Jul 19 2010

Paris Plages resistant rigor

Tag: business, events, features, finance, specialadmin @ 10:44 pm

For the ninth year, Paris is transformed into a seaside resort in summer time. Paris Plages opens Tuesday and runs until August 20. Eight weeks in which Parisians can enjoy sandy beaches, a water sports center, sports and cultural events all audiences. But this year, no major new features only on the Paris agenda Beaches. As in 2009, solidarity is the main theme of the event.

The Paris city council, which organized the operation every summer since 2002, has in fact faced with a limited budget for this year 2010: 2.2 million euros (about $ 1 million from the partners), against 2.5 million 2009. A reduction of 300,000 euros. The time savings, and Paris Plages is no exception.

Witness the profusion of the sponsors of the operation."Our partners are also affected by the crisis," says one to the City of Paris. "Some can no longer support such partnerships. Others simply want to change backgrounds. "Thus Dailymonop, which is part of the adventure for eight years, this association has not renewed this year. Orange and EDF are no longer either in the list of sponsors of the Paris demonstration.

The dance partners

The cement manufacturer Lafarge, it is still there. As every summer for eight years, the group sent last weekend of the 2000 tons of sand needed to achieve the beach on the quays Voie Georges Pompidou and the Bassin de la Villette free credit report and score. Delivery, "offered", which was carried by barge from the quarry Sandrancourt in the Yvelines.Other faithful among the faithful, Fnac is a partner unassailable. Beaches and Paris will host the 7th edition of the Festival FnacIndétendances. More than 30 free concerts on the square of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris.

The event in Paris has not lost its capital seduction. "Despite the crisis, several companies have joined in Paris Beaches for the first time this year," remarked Will there be the City Hall of Paris. It must be said that the event represents a great marketing opportunity. Thus Fatboy (a manufacturer of decorative cushions) and rely on the glacier Mÿberry Paris Beaches to highlight their products. The market teaches Franprix (Casino Group), meanwhile, relies on the event to strengthen its brand positioning proximity.

The promise of visibility

For the first time, the sign of the Casino Group is an official partner of Paris Plages.She co-hosted several times a day, a workshop smoothies for children. "This stand, fun and educational, aims to transport the children into the world of fruits and vegetables," says Jean-Paul Mochet, Director of Market Franprix. A visibility that is timely for the brand which has rolled out a new sales concept focusing on fresh and authentic.

Jean-Paul Mochet, Director of Market Franprix.


Jul 12 2010

The quarterly results season starts

Tag: economic, features, international, publications, worldadmin @ 11:16 pm

While the debate between plans and rigor stimulus facilitated the markets in recent weeks, the attention of analysts and investors will again be focused on the financial performance of companies from Monday. Indeed, the U.S. giant Alcoa aluminum ball will open the second quarter of publications in the U.S., after market.

If analysts have recently lowered their forecasts for the group in front of the lower aluminum prices, Alcoa will announce earnings for the second quarter, against a loss last year. The title Alcoa ended Friday at 10.94 dollars, up 2.05%. The volley of U.S. results will continue this week with the technology companies Google, Advanced Micro Devices or Intel, and banks JPMorgan and Bank of America. Citigroup and General Electric will unveil their findings Friday.

Renewed investor confidence

Pending these publications, it is time for optimism in the U.S.. The Dow Jones closed up about 0.57% Friday at 10,197.19 points while the Nasdaq advanced 0.97% to 2196.45 points. Among the good news that restored investor confidence late last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast for global growth for 2010 at 4.6% against 4.2% estimated in April.

Analysts polled by Reuters predict the results of the groups listed on the S & P 500 will emerge up 27% for the second quarter, more than the 22% increase posted during the first three months of the year. "We are seeing one of the occasions of the highest profits in history," said David S.Bianco, chief strategist for the United States at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, interviewed by The New York Times. According to him, he must go back to the Great Depression of the 30s to see such a rebound.

