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Greece is one step closer to a fault

Tuesday Jun 14, 2011

While EU leaders try to reassure financial markets by removing any idea of ​​restructuring or default, the rating agencies to drive endless Greece. Moody's after the Ascension, Standard & Poor's downgraded three notches note of Greece on Whit Monday. And what a month after having been lowered by two. Another two notches and the country would be in default. "The deterioration reflects our opinion that there is an even higher risk of one or more defects," the agency said in a statement, while the debate rages over the possibility of restructuring the public debt of Greece.

S & P believes that, as part of a restructuring of the Greek debt, the private sector (banks, investment funds, insurers), drawn on, would be faced either a "trading securities" or an "extension maturities.Such operations would be considered "as a failure" by the rating agency, and in this case, it could assign a note to Greece even lower, relegating it to a situation of partial default.

Standard & Poor's stressed, however, it could stabilize the country's rating to "CCC", if the euro zone was a solution that does not correspond to a default under its criteria, even taking into account the risk of debt restructuring "in the form of a discount" by 2013.The U.S. rating agency added that Greece can not go on the financial markets in 2012 and "probably later", as agreed under the Emergency Plan supported by the EU and IMF for the country .

This did not cause further deterioration of sharp declines in U.S. stock markets, Wall Street still showing slight increases: 0.23% to 11,981.28 points and the Dow Jones + 0.18% to 2648.30 points for the Nasdaq. Credit rating agencies have not yet won their showdown. Meanwhile the reactions of financial markets on Tuesday.


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After the solar Mersen diversified into health

Tuesday Jun 7, 2011

On Tuesday, a giant glass, Corning, and a French specialist in composite materials, Mersen, announce an alliance whose ambition is astonishing: the partners plan to revolutionize the manufacture of drugs. Corning has indeed used the properties of glass to develop a "reactor" to better control the manufacturing process of molecules for drug or fine chemicals.

Everything works, but to move to industrialization, it is necessary to use elements that exhaust heat very well. And this is where Mersen, specializing in composites. The agreement with the ex-Carbone Lorraine into that framework."The technology developed by Corning combined with our expertise in silicon carbide products represents a technological breakthrough for the pharmaceutical industry," said Luc Themelin, board member Mersen. The discussions lasted nearly a year and a final agreement covers the exclusive supply of ceramic microreactors Mersen in Corning.

This type of agreement is of particular interest Mersen. French society is indeed an OEM, by definition particularly vulnerable in its relations with its customers. To protect its margins, the group has developed a strong expertise in composite materials. It thus becomes an indispensable partner to its customers.

Using the special graphite, the group has made a remarkable breakthrough in the solar field. Five years ago, Mersenne was not present in this sector.This year, it should achieve 100 million euros of turnover short term personal loan.

Products manufactured in Tarbes

In the end, Mersen recorded 13% growth in its turnover last year to 741 million euros, an operating margin of 10.5%. And there are other sources of growth in the LED or the pharmacy, as evidenced by the agreement with Corning.

Today, there is no direct revenue associated with this contract. "Corning is currently negotiating with potential customers, mainly in Asia. We hope that the first contracts will be signed in September. To Mersenne, this means that the first revenues could arrive next year, "says Luc Themelin.

Corning's new product has many advantages over earlier technology: less investment, lower energy consumption and better control during manufacturing.The rise will take time, however, pharmaceutical companies not renewing their plants very often.

Mersen products related to this contract will be manufactured at a factory in Tarbes, which belonged to Boostec, bought by Mersenne in April 2010. Before the acquisition, the plant realized about seven million euros of turnover. "This contract would allow us to triple the revenues of the plant to the next three or four years, says Luc Themelin. Beyond that, we will make additional investments to increase capacity. "

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The success of the A320 turns NEO headache for Airbus

Tuesday May 24, 2011

The commercial breakthrough of the Airbus A320 NEO would it spinning the puzzle industry? Officially, no. Still, John Leahy, the Airbus super salesman, the pounds: the manufacturer does not want its customers convert all or part of their A320 orders classic NEO, with new engines consume less fuel. This, for two reasons. First, avoid the phenomenon of cannibalization of the A320 classic, best-selling Airbus with over 6000 sales. Then avoid juggle niche of the two aircraft deliveries. "The NEO will be available only from 2015. By then, the A320 is available. There will be no overlap, "says one in Toulouse.

NEO offers a second life to the A320 but the classic version provides lucrative profits and can "run the factories." In 2010, the A320 has represented 401 of the 510 deliveries made. There are still 1900 to be delivered by 2015.Airbus is absolutely limit conversions. But it is not easy to say no to a big customer like Malaysia AirAsia, which already has 90 A320s into service on a total of 175 ordered.

