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GDF Suez in the running for new purchases in Europe

Sunday Aug 22, 2010

Acquisition appetite GDF SUEZ does not dry up. The group chaired by Gerard Mestrallet formalized fortnight ago the takeover of Britain's International Power. This nearly 20 billion euros making it the second largest electricity producer in the world.

This does not prevent targeting a wide range of assets in the energy sector. In Poland in particular, where GDF SUEZ already developing the largest biomass plant in the world with a capacity of 200 megawatts. The group intends to seize tricolor maximum opportunities in this key country in Central Europe. This Friday, however, he was left out of the race for the privatization of the producer and distributor of electricity Polish Energa, estimated 8 billion zlotys (2 billion euros).The Polish Treasury, which has sold 83% of Energa, announced he had chosen for further negotiations between the Czech and Polish groups EMP has Energeticky Prumyslovy Holding.

However, GDF Suez is in the running for the redemption of the third group of the country's electricity, Enea. Currently owned 60% by the Polish Treasury and 19% by the Swedish Vattenfall, Enea is listed at 51% for a price that could reach around 1.2 billion euros, according to Polish daily Parkiet. It provides 20% of electricity in Poland and supplies 2.3 million homes.

Faced with financial

The Polish Treasury, which had suffered an initial setback in 2009 when the only bidder, German RWE, had withdrawn its proposal, would have received this time five bids.These persons, in addition to GDF Suez, would appear EDF, Iberdrola of Spain, Italian Enel and Polish Kulczyk.

In Germany, GDF Suez is very interested in gas storage sites, sold by ExxonMobil and Shell oil companies, reported Friday a close group. The energy giant would face in the battle for assets valued at one billion euros in financial sector competitors. The infrastructure management subsidiaries of Deutsche Bank, Axa and Prudential are also candidates. Germany, third largest market in terms of GDF Suez supplies gas, is the second largest source of storage for this resource. The energy company it already has 600 million cubic meters (m3) of storage, and it would, if he can buy the two sites Uelsen Harsefeld and northwest of the country, its total capacity to about 1.5 billion m3.But France, with 10 billion cubic meters, will remain by far, its first storage area for gas.

The proposed acquisitions are still the order of the day, recalled yesterday a spokesman for GDF Suez. The merger with International Power, mainly funded by transfer of assets, slightly affects the budget of 10 billion investment that the group has set for 2010. And in the first half, investments, acquisitions and development operations or industrial maintenance, were $ 5.5 billion.

Subtracting the transfers of assets in parallel, GDF Suez had yet to end June with a bonanza of 7 billion euros to invest.

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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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Alcoa profitable again

Wednesday Jul 14, 2010

As usual, Alcoa starts the ball results in the United States. And the least we can say is that it starts well. For the second quarter, the U.S. producer Alcoa aluminum in the green came back in the second quarter, with net income of $ 136 million, against a loss of $ 454 million a year earlier, and praised the "prospects excellent.

The turnover reached 5.187 billion dollars, well above the 5.02 billion forecast underlying the market.

Consumption of aluminum prospects up

"The growth of our revenues and our earnings due to higher volumes of end markets and gains from our productivity program," said CEO Klaus Kleinfeld said in a statement issued after-hours trade .He added: "The outlook for Alcoa and the aluminum are excellent.

The group also said it had received during the period April to June, in addition to higher volumes and productivity improvements, favorable currency effects and a reduction of energy costs, which more than offset a slight reduction in selling prices.

"Given this improvement in final demand, we are raising our projection of consumption of aluminum 10 to 12% this year" in the world, "he concluded.

At the New York Stock Exchange, Alcoa has lost the action Monday at the close 0.64% to 10.87 dollars in a market up 0.18%.


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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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France Televisions: Cope in favor of keeping the advertising day

Wednesday Apr 7, 2010

Jean-Francois Cope takes the hand. The President of the UMP group in the Assembly will announce Wednesday its intention to file a bill to keep advertising on satellite TV in France before 20 hours. This announcement will be made at the symposium held at the National Assembly on public television and the abolition of advertising. This roundtable sought by the president of the Cultural Affairs Committee, Michele Tabarot, was meant "to work to refine the national representation point of view on a subject that has evolved very quickly."

Before launching this initiative, Jean-Francois Cope has met on Friday, members of the committee that prepared the 2008 reform of public television.This work had led to the passing of the Act of March 2009 confirming the decision of publicity after 20 hours on France Televisions in January 2009 and provides fully stopped in late 2011 after the passage of any television digital.

"On Friday, the committee welcomed the strong record of reform. On Wednesday, the consensus is that advertising is kept during the day on France Televisions for we have achieved a satisfactory balance for both viewers who appreciate the stop advertising after 20 hours and for public finances, "explains Jean-Francois Cope. How to reverse the legislation? "I had the intuition to propose a clause in the law revoyure to the point before the end of 2011 to initiate the complete removal of advertising," he says."In the legislative framework for co, we will propose a bill to keep the advertisement before 20 hours. This project could be voted on before the end of 2010. "

Securing the financing of audiovisual

For months, many voices to keep advertising during the day. The UMP Christian Kert's been mentioned in the "Media Buzz Orange-Le Figaro in October 2009 cash till payday. For Vice-President of the Cultural Committee of the National Assembly, it is "sustainable financing of public broadcasting while the tax on ISPs could be challenged by Brussels, and that on private channels is increased from 3 to 0.5% of their advertising revenue. It could therefore be missed around 380 million euros, a sum that advertising brings day Wednesday.Keep it avoids contributing to the French royalty or via the state budget. "In a context of fiscal deficit, a consensus will emerge on the maintenance of advertising before 20 hours," says Franck Riester, UMP.

A position that completely refutes the government. The idea that this review could take place before the summer irritating. "At this stage it is premature to reconsider the removal of the publicity given to air programming from France Televisions. In addition, this position weakens us in our discussion with the European Commission. Finally, this reform has no sense since it is now the state budget that funds the television. "Side PS, one rubs his hands. Michel and Patrick Bloche Francaix, deputies, state that "this position was that we were defending the vote of the law.The principle of reality has caught up with everyone. And the PS deputies promise "to support this bill, but on one condition: that the proposed privatization of the advertising for France Televisions will be suspended. Jean-Francois Cope did not go that far, but believes that "it is to France Televisions to review the terms of the transaction. However, the direction of France Television is not conducive to the privatization to the tandem-Courbit Publicis. ? PG and ER

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The CAC 40 Opens stable

Wednesday Mar 31, 2010

The Paris Bourse is a pause.Alors that Wall Street has ended the day by standing still and that the Asian stock markets operate in a disorganized this morning, and without trend, the CAC 40 has opened close to balance on Wednesday, falling very little, from 0.13% to 3982.15 points.

Shortly before the opening bell, Insee has published a public debt to France, 77.6% of GDP, against 67.5% of GDP in 2008. The deficit was driven in by 1.8 points to 7.5% of GDP in 2009, a figure slightly less bad than expected (7.9% expected). The deficit increased a total of 80.1 billion, reflecting a decrease of 4.3% of revenue and an increase of 3.8% of spending, Insee said.

Furthermore, producer prices rose 0.1% in February in France after rising 0.6% in January.

Elsewhere in Europe, the main financial centers are also changing in peace: in London, the Footsie index Gently fold from 0.07% to 5668 points, in Belgium, the Bel 20 was down 0.18% at 2651 points.

But after the trading session should be much busier then a rain of important indicators will be published Wednesday in France, Europe and the United States.

An ample macroeconomic news

At 11 hours, the rate of unemployment in the euro area will be watched by investors, as well as inflation in March (first estimate).At mid-day also, the French Building Federation (FFB) will hold a press conference on the prospects of the market in 2010.

Overseas, his eyes riveted on the figures ADP employment in the private sector in March, which fall at 14.15 (they are the employment figures to be unveiled Friday are the most anticipated by investors) . In February, U.S. employment had come out better than expected. The unemployment rate was 9.7%.

Half an hour later, the economic activity of the Chicago area over the same month that will be scrutinized by investors. Then at 16 hours, February industrial orders register on the radar screens of traders.Finally, at 16:30, the weekly crude oil inventories in the United States will be made public overnight pay day loans.

Other events to note on Wednesday for the first time a foreign minister, in this case the French Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, participates in the German Council of Ministers, devoted in particular to a stabilization fund for banks (9:30). It will then hold a press conference with his German counterpart Wolfgang Sch?uble at noon.

Societe Generale court

The French bank Societe Generale must respond to a complaint filed by New York Court of pension funds and individual investors who accuse him of having wasted money.The bank securities retreated in early trading from 0.49% to 46.48 euros.

Axa declines sharply (-0.82% to 16.34 euros, the biggest drop CAC 40) while S & P downgraded its rating on value. Just behind BNP Paribas plaice 0.77% to 57.84 euros.

Regarding EADS (1.28%, to 15.07 euros, 2nd best performance of the ACC) and Replenishment American, Barack Obama, during a press conference in Washington with Nicolas Sarkozy, has said it wants " avoid all-protectionism ". He promised a selection of "free and fair" for the contract to 35 billion euros.

Schneider Electric is displayed at the top of the list, with an increase of 1.97%, to 87.11 euros.Vinci rises from 0.97% to 44.22 euros, still boosted by his victory over the tender to 7 billion euros for the HSL South-west France.

Later publications, the leading classifieds website Adenclassifieds saw its net profit fall by almost 88% last year. But there have been signs appear since the end of 2009. At approximately 9:10 am, no title Adenclassifieds not traded.

On Wednesday, Orpea, a leading French farmers establishments comprehensive care for dependents, has published a rebound in net income of 26.1%, to 61 million euros. The shares climbed 3.3%, to 31.51 euros and are headlining on the SBF 120.

Neopost back him, 2.53%, to 59.7 euros. The group saw its net profit fall by 5.7% in 2009 to 147.9 million euros.


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How Michelin has restructured its factories

Friday Mar 5, 2010

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.


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The government continues to put pressure on Total

Monday Feb 1, 2010

After giving a first pressure on the management of the oil company, Christian Estrosi, Minister of Industry, insists the government "will not accept" the closure of the Total refinery at Dunkirk "as long as n 'There will be no guarantees the necessary continuity "of some 800 jobs involved," he said Monday on radio BFM.

The Government looks forward to the official position of Total in this case. The group must decide precisely Monday on the fate of the Flanders refinery, which employs 370 employees and 450 subcontractors.Depui mid-September, the site is in "stop cyclical" because he can no longer sell its output, given the current weakness in demand for fuel.

"For the moment we have no binding commitment on the part of Total and I say very clearly, the Government will be firm," said Minister of Industry free credit score .

The previous March 2009 is remembered

In any case, the government has warned it did not intend to be outdone in the folder "Total". "We will not accept an initiative to be taken unilaterally without any commitments are made to sustain current employment at the refinery," says Christine Estrosi.

Last Tuesday, the Minister noted that Total was considering the possibility of opening an LNG terminal in the port of Dunkirk.

In March 2009 already, the oil company had attracted the ire of politicians, after announcing the abolition of 555 posts in France, including 249 by 2013 in the refinery. A few weeks earlier, had issued a total record profit for 2008 of 13.9 billion euros.


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Limit the deficit, user manual

Thursday Jan 28, 2010

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 Panth?on-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


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