International Headlines and Stories

Christine Lagarde has not found his dream home in Washington. Arrive early July to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF), she still lives temporarily in a furnished apartment, close to his office. "Initially, I looked pretty houses in the neighborhood of Georgetown, but I realized it would be impractical and it was better to look for an apartment. Now I prospect in areas not too far from my office, "said Le Figaro the new executive director of the monetary institution. "I have a pool, but not just to bathe. A pool where we could really swim … I have not taken a subscription to a sports club, but in my building there is a proper gym, "says the former champion synchronized swimming enthusiast – disciplined – physical exercise daily.

Since joining the IMF, it has worked and has not been able to enjoy a city that is much changed since she lived there in 1974, when she spent a year at a time of joy and studious the benches of the Holton-Arms School, a school for girls located in the posh western suburb. "In my new life in Washington, the work never stops. But the restaurants are ten times better than what I experienced, "It has already his favorites:" the canteen of the IMF and the Blue Duck Tavern at the Hyatt. " However, between briefings, seminars with the teams of the Fund that it must learn about his travels to London to Marseille for the G7 and Jackson Hole (Wyoming) for a symposium of central bankers to prepare his speeches and conversations with senior business leaders from every continent, Christine Lagarde has had little time to breathe.Those close to him are even already looking a little tired …

She will not rest this week as the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank are converging towards his office finance ministers and heads of central banks in 187 countries. For several days she prepares for the event. Moments of summer vacation between Marseille and Corsica with her partner, Xavier Giocanti may have seemed far away. To complicate matters, the latter, who founded his company in France, will not live with her in Washington. "He loves the U.S. capital. But his work is in the south of France. He promised to arrange to come one week per month. I also want it with me in some missions abroad, "says the former French Minister.This rate, "is it better than their last weekend aborted by meetings at the Elysee on Sunday afternoon?" Asks one close to the couple.

Critical time

Christine Lagarde did not wait two and half months to start to make its mark and recommend solutions to the crisis. In late August, on the occasion of his first major intervention in Jackson Hole, she took against the established European friends who have yet worked to his appointment in June She has dared to advocate for a rapid strengthening of bank capital of the Old Continent, as required by public money. Taking up the old refrain of the IMF, the former "good soldier" of Nicolas Sarkozy marked its independence vis-à-vis his former boss.Showing how far is now the time in his office in Bercy, when not agree with a decision of the Élysée, she smiled, gritted his teeth and let go … "is the head of State decides "*.

This position, criticized by many European officials, but in line with IMF recommendations for months, proved that the new patron of the institution was not, as some suspect, "the elegant performing" chosen by old European countries in crisis to justify their monopoly once more become anachronistic in the direction of the IMF. Even the laudatory article in the American edition of Vogue magazine in September of Christine Lagarde said that his French elegance accompanied by substance, "Lagarde is as natural, open and very feminine.His way of being simple, clear it rose through the ranks through his work seriously, not because of its ability to attract, "says the prestigious fashion publication. This is the first time a director of the IMF in Vogue poses cross-legged on a couch. Some saw a dim, fast debt crisis in Europe. But now that clears a little sordid chronicle by the New York tabloids and sexual exploits of his predecessor.

In his office on the 12th floor of the concrete block that is the IMF headquarters, Christine Lagarde strives to maintain at all times smile and kindness that are his trademark. However, she also knows that this is not that quality be the judge.Some leading experts in the world of high finance, as Simon Johnson and Raghuram Rajan, former chief economist of the IMF expressed concern that "non-economist" is selected for this feature to a critical time. It can be a handicap in an institution with more than doctors in economics per square meter than any other. Eager to rectify this perception, she was quick to declare taking office in early July: "I'm not going to brag about my qualifications or my lack of qualifications. The proof of the quality of the pudding is measured by how it is enjoyed by those who eat it, as the saying goes. I come with an open mind, with my ability to manage, leverage resources and my desire to help as many people as possible to the decisions and solutions … I will ask many questions.I will evaluate and I'll rely on the advice of those who know their sector. Without wishing to poets, all conductors can not play the piano, harp, violin and cello. I will try to be a good conductor. "To Christine Lagarde, the concert starts this week.

As shown in the tone of his speech a few days before the Royal Institute for International Affairs in London, Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington or on the financial news channel CNBC, the CEO wants to politely shake the leaders of the world, push for action to prevent a relapse into recession generally. Barack Obama, which she first received a phone call late August, requires only that.His plan to revive the use is consistent with IMF recommendations: do not cut right away in public spending.