While the concern is to steer Airbus as thinly as possible switching from one device to another without breaking industry. "If the A320 were canceled massively in favor of the NEO, then there would be holes in the schedule of deliveries by 2015 without another device to fill," admits one in Toulouse. "But this reasoning is extreme," says one. Another problem is rapid saturation of the NEO delivery slots.

Accelerate the pace

Hence the decision by Airbus to bring forward by six months the date of entry into service of the NEO to October 2015 and to accelerate the pace of production. From 1 st quarter of 2012, Airbus will assemble 42 A320s a month against 36 now.He plans to climb to 42 or even 44 A320s per month, provided that its suppliers could follow suit.

The stakes are high. The A320 NEO sped away, crossing the milestone of 300 orders in just five months. The Indigo Indian, American ILFC, including Lufthansa has ordered to be served first. Apart from the Bombardier CSeries expected in 2013 if not late, the NEO will be the first to market. Boeing has not decided to re-engine the 737 and would, if necessary, not ready before 2017. As for the Chinese C-919, it will not be commissioned before 2016.

By late June, John Leahy promises hundreds of new orders. Airbus estimates that the potential of his latest is around 6000 units by 2030, only fifteen years ago.It is thanks to the NEO that the A320 has reached the milestone of 7,000 orders last April 30.

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Solidarity savings jumped 30% in 2010

Thursday May 19, 2011

Solidarity savings gaining weight. As evidenced by the latest barometer of the association Finansol group of leading financiers in solidarity with the Hexagon, its stock is around 3.15 billion euros at the end of December 2010, an increase of 31% compared to the previous year. "Every family of products grew with rates of 15-50%," says Finansol in a statement. Even if these good figures owe much to the legal requirement for companies to make socially responsible funds in their employee savings schemes, which weighs half of the total outstanding.And they must also be compared to the total amount saved each year by the French, which is around 250 billion euros.

Journalist expert on the subject, and author of "Solidarity savings for Dummies" (available since May 12 First Editions), Eric Larpin believes that such legislation has almost doubled the number of savers, who passed the bar of 700,000 people. Ultimately, these funds are supporting local projects of SMEs and cooperatives in sectors "of recycling, recovery, fair trade, organic farming or carpool," recites the journalist.

These are all areas where it is difficult to get funds."Companies faced in my work always tell the same story: their case was set aside by the banker, who considered them too risky in the absence of a business plan or market research deemed appropriate," says Eric Larpin. This explains why banks are reluctant to offer these savings products:

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Assistantship: Sarkozy makes a theme of 2012

Monday May 16, 2011

All for it! A great stir launched by Laurent Wauquiez triggers an uproar, followed by a double crop, ministerial and presidential primary. But a few days later, means a whole different story. François Fillon Laurent Wauquiez has criticized the "form", but acknowledged the need to "correct" the RSA. And Roselyne Bachelot, who on Monday denounced the "About counter" in the mouth of his government colleague, merely validating the more moderate course, diagnosis shared by all governmental experts: the RSA does not work .

"This system is not perfect and needs improvement. This is a horribly complex. It must be simpler, "said Minister for Solidarity. The Minister of European Affairs has lanced the boil.The initiative is very cavalier but Sarkozyist in mind: to generate debate on a subject which will now cleaving the heart of the presidential election.

Since the Elysee prepares a balance sheet of five years, the RSA is an embarrassment, even if the plate issued by the Presidency of the Republic for the fourth anniversary of the class number of successful reforms. Should he be praised for showing that the government can boast of a true social balance? You run the risk of exasperating his electorate that is notched on all subjects assistantship. Should we criticize, pointing to its shortcomings?

Crisis forces, the RSA is not increased in intensity. Departments have struggled, together, to put in place. The record is disappointing.And Nicolas Sarkozy, who was given carte blanche to Martin Hirsch, came back the promises of the former High Commissioner of Solidarity.

A "disappointment"

Last Friday, Nicolas Sarkozy himself acknowledged before some guests of the evening that the RSA is a "disappointment" because he "does not fulfill the function" for which it was designed. Several employees Elysian find elsewhere, for several days that the RSA was "a bad system." Even Jean Castex, deputy general secretary in charge of social issues, slid in front of several elected officials as the "RSA does not correct the RMI but amplifies it." He likes to cite the example of supermarkets, which are not hiring more part-time because it makes employees eligible for RSA. "As a result, employers have an incentive to pay only partial activities," said Castex.This means that Wauquiez had some support when he opened a gap on this subject.

