Business World |

Time to innovation is not always compatible with that law. Joaquin Almunia, European Commissioner for Competition, has captured the difficulty and to regulate the Internet. "These markets are rapidly changing especially benefit from an early resolution of competition issues," he said Monday during a press briefing.

This has prompted Brussels to propose a settlement with Google under investigation for abuse of dominant position opened in November 2010. The Internet Group has a few weeks to propose changes to its services on the European Commission. In exchange, it will close its investigation, like that Brussels did for E.ON in 2008 and IBM in 2011. This would allow Google to escape a fine of up to 10% of its turnover. For its part, the regulator can hope to have an impact on the market before that certain players are completely suffocated.

Brussels expects improvements in four areas of Google. The first is the prominence of its own services in the search engine – to the detriment of Dailymotion YouTube for video, Google Maps Mappy privileged rather than to the location. The second concern of the European Commission for copying contents of thematic research services, including the opinion of online, on the pages of Google.

In the field of advertising, Brussels believes the problem that Google imposes exclusivity to advertisers is in the sponsored links. Finally, the European regulator calls for Internet accounts to the group on portability of purchased PPC campaigns on AdWords.

Google disagree

The European Commissioner for Competition detailed the grievances of Brussels in a letter to Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of the group. "In this case, Google has repeatedly expressed its willingness to discuss concerns that the Commission could, short of an adversarial process," Joaquin Almunia also recalled.

But the band plays Mountain View caution. "We have just begun to study the Commission's arguments. We do not agree with his conclusions but we will be happy to discuss any concerns they may have "in this case, reacted Al Verne, Google spokesman in Brussels. Google might as well play on the fact that the digital landscape has changed in two years and now he needs to face new competition, with the rise of social networks and mobile.

ALSO READ:

"Google attacked from all sides in Brussels

"Google suspected of manipulating its services

 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 …

Since Friday, the plant Fralib is occupied by its employees. A situation that is denounced by the president of Unilever France, Bruno Witvoët. "This is unacceptable in a constitutional state, says in an interview in Paris-Today-in-France. Such a coup with hooded individuals armed with baseball bats and batons, it is not of union action, it's a commando! ". The boss of Unilever France claiming the expulsion "immediate and prompt action with law enforcement" employees, has also filed a complaint for "physical threats" from the police. "From fabrications," Olivier replied Leberquier, CGT union. According to the police of Aubagne, intervened at the scene, there would have been no collision.

"Holland must keep its promises"

"Closing a plant is always a very difficult decision, Bruno recognizes Witvoët. But in some cases – including tea bags – we have overcapacity. This is justified in stopping this site ". He said Unilever has taken responsibility in the case of employees of Fralib, accepting "to add additional resources for the revitalization of the local employment" as required by justice. "Funds for creating new jobs has increased from 1 to 1.5 million euros" and "each dismissed employee is entitled to an internal transfer, pay the same conditions, in one of six other plants in France , "he said.

This new twist, the 592nd day of the conflict comes as 80 of the 103 employees still struggle, of 182 initially received their letter of dismissal. At the same time, a moving company came to do a quote on the site, and management proposed the CGT to move out of its local business, or in organizing the escorted access, for reasons of safety concerns, dismantling machinery. A scenario rejected by the union, which wants to keep the tool working on site to implement an alternative plan of recovery of activity.

Given this situation, unions are demanding the intervention of Francois Hollande. During the presidential campaign, President-elect said: "Nothing is done, nothing is guaranteed and if victory comes, I will also be at your side, President of the French Republic, to get your site live, had he launched at a meeting of employees Fralib in Paris in February. "The company is now under the control of the CGT and the Netherlands should keep its promises. His election is a ray of hope, "says Olivier Leberquier. The standoff between employees Fralib and its direction is far from over.

Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille

Elior not lose your appetite. Sales of the French group, number three European restaurants, jumped 10.4% during the year ended in late September, to 4.2 billion euros. The increase in trading profit was faster: + 14% to 254 million.

Bulimic, Elior completed in March fourteenth acquisition since leaving the Stock Exchange in 2006, swallowing Ansamble, based in Vannes, for an undisclosed sum. The group becomes co-leader, elbow to elbow with Sodexo, the catering in France, where he made last year 56% of its activity. Already number one in Spain, until its second market, Elior will become the leader in Italy with the acquisition of Gemeaz, which allows him to double its turnover. "We now have our three leading markets in Europe, and we can enter a new stage of our development," says Robert Zolade, chairman of the supervisory board and a 25% shareholder group.

