Posted by admin | Under economic, features, news, people, resources
Tuesday Aug 24, 2010
Accor is ahead of schedule of asset sales. On Monday, the hotel group announced the sale of the walls of 48 hotels for 367 million euros. The real estate transaction, Accor calls "major in Europe, which should be finalized by the end of 2010, includes 31 hotels in France, 10 in Belgium and 7 in Germany, for a total 6,300 rooms. It concerns 28 Etap hotels, 13 Ibis, Novotel and a SuiteNovotel 6.
These hotels will continue to be managed by the group under the same signs – there are 28 Etap Hotel, 13 Ibis, Novotel and SuiteNovotel 6 – under a variable lease for a period of 12 years renewable 6 times Accor's initiative, or 84 years total. The average rent will be equal to 19% of turnover.On the basis of turnover in 2009, the rent would amount to 22.4 million euros according to Accor.
Under the lease, the new owner will assume responsibility for structural maintenance investments in hotels, insurance costs and property taxes.
The deal includes a renewal program of 47.6 million euros, 33 million euros financed by the acquirer, thus enabling Accor to accelerate the deployment of new generations of rooms Etap and Ibis in a forty establishments.
Chief objective of reducing debt exceeded
This operation, carried out for 80% of the amount from the insurer Predica (a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole) and the balance at the corporation Walls Land (Land subsidiary of Regions), will have a positive aimpact 282 million euros 2010 net debt of the hotel group and three million euros per year on its profit before tax.
The group had announced in May a program to dispose of hotel assets amounting to 2 billion euros over the period 2010-2013. He then indicated that such transactions were to reduce its debt of around 450 million euros in 2010 alone and more than half of that amount had already been the subject of transfer agreements.
With 282 million euros announced today, Accor therefore exceeds its annual target of reducing debt.
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Posted by admin | Under finance, life, online, publications, world
Thursday Aug 5, 2010
Societe Generale on Wednesday posted a net profit by 3.5 Muliple the second quarter of 2010, above expectations, with a decline in its stores and a smaller than expected loss in its toxic assets. The bank led by Frederic Oudea confirms its objectives. SocGen, which has set a target of an annual profit of 3 billion euros, has already earned a net profit of 2.1 billion in the first half alone.
The second quarter was particularly strong for the second French bank by market value after BNP Paribas. It has indeed achieved a net profit of 1.084 billion euros for the second quarter ended in June, where the consensus reached by Reuters expected a general result to 732 million. The jump of the result depends primarily on a favorable base effect.In the second quarter of 2009, the bank had indeed been beset by such elements exceptionnels.Le group had had to reassess the value of its debt, due to improved market conditions, which had cost $ 1.3 billion over the period. This time, Societe Generale has received the opposite effect, to the tune of 254 million euros.
The cost of risk declines more slowly than in BNP and HSBC
Like BNP Paribas, which has published its accounts on Monday, its provision for potential loss on the credit over the period fell 6%. However the pace of decline in the cost of risk is much slower than some of its rivals, reflecting a more cautious speech of SocGen on strength of economic recovery.
BNP Paribas and British bank HSBC, for example reported Monday in stores near their level before the crisis."The economic recovery that began in late 2009 confirmed, but it remains fragile," said Frederic Oudéa, CEO of Societe Generale, said in the statement. "Especially in Europe, growth prospects remain subdued," he adds.
Penalized by the toxic assets, and author of "profit warnings" on their accounts of 2009, SocGen tries since the beginning of year to convince the market of its ability to turn the page of the financial and economic crisis and the of the Kerviel affair. The new management team led by Frederick since May 2009 Oudéa promised mid-June to double the profits of Societe Generale in two years and is targeting a net profit of six billion euros in 2012.
Proposed acquisitions
The bank is also considering acquisitions but said it does not fund them through capital increases.Besides the new strategic plan, the results of resistance tests conducted on 91 European banks and the announcement by the Basel Committee's flexibility to draft new banking regulator has made a boufée oxygen action SocGen, long shunned by investors.