Markets should also respond well to the results to be published in Europe, where the decline of the euro against the dollar is favorable to businesses. "Like the U.S., figures released by the European companies will be rather positive," said Vincent Treulet, head of investment strategy at BNP Paribas AM. "The second quarter was dynamic on both sides of the Atlantic, compared to the second quarter of 2009." Figures released this week will quantify this improved profitability. And reassure the markets, accordingly.

The speeches of leaders scrutinized

In this context, however, uncertainty haunts the minds of economists. The expected rebound in profits he heralding an improvement on the employment front, at a time when companies continue to cut costs to improve their productivity? "We can expect that the outlook announced by the companies are more optimistic that the sentiments expressed by employees and households," said David S. Bianco.

Beyond the quantitative assessments of companies, are the speeches of leaders who will focus the attention of investors and dictate the trend on stock markets. And this, in the U.S. and Europe. Some experts expect however that these comments remain rather vague. Companies may place more emphasis on the lack of visibility."It could indeed disappoint the markets in the medium to long term," according to Vincent Treulet.

Analysts too optimistic?

Especially as the expert anticipates a slowdown in growth for the second half of 2010. In addition, many operators believe that analysts, encouraged by the good figures for the first quarter of 2010, advance estimates too high for 2011. "The consensus view that corporate profits would exceed the peak reached in 2007, which seems overly optimistic," says the strategist at BNP Paribas AM.

Businesses now report what scenario they anticipate. In France, the dance of publications of the second quarter and first half will open July 22, with STMicroelectronics. Some companies, however, reveal their sales figures this week, including L'Oreal on Monday after the close of trading Thursday and Carrefour.


Jul 10 2010

BP could contain the oil spill Monday

Tag: people, resources, special, technology, worldadmin @ 3:32 pm

This is the most reassuring news announced by the U.S. authorities for more than two months. According to Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen American to oversee cleanup operations in the Gulf of Mexico, BP should be able to contain 100% the gap in the well from which oil flows to by Monday. A new funnel, bigger than previous ones, is currently installed by the British oil.

This funnel, called "Top Hat Number 10", should recover up to 80,000 barrels of oil per day (12.7 million liters), against 25,000 now. The authorities are optimistic that based on their assessments, the well lost more than 60,000 barrels per day. The previous dome will be first removed. A large quantity of oil escape so well for 48 hours.But once the new funnel posed, the results will be immediate, promises Thad Allen.

Since April 20, the day of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon platform off the coast of Louisiana, BP has increased its attempts to clogging, all unsuccessful.

No stop before August

BP was more cautious in its forecasts. Bob Dudley, responsible for managing the disaster, spoke of another scenario where difficulties in installing the new funnel could delay the time from Monday to Thursday.

But authorities are confident: "We have the climate we need," said Thad Allen. The admiral, however, required to calm the enthusiasm that followed the announcement. "I used the word 'contain' and not 'stop'," he commented. According to him, the well would not be closed as well as two-pass will not be completed.These wells, dug deep to inject cement and mud, should not be installed until mid-August. Once the leak stopped, the extensive cleaning and restoration of the ratings will continue.

Anadarko does not pay

On this last point, BP was again struck Friday denied Anadarko Petroleum. The company, which owns 25% of wells responsible for the spill, said she would not pay the $ 272 million that BP is asking her to cover their share of cleanup costs, according to U.S. law known pollution.

On June 18, the tension was raised a notch between the two partners lorsqu'Anadarko stated that the explosion of April 20 on the platform Deepwater Horizon, "was preventable and was a direct result of decisions and actions BP unthinking.

In another e-mail sent Friday, a spokesman for Anadarko, John Christiansen, however, felt that his group remained "committed to working in good faith with BP to reach a satisfactory resolution."

BP is now awaiting the response of Mitsui, which owns 10% of the wells. The British oil giant is claiming $ 112 million for cleanup costs. The company has not yet made its position.