The priority is to develop the catering concession (in airports, train stations, highways or parks …), which represented the third year of activity. Elior has won contracts Autogrill face of the Motorway of Poitou-Charentes (A10), one of the largest in France, and the Gare de Lyon in Paris. There he intends to set up signs and Costa Coffee Red Hippo, who will begin their free development. "We are the only operator present in both the catering and concession. We can install in the canteens of corners Paul, Exki and Bert's, "said Gilles Petit, the director general.

The sale of 75% held by Charterhouse easier

This is especially the United States that the group intends to develop its activity in concession. He has just picked up the management of its U.S. subsidiary Areas (600 million euros of turnover). "We now have a truly global hub catering concessions which will represent half of our business," says Gilles Petit, determined to win market share.

Elior is not abandoned, however, catering, more resistant to shocks in the economy. "In France we have a development potential in the areas of administration and education," says Robert Zolade. After winning the tender to manage the restoration of central Fleury-Merogis, Elior holds 20% market share of prisons in France.

For the current fiscal year, the group seeks organic growth of its business catering from 2 to 2.3%. For catering concession, "everything will be played this summer," says Gilles Petit.

Moreover, Elior has renegotiated the repayment of its debt (1.8 billion euros to 31 September), pushing 2013 to June 2017 the next major milestone. "We have no constraint in the implementation of our strategic plan," says Robert Zolade. This will allow the transition to English investment fund Charterhouse, a shareholder since 2006, to more easily find a possible buyer for its 75%.

ALSO READ:

"Sodexo grows and becomes number one in Brazil

Vincent Bolloré influence he soon the fate of Vivendi? Anyway, Jean-Rene Fourtou, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, opened the door. And will even wish his presence. "There is no reason that Bollore is not involved on the board of Vivendi, if he is interested," he said Thursday at the general meeting of shareholders of the group.

Intentions of the "Little Prince", which began rising in the capital of Vivendi, are at the heart of all searches. Bolloré officially 1.1% of the entertainment group, but it would have already picked up on the stock exchange securities for up to nearly 2%. After finalizing the sale of its channels Direct 8 Direct and Star in Vivendi, he will own approximately 4% and would then make its debut on the board. This rise is "friendly," said Vivendi every time. "I am delighted that a French shareholder, a family group, deemed an investor wishes to mount a share capital of Vivendi", was recently confirmed to Le Figaro, Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO of Vivendi.

And no doubt that Vincent Bolloré not stop there way. Eventually, he would seek the threshold of 5%. Does he repeat not at will, for years, his ambition to create a large media group? By becoming the largest shareholder of Vivendi and participating in strategic decisions of the group, it would be in a position to influence the destiny of the only French group, which is a world of entertainment. It could also help choose the future leaders of Vivendi.

Bring into the fold of Havas Vivendi

As the capital of Vivendi is very fragmented, with no shareholder, Bolloré could obtain decisive weight without having to own a large block of shares. As he did at Havas, which he chairs by not holding "only" 32.8%. One of the scenarios considered by the observers would, moreover, that Bolloré Havas brings into the fold of Vivendi, in exchange for participation, without spending a lot of cash.

The time was well chosen, while the price of Vivendi, has less than 13 euros, has lost more than a quarter of its value since the beginning of the year. "In the 2000s, all valuations were excessive, we experienced a kind of madness market. We live it the other way today, even though we have never had such good financial results, never reached as much cash, "said Jean-Rene Fourtou.

At Vivendi, more assets may be of interest Bolloré. Canal +, of course. But also SFR, including Jean-Rene Fourtou said she would remain "largely beneficial despite the arrival of Free Mobile". Telecommunications devices can be particularly useful in boss Autolib ', because there are many in the telecom management system and localization of the electric car self-service. Finally, Morocco Telecom, which holds several equity in Africa, can generate synergies with the Bolloré Group. Strong presence in logistics in Africa, Bolloré manages ports, railways … It may be wise to develop telecom. Add to this the fact that Jean-Rene Fourtou and Vincent Bolloré get along well. As for Jean-Bernard Levy, he is the former chief of staff … Gerard Longuet ex-brother-Vincent Bolloré. Such an alliance would have three advantages. It makes sense from a strategic perspective. It could have a positive effect on the course. Finally, it could offset the rise of sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, which owns 2% stake in Vivendi.