His recent media offensive, the contrast between the start humiliating DSK, which has placed the IMF on the front page of American newspapers, not to mention the seriousness of the economic situation, are all eyes are on her. Not just those of "Planet Finance." "I am no longer anonymous to Washington. Many people recognize me on the streets and shops. The youngest often ask me to pose with them for a photo. And taxi drivers spotted me right away, "says she honestly.

It is too early to say whether it will be "Keynesian" or "monetarist". But in style, some have noted its refreshing approach in the austere environment of the IMF."I do not know if his style is a little sixteenth arrondissement, or if it is his sincere desire to be considerate towards its employees, but it is very human … I saw her invited to eat at his table his bodyguards after long hours of work, "says one observer. I must say that – status of the Fund requires – one of his bodyguards Bercy could follow. Not even his faithful collaborator for eighteen years, Sonia, who had started with her at Baker & McKenzie and on which it could rely at all times. Being a "woman power" always has a price …

* In "Christine Lagarde: investigation of the most powerful woman in the world," Cyril and Mary LACHEVRE Visot (Editions Michel Lafon).

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After closing up Thursday evening, the U.S. stock markets have struggled to stay in the green Friday. At the close, the Dow gained 0.66% to 11,509,09 points, the Nasdaq is 0.58% to 2622.31 points and the S & P 500 climbed 0.57% to 1216.01 points. The benchmark index of Wall Street has finished in the green of the five sessions of the week, a performance he had not done since the last week of June. It displays a weekly increase of 4.7%.

Investors focused on news from Europe. After the announcement, positively received, a new agreement between central banks to provide dollar liquidity to European banks and Japanese eyes were riveted to Poland which is a meeting of EU finance ministers.The latter have formally agreed on the principle of strengthening fiscal discipline by imposing financial penalties on countries too lax, paving the way for formal adoption of this reform.

In contrast, the euro area and again stumbles on the guarantees requested by Finland in exchange for new loans in Athens, an issue that poisons relations within the euro area.Concerning the payment of a further tranche of loans that the country urgently needs, the euro area has decided to postpone any decision until October.

Invited exceptionally, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has also expressed concern about the divisions between governments and the European Central Bank (ECB).

U.S. consumer confidence rises

In this context, the "four witches" today is to say the expiration of four types of futures contracts on indices and stocks, have increased volatility.

Good news, however, helped keep the exchanges in positive territory: U.S. consumer confidence rises, according to the index of consumer confidence in September, published by the University of Michigan.The index, which fell in August to its lowest level since November 2008, increased 2.1 points to 57.8, according to a still provisional estimate for September. Analysts were waiting a little lower, at 56.3.

Oil has closed lower Friday in New York, suffering from profit taking less reassured investors that the day before on the likelihood of a quick resolution of the debt crisis in Europe.A barrel of "light sweet crude" for October delivery ended down $ 1.44 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, to 87.96 dollars a barrel.

RIM collapses

On the corporate side, Research in Motion (- 18.99% to 23.93 dollars), the maker of BlackBerry smartphones, collapsed after publishing quarterly results fell sharply, well below analysts' forecasts.

The rating agency Moody's said Thursday it placed under surveillance notes of the bank UBS (+ 4.16% to 11.89 dollars) with for a potential degradation due to "weaknesses in the management of risk group. "

At the heart of the news, Google (+ 0.76% to 546.68 dollars) has purchased additional patents in 1023 the computer company IBM (1.55% to 172.72 dollars) to strengthen its portfolio and attempt to discourage trial for violation of intellectual property.Google expects the other hand that the number of Internet users in India to be tripled in three years through improved access to wireless internet and at prices more affordable smartphone, reported on Friday Wall Street Journal.

Boeing (1.49% to 65.28 dollars) could finally respond to the order by Air France-KLM of 110 long-haul aircraft, including 50 firm orders, builders Boeing and European Airbus to ensure the renewal of its fleet.

After two sessions of gains, the Paris Bourse off again into negative territory on Friday and gives up 1.69% to 3033.78 points to 11:50. London and Frankfurt follow with respective losses of 0.73% and 1.25%.

The banking sector raises again the concerns of investors. They accentuate its losses from the statements of Christine Lagarde whereby a liquidity crisis could not be ruled out and that some banks needed additional capital. "This is the effect Lagarde. These statements primarily affect banks that are considered the least well placed in terms of capital ratios, "said one trader.

