Business World |

Online News

Montebourg promises to "audacity"

Friday May 18, 2012

 Baroin then replace the one that hosted the 6th floor of Bercy, Pierre Moscovici (and Minister Benoît Hamon). The two men – who have known for many years – did not hide a certain complicity. Moscovici Baroin even familiarly, before recovering … And that's the applause that the car for what will now focus on the legislative party is.

The atmosphere was just as friendly between Valérie Pécresse – which still required to get the message that it left "no surprises" to the left on the fiscal front – and Pierre Moscovici (along with Jerome Cahuzac). The new head of the Ministry of Finance took the opportunity to tell that in the late 80s, he passed the test of Ena public finances the young woman … and that she "had the best score." Laughter in the room …

It's no surprise that fast cash loans have become a popular staple in today's consumer world.
Comments Off

The EU has the means to save Spanish banks

Saturday Apr 28, 2012

 

The Spanish crisis is serious, very serious. It weakens a little more of Europe, its growth and financial system. But, unlike Greece, Spain will not "explode" the euro. Person, even among the fiercest opponents of the single currency is considering an exit from Spain in the euro area. Spain, despite record unemployment, is not on the verge of bankruptcy. Its lending rate to ten years amounted to 5.86% Friday, but they have been higher: 6% mid-April, and 7% in November.

A priori, Spain will not need a bailout General as Greece or Portugal. The Standard & Poor's recognizes itself: the Spanish Treasury has already covered 50% of its funding this year. The country should have no problem to repay its creditors in 2012.

Famine budget!

However, Spanish banks are on the ropes. Savings banks are not the only ones being targeted. There is nothing surprising about that. Unemployment makes mortgage repayments more difficult, weakening bank balance sheets. Massive purchases of Spanish debt by financial institutions of the peninsula, with funds loaned by the European Central Bank (ECB), are not a panacea, far from it, especially if tensions persist in the bond markets.

At this point, the recapitalization needs of the Spanish banking sector are estimated at 50 billion euros: a sum equivalent to half of the Spanish public deficit in 2011. In other words, beyond the reach of government in these times of fiscal scarcity!

But not beyond the reach of the euro zone! The central bankers of Europe, Mario Draghi and Jean-Claude Juncker planchent discreetly on a bailout of Spanish banks able to calm the markets. It would involve the European Stability Fund (EFSF), or the European Stability Mechanism (MES), its successor from 1 July.

Since the alert on the Italian debt last summer, the euro area has assured his rear. It has a "firewall" of 750 billion euros due to cumulative lending capacity of two European rescue fund, the EFSF and MES. For its part, the IMF has increased its resources to $ 430 billion. As for the ECB, it has already injected € 1,000 billion in the banking system, and nothing prevents him to continue

.

ALSO READ:

"The French savings, wealth coveted

"The IMF maintains pressure on European banks

"Spain is mobilized to clean up its financial sector

"" The future of Spain is at stake, "said Rajoy


Comments Off

Monoprix: Casino offensive against the Galeries Lafayette

Monday Apr 23, 2012

 

The war between the Galeries Lafayette and Casino about their joint venture Monoprix changes dimension. The two shareholders clash since January on the valuation of 50% held by Monoprix and Galeries Lafayette: 700 million euro under Casino, 1.95 billion according to the owner of department store chain. The battle now drift on managing and Monoprix on its pricing policy.

Jacques Dumas, counsel Jean-Charles Naouri, principal shareholder and CEO of Casino, sent an April 17 letter to Philippe Houze scathing, president of Galeries Lafayette and Monoprix CEO. He criticized "an excessive increase in food prices" at Monoprix. The price index of the sign, which compares its rates to the market average (set at 100), rose from 107.7 at the end of first quarter 2011 to 110 a year later.

"This abnormal increase explains a significant share of the increased turnover of Monoprix end of March 2012 (+5.9% yoy) and corresponds to the bulk of the growth in operating profit in the same period," according Casino, which accuses her partner of "sharp to distort fair assessment" of Monoprix.

Pointing to the risk that rising prices does escape the consumer and leads to lower sales of the profitability of Monoprix, Casino Philippe Houze asked to "give instructions to stop such practices and ensure a normal management Monoprix" . Clearly, "Monoprix must return to an index of 108 tariff, as provided in the medium-term plan established in November," decrypts a spokesman for Casino.

The group Saint Etienne "will implement all actions necessary to safeguard the interests of Monoprix and its shareholder rights" against the Galeries Lafayette, prevents mail. In 2007, Casino revoked leaders Franprix and Leader Price, accusing them of having raised prices to give him a high price for their minority interests in these signs.