ALSO READ:

"Bolloré Vivendi on the lookout

"Levy:" We see customers back Free Mobile "

A few weeks before the start of the tourist season in Greece, industry professionals are concerned about given the country's image abroad. The clashes that broke out between police and demonstrators, repeated strikes in public transport and the crisis affecting the economy, trade and health, greatly tarnish the reputation of "Mediterranean paradise" Greece had so far.

For Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile in Athens, it is a bad trial because the country. "Violence is not the nature of the Hellenes. There are fewer demonstrations and strikes if they only last a few hours when it comes to archaeological sites. The Acropolis is always accessible to all, "protested she.  

Lower prices

While acknowledging that bookings were down this summer, Francoise Deschamps makes a point of honor to overcome stereotypes, "apart from the American Express (which is rarely accepted because traders are unwilling to pay 7% commission) you can pay everywhere with a credit card or a Visa. No need to bring cash into oneself. Distributors are always stocked, "she says.

The large luxury resort with beach, private pool and gourmet restaurant at the guesthouse, hoteliers were for the most part, forced to lower room rates and offer additional services to each reservation. "Our prices have dropped by at least 20%," says Adrian Vassilikos, director of Airotel, owns six hotels in the country. If the crisis is especially hoteliers, because of increased taxes and reduced bookings, Adrien Vassilikos remains confident: "Tourists know that Athens, like the rest of the country, is one of the most safest in the world. No risk of terrorism or crime. The crisis has not increased the number of pickpockets. To this we must add that in case of accident or illness, we have very capable hospitals, providing care free and urgency, "he said quick cash.

Of solidarity

Tourism is the second largest economic sector in the country, representing 17% of GDP, after shipping. In 2011, Greece has benefited more or less the effect of revolutions and Arab tourism, compared to the previous year, increased by 10%. This year, some professionals rely on the solidarity towards Greece, shot by the crisis. This movement is gaining ground worldwide and in all sectors. Twenty major Greek groups, as the airline Aegean or Coca-Cola Hellenic, even financed full-page newspaper ads French, German, Dutch, Belgian and British. Under the slogan "give a chance to Greece", these advertisers show a country in flux, despite its economic vicissitudes.

A bank of tourism in the study

To improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector, the Greek government uses the aid of the "task force". This working group of the European Commission, whose representatives are installed in the Greek capital, shook the tourism industry. "Being competitive yes, but then to build infrastructure for mass tourism, there is a margin," worries Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile. "Greece is a country that fits the needs of every tourist. You can still find himself alone on a beach, eating in a tavern or family homestay accommodation is unique and should not destroy it for the sake of competitiveness, "she adds. Several projects are in preparation at the Ministry of Finance including the creation of a bank or tourist development projects of ancient sites, remote islands from Piraeus or agricultural areas.

ALSO READ:

ALSO READ:

"Greece: German tourists are" afraid "

"Greece: increasing tourism revenues

The efforts made by Belgium are unprecedented in history. The Socialist government led by Elio di Rupo announced this Sunday the adoption of additional measures of rigor. To 11.3 billion euros in savings adopted at the end of 2011 have now been added 1.82 billion euros of provisions negotiated into the night from Saturday to Sunday, and 650 million reserve if growth is below expectations. It took six days at Belgian coalition, which brings together six parties, the center-left to center-right, to agree on this new package, which aims to limit the budget deficit to 2, 8% of GDP in 2012. In 2011, it reached 3.8% of GDP.

"With this budget, our country is one of the best students in Europe. We considered the possibility of an economic situation even worse, "justified the Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. The government is based on a forecast of almost zero growth for 2012 at 0.1% against 0.8% previously, as recommended by the European Commission.

No VAT increase

After the austerity measures announced in November – limiting the use of early retirement, decrease the duration of unemployment benefits, taxation of stock and stock options … – Prime Minister also wanted to convince voters of the fairness of the new train measures. "It is an effort fair and balanced. The government is making an effort in structural terms, both in expenditures and receipts. [...] But the new measures do not touch many citizens. "

Most of the additional revenue will come from an announced increased repression of the black, and a tax increase on tobacco and stock transactions. However, the minimum wage, the amount of family allowance or the retirement pensions will not be modified downward. "We do not touch to VAT, it does not touch the savings accounts. [...] Despite a very challenging environment, the purchasing power of citizens is preserved and the competitiveness of companies saved, "said the Prime Minister.

