figures are actually far from the 3% who had committed coffee shops since July.

If the price cuts and hiring remain "midway" of stated goals, Herve Novelli Welcomes however, the wage agreement reached Monday by the social partners in the sector.Described as "historic" for the many benefits it provides to employees – annual premium of 500 euros, two days of additional leave, starting salary grid systematically 1% above the minimum wage … – it remains fragile, the main employers' organization has so far refused to sign.

ALSO READ:

"Conclusion of an agreement on wages in the catering

"Restoration: the reduction in VAT is fueling the war chiefs

"The understanding with the French restaurant

MPs begin Tuesday in plenary review of the draft budget law for 2010, amid record deficit. Nothing says that the extra growth – the government speaks with a GDP increase of 0.75% to 1%, while the budget is built on a figure of 0.75% – will change all that. But it's finally on other issues that the debates promise to be agitated in the Chamber, as the tax shield and business tax. The controversy during consideration of the text of the Finance Committee gave a preview! The project will then move to the Senate before final adoption in December.

■ The tax shield dispute

At a time when deficits fly, this device is increasingly challenged even within the majority. Why? Because, by definition, the beneficiaries of the shield to escape any tax hike.The tax shield in effect allows a taxpayer to cap the amount of taxes and charges, including CSG and CRDS, 50% of its income. Amendment of UMP deputies Warsmann Montchamp and offers out of the CRDS shield. A two-stage strategy: its authors do not hide that, if passed, the goal is then to propose during the budget "Safely", raising the CRDS to repay part of the social debt of 2009 and 2010. Still, this scenario is unlikely. For the Elysée refuses to touch the shield. "We will rally the troops," said the entourage Gilles Carrez, UMP general rapporteur of the Finance Committee of the Assembly.Last week, this body has rejected narrowly, an amendment of the New Center to remove the CSG, CRDS and local taxes shield.

■ Shooting together on niches

The centrist MP Charles de Courson propose an amendment to the capital gains from sales of securities are subject to tax on income from the first euro transfer, and not from 25 730 euros. But Gilles Carrez wants only the CSG and CRDS apply the first euro. Stay tuned also: the carried interest, that Charles de Courson wants to tax on income. It is the share of capital gains made by investment funds back to their leaders. Furthermore, proposals abound to lower the overall ceiling of tax loopholes (now at 25 000 euros plus 10% of income).Gilles Carrez should dam.

■ Imbroglio around the "tax pro"

Its abolition is unanimous. But the distribution of levies to replace the "tax pro" turns puzzle. The Finance Committee of the Assembly has cleared the ground, expanding the basket of revenue assigned to municipalities. The associations of local elected officials are not yet satisfied. Charles de Courson propose an amendment to the department recover a share of CSG. An idea rejected by Bercy.

■ A carbon tax consensual

This is another great innovation fiscal 2010: a "super TIPP" to encourage them to consume less energy. Ironically, critics have quickly vanished on the same principle. The amendments concern and should instead focus on compensation to households and certain sectors such as agriculture.But what changes will be marginal.

"Tax Shelter: Eric Woerth opened a new overall ceiling

The "fad" of the most influential parliamentary budget

Philippe Marini, UMP general rapporteur of the Finance Committee of the Senate Appropriations photo: Le Figaro

Since the crash of flight AF 447, unease is evident among the drivers of the company that does not include the communication of their company and how has managed the replacement of pitot probe implicated in the crash of Flight Rio Paris.

Until last week, supervision of drivers, the so-called NTP managers (technical crews), had remained quiet on the subject and several of his leadership. But since Thursday afternoon, breaking seems consumed. Reportedly, a special meeting was held at the headquarters of the company among the 50 most senior executives of the company NTP and Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France-KLM and Rovetto Gilbert, executive vice president flight operations, that is to say, the head of security at Air France.This meeting was intended precisely to flight safety in the company and the lessons learned from the disaster of flight AF 447. In the opinion of those present, this type of meeting is very rare for Air France and dictated by circumstances and difficulties experienced by the company.

According to our information, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon announced the organization of regular breakfasts with drivers to be aware of their concerns and demands. The boss of Air France has also confirmed that all probes pitot Airbus A320 would be replaced.

"We did not ask the moon"

However, disappointment was palpable among NTP managers present at the meeting which lasted all afternoon. This is the first time that many of them give up their duty of confidentiality to complain that nothing has been done since the disaster of flight AF 447."We have not been listened to, this explains a part in the meeting. Our drivers expect significant changes, particularly in terms of training. "All managers now speak with one voice to demand a thorough reform of flight safety," said another frame this Thursday. The management kicked into touch. "

But executives NTP ask more. They have demanded such an audit of the company in terms of safety that is led by executives of KLM and Delta, two airlines combined, and that they can have access to all levels of information within Air France -KLM."Our pilots are among the best in the world and yet we have more accidents than our competitors," says one part NTP. "Contacted by Le Figaro, the management of Air France said his side" does not comment on internal meetings "but notes that" the purpose of this meeting was just to put everything on the table following the crash of flight AF 447. The meeting did not at all hectic.

Strengthening the security of flights at Air France is a recurring theme in the company since June and the accident of flight AF 447. The pilots union of Air France (SPAF) and Alter, another organization of pilots, have cleverly captured the subject. They call and be put in place a "permanent monitoring unit" that can have access to air safety reports (ASR), reports written by the pilots after the incident.In their view, such a cell might be more reactive during the first incidents of Pitot probes and encourage their replacement without waiting for the accident flight AF 447.

"We did not ask the moon, but management does not want to hear," Arnoux said Gerard, president of SPAF. The union, which was received with Alter on the subject last October 2, has been opposing an end of inadmissibility. Both unions have written Monday Gourgeon to alert again on the subject. "This is a final notice," says Gerard Arnoux. Afterwards, we will have to file a notice of strike. "So far, neither the date nor the duration of a possible social movement have been discussed.

ALSO READ:

"AF 447: the amazing series of omissions

"Discovery of a traffic ticket airline to Air France