Business World |

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.

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

Burning a limit to the deficit in the marble of the law. The suggestion was made by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007 during the presidential campaign. Then was taken in late 2009, a budget minister Eric Woerth, seduced by the German example. The topic should be discussed Thursday at the Elysee Palace during the conference on deficits. How, specifically, would this be possible?

The Germans themselves have already taken action. They have set a goal rigorous balance of public finances on an entire economic cycle and have entered into their constitution. Clearly, the German deficit will not exceed 0.35% of GDP in 2016.

Pass such a law in France could reassure the markets. They are concerned about the explosion of public debt. Rating agencies have already warned France that it would quickly present a plan resorption deficits.Otherwise, goodbye note prestigious Triple A allowing Paris to borrow very cheaply.

Eric Woerth, in his first statements, believed that coercion should be entered in a text of a range exceeding the classical law. The minister was thinking of an organic law? This type of text is in the legal hierarchy between the statute and the constitution. "I'm not sure that new legislation limiting deficits to this level would change the deal because all the existing provisions," argues Sophie Baziadoly, lecturer in public law at the University of Cergy-Pontoise.

Already copntraintes

Entering the euro zone, France has already pledged not to show a deficit above 3% of GDP bad credit payday loans . A rule regularly flouted.Nationally, the planning law, passed each year, limiting the increase in government spending to inflation. But this is not a legal rule, rather rule management. If it is not respected, there are no penalties.

The organic law will probably not solve these problems. "Like any law, it can be applied … or not, so it's purely symbolic," says Michel Bouvier, Professor at University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and director of the Association for the International Foundation of Public Finance (Fondafip ). "The only serious solution is to fix the balance in the constitution." Follow the German example, in short.

But is it really desirable? This solution "removes responsibility policies and limits their freedom of action in the future," said Michel Bouvier. According to the university should instead strengthen fiscal transparency, streamline the budget.One area where France did not blush. For if it is bad in terms of student debt is one of the best in the world for the transparency of public finances, according to the International Budget Project. Still, this does not seem to be enough today to reassure the markets.

See also:

"The tax loopholes in the sights of Sarkozy

"The government is tackling the deficit reduction

"The French are concerned about debt

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

Donor associations to support innovation through investment, are multiple ways to reduce taxes. It exists in all twenty-eight provisions for entitlement to tax reduction and five, along with a tax credit. Some of them, especially heavy, can hardly be implemented before the end of the year. However, for latecomers, here's ten tracks explore before December 31 to reduce your next tax (1).

1 – Make donations to associations

It is very easy to reduce taxation by being generous. Donations to associations or organizations for aid to individuals qualify for tax reductions: 75% of payments made to organizations that assist people in difficulty (capped at 510 euros). For other donations, public organizations, for example, 66% of payments will be deductible up to 20% of taxable income.On the income statement, it suffices to mention the donations in the box UD (asssocaitions providing housing or meals) and the UF box for all other institutions.

2 – Prepare your retirement

Think of his old age is also a way to reduce the tax bill. The tax incentive savings plan retirement populaire (PERP) allows employees to accumulate savings for their retirement. Money deposited in this area may indeed be deducted from total income in respect to a ceiling that appears on the last tax assessment. For example, an employee whose marginal tax bracket is 30%, which is investing 100 euros on the PERP, save 30 euro tax. At the time of retirement, the savings will be restored as an annuity.

"About the PERP

3 – Helping innovative companies

By participating in a common fund for investment in innovation (FCIC) or an Investment Fund proximity (FIP), you can reduce your taxes. Your shares are eligible for a tax reduction of 25% of the amount subscribed, capped at € 12,000 (single) or 24,000 euros (couple). Most major banking networks selling such products. Units must be kept for at least 5 years.

4 – Investing in French cinema

And why not support culture? The capital of Sofica (Society for the financing of film) qualifies for a tax reduction of 40% or 48% if certain conditions are met. The basis for calculating the reduction is limited in the double limit of 25% of total net income and 18,000 euros.It should move towards a service asset management of a bank or a specialized firm, the product remains quite rare and confidential. Securities purchased must be conversation 5 years.