Now, everyone understands that the assistantship in general, and the RSA in particular, should enter the debate of the presidential election. Whether it is local aid, of individual housing, the earned income tax or unemployment benefits – by far the most generous in Europe, particularly for executives – these benefits will be evaluated. First, during the debate held on this subject by the UMP June 8 Then during the mission's findings Marc-Philippe Daubresse on RSA.

"We have two solutions. Or we're like 80% of the countries that surround us, that is to say nothing, because generalized social benefits are the only true French specificity. Or do we tip of a support system to a delivery system, that is to say, aid in exchange counterparties.Only the second solution seems feasible, there is little confided to Le Figaro a close adviser to the Head of State. The Elysee, who thinks of course the debate of 2012, reflecting on different tracks. For example, the idea of ​​a "welfare reduced based economic growth," says this adviser.

But another near the head of state calls on him "a fierce fight against abuse", without questioning the entire system, on behalf of national cohesion.

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Fukushima: Tepco down wages for repair

Tuesday Apr 26, 2011

At TEPCO, the operator of the central hilly Fukushima, everyone will have to sacrifice financially to repay victims of the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power, said TEPCO announced Monday a general reduction in salaries of its staff to reduce expenses. This is for her to pay their due compensation to the people of the region.

All will not suffer wage cuts of the same magnitude. Widely criticized for their handling of the crisis, the honorary chairman, CEO and other senior leaders TEPCO will see their annual emoluments amputation of 50%. The salaries of middle managers will be reduced by 25% and those of ordinary employees by 20%. TEPCO had already announced it would not pay dividends to its shareholders or for 2010 or 2011.

"We will apply these deductions to earnings because of the impact on our accounts of the amounts payable under the law on compensation for nuclear damage to those who have been victims, and because of the increased costs for rebuild electrical installations, "the company said in a statement. Tepco discount and make an annual saving of 54 billion yen (455 million).

Recruitment canceled

In addition, the company canceled a plan to recruit 1,100 people. These hires, planned for 2012, should allow it to expand abroad. Before his international ambitions are ruined by the disaster, including TEPCO planned to expand its business in construction and operation of nuclear facilities outside Japan.

"We sincerely apologize to the public and our customers for concerns and inconvenience caused by the accident in Fukushima," assured the group. "We will continue to make every effort to manage the current situation and reduce our expenses by focusing on stable supply of electricity and security."

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The market was expecting better for Publicis

Thursday Apr 21, 2011

Analysts had anticipated a pleasant surprise in the first quarter for Publicis. They were right. But they expected that the group displays a better advertising revenue. Publicis has posted organic growth of 6.5% in the first quarter to 1.286 billion euros, against a consensus of 6.7%.

An Unusually, this performance is due to the good performance of Latin America (organic growth up 8.7% in the first quarter), supported by Brazil (+20.1%), U.S. USA (+8.4%) and Europe (+6.2%) boosted by France (+8.2%). In contrast, the Asia-Pacific is growing only by 1.5% due to the earthquake in Japan and floods in Australia. China limits the damage with a growth of 8.2%. "Our exposure in Japan is low.The earthquake and tsunami that struck countries, such as the revolts that took place in the Middle East, will negatively impact any of our forecasts for 2011, "said Maurice Levy, Publicis chairman. The boss of the advertising group is also stayed very evasive on the subject, merely indicate that "a 5% growth in sales in 2011 would be a very conservative forecast."

"We outperform the market by 2011"

Thanks to the good performance of China, Brazil, but also Russia and India, growth in emerging countries amounted to 11.4% in the first quarter. Digital activities alone represent 28.2% of Group revenue (against 27% in 2010). "We do not show much innovation and therefore continue to invest in growth markets such as digital and emerging" quips Maurice Levy.Digital activities and represent emerging elsewhere 48.3% of Group revenue in the first quarter "in line with the group's objective is to achieve 65% of its income on these two segments," says he .

The advertising market, the subsidiary of Publicis, ZenithOptimedia, has yet reviewed this week down its forecast for investment growth in 2011 to 4.2% against 4.6% due to the disaster in Japan and uprisings in several countries Arab. But that does not diminish the confidence of Maurice Levy. "Advertisers have not stopped their campaign, assures the President of Publicis. We found no concern on their part. Their primary concern is the growth, not cost reduction. "

A trust that is found when talking about the second quarter. "The second quarter looks good.The year 2011 will be for its good or very good, "said President of Publicis. We outperform the market in 2011. Obviously, the soaring price of raw materials encourages companies to protect their margins. It may therefore be a risk cutoff of investment from advertisers. But the future is growth. "