In the past four weeks, the title, boosted by good news on the European banking sector jumped 40%. Since the beginning of the year, however, still leaves nearly 8% and continues to underperform its benchmark Stoxx 600 European banks.
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Posted by admin | Under Uncategorized, economy, life, money, opinions
Thursday Jul 22, 2010
This is one of the largest employee share plans in recent years. GDF Suez, which offered about 200,000 employees worldwide to receive shares of the group, welcomed the success of the operation. Nearly one third of employees (over 67,000) have said "yes", for a total of 25 million shares and 535 million euros. Exceeding the ceiling set by the board (almost 500 million). "Few groups are engaged in transactions of this magnitude," said Sami Toutounji, partner at Shearman & Sterling, except for example, recently EDF, which has far exceeded this amount, or Axa who approach regularly.
The staff of GDF Suez will thus receive 1.1% stake in Arcelor. Turnout was highest in France, Belgium, Italy and Germany.Outside Europe, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and the United States recorded the most sales Payday Loan for Bad Credit.
The employees of GDF Suez could buy shares at a discount of 20% over the past 20 trading days. Is 19.78 euros per share. The firm abounded these subscriptions, offering titles such as 10 to 10 purchased, subscribed for 50 or 20. Employees could also prefer to invest with no discount, but with a guarantee on invested capital (and insurance to recover at least their implementation) and performance-indexed monthly changes in stock price. Both formulas have been as successful as the other one.
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Posted by admin | Under Uncategorized, economy, life, online, top news
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.
Posted by admin | Under economics, finance, resources, special, technology
Wednesday Jul 7, 2010
As in Asia this morning, the CAC 40 has taken great colors on Tuesday. The benchmark index of the Paris closed up 2.73% and finished well beyond 3400 points, 3423 points exactly. Investors changed course in Paris while on Monday, the ACC has approached its lowest level this year at 3332 points (-0.48%).
Elsewhere in Europe, the same trend: the Ibex-35 index of the Madrid Stock Exchange Tuesday ended up 3.59% at 9615 points, strongly supported by banking stocks and the FTSE in London gained 2.93% to 4965 points while in Frankfurt the Dax was 2.15% awarded to 5940 points.
The euro also continues to rise, which was accentuated in session after the publication of an ISM service activities in the United States still above 50. Around 18 heurse, EUO rises from 0.84% to 1.2649 dollar.
Despite this rebound, volatility remains very strong markets.These days, investors were not reassured by the mixed indicators published last week, the United States as in the euro area. The doubts about the speed of global economic recovery weighed increasingly on morale.
On Tuesday afternoon, the markets await the opening of Wall Street may choose to pursue. U.S. markets open again after an extended weekend related to the national holiday. The meeting will begin with the analysis of the PMI services which will be published shortly after the opening. Apart from this indicator, no other major news is expected.
Alstom to
Alstom was up 4.46% to 38.4 euros. The Saudi-French consortium, joining Alstom and SNCF, has in fact likely to report a TGV project in Saudi Arabia.Contract Amount: at least 10 billion dollars according to Philippe Mellier, President and CEO of Alstom.
The rating is also taken up by the rebound in bank Credit Agricole (5.43%), Societe Generale (6.27%) and BNP Paribas (4.23%) are among the highest increases.
Air France (Air France-KLM), which posted a record loss last year, plans to cut 4109 jobs over the period 2010-2012 to meet the air transport crisis. The stock gained 3% to 9.81 euros.
Areva (0.81% to 328.65 euros) should always be led by Anne Lauvergeon. According to sources close to the matter quoted by Agence France Presse, Nicolas Sarkozy has decided to maintain the group's boss at his post until the end of his mandate.Rumors had often reported the contrary.
Also in the nuclear site EPR Flamanville, led by EDF (+1.3% at 30.67 euros) also suffer delays. An audit suggests a period of 24 months. EDF expected to make the announcement soon.
Finally, investors should still respond to the publication by Stephane Richard's strategic plan of France Telecom (2.68% to 14.75 euros) for 5 years. The operator also wishes to reach 300 million customers around the world to this date and hire 10,000 people by 2012.
