International Headlines and Stories

EADS, the European manufacturer announced in a news release its second quarter as a significant decline in profits. With effect from April to June, the result came back 208 million euros to 82 million. At the same time, the turnover was little changed at 11.35 billion (11.73 billion for the same period last year). Over the half, earnings were 185 million against 378 million in billings from 20.308 billion. Reduced to an action, the benefit is 0.23 cents (0.47 cents to end June 2009).

Despite the marked decrease in profits, the group has revised its targets upwards for the whole year. It now expects over 44 billion ors billings. The group also announced a production rate of the A320 increased to 40 per month.

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Tax audits conducted in 2009 by agents of IRS reported 14.7 billion euros in state on Monday said the financial daily Les Echos, citing the report of activities of the Directorate General of Public Finance (DGFIP) .

The figure is down from the previous two years. In 2008, the checks had been recovered 15.2 billion euros. In 2007, some 16.4 billion euros had been collected by the State.

Of these 14.7 billion, some 3.5 billion are directly related to the fight against tax fraud and penalize "failure characterized," says the DGFIP. In addition, the amount quoted in the report does not include money collected by the unit set up by Bercy to allow taxpayers with undeclared assets abroad to regularize their situation.The 3500 tax evaders repented reported at 31 December 2009 – a total assets of around EUR 6 billion – and would in turn reported 700 million euros in taxes.

Nearly 48,000 companies controlled

In detail, the tax recovered last year nearly 4.8 billion euros through desk audits, carried out from offices, against 5.6 billion in 2008 and $ 5.9 billion in 2007.

Conversely, the product of the 51,000 "spot checks" made directly to individuals (3912) and especially for businesses (almost 48,000), is up: they have helped to recover 7.6 billion EUR rights, plus penalties of 2.3 billion.Moreover, these cases have resulted in 939 complaints of tax evasion, said the DGFIP.

32 million from traffickers

The President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, had announced that he wanted "to strike at traffickers portfolio. Two hundred control operations were carried out in sensitive areas and led to recalls and fines of 32 million euros.

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End of season for the radio. It resulted in a further reorganization of the podium radios, according to the poll of 126,000 Radio Médiamétrie for the months of April to June 2010.

Always the first radio station in France, RTL consolidates its position with 12.1% of total audience. It is followed by France Inter stable at 10.3% of total audience. However, NRJ resumed his place on the third step of the podium. Down 0.2 point to 9.8% of total audience, the first musical of France especially took advantage of the fall of a Europe that had expired in November-December 2009.The general group Lagardere lost 0.4 points to 8.7% of total audience.

Among GPs, RMC and France Bleu perform best, earning 0.1 points respectively to 6.8% audience share and 0.4 points to 6.9% of total audience payday advance.

The music stations have also incorporated color on the end of the season that marks the arrival of summer. Skyrock (8.1%), Fun Radio (7.4%), RTL2 (4.8%) and Cherie FM (4.6%) are all up compared to last year.

A performance that indicates a radio market stable at a relatively low every day 80.9% of French people aged 13 and over listen to the radio every day, more than 42.1 million people.

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In an update of its economic growth forecasts published in Hong Kong Thursday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to show more optimism for global economies, with the exception of France and Great Britain. The IMF has lowered its estimate of 0.1 growth in 2010 for both countries relative to expectations in April, until now +1.4% for France and 1.2% for Great Britain. Regarding the euro area, the IMF maintains its forecast for growth of 1%. Conversely, it has raised its projection for global growth in 2010 to 4.6% against 4.2% estimated in April.

The IMF draws attention to the financial sector, less and less stable, due to the rising public debt in many countries. It focuses on the risks as well, which "have greatly increased" since April.The international institution recognizes that "progress toward global financial stability have recently suffered a setback. The risks on the public debt in some part of the eurozone have materialized and extended the financial sector in the region, threatening to spread to other regions and generate a downward spiral again winning the economy. "

Reaction of central banks

In this context, the IMF estimated that some central banks may have to ease these tensions further relaxing its monetary policy. They could be forced to inject new liquidity into the economy. The question is what will be the decisions of the European Central Bank and Bank of England, who must keep their monetary policy meetings in the day. Governments are also urged to take action to support the economy.The International Monetary Fund has renewed its request for implementation of "emergency" plans "medium-term fiscal consolidation pro-growth".

Great absent G20 Toronto, the issue of tax havens coming back in the headlines the case Bettencourt. The conversations between plays Liliane Bettencourt and Patrice de Maistre, the man who manages his vast fortune, revealed the existence of undeclared accounts in Switzerland for a total of some 80 million euros and a small private island lost in the Indian Ocean, estimated between 300 and 500 million euros. A "case study" that illustrates the mechanisms and the persistence of tax evasion.

Despite the political will displayed at the G20 in London in April 2009, chief among which those of Paris, Berlin and Washington, hunting bank secrecy small steps.Like it or not the president, Nicolas Sarkozy, who said: "Tax havens, it's over." Certainly, under pressure from the G20, the major financial markets have taken one at a time with the standards of exchange information of the OECD, the risk of being pinned on a blacklist. What this implies for the treasury of the countries referred to respond to requests for information in cases of suspected tax evasion proved.

Hunting opacity

Since then, over 400 bilateral agreements were signed, including between France and Switzerland. The text was adopted on June 18 last, by the Swiss Parliament since Tuesday and is registered in the Official Journal of Switzerland. The entry into force can not be done until after the legal deadline is October 7, allowed the organization of a referendum. French side, the agreement is still not included in the agenda of the Assembly."Will stay then test its effectiveness, said Jean Merckaert, specialist tax fraud CCFD, a development NGO. These past months have shown, lists stolen (HSBC France, UBS in the United States), which allowed the transfer of thousands of names, are more effective than the exchange of information through the conventions. "

General Delegate to the fight against uncooperative jurisdictions, François d'Aubert acknowledged the imperfection of the system, where you just twelve agreements out of the list, which is more that can be signed with other tax havens. "We need the tax administrations of each country can have access to bank accounts, accounting firms and identify the beneficiaries of a trust," he said recently. Like the little corner of paradise in the Seychelles, hidden behind a foundation, the opacity remains the bete noire of the treasury.

Almost 9% increase! Half an hour after the opening of the Paris Stock Exchange on Thursday, Valeo posted the strongest increase in the SRD: 8.77% to 23.81 euros in a market up 2.2%. The carmaker brings with it its main competitor Faurecia climbed 6.53% to 13.13 euros.

This remarkable evolution follows the statement released Wednesday by Valeo, in which the group calls itself "confident" in achieving its goal of doubling its operating margin compared to 2009, notified on 24 February. The group is therefore an operating margin of almost 4% of its turnover in 2009 against 1.8% and 2.7% in 2008.Just in the first half, Valeo anticipates an operating margin approaching 6%, the highest rate on a semester during the last eight years.

Nomura to buy rest

The supplier table, moreover, still for the first half of 2010, on a turnover of around 4.7 billion euros, an increase of about 35% compared to the first half of 2009. Consensus Thomson Reuters, meanwhile, put on a turnover of 8.2 billion euros for the group in 2010 with an operating profit of 301 million, which would result in a margin of 3.67%.

This perspective reinforces the analysts at Nomura, in their recommendation to purchase the title. They said the current valuation of Valeo offers significant upside potential and thus provides a good buying opportunity. Nomura sets the price target to 35 euros.

For three months, Nestle tries the impossible in France. In a market of bottled water down the last ten years, the world number one is preparing to launch a new brand. And not just any, as this is the introduction in France of Pure Life, world's leading brand of bottled water.

"There is a French project that builds on the success of Nestle Pure Life," said Le Figaro Hubert Genieys, communications director of Nestlé Waters. The group is "by the summer" to make a decision. The weather also seal the fate of Aquarel spring water to Nestle family launched in 2000 with sales in France have not taken off.And that could eventually be replaced by the French version of Pure Life Pure Life.

Nestle Pure Life is tested in twenty supermarkets size of Le Mans and Angers, the two largest test markets in Europe, as announced last month our colleague Ray beverage. The test should be completed in the coming days, once the remaining stocks sold. "The book starts slowly," says Jean-Marc Renaudin, head of the radius drinks Leclerc Angers. "It's a grain of sand against a mountain!" He adds, referring to sales of Cristaline: the market leader – sold € 1.02 pack of six 1.5 liter bottles – sells 25 30 pallets per week (2800-3360 packs), while Pure Life, which costs twice as much, capped at half a pallet (32 packs) … In times of promotions (- 50%), however, sales may go up to four half-pallets in a weekend.In Intermarché of Le Mans, the permanent discount on Pure Life (1.02 euro) cut the lead in sales (which reads from one to ten) with Cristaline.

The linear congested

"It is completely below the cost price, these prices will not last long!" Fumed Peter Papillaud majority shareholder group Alma (Cristaline Vichy Celestine, St Yorre, etc..), Which gives the winning Figaro 0.33 euro per bottle, without promotion or communication, through reduced shipping costs to a minimum. Since he has seen at Le Mans last month, the posters of Pure Life, Peter Papillaud still furious. He campaigned against Nestlé with its distributor customers.Until patterns of signs to which he recalls that they allowed, with Cristaline, "not to lose money on the waters first prize."

The placement price of one Pure Life is strangely reminiscent of Aquarel (2.95 euros per pack of 6), a time sponsor of the Tour de France, with which Nestlé wanted to become a leader in Europe. Number two in Spain, and number three in Hungary, Aquarel never exceeded 1.5% market share in France. In several large areas of Le Mans and Angers, it has already disappeared from the shelves for almost a year. "In France, in a particularly unfavorable brand now boasts good performances, however, below our expectations," said Hubert Genieys."Aquarel suffered a mid-range position, caught between an actor unbeatable pricing and what Cristaline mineral water like Evian, Volvic and Vittel that provide reinsurance, analysis Bernard Malik, a partner the firm Roland Berger.

This does not Nestle to think big. He hopes to replicate the success story in France Pure Life number one in the United States, Egypt and Jordan, number three in Turkey and Shanghai. His recipe: low price, strong networking planning and adaptability to local consumption patterns. Launched in 1998 in Pakistan, the water present in 28 countries is natural in France, addressed to the U.S., desalinated in the Middle East, remineralized in some countries. For five years, she has an annual growth of 24%, but its presence in northern Europe is limited to Great Britain and Germany.Nestle's dream to find a recipe for anti-crisis on the French market.

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In Los Angeles

Sir Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony, never gives up. The firm, however, Tokyo has accumulated errors during the last decade. She has lost the digital music player market against Apple. His video game consoles, are in third place, behind Microsoft and its Xbox 360 is far behind Nintendo and its Wii. Worse, the TV market, the former world number one until 2006 was demoted to third place by the South Korean Samsung and LG. But the 3D could change that.

Sony plays an ambitious part with 3D. "We are present throughout the chain of video images in 3D. From the professional camera lens for up to televisions, via the video game consoles, games and movies, "recalls Nick Sharples, a spokesman for Sony in Europe.The Tokyo firm could also add 3D to its Vaio PC, even though no one has this feature. Ultimately, its mobile phones designed by its joint venture with Ericsson of Sweden could also benefit from a screen in relief.

From the camera to video games

In contrast, the 3D cameras to film and sporting events, Sony is the only group with fellow electronics Panasonic offer professional equipment. The Tokyo company has partnered with the company to improve its 3ality cameras that use two objectives and can play on the "depth" of the effect in relief. For 3D TV, the group wants to propose "in France around the Soccer World Cup which starts on June 11," said Philippe Citro?n, managing director of Sony in France Guaranteed pay day loans.

But it will gain in the battle along with Philips and LG, and well after its competitors Samsung and Panasonic, who already sell their screens in the United States. However, these Sony TVs 3D can be coupled to the PlayStation 3 which will be adapted in June, games in relief. The game programs will be announced in mid-April. A second amendment to the PS3, the second semester will play Blu-ray videos in relief, in high definition. It is a competitive advantage over other consoles.

Sony is finally the only one with studios to make films in 3D and special effects. Sony Pictures Digital is especially designed computer images of Alice in Tim Burton, produced by Disney. "We can accomplish miracles, as to eliminate the reflection of a person in a mirror.But it is not possible to convert to 3D, traditional scenes with smoke, rain or snow falls, "says Buzz Hays, director of the 3D shape of Sony's directors. The group has already contributed to 8 films in relief since 2004 and participates in the rise of Hollywood studios to provide "46 films in 3D in 2010 against 17 in 2008," according to the firm Futuresource. According to Michael Lynton, president of Sony Pictures, "We are at the beginning of a profound change for the film industry."

The index futures are predicting a slightly lower opening of U.S. markets after already six consecutive sessions in green. Not since August 2009 to find such a series of increases on Wall Street. On the momentum of the day, U.S. markets have ended on a new annual summit Wednesday. The indices have continued to benefit from the status quo monetary decided by the Fed, and the reassurance of the U.S. central bank on the health of the economy.

Shortly before the opening of markets across the Atlantic, the index futures Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 slid 0.11% respectively at 1 164.50 points and 0.05% to 1 935.50 points.

In the United States, the session will be punctuated by the publication of a series of indicators. Investors will first knowledge of the price index for consumption for the month of February.Analysts on average expect a price increase of 0.1% over one month and 2.3% over one year. The day will then continue with the announcement of weekly unemployment registration and publication of the balance of current accounts for the last three months of 2009. Experts expect a deficit just under 120 billion dollars. Follow the index of the Central Bank of Philadelphia for the month of March and the composite index of leading indicators for February.

On the currency markets, the euro back down to $ 1.37 after Germany had banged his fist on the table against Greece and the assumption of an IMF assistance had resurfaced.The barrel of oil is still firm, the new deadline of May of Brent trading at 81.48 dollars on the London market an ounce of gold.

Nike back to growth

On the side of values, the number one sports equipment, Nike announced after the close on Wall Street a return to growth in sales and profits. In the third quarter of its fiscal year ended in late February), Nike has made a net profit of 496 million dollars against 244 million a year earlier on the same period. A few months before the World Cup 2010, its backlog has already greatly improved and the group expects a continuation of this trend.

A follow also the title of the aircraft manufacturer Boeing. China has ordered its airlines to conduct checks of their Boeing 737 after a similar decision of U.S. authorities.The decision of the Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), which covers 400 aircraft, follows concerns about possible security problems related to a component in the tail of the aircraft.

The results of FedEx for the third quarter are expected on Thursday. The numbers of specialist couriers are always observed under the microscope by investors. Indeed, they generally face forward barometer of U.S. business activity.

Announced in May, the marketing of coffee pods Casino compatible with Nespresso coffee machines, breaking for the first time the monopoly of the subsidiary of Nestl? on its capsules, should lead to jostling on the shelves of super, supermarkets and mini-markets group Etienne. It could also lead to a rush in the courtroom. "We will defend our interests in a very strong," says Le Figaro Richard Girardot, CEO of Nespresso.

Ethical Coffee Company (ECC), the young Swiss company founded by a former boss of Nespresso and Casino, has negotiated exclusive distribution in France capsules designed by ECC, ensure not to violate any of the patents filed by the subsidiary Nestle. Those who protect the first generation of capsules are supposed to fall into the public domain until late 2012 payday advances .ECC claims to have found a loophole allowing him to circumvent the patent protection. "It seems very surprising to our lawyers," stressed the head of Nespresso, which states that the 1700 patent filed by the group to protect the faith the capsules and how they are used in coffee makers.

The leaders of Nespresso, which could not see, and because the capsule competing, let alone taste it, do not count undertake preventive approach, both towards Casino, ECC or its sub Folliet contractor, the roaster Chambery which supports the production of pods. But with their lawyers, they will likely be the first to rush into the shelves of Casino.

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