ALSO READ:

Why BP is its own insurer

"BP continues to seek investors

"The spill has now reached the shores of Texas

"The oil companies have a point against Obama


Jun 19 2010

Danone merged with Russian Unimilk

Tag: business, money, resources, special, top newsadmin @ 8:20 am

Danone and Russian Unimilk announced Friday the signing of an agreement to merge their dairy operations in Russia and nearby states (Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus).

This merger will create a new entity that will represent a turnover of around 1.5 billion euros. With 21% market share, it will be a leader in the dairy area CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States, Ed) and especially in Russia. " They will be checked at 57.5% and 42.5 Danone by current shareholders Unimilk.

In their communique, the two companies emphasize their complementarity, including their geographical location (Danone west, east Unimilk) and their products (on the segmented health Danone and core market segments for Unimilk).Unimilk is currently the second largest private company in the Russian dairy and infant nutrition.

"Nearly twenty years after our debut in Russia, said Franck Riboud, CEO of Danone, the creation of Unimilk Danone Danone is a strategic move in a region characterized by growth for years to come."


Jun 11 2010

The euro zone growth revised upwards in 2010

Tag: economic, finance, life, online, resourcesadmin @ 7:16 am

The European Central Bank (ECB) has revised upwards on Thursday the euro zone growth for 2010, but reduced its estimates for 2011. This year, says the guardian of the euro, growth should be between 0.7% and 1.3%, against 0.4% and 1.2% previously. Exports should benefit the business area, "said ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet.

In contrast, growth should be adversely affected by weaker domestic demand in 2011 than originally planned. The ECB now expects growth understood in a very wide range from 0.2% to 2.2%, against 0.5% to 2.5% previously estimated. Probably the negative effect of harsh announced plans in recent days, including Germany and Spain.In this context, inflation is likely to remain "moderate", said Jean-Claude Trichet.

"We believe that the euro zone economy would grow at a moderate pace in an environment (…) unusually high uncertainty", said Jean-Claude Trichet. "The uncertainty and the level of growth is not writing, it also depends on us", European institutions and governments, stressed the central banker faxless pay day loans. The ECB "endeavors to be an anchor, an island of confidence."

The euro, "very credible"

The ECB president also did not comment on the fall of the euro seen in recent weeks. The single currency, he hammered a currency is "very credible".He did not give further details regarding the buyback of government bonds in place last May in order to guarantee liquidity in a market completely frozen. The ECB has bought for 16.5 billion euros of bonds the first week, 10 billion for the second week, then 5.5 billion for the third, said only Jean-Claude Trichet.

The ECB president was pressed with questions about this decision heterodox. Done rare, Axel Weber, the German member of the Governing Council of the ECB, it is even publicly opposed. Jean-Claude Trichet reiterated that there was "a currency, a central bank, a board of governors," and therefore "a decision and an explanation for this decision" .


May 18 2010

Sperian Protection arouses the greed

Tag: features, news, online, opinions, peopleadmin @ 6:08 pm

Sperian Protection Company, specializing in personal protective equipment, issued a statement Monday announcing the takeover bid (OPA) friendly Menelas France SAS, owned by the investment fund Cinven, is extended until on May 21, 2010. The statement also indicates that Sperian has received other expressions of interest "proposals, serious (…) purchase at valuation levels significantly higher than that of Menelaus France SAS. For analysts of CM-CIC, "everything is possible".

Cinven announced last March 31 a proposed takeover bid at 70 euros per share, valuing the company at 536 million euros. The offer is considered "very generous" by analysts at Natixis, given in particular the good results of Sperian first quarter of 2010 (the organic revenue was up 16%) and developments in the euro dollar-positive group.

The bid has been received Cinven Favoral by the two shareholders of Sperian, Essilor and Dalloz, which together hold 28% stake Sperian easy payday loans. In contrast, the third shareholder, the fund Governance for Owners, which owns 10% stake, had expressed doubts about the offer price, equity and the "treatment of minority shareholders."

