International Headlines and Stories

Voted! Many viewers will be this Saturday night in tapping away on their mobiles to support one of four candidates – Louis, Stephan, Aude or Al.Hy – who will compete in the finals of The Voice télécrochet on TF1. All the more so since its launch on February 25, the show has excellent hearing, with nearly eight million viewers on average. If the suspense is over on the election's outcome, one thing is certain: the string will be the big winner of the evening. Charged € 0.65 per SMS, the votes of fans bring him close online pay day loans. According to a survey of Parisian, TF1 affects between 40,000 and 400,000 euros a Saturday night with these premium text messages, since the program began on February 25. And the final on Saturday will be the twelfth primetime télécrochet. "For every prime time The Voice, there are between 100,000 and hundreds of thousands of votes," says Krikorian Master everyday, the bailiff of Justice opens the envelopes on programs.

Viewers will vote to support one of four finalists.

From Sunday morning, Japan will be left without nuclear energy. The shutdown of the country's last active reactor actually began on Saturday, shattering the share of nuclear energy in electricity Japanese a little over a year after the disaster of Fukushima. A provisional release in principle. The last operating reactor, Tomari 1, on Hokkaido Island (north), farm inspection. The 54 reactors of the Archipelago, which provided nearly 30% of electricity needs of the country until March 11, 2011, thus find themselves at a standstill. The four reactors in Fukushima are destroyed, them finalized.

The Government intended to review its engines one by one and reboot – he wants – is a politically sensitive issue. This nuclear phase, anticipated for months, has enormous economic consequences not only for Japan but for the rest of the world.

In 2011, the trade balance of the third world economy went into the red for the first time in thirty-one years. Half of the degradation observed between 2010 and 2011 due to higher energy bills. Until January, Japan wiped especially the soaring price of oil and natural gas. But since the volume of gas imports are growing exponentially. For more than oil (which imports fell last year), more than coal is liquefied natural gas (which Japan is already the largest importer) which replaces the uranium to run power plants. For the ten power companies already tight financial situation, which share the country, this is a massive overhead. They are already preparing their