Result: Societe Generale falling again to 6.43% to 18.25 euros and signed the largest decrease in the CAC.Behind her, Crédit Agricole loose 5.05% to 5.62 euros, Natixis 4.57% to 2.48 euros, BNP Paribas 4.28% to 30.85 euros and 3.96% at Axa 9.76 euros.

Obama's plan is not reassuring

Investors also unenthusiastic welcome details of the plan for employment unveiled by U.S. President Barack Obama in the night. He introduced a bill on the release of 447 billion dollars for the Americans out of unemployment. "This plan will give an electric shock to an economy that has stalled, will give confidence to businesses on the fact that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services," assured the U.S. president to members of Congress .

As in Asia this morning, traders seem to doubt the implementation of this plan. Its funding is already generating questions from Republican opponents could block a vote.Barack Obama urged them to adopt "immediately". The U.S. president also announced that it will issue on September 19 "a deficit reduction plan more ambitious."

As Wall Street yesterday, investors have also not appreciated the remarks of the President of the Federal Reserve on growth and jobs last night. The Fed "will do everything it can to participate in the return of growth and employment rates," said its chairman Ben Bernanke, minimizing inflation fears. This speech, however, feeds the assumption of a new effort of quantitative easing, which could be announced at the next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Fed, scheduled for September 20 and 21.

Inflation slows in China

Still on macroeconomic, Japan has this morning reported a decline of 2.1% of GDP in the second quarter 2011 annualized.This is more than the 1.3% decline initially estimated. The main factor weighing on GDP has been the decline in exports (-4.9% from January to March).

In China, rising consumer prices, the main barometer of inflation, which had accelerated in recent months, slowed slightly to 6 no checking account payday advance.2% in August. Industrial production is she up 13.5% in August.

In France, industrial production rebounded 1.5% in July after a decline of similar magnitude in June, show statistics released Friday by INSEE. The budget deficit of the French government fell in late July to 86.6 billion euros, against 93.1 billion euros a year earlier, thanks to lower costs, said Friday the Department of Budget .

On the agenda are also on Friday, stocks of wholesalers in the United States.

As for currencies, the euro has stabilized under $ 1.40, to 1.3896 dollar.Oil rises on the other hand, supported by a surprise drop in U.S. inventories. In early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 23 cents to 89.28 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery 21 cents to 114.76 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

• TF1 (-4.3%), M6 (-2.25%) Bolloré (0.8%), Vivendi (-1.1%); NextRadioTV (-1.4%)

Chains react in a disorganized to take control of Direct 8 Direct and Star, two DTT channels free of the Bolloré Group, Canal +. The subsidiary of Vivendi will have three DTT frequencies. Be as much as TF1 and M6 more than the group which, in addition to the namesake chain, has only W9.For this operation, fully financed by shares, a stake Bolloré group Vivendi.

• Total (0.9%) signed the largest increase

The Anglo-Dutch oil group Shell said Friday that oil was discovered off the coast of French Guiana, during exploratory drilling at about 150 km off the coast.

• Sopra (1.81%)

The group announced the takeover of Delta, specialized in banking software.The transaction is expected to close in early October 2011, will be financed from existing credit lines of business consulting, IT services and software.

• Pierre & Vacances (-0.33%)

The group, which operates much of the accommodation ski resorts, opened 369 new tourist residences furnished this winter.

• ArcelorMittal (-1.7%)

The group will close as of October 3 for an indefinite period and the second blast furnace at its site in Florange (Moselle), according to a union source quoted by AFP.

• EADS (+0.8%) on the second step of the podium

The group said on Thursday not want to use all of its $ 16 billion (11.45 billion euros) in cash for acquisitions.

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At the MEDEF Summer University, you see large companies, medium-sized enterprises, small businesses as well as "mini-enterprises". Thus the association "Undertake to learn" (EPA), describes a group of young volunteers gathered around an entrepreneurial project, supervised by a teacher and a professional counselor. " In fact, the mini-company operates as a limited company and is developing a product or service for marketing. "Once a week, the mini-entrepreneurs coming together to build their project.Together they perform a market study, is social capital by soliciting shareholders elect a board and planning a business strategy. "

MEDEF decided this year to honor the mini-Hortensys company, founded by twelve high school students currently in third class DP3 (with an optional "discovery work" of three hours per week) in college Albert Camus Jarville ( Meurthe-et-Moselle). Their project: the design, manufacture and marketing of a "slug catcher" ecological and aesthetic. The idea from a simple observation: the products used to combat pests in gardens are often polluting and very expensive. They created a "slug catcher" both economic and environmentally friendly.Hortensys-name is entirely appropriate to their business, since Hortensys is the Latin name of the slug-was presented at the show Codice national price, which rewards the best mini-company financial management and commercial . They also support a strong network of distribution including department stores and Auchan Intermarché of Greater Nancy.