The names of two U.S. companies are cited

According to SocGen, a cons-offer could be made by U.S. companies like Honeywell and Kimberly-Clark have "a significant advantage in view of the euro / dollar." Societe Generale expects an offering price of between 80 and 101 euros.

The bank now recommends to "buy" the title Sperian, she previously advised to "keep".Societe Generale is one of over 90 euros on Sperian.

Meanwhile, the title Sperian continued to climb, showing the largest increase in the Paris Stock Exchange on Tuesday to 10.60%. Around 11:30 am, the share rose to 87.04 euros, a price above the offer of Cinven, a market up 1%.


Apr 09 2010

Further decline expected at the Paris Bourse

Tag: economics, news, opinions, people, publicationsadmin @ 6:52 am

The CAC 40 is expected to start Thursday's session in the red, in the wake of U.S. markets yesterday and Asian stock markets this morning. On Wednesday, the CAC 40 closed 0.67% in decline and ended at 4026 points.

Around 8:15 am, the CAC 40 index futures to predict an opening in April 2010 were down 0.38% to 4014 points.

The Greek situtation continues to worry, with its market "disconnected from reality", according to analysts. Wednesday noon, the Greek rate climbed to 7.176%.

The euro declines further against the dollar Thursday in favor of safer currencies considered as the yen. Around 8 am, the euro stood at 1.3332 dollars against 1.3339 dollars on Wednesday in 23 hours.

The ECB decision this afternoon

In France, the day will begin with the publication by the customs authorities of foreign trade value in February (at 8:45).The Department of Budget, at the same time, unveil the monthly statement of the State budget through February. Regarding the euro area, 11 hours, investors will pay particular attention to the retail trade, still for the month of February.

But the decision of the ECB (European Central Bank) on interest rates from the European Union will be scrutinized even more closely. If the status quo is widely expected, any change of tone in the speech of Jean-Claude Trichet could be perceived as a sign of a future monetary tightening.

In the U.S., the most watched weekly claims for unemployment benefits, at 14:30, will be published.Wednesday evening, Ben Bernanke, the Fed chief, said the United States are not "derived from business" and that the country will have to make sacrifices "inevitable" to resume a stronger growth.

Lagard?re pressure

On the alliance Renault-Nissan and Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, has welcomed the agreement. With their partnership, both groups rely on synergies and economies of scale to 2 billion euros each. They also intend to expand their cooperation. "It's not good at the right time, and for good reasons," he said Wednesday at a news conference.

Furthermore, tensions are growing between Lagard?re and Wyser-Pratte. The activist investor has scored two resolutions to the General Meeting of April 27.Note that since March 25, when the Franco-American investor said it held 0.53% of the media group, Lagardere's share rose almost 10%.

According to Les Echos, Airbus, EADS subsidiary, has 60 orders since the beginning of the year. Airbus has delivered 122 planes during the period for airlines including three A380s.

Maurel and Prom of 2009 results published in the red but was confident for 2010. The oil company proposed a dividend of EUR 0.10 (cons 0.35 for 2008).


Apr 07 2010

Sony's offensive through the 3D

Tag: Uncategorized, economy, online, resources, top newsadmin @ 4:24 pm

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."


Apr 03 2010

Tanker: EADS could reapply

Tag: economic, events, features, opinions, publicationsadmin @ 4:17 am

EADS, Airbus's parent company, it going down into the arena against Boeing in an attempt to win a giant contract for 35 billion dollars to supply the U.S. Air Force 179 tanker aircraft? The Pentagon has declared its readiness to extend 60 days of the closing date of the new tender for all EADS decides to apply. The giant European aerospace must inform the Pentagon beginning in May If EADS contributes again, the two candidates have until July 9 to respond to the call for tenders, the Pentagon will render its verdict this fall.