5 – Investing in forestry

Soaring prices facing the forest for 3 years makes it a very interesting investment. Especially since the sales or purchases of shares of forestry groups qualify for a tax reduction of 25% calculated on an annual ceiling of 5,700 euros (single) or EUR 11,400 (couple). Units must be held 8 years.You can also invest directly in land acquisition in natural woods and forests and barren land to be afforested (within 3 years), to establish a management unit of at least 5 hectares in a single taking.

Subsequently, and subject to achieve a management unit of at least 10 hectares in one piece, you can receive a tax cut for forest 25% of annual expenditure capped at 6,250 euros (single person ) or € 12,500 (couple). Warning, you must agree to retain the land for 15 years and to apply a management plan approved by the Regional Center Property Forest.

6 – Benefit of tax credits for your work

All those who are reluctant to work in their primary residence may be motivated by thinking of the tax credit they will receive.Insulation work, installation of devices to control heating, condensing boiler or heat pump are eligible for tax credits. The work must be performed by a professional who can provide information on the characteristics of the equipment to receive the credit calculated at 25%, 40% or 50% of the amount and nature of expenditure (excluding labor, except for insulation).

Warning: This tax credit is characterized by a multi-year ceiling of 8,000 euros (single) or 16,000 euros (couple) plus € 400 per dependent, ceiling covering all expenses paid in 5 consecutive years between 01/01/2005 and 31/12/2012. This tax credit was extended to expenses paid by the owners for their commitment to housing rent naked as a principal residence for at least 5 years.

»More

7 – Subscribe to capital for SMEs

You have a friend or relative who wants to create or strengthen the equity of a company. Your subscription to the capital you will receive a tax reduction of 25% ceiling on payment of 20,000 euros (single) or EUR 40,000 (couple). If your purchase exceeds those limits, the excess is reported in the same limits on the following 4 years.

8 – Doing work in bare ownership

Your parents have proceeded to share their property and you are bare owner of the house they occupy as usufruct. If you make major repairs in this house, you can deduct from your total income to a maximum of 25,000 euros with the possibility of deferral of excess expenditure over 10 years.If you take out a loan and that you have income from property, interest will be deducted from the said land revenue.

9 – Focus on real estate rental

The devices' depreciation Robien refocused and Borloo "will no longer apply to new houses acquired from 01/01/2010. It is still possible to opt for these devices if the act of purchase is signed before December 31, even if the delivery takes place later (acquired in the future state of completion).

On the device "Scellier, the draft Budget Act 2010 should tighten the conditions for applying a reduced advantage for purchases of homes for rent that would not meet the standard" Building Low Energy Consumption "(BBC ). The rate reduction should be reduced to – 20% for dwellings built or acquired in 2010, and – 15% from 2011.For homes purchased or built in 2009, the rate reduction, 25% will be maintained. For homes respecting the BBC's standard rates, tax cuts remain unchanged, ie 25% in 2010 and 20% in 2011 and 2012. Very interesting for tax exemption, the accumulation of Scellier Robien and should be considered in certain cases. So why give up when you can combine the devices?

10 – Have the reflex Internet if not already

If for 2009 you decide first to declare your return electronically, you will be allocated a tax cut to 20 euros.Having paid your third-looking check does not prevent the reduction provided that you agree with the declaration in line with the deadlines set by the following levies or electronically.

(1) Caution: the tax benefits mentioned (except the bare ownership) are capped at 25,000 euros plus 10% of net taxable income subject to progressive rates.

"Read the special dossier Taxation 2009

ALSO READ

"PRACTICE – The main expenses deductible from income

"PRACTICE – Tax Cuts

Morel Gervais is co-author of "Taxation, investment and tax cuts" (Ed UK.gif Edition).

The group of wines and spirits Pernod Ricard is on Monday's Combined General Meeting to approve the consolidated accounts of social and fiscal 2008/2009, ending June 30, 2009. In a statement, he stressed that "even if the general economic environment remains challenging, particularly in Europe, the first signs of improvement appear on some markets."

Pierre Pringuet, the Group Managing Director says "target for the year 2009/2010, a growth in recurring operating income of between 1% and 3%, with stronger advertising and promotion on strategic brands.

The title Pernod Ricard, a component of the CAC40, the flagship index of the Paris bourse, gained 0.4% to 57.02 euros in mid-session.