"The mini-company can introduce young – 14 to 20 years – in economic life and particularly in business creation," said a representative of the EPA Lorraine. This is a great opportunity for students to learn to be autonomous and to project into the future. Hortensys end of the 2008/2009 promotion will continue to operate as an association to the majority of its young creators.Small budding entrepreneurs are more motivated than ever, they have diversified their business with an ingenious system for three-time scare-moles without harming them-lawns. A project they will carry when they found the money.

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The Ministry of Labour are fewer social plans. The first half of 2011, recorded 507 Dares backup plans in employment (PSE), according to Les Echos on Wednesday morning. It is 30% less than the first half of 2010 and 60% less than the same period of 2009, where the destruction of jobs reached a record level.

In total, the plans submitted earlier this year targeted the elimination of 25,000 jobs, against 35,000 in the first half of 2010. The stigma of the crisis have not yet been erased: PSE 507 registered in the first half, it's still 40% more than in 2008.

Increase job creation

These figures confirm a trend already highlighted by the INSEE and Dares. The net job creation continued to rise in the first half, despite the uncertainty on growth.126,500 jobs were created in the market sector, a trend that accelerated in the second quarter.

The particular industry, particularly affected by the PSE, recorded in job creation for the first time in ten years. "With the acquisition, the use of overtime in the industry declined, giving way to new hires," Dominique Barbet analysis, economist at BNP Paribas. These new jobs, however, remained insufficient to curb unemployment, increased again in May and June

Substitution effects

The decrease in the number of PES is also to be taken with caution. Part of the ruptures conventional recorded since the scheme in 2008 could indeed have substituted for the redundancies, and thus contribute to an artificially low numbers.The development of off mobility and the increased use of temporary and fixed term contract, could also have played.

With a growth rate in 2011 likely to be less than expected, this downward trend may not otherwise be pursued so as frank. The PMI index released Tuesday by Markit already reveals a contraction of industrial activity in August. Business leaders surveyed this month said a volume of new orders down, the most severe recorded for 27 months. The rate of creation of posts at the highest level in four months, it does not yet felt.

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After a week marked by sharp declines, Asian stock markets leave forward cautiously. Investors remain troubled by the prospect of a new economic recession in the world. As such, they are waiting with some excitement the second estimate of GDP of the United States on Friday and the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke. The markets expect the Fed printing money stimulus to boost the economy.

The Nikkei in Tokyo Stock Exchange is 0.58% at 8677.94 points, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong gained 0.56% to 19,596.30 points and the Shanghai CSI 300 rose 0.69% to 2796.99 points.

On the other Asian financial centers, the increase is much greater: the Taiwan TAIEX climbed 2.24% to 7476.41 points, the Kospi index in Seoul wins up 3.22% to 1765.76 points, S & P / ASX 200 gained 1.63% to 4148.80 points.Only the Bombay Stock Exchange fell slightly from 0.31% to 16,291 points.

Oil prices were careful Tuesday morning during electronic trading in Asia, in a market sensitive to developments in Libya, oil-producing country, where the rebels claim victory, while supporters of the regime say they are still in control. In morning trading, a barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery fell by 2 cents to 108.34 dollars, after losing 18 cents in early trade. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 27 cents 84.69 dollars.

Gold crossed for the first time in its history on Tuesday morning a new record of more than 1,900 dollars per ounce during trading in Hong Kong. The ounce of gold was worth 1914.50 / 1915.50 dollars, after opening at 1.898/1.899 dollars.The yellow metal continues to grow for several days, attracting investors worried about the health of the global economy, the debt crisis in the euro area and geopolitical uncertainties in the Arab world.

After a rebound during the session, Wall Street has finally caught up by letting the gloom hanging over global stock markets for two weeks at the close on Friday, the Dow Jones gives 1.57% to 10,818.48 points and the Nasdaq, dominated by technology loses 1.32 points 2341.86.

After opening in the red, the indices of New York had yet managed to climb briefly into the green. Before ending again in the red. Of all black this week, the Dow Jones lost 3.71% and the Nasdaq fell 6.53%.