Last November, the rating is downgraded sovereign debt by the Belgian credit rating agency Standard & Poor's had precipitated the adoption of an austerity plan of great magnitude. The rating agency, which matched its rating a negative outlook, particularly doubted the ability of Belgium to break the political deadlock and to present a credible budget.

ALSO READ:

"The challenges of the new Belgian government

"Di Rupo, a premier atypical for Belgium

2011 a year full of contrasts in terms of employment. After a positive first half, payroll employment has declined significantly over the second half of the year. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the French economy has destroyed 22,600 jobs in the principally market sectors (-0.1% over the previous quarter), according to revised figures released Thursday by INSEE.

This is slightly less than the third quarter, when for the first time in two years, the statistician public records a decline in employment of 31,500 jobs (-0.2%). Gave its provisional figures until the third quarter slightly creates jobs. With a dynamic first half, 67,300 jobs have been created, however, over one year is a positive trend of 0.4%.  

The ACOSS, which accounts for job creation on a slightly different scope, in turn finds a changing "stable in the last quarter as in the previous quarter, after five consecutive quarters of increases," with 9,300 jobs created.

Temporary employment down

Over 90% of job losses announced by INSEE result of the decline in temporary employment. The trend is accelerating in the fourth quarter, with 21,100 destroyed in acting positions, against 12,900 the previous quarter. A first after nine quarters of the rise, INSEE said. This leading indicator of labor market, more sensitive to cyclical fluctuations, does not bode well from the beginning of 2012.

In detail on this last quarter, the industry, which had suffered severely from the crisis of 2008-2009 before stabilizing its workforce in mid 2011, again losing 1700 jobs, slightly less than the third quarter (5100) . Over one year, the sector recorded a negative trend of 0.1%, or 2,100 jobs destroyed. This is less than the construction, which lost 0.8% of its workforce over one year (11,900 jobs) and 0.3% in the fourth quarter (4600 positions). After a decline in service employment excluding temporary in the third quarter, the fourth, however, found a small increase (4,900 jobs).

Youth is condemned to the worst? Some suggest that argue indignation as the value of life. Philippe Hayat, founder of 100,000 Entrepreneurs Association, believes him, that high school and college students can take their future. "Let us turn to young people differently, according to another dynamic, and they say: to indignation or resignation, prefer action, the real, which contradicts the fatality. Since life seems so difficult to track, anticipate it, take it in hand and only count on you, "he writes in the book" Tackle! With indignation, prefer action, "published by Editions de l'Archipel.

Far made ideas that serve as ready-to-think, the treaty of good manners at the new generations is rooted in life to show that anything is possible. Philippe Hayat tells the story of his grandfather, Leon. Born in Tunisia in the late nineteenth century, Leo must make a living from the age of 14 when his parents disappear. Raising only his little sister, as between the adolescent boy to do everything in a bank. He climbs the ladder and managed to pay his three son studying in Paris. He settled in later years in the capital tricolor. "The example of young Leo would have blown that fate is made to be contradicted," says the author.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and his father, Philippe Hayat chose to shape his life. He became an entrepreneur in the early 1990s and decided to share his passion for the business. He founded the association 100,000 Contractors' initiates action contractors volunteers in colleges, high schools and higher education payday loan lenders. " His ambition is just "a few years, one hundred thousand entrepreneurs can restore confidence to a whole generation." His conclusion is simple: "France is a country of entrepreneurs who should no longer ignore." The million responsible associations, the willingness of young people from difficult to get by, employees who invent new projects in the administration or large groups reflect the dynamism of the country.

But the willingness of teachers and business is not enough that attitudes are changing. "The electoral programs generally evoke entrepreneurship lip service – and then only when … social policies seem less eager to support entrepreneurs seeking growth," says Philippe Hayat, which advocates that " Political leaders of youth entrepreneurship a national cause. More optimistic than words of caution and rigor on the one hand, compassion and grant the other hand, such an approach would be an early response to many evils. " This would require that this wish is that the state abandons some of its powers and leaves the field open to individual energies.

ALSO READ:

"Competitiveness: four entrepreneurs show

"Banking on entrepreneurs is vital to the economy

SERVICE:

"All jobs in France and abroad with Cadremploi

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON FIGARO:

"Twitter: @ LeFigaro_Emploi