Future and it is precisely at Publicis issue, that of Maurice Levy, whose mandate expires Dec. 31, 2011 will be extended. But the president still has not set a date or given any indication as to his successor. "My priority is Publicis. I will remain the necessary time. "


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Hercules parts: the case of gold the Mint of Paris

Monday Apr 18, 2011

She gave a good month to sell everything. A few hours will suffice. Monnaie de Paris has attracted crowds during the weekend of April 9 to 10, when the sale of two new plays: 10,000 pieces of gold in 1000 euros the effigy of the Greek hero Hercules. A veritable gold rush, which has undoubtedly been very beneficial to the venerable institution. And for good reason: Each piece consisted of 20 grams of gold. What gives them the weight value of 650 euros at current prices, or 32.5 euros per gram.

But knowing that the Monnaie de Paris bought the gold that was used in the manufacture of these parts long before the launch of the operation, and given the fact that this metal has continued to surge in recent months, we can imagine that the profit was considerably higher than EUR 350 per room, well over 3.5 million euros in total! Even thinking about the parts of 100 euro money thrown at the same time: a weight of 50 grams and 50,000 copies drawn, they are only worth 47 euros at the current weight (0.94 euros per gram).

Side of the Paris Mint, its CEO, Christophe Beaux, wants to say anything about the benefits of the transaction. He recalls that it is "substantially lower" it looks, since we must deduct the cost of manufacture, knowing that "these pieces are quite worked." Still, this type of event takes place at regular intervals.Monnaie de Paris, which posted a net profit of 18 million euros in 2010 (against 16 million last year), in particular launch gold coins to 200 euros by the end of 2011.

The annoyance of numismatists

In contrast, numismatists s'agacent this success guaranteed payday loans. Worse, they scoff. "This is undoubtedly a very good deal for the state," quips Michael Prior, director of the Compagnie Generale de la Bourse in Paris, lamenting "a very bad investment." Among the causes of that nervousness: a few days after the sale, the professional has seen a Hercules gold for sale on e-bay at a price of 1200 euros. "After that, if the seller found a buyer, more power to him!" Coward he. According to him, the operation of the Paris Mint would be a scam. And buyers of laymen.

A bit bad player, our numismatist? A little. Because as pointed out by Christophe Beaux, a demonetization not valid.And thus, "the piece is protected by face value of 1,000 euros." So if gold were to fall, the buyer may in any case recover its initial investment. Driving the nail, the senior official added that "one must take people for fools." "They learn a minimum, he says. Thousand euros for a room, it is not nothing! "

Furthermore, it indicates that the 100 euro gold coins launched in 2008 by the Paris Mint, and equipped with 3.11 grams of gold, now worth almost as much weight as their face value. However, we must remember that an ounce of gold was used for flambé in times of crisis, and that if the economy improves, "catching up" of Hercules will not be as easy.

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Rumors on Euro Disney: the trader's preferred runway

Wednesday Mar 30, 2011

Take action publicly traded group neither too small nor too large, but rather the media. Shake it skillfully through several transactions not too discreet. Let the rumor thrive … When the market this action starts to boil, enjoy.

This technique of "tea" – a form of manipulation, of course – may well be that the action was lively Euro Disney in recent weeks. In February, the stock suddenly more than doubled to more than 9 euros, in trading volumes amazing (up to 4 low fee cash advance.5% stake in one sitting). He still traded around 7.70 euros today.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is conducting its investigation for several months. But according to our information, a track is preferred.That of a small company of algorithmic trading, based abroad, including the AMF has already crossed the name several times in similar surveys. The AMF is no comment.


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France wants a Marshall Plan for Tunisia

Tuesday Feb 22, 2011

More than a month after the fall of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, two French ministers have visited for the first time in Tunisia on Tuesday. For this visit aimed at restoring confidence between Paris and Tunis, following a succession of blunders diplomacy, Economy Minister Christine Lagarde is accompanied by Laurent Wauquiez, the minister for European affairs. Officially, the European Affairs Minister Michele Alliot-Marie could not go to Tunis to issues agenda. She is currently conducting a two-day trip to Brazil.

"Trust between Tunisia and France has not been broken," assured in front of some journalists Christine Lagarde at the beginning of his visit to Tunisia a few hours low fee payday loans. "The relationship between France and Tunisia has for centuries made a lot of light, a little dark sometimes.We are clearly in a period of light for this country, "she added.

"We do not come to lecture but to listen to their needs," said his part the Minister of European Affairs, Laurent Wauquiez. He raised the possibility of increasing European funding and needed to establish a "Marshall Plan now for Tunisia, European and also global":

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