Monoprix group will choose a side

Philippe Houze's entourage speaks of "baseless accusations" and ensures that the increases, required in July by Jean-Charles Naouri, date from the summer. Casino considers that the increase, justified initially, was too strong and it continued beyond the reasonable in January.

In a few weeks, the Commercial Court of Paris will examine the respective assignments of the two co-shareholders of Monoprix. Galeries Lafayette blame their partner to hinder the evaluation process of their 50% stake in Monoprix, Casino accuses his partner of having refused to let the end of March to Jean-Charles Naouri President of Monoprix, as provided for their shareholders.

Mail Casino is a part added to the defense and the prosecution of the group against the Galeries Lafayette. But it will impact the management of Monoprix. Officially, its chief operating officer, Stephen Maquaire, placed a copy of the letter of Jacques Dumas, retains the confidence of its two shareholders. But he must choose sides or not returning to an index rate close to 108.

ALSO READ:

"Monoprix Casino decided to buy at the right price

"" We are ready to buy Monoprix "

"Casino and Galeries Lafayette, Monoprix conflict


Comments Off

Golf: the boss of IBM bothers Augusta Masters

Saturday Apr 7, 2012

 

Virginia Rometty, the IBM boss, she will be admitted to the very select Augusta National Golf Club, home like every year, in Georgia, the Augusta Masters that lasts jursqu'à Sunday? As official sponsor of the tournament, along with Exxon Mobil and AT & T, the tradition that the leader of IBM obtains de facto membership in the Augusta National Golf Club, and whether it takes the famous green jacket member struck the shield of the tournament during the duration of the Masters.

The golfing institution which has only 300 members, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, is facing a serious dilemma, reports Bloomberg news site. Since its founding in 1933, the Club membership is in effect only for men. Therefore, on the occasion of this 76th edition, can break tradition and considered the patron saint of IBM as the equal of her male predecessors or can it take the risk of alienating a sponsor capital? As a sponsor, IBM provides indeed all technology services to the tournament start at the site of the Masters as "Big Blue" has managed since 1996.

True to its reputation discretionary, the tournament director has declined to comment hiding behind its privacy policy. Asked on the eve of the tournament, Billy Payne swept a backhander issues relating to the admission of Virginia Rometty or not personal business card. "As always, all questions about who can be a member and will have been discussed privately among members," he explained simply.  

The prestige of the tournament excludes any scandal

This situation is not new for the Masters in Augusta that regularly faces numerous calls to modernize. Already in 2003 a campaign was conducted by American feminists to denounce the discriminatory admissions policy advocated by management. In response to the controversy, the tournament has waived any sponsorship for two consecutive editions are depriving the passage of lucrative advertising revenue.

Ten years later, the feminist call cover and want to be heard. Martha Burk, who led the unsuccessful campaign to admit a woman in this place of power and privilege, said that appointing a woman to head an official sponsor is an opportunity for Club abandon all sexism against women. An avid golf player and regular, President Barack Obama also said Thursday, speaking through his spokesman, that Augusta National had to admit the boss of IBM for his club.

Virginia Rometty is the first woman to head IBM. Photo credit: Dima Gavrysh / AP


Comments Off

The New York taxi gets a makeover thanks to Nissan

Wednesday Apr 4, 2012

 

The legendary New York taxis will bring up to date. Their famous yellow color lightens slightly, their horn is less unpleasant and, above all, they adapt to the needs of businessmen in a hurry as visitors to the city. Within this "cab" new version, an electrical outlet, two USB ports and small reading lights allow passengers to work and recharge their devices. And for those who prefer to enjoy the breathtaking views of the skyscrapers, the roof will now be equipped with a panoramic window.

This "Taxi of Tomorrow" promised by the manufacturer, Nissan, will be "the safest, most comfortable and most convenient that the city has ever had," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The 600,000 daily passengers of taxis will have more space for their legs and can adjust themselves air conditioning and heating in the back. They can also communicate with the driver through an intercom. As for the upholstery, it is anti-microbial.

Nissan continued to conquer America

The Japanese partner of Renault last year won the contract to renew the fleet of 13,000 taxis in New York, beating two other finalists, the Ford and the American Turkish Karsan. Sold 29,700 dollars, the NV200 MPV will invade the streets of New York from fall 2013.

The 13,000 taxis take to the streets of New York in autumn 2013.