This Friday, the NYSE has not been spared by the new storm that struck the European stock exchanges and which had already shaken the stock markets in Asia. Yesterday, as elsewhere, the New York Stock Exchange closed down a massive, affected by disappointing indicators released during the meeting confirming the poor performance of the U.S. economy.Moreover, operators, already worried by the economy of the euro area, were cooled by the large loan dollars awarded by the European Central Bank (ECB) to a bank in Europe, whose identity has not been revealed. This action has reinforced doubts about the ability of banks to refinance the region. The euro also declined against the dollar and is trading around 1.4290 dollars against 1.4319 on Thursday.

Finally, Morgan Stanley confirmed the fears of a global economic slowdown by scaling back its growth forecasts for 2011 and 2012. The bank also said the United States and Europe were "dangerously close to recession."

Evidence that the operators' confidence is at its lowest, gold, a safe haven par excellence, is powered from yesterday to new heights.On Friday, an ounce reached a new record in 1864 dollars after jumping up to 1867 payday advance.30 dollars in the morning. For its part, a barrel of U.S. light crude oil, which fell 6% yesterday, still lost 12 cents Friday to 82.26 dollars a barrel. Over the whole week, he lost 3.12 dollars, or 3.65%, registering a fourth weekly loss in a row. Contracts on October Brent have lost them for their $ 1.63 to 108.62 dollars a barrel.

Values ​​of the day

On the corporate side, this session will be marked by a slump in Hewlett-Packard, which lost just over 20% to 23.60 dollars. The group published its results on Thursday lowered its annual forecast for the third consecutive time. It now expects an annual turnover of between 127.2 and 127.6 billion dollars, against a previous estimate of between 129 and 130 billion.The group, which has made a takeover offer for the British publisher of software Autonomy, has also announced plans to dispose of its business in personal computers. Another major surprise: HP goes out of business in the mobile, arresting the development of tablets and smartphones.

Bank of America (-1.14% to 6.93 dollars) will remove 3500 positions during the quarter, according to an internal document cited by Reuters.

Autodesk (-11.69% to 23.41 dollars) has reported a 6% increase in revenues in the second quarter and a net profit better than expected at 71.2 million euros, or 30 cents per share.

Gap (-8.61% to 10.67 dollars) on Thursday posted a quarterly profit above analysts' expectations despite lower sales to a number of store.Net income for the group totaled $ 189 million (131.8 million), or 35 cents a share, against $ 234 million, or 36 cents per share a year earlier.

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After nine sessions of declines, with a final closing last fall, and early trading down 3% Friday morning, the Cac 40 rebounds. But last month, the benchmark index of the Paris stock exchange has lost 17%. Suffice to say that it takes up 2% at 14:30 will not be enough to regain the ground lost. This change in trend, however, marks a return of enthusiasm among investors, and this improvement is welcome as the context was sluggish in recent days.

The breath of fresh air came from the United States, where the release of employment figures for the month of July has created a pleasant surprise, and somewhat allayed doubts about growth.

The United States has in fact been a net creation of 117,000 jobs during the last month.a figure that is 38% higher than that which is law in the community of analysts who had forecast 85,000 new jobs created, at best.

With these hires more dynamic than expected, the U.S. unemployment rate ebbs. 0.1 points. But, however small it is, this figure is enough to pleasantly surprise the markets that relied on a stable unemployment rate in the U.S..

Other exchanges in Europe are more timid in the rebound

Other major European financial centers reduce their losses, but with more caution. To 15 hours, the Footsie-100 from the London Stock Exchange limit its losses to 0.2% to 5338 points (-2.58% against the opening).

However, the Dax 30 of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is down quite markedly, falling 0.83% to 6361 points (-3.85% against the beginning of the meeting). The Brussels Bel 20 was down 1.08% to 2199 points (-3.61% against the opening).

Milan and Madrid, who were moving against the tide this morning, buoyed by market rumors suggesting an intervention by the ECB, their speed increases. In Italy, the MIB FTSE gains 1.66% at 17,160 points while the Spanish Ibex rose 2.09% to 1868 points.

The trade deficit of France back in June

Other macroeconomic news: the trade deficit of France. He was greatly reduced in June to 5.598 billion euros, after 6.415 billion in May, according to data released Friday by Customs.

On the podium of the largest declines the CAC 40, Unibail-Rodamco lost 4.49% to 137.3 euros, Technip loose 2.55% to 62.95 euros and Lafarge drops 2.35% to 30.995 euros.