Please note that Club Med has increased by almost 15% Tuesday.
Posted by admin | Under events, finance, money, publications, world
Friday Jun 25, 2010
At the 57th International Advertising Festival in Cannes, the technology giants like Microsoft, Yahoo and other Facebook invaded not only the Palais des Festivals, but also the Croisette. Advertisers would they more "masters of the world" of communication? "We have never been masters of communication," says David Jones, CEO of Worldwide and Havas chairman of Euro RSCG network in the world. "The most important actors in the communication, it is consumers. It is true that today we live in a digital revolution. Consumers never change and as new opportunities are created with social networks, mobile platforms … The presence of Microsoft or Yahoo! Reflects this revolution. But consumers are more important than software, technology or communication agencies.
Defending an agency model "integrated" by placing the "digital" in the heart of its agencies, Havas Group is concentrating its investments in digital broadcasting and production, particularly through the newly-Productions Havas. "These investments are essential. We're not a film industry of 30 seconds, we are now an industry of content. If we are sufficiently intelligent content, the audience will interact with the brand and, with a depth that we could not hope, fifteen years ago. Content is our future, "says David Jones emphasizes the trade is already a source of income for Havas and its subsidiary Euro RSCG. For nearly two years, the group has also put one foot in music with the creation of label The Hours."These are new business models and exciting content, we also operate with BETC Music," he says.
The test of 2nd quarter
"The winning of the budget digital IBM, being now the digital agency of Unilever in the world and with the Heineken and EDF contracts, we will exceed 20% of revenue from digital Havas Worldwide from this years, says its CEO. Here we record the strongest growth.
Despite a slight recovery in the advertising market in the first quarter, the boss of Havas Worldwide undertakes no obligation on optimistic forecasts for the rest of the year. "It's like asking me if England will win the World Cup! For now, we qualified and is progressing well … It's about the same thing with the economy and major advertisers.The real test is the 2nd quarter, "says the ad originally, in February, the Young One World, the first" Davos of youth. " After London, next event be held in Zurich until September 2011.
Posted by admin | Under online, opinions, resources, top news, world
Friday Jun 18, 2010
The French will they give a hard time in government? After the presentation of the draft pension reform by Labour Minister Eric Woerth, a survey of Le Parisien in France * Now provides an overview of their state of mind. In disagreement with the reform, of course, but with few illusions about a possible return back. The government has hinted it is true for several months that a reform of the pension system was inevitable, like the steps already taken in neighboring countries.
According to the poll published in the Thursday edition of Le Parisien, 60% of respondents said they in fact disagree with the proposed pension reform. A higher proportion of no surprise among supporters of the left (73%) than among supporters of right (24%).Traders, businessmen and artisans are also those who most support the reform, while workers and employees are the most heavily opposed.
Mobilization June 24
In total, 52% of respondents who consider the reform "unfair" and "not effective". Another aspect of the survey that could worry the government: they are 78% believed that the reform could generate important social movement. A concerted effort is already scheduled for June 24. It will "definitely strong, we do not fear," warned Eric Woerth Thursday morning on RTL. The unions, however, until Friday, when the project should be tabled several boards including the notice is required to reverse the project.
The government could include concessions on long careers and arduous.However, it should give way on the legal age of retirement, increased to 62 in 2018. Eric Woerth, Wednesday night on TF1, was very firm on this point: "We will not return to age-related measures because they are serious and socially acceptable," he warned. A delay on which the French did not have no illusions: they are 52% believed that the Socialist Party does not reintroduce the retirement at age 60, despite recent statements of Martine Aubry in this direction.
* Survey conducted by telephone, on a representative sample of 940 persons aged 18 and over, by the quota method.