Comments Off

Family businesses are looking for ways to grow

Friday Mar 30, 2012

 

Family businesses are then threw in the presidential campaign. The ASMEP-ETI, the union of midsize (250 to 5000 employees) and property, chaired by Yvon Gattaz, this ten proposals to improve their competitiveness. "Our companies need time to create sustainable jobs. As they need time to grow and impose global brands, "says Philippe d'Ornano, vice president of ETI-organizing ASMEP Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris the grand prize of business and family heritage. "Therefore it is vital to promote their transmission. This is what allows the covenants Dutreil. Do not touch! "

These covenants have been established to promote the transfer of family businesses. The entrpreneurs plead for them to be "safe havens and improved, by exempting EWB and inheritance tax at 95% – instead of 75% currently – securities held as part of a commitment to conservation." They demand that business leaders can more easily prepare their succession. Specifically, a contractor must be able to transmit his company while remaining at the helm paydayloans.

While bank financing will be scarce, the ASMEP-ETI wants to create a bond market dedicated to midsize. The union also argues for the establishment of a large department of business on the model of Sustainable Development established in 2007. This would be a profound change of working methods of the state since the new department would under the responsibility of industry, SMEs, credit mediation, foreign trade and vocational training. It would exercise supervision over the Deposit, the Strategic Investment Fund (51% subsidiary of the Caisse des Depots), OSEO, the Directorate of Planning (Datar).

In social terms, the union plans to encourage the employment of older workers by exempting pension contributions and unemployment wages of older workers who continue working after reaching the required contribution period. This measure is also advocated by the Federation of German family businesses.


Comments Off

SNCF and Deutsche Bahn now allied

Wednesday Mar 21, 2012

 

Friday, teams of Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, already associated with the Paris-Frankfurt, will celebrate the opening of a common line between Frankfurt and Marseille – bypassing Paris – via the new Rhine-Rhone. An opportunity to show the harmony that exists today between the two companies.

Because the prospect of greater competition in Europe has clearly brought the views of the two incumbents, long time rivals. Rüdiger Grube, CEO of the German group, pointed out Tuesday in Paris to a gathering of journalists. "There are still a year I would not have thought that we would Guillaume Pepy (SNCF's CEO, Ed) and I agree on all issues!" "We support all the necessary standardization of equipment, the market opening, the creation of a European regulator's rail …, "he says.  

An ally against Brussels

What has happened, then that could heal the scratches between the two competitors? One and one can actually help in their fight on the organization of competition in their respective markets. In France, Guillaume Pepy wants to emulate the French system of railways on that of the Rhine. And what better lawyer than Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn up as a model, could he find to plead this cause? SNCF had the starring role: it umbrella in a joint holding company, the infrastructure manager – in this case Réseau Ferré de France which is among other guarantor of opening the network to new entrants – and the commercial exploitation . The French government, following the Focus on the railway have explored ways to put right a French model of breath last November, expects copies of various stakeholders at the end of this month payday loan lenders.

And on the other side of the Rhine, Rüdiger Grube has also found an ally in France to defend his case in Brussels. For the German model does not satisfy the European Commission. It believes that a pooling group manager of infrastructure and operational activities does not guarantee a fair treatment in respect of competing rail companies of the DB. Last year, the Commission has even raided the headquarters of the DB to investigate possible abuse of dominant position in the supply of electricity to private operators.

Views on Thalys

The discussion between SNCF and DB go beyond the single issue of governance of the rail. For Rüdiger Grube, they could also be extended on the ground and running. Deutsche Bahn admitted and have designs on Thalys, TGV serving Belgium, Holland and Germany, which he holds 10% interest alongside the SNCF (62%) and Belgian railways (28%). "Staying at 10% does not suit us. We're in discussions internally about whether we should go out or go for a 50/50, "said Grube. And beyond in coming decades, the CEO of DB, well imagine a merger of the two groups. "Right now, it's too early but when liberalization has advanced. In twenty or thirty years … "

ALSO READ:

"The Germans take the TGV Channel Tunnel

"The SNCF plans to buy 40 new TGV


Comments Off

New for Spring Monceau Fleurs

Tuesday Mar 20, 2012

 

The franchisor Monceau Fleurs he bitten off more than it can chew by acquiring Rapid'Flore late 2008 to become number one French? Three years later, the signs of indigestion were in any case become so important that the direction of the florist, which has 487 franchises in the Monceau Fleurs and Rapid'Flore and Happy, was forced to seek entry into backup procedure late last October. She feared not being able to meet its debt repayments -26 million euros, or 42% of its turnover in 2011 (61.8 million) – and wanted to concentrate on major reorganization, initiated a year ago .

Five months later, Monceau Fleurs is about to present its plan to emerge from the backup: the project of spreading the debt will be subject to creditors on April 2, and then to shareholders four days later. The downstream of the largest of these, Laurent Amar, grand-son of the founder of the group, which retains 68% stake in the florist does not have any doubt.