Natixis: 8.46% to 3.012 euros

Natixis on Thursday posted a net profit above expectations in the second quarter thanks to a sharp increase in the contribution of results from regional banks of its parent BPCE (People's Bank – Savings Bank).

Dexia: -2.9% to 1.608 euros

Dexia announced the heaviest loss in its history, a performance due to both the sale of a portfolio of toxic assets – centerpiece of its restructuring plan – and its contribution to the aid plan on sovereign debt Greek.

Carrefour: 1.21% to 18.79 euros

Carrefour announced a new reorganization of its management, including replacing its chief financial officer, when the group just straightening operations in France and suffered a major strategic setback in Brazil.

LVMH: 1.74% to 117.20 euros

LVMH said Thursday it had received approval from Consob, the Italian stock market authority, for offering Italian jeweler Bulgari on which he announced the takeover in March.

Vicat: 0.41% to 46.99 euros

Vicat said Thursday expect a slight reduction of its operating margin in 2011 due to the revolution in Egypt, rising energy costs and start-up costs of factories in India.

Saint-Gobain can be serene in 2011. In publishing, for the first half of the year, net income has rebounded more than half, the direction of the construction group was able to confirm its objective of growth "sustained" and up "double-digit "of its operating income. Saint-Gobain has indeed revealed this Thursday evening in a statement, a profit of 768 million euros over the first six months of the year (53.3% over the same period of 2010), with higher volumes and selling prices. Operating income, however, has jumped 19% to 1.72 billion euros. Confirming "the gradual recovery activities related to residential construction in Europe", the turnover the first six months of the year earned 6.9% to 20.9 billion euros, while the result of operations rose 19% to 1.7 billion euros.At the end of June, net debt of Saint-Gobain was stable at 9.1 billion euros.

"The continued growth of our business in the first half confirmed the recovery in sales volumes seen in 2010, and our ability to successfully pursue our policy of priority to the sale price," said Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, CEO of Saint-Gobain, even though the group has faced higher costs of raw materials and energy.

Accelerate acquisitions

Saint-Gobain's acquisitions will accelerate in the second half to take advantage of the recovery volume.The group has already announced the first of the year several acquisitions, including the distribution with a proposed takeover of the network and Brossette Build Centre for a total of 351 million euros and a acquisition in Russia in the insulation and the plasterboard in Turkey, who number this time tens of millions of euros bad credit payday loans.

"There are a number of acquisitions that are in progress, so I can not give you the amount in the second half but it will be very Arguably higher the amount we had in the first half," assured Pierre-Andre Chalendar."We have a PORTFOLIO of files in negotiation is important, but we are very strict on the debt, therefore the amounts we are talking about a few hundred million."

The IPO Verallia not ruled out

Saint-Gobain has "always the intention of getting the stock market" Verallia, its subsidiary in bottles and glass jars and take "a decision based on market conditions," said the boss of the French group, while the development project on the Paris market was delayed.

On June 20, in fact, Saint-Gobain decided at the last minute to postpone the entry of the Paris Bourse Verallia due to market conditions deemed "very unfavorable."

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Session auspicious for ArcelorMittal. Around 10:20, the title of the fastest rising Cac 40: 1.87% to 22.59 euros in a market down 0.78%. Investors welcomed the quarterly results of the world's number one steel.

Despite a 10% drop in net profit in the second quarter over one year to $ 1.5 billion, ArcelorMittal has been a further improvement in operating performance. The gross operating income has increased by 21.5% year on year to $ 3.4 billion (2.3 billion euros). Moreover, the turnover has won 24.7% to $ 25.1 billion (17.3 billion euros)."As we anticipated, the company reported a strong performance in the second quarter of 2011, driven by higher selling prices of steel," said CEO Lakshmi Mittal said in the statement.

But these indicators should weaken in the third quarter, the steel industry was experiencing a generally soft, due to plant closures for holidays in Europe and a slowdown in demand. ArcelorMittal anticipates a gross operating profit (EBITDA) of between 2.4 and 2.8 billion (1.6 to 1.9 billion euros).

However, the group expects strong demand from China and the automotive sector, which should prevent it from experiencing the same quarter in 2010."Although the third quarter should be somewhat affected by seasonal factors, they should not be as pronounced as last year and the performance of the group the second half of 2011 should be compared favorably with that the second half of 2010, "assured Lakshmi Mittal.