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Posted by admin | Under economy, features, international, people, publications
Friday Jun 4, 2010
For its centennial, the fund invests Strategic Investment (ISP), launched there just eighteen months, has chosen to support CGG Veritas. This intervention takes place through the acquisition of the group's shares listed in Paris and New York, up from just over 170 million euros, or 6% of capital. The fund, which became the largest shareholder of the company, ask an administrator to the council table. "This is a significant commitment of ISPs, says Gilles Michel, Director General of public funds. One of our three missions is to strengthen the capital of companies listed on major technological potential. Upon entering the capital of CGG Veritas, we conduct our sixth investment of this type. "
This, incidentally, the third stake in an oil company, after Vallourec and Technip.With a market capitalization of 2.7 billion euros, CGG Veritas is smaller than the other two groups supported by the fund, but the company employed 7,500 strong positions in its areas of specialty. It is a world leader in providing services in imaging for identifying hydrocarbon reserves, both onshore and offshore, it is also the world leader in seismic equipment.
"We are proud to be regarded as a business with great potential by the ISP, and it does not mark a turning point for the company, but it will allow us to further develop the technology to improve the image of the basement" , commented the President of CGG Veritas, Robert Brunck on line pay day loans.
Long-term shareholder
The entry of ISPs also aims to secure a capital highly fragmented.IFP (French Petroleum Institute), long the largest shareholder, holds only 4.2%. And the company has 700 funds in its capital.
With the strategic fund, about 10% of the capital are now in the hands of public shareholders and long term. "The presence of ISPs in the capital makes CGG Veritas attractive for other long term investors," said Gilles Michel. For him, securing the capital enables these dynamic companies to focus on growth rather than spending time managing financial issues.
Problem even more crucial that CGG Veritas is an average actor in a sector parapetrolic won by a movement of concentration. Schlumberger has made two acquisitions in quick succession.The industry giant has launched at the end of winter a bid of 11 billion dollars on Smith International, before you spend a few weeks later, one billion euros to afford the French Geoservices. Many observers consider that competitors, including Halliburton, would replicate …
Posted by admin | Under business, economic, economy, international, top news
Friday May 14, 2010
Catastrophe! The verdict of the experts gathered yesterday on behalf of the Health Authority (FDA) on Naproxcinod NicOx is clear: sixteen votes to one against, they voted against the authorization for the U.S. market for treatment cons osteoarthritis.
If the FDA ultimately decides the approval of a drug in the United States, the Advisory Committee constitutes a notice of weight, especially when it is so decided. The agency should make its decision before July 24 next.
But already, the hopes were so meager that the actions d?grindolent Stock Exchange Thursday, while trading in securities listed in NicOx 9:00, after being suspended Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. at the request of the company. At the close of the Paris Bourse during the uncoupling of 44.53% to 2.9 euros.On Tuesday, the day the group announced this biotechnology application to stay the course, the shares had already fallen from 28.37%.
Total, in three sessions, NicOx has lost more than half its value.
The continuation of the project Naproxcinod compromised
The President's Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday, Dr. Kathleen O'Neil, summarizing the conclusions of the Advisory Committee meeting, said extant 'enthusiasm about the potential of naproxcinod but that additional data from additional studies on job security would be needed, "reports the group in a statement.
This single sentence has made it clear to investors that the case is wrong party.According to analysts at Natixis, the American drug agency should provide to NicOx a "Complete Response Letter" means not permitted, requiring further study to clarify the gray areas of the record, particularly in terms of job security product.
Now "option to initiate studies on the long term is virtually impossible for NicOx," according to them. This would require large patient populations over periods of several years of testing, an expensive option that NicOx should not continue, they said. Natixis is passed directly on Thursday morning of the recommendation to "buy" to "ease".
A big blow for NicOx, which had very high expectations of this product across the Atlantic.Analysts said the potential of the drug could reach 1.3 billion euros of sales at the peak of sales, in 2017.
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Posted by admin | Under business, events, international, publications, world
Tuesday Apr 13, 2010
Eric Woerth, Minister of Labour in charge of pension reform on Monday received the representatives of unions and employers. Feedback gathered at the exit interviews showed deep antagonisms and augur of delicate negotiations to achieve a reform of the system.