It is himself who decided to change everything or almost in the group he chairs, finding it necessary to surround himself "a strong and experienced team in the field of distribution and management of international companies ". The general manager was created operational for the group now operates in nine countries. It was given to Paul Mir, former Promodès, passed by PPR, Fnac and Kingfisher (Castorama …).

Market restructuring

The complete reorganization-finance, promotions, product management for roses and gerberas, as in the food-distribution shows its effectiveness free online credit report. Current operating income is again slightly positive in its last financial year (ended 30 September 2011), whereas it was negative by about 2 million euros a year earlier. However, this improvement is mainly due to a workforce reduction, increased from 205 to 170 employees grouped on one site in Villebon.

"We are busy making our size, coupled with the integration of Rapid'Flore, and the power of our three brands a real strong market also being restructured," said Paul Mir. According Xerfi, florists accounted for 54% of sales in value and 35% by volume of a market for flowers and plants by 2.3 billion euros. "Their market share, however, tends to fade for several years, primarily for the benefit of the garden," but also large food stores, says the firm.

Of a total of 15,000 florists in France, only 650 are members of a group, of which 490 are a Monceau Fleurs (in cities), Happy (with an offer based on decoration) or Rapid'Flore (in cities average). By offering more services to its franchisees, such as loyalty card or access to a new online store launched in the third quarter, Monceau Fleurs still hopes to strengthen its first position. But in a less risky.

ALSO READ:

"The roses Delbard change hands


Comments Off

The Germans rebelled against fuel prices

Saturday Feb 25, 2012

 

Andy Adam, by creating the page "No refueling on March 1 in Germany!" Was a huge blip on the canvas, quickly picked up by media across the Rhine. With an average price of 1.70 euro per liter of super (against 1.55 in France), gasoline saw its flaming course in Europe since January 1. Claim of individuals joined those associations, as ADAC, powerful organization that unites over 17 million motorists across the Rhine.

Rising prices is certainly caused primarily by rising oil prices and problems in the Middle East, but the spokesman ADAC also shows the finger of responsibility oil majors: the rising price of a liter "is a matter for enterprises, which make huge profits with. The market is monopolized by five major companies, which are not competitive, "she told the daily Rheinische Post.  

A signal to policy

Calling on Facebook, even if it materializes Thursday, March 1, will not change the policies of the major oil companies: "This will have no effect," says a manager of Esso the region of Ulm in Bavaria, interviewed by Südwest Presse newspaper. "It does not annoy anyone. Right now there are even more and more people are filling up for fear that prices will rise again tomorrow. " The fuel will not be purchased on the first will be taken the next day, betting professionals.

This action and its resonance is still a strong signal to motorists to the German government, in a time when state coffers are full. The German tax authorities because it may alter several devices to reduce the cost of transportation. In addition to VAT and taxes that affect the fuel, the Ministry of Finance has the ability to play on the tax relief enjoyed by motorists. The ADAC claimed that assistance to motorists who use their cars to get to work from 30 to 40 cents per kilometer. The ministry declined for now to make a move. These are the neighboring countries who benefit: the Polish and Czech gas stations are under attack on the eve of the weekend.

ALSO READ:

"Time record oil prices

"A liter of petrol en route to 2 euros depending Total

"The state has little ability to influence prices of petrol


Comments Off

Sunday Oct 30, 2011

In the first five days of strike by cabin crew of Air France, the situation was calm at Orly on Saturday morning. All flights were planned at this time despite the movement of flight attendants. "It is too early to detect potential problems at Orly knowing that the first flights take off at 7 o'clock," one source, however relativized airport shortly after 08h.

About the airport Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, the forecast was in line with those announced by Air France. The company plans to provide 80% of its flights but does not rule out last-minute cancellations. It struck ten long-haul flights planned Saturday morning, including flights to New York, Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Douala.But the passengers had been warned on Friday.

Without an agreement this week with management on working conditions for cabin crew, six of seven unions called the stewards and stewardesses 15,000 to go on strike for the weekend of All Saints, usually very busy guaranteed payday loan. Traffic is expected until Wednesday, November 2 included. Air France admits that "considerable uncertainty remains about the level of participation of the cabin crew." These are not actually required to prevent the direction of their intentions.

In 2007, a similar strike – triggered by the same six unions to the same period of All Saints – had caused major disruptions. Air France was forced several times to review downward its traffic forecast: 90% of flights expected to be provided the day before, this had increased to 60% during the weekend.


Comments Off