This proposal of the Ministry of Defense, Boeing has missed Thursday comes in the wake of the Obama-Sarkozy meeting in Washington. The two presidents have sought to calm the sceneBarack Obama has promised that the tender would be fair, Nicolas Sarkozy told to trust the President of the United States and found that EADS should respond.

Today, there is no reason to think that the Pentagon will change the 400 evaluation criteria for the tender as Northrop Grumman, EADS ally, was considered biased and cut on able to benefit Boeing and its 767 KC B facing the Airbus A 330 KC. In early March, Northrop decided to throw in the towel and not to compete; EADS had followed.The duo had yet won the contract in 2008 but was canceled.

If the criteria do not change, why it would persist EADS? The stakes are high because Airbus is counting on this contract to settle industrial United States with an assembly plant in Alabama to become a supplier to the Pentagon and a leading market player in the military world.

Therefore EADS can withdraw without having explored all avenues. "The Pentagon is not a political stance: it has opened the door. The question is whether we can rebuild the economy of the project with new partners while meeting the criteria with the best possible price cash advance no fax.This in 60 days, "says one at EADS.

Pentagon Approval

Mission impossible? This time, the group led by Louis Welsh would hand over the project and the allocation of tasks and margins because the Pentagon has agreed to accept as a leader (prime contractor), whereas previously this function was reserved for an American, namely Northrop.

EADS believes can be because it has already proven with the tanker for the Australian Army with the first aircraft to be delivered in Canberra in late 2010. The aircraft systems through the nacelles or the boom, the refueling boom, EADS and Airbus have done everything. Clearly, they have already militarized apparatus.In the U.S., the group would appeal to American partners with specific expertise that does not hold, for example on defense electronics (transmission interconnection between the planes of the U.S. Air Force …). Groups such as BAE Systems, Honeywell or L3com provide a good profile.

As a "bonus", EADS bear more risk, but still would review its pricing policy. In contrast, no question of taking the contract loss. EADS must reach adjust its prices so that its plane, larger than that of Boeing, is competitive. The Pentagon has made it clear he wants the best device whose capabilities are at least those of an airplane that looks like two drops of water in B767 and the lowest price. The Pentagon would not refuse a bigger plane if it did not cost more. The equation is complex.For now, the prevailing consensus within EADS to study the way to the end. But nothing is yet decided.

ALSO READ:

EADS has 60 days to make a bid on tanker


Mar 29 2010

The bargain of the Greek debt

Tag: finance, international, money, resources, technologyadmin @ 11:09 pm

Greece, with the support of other countries in the euro area, is back this Monday on the markets. It refinances its debt in bonds to 7 years. This issue of Treasury securities Greek makes good business sense for European banks, which appeared in mid-afternoon to honor the offer of Athens. By early afternoon, purchase orders amounting to 7 billion euros, while Athens was planning to raise 5 billion only.

To complete the transaction, Athens has mandated more European banks as on previous occasions, with ING and Societe Generale CIB. Two Greek banks, Alpha Bank and Emporiki Bank (subsidiary of Cr?dit Agricole) and Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, are also involved.

"The transaction represents a double opportunity," said Patrick Jacq, rates and currency strategist at BNP Paribas.First, Greece needs to refinance its debt and receives a guarantee of the Eurogroup. Then, considering the risk ultimately limited the rate of emission, at around 6% according to market sources, is very well paid cash till payday advance. Investors, reassured, therefore have to purchase, essentially says the strategist.

European banks can then buy the Greek bonds and use as a deposit to the European Central Bank (ECB) against loans to shorter terms, but at an interest rate of only 1%. Performance of the obligation Greek (6%) cons of refinancing rate of the ECB (1%) … The calculation is done quickly, "a port to 5 percentage points is very good," Judge Patrick Jacq.

The previous operations, launched January 25 and March 4 this year, had generated five times more demand than supply.Greece should lift nearly 20 billion euros on the market to refinance its debt by the end of May

See also:

"" SPECIAL – Greece, a challenge for Europe


Next Page »