• Daniele Karniewicz (CFE-CGC): President of the National Fund for Pension Insurance (CNAV), also charged with negotiating on behalf of the union executive (CFE-CGC) pleaded for a shield retreat "that would ensure a minimum level, that is to say a percentage of final salary for each activity that affect. "It is imperative that we find a consensus together, not to say on what lever we will play for pensions, but to say what level of pension is to be preserved for all private sector employees," she said on BFM Radio .The CFE-CGC is the only union to push for a postponement of the legal retirement age and wish to conduct a "reflection on the duration of activity."
• J ean-Claude Mailly (FOR): Secretary General of Pensions work force has already warned it was "not negotiable" for the union to reach the legal age of retirement set 60 years or the duration of contribution. "If the government really wants to push (…) the right to leave at age 60, or extend the term (contribution Ed), discussions began, it will be the beginning of the confrontation," he warned on France 2, before being received by the Minister of Labour.There is "no question of having to accept one way or another to have to work longer," even "because life expectancy is increasing," the emphasis has hammered the track of increased contributions and the tax issue for example by deleting "some exemptions which have been made in recent years, like the one on capital gains from subsidiaries, representing" 20 billion (euros) in three years, "he said.
• Laurence Parisot (MEDEF): President of the employers' movement said Monday that it was not "continue to resolve the pension issue by a steady increase in contributions" to employers or employees. She however refused to specify what tracks were preferred by the MEDEF before the Board of Retirement Guidance (NRC) does not publish financial simulations expected Wednesday.
• Fran?ois Ch?r?que (CFDT) national secretary of the CFDT has criticized the agenda provided by the government on pensions, considered "too short" for a thorough reform, and reiterated his commitment to retire at age 60. Play on the traditional parameters of risk "to accentuate the existing inequalities in our pension systems," he said, citing "those who started working young, those with heavy work, inequality between men and women and those in precarious paths.The CFDT had hoped "everything on the table and study the various pension systems division that exists in Europe to see that, or those that are most suited" to the French situation.
• FSU: the first union of the state civil service, said in a statement that it would oppose "to further cuts" on pensions. The union, which will be received by April 22 the Minister said that the pension system should allow to "maintain the standard of living" by guaranteeing a pension from 60 years earlier for jobs considered particularly difficult. "Since 2003, reforms have led to severe deterioration and decline of pensions, particularly penalizing women employees who have experienced unemployment, job insecurity, part-time," insists the FSU.According to the union, the Public Service, "the staff had to delay their retirement for six months on average and have seen them at the same time reduce repo rate by 1.5%.
• Jean-Francois Roubaud (CGPME): President of the General Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CGPME) said that "it will increase the length of working time" to resolve the pension issue in France and has said hostile to any additional taxation. "I proposed to index on life expectancy, there will be 41 in 2012 and I think that setting 42 years in 2020 seems a measure that could be reasonable.""We know we can not remain in the state where we are and we back into the wall if you do not change anything," he said after a meeting with the Minister.
• Jacques Voisin (CFTC): The chairman of the CFTC has expressed concern over the lack of a government proposal on the issue of new funds for pension schemes, following his meeting with Eric Woerth. "There is nothing, nothing on the issue of funding, nothing on the enlargement of the plate," he said. "We feel that the minister is on its two parameters: age and duration of contributions, and no other parameters in perspective," he said reiterating the CFTC's refusal to touch retirement 60.He called for "broadening the base of funding to capital income" and stock-option.
• Jean-Michel Baylet, president of the Radical Left (PRG) Francois Fillon has asked to "quickly check political parties represented in Parliament to associate them to work" on pensions. "They want reform in particular that allow everyone to have, at the age of retirement, a disposable income at least equivalent to the minimum wage." "As necessary, the guaranteed minimum income will be financed by taxes," he says.
• Beno?t Hamon: The spokesperson of the Socialist Party (PS) has denounced the "taboo of funding" of pensions, calling for a tax on financial income. "Today, there is no single way possible.And the only taboo that exists in that area, it is taboo (…) funding the government refuses broader base of employer contributions, "regretted Mr. Hamon on Europe 1. "If you extend the contribution period and it is very difficult to obtain adequate employment period for a full pension, the immediate consequence is the decline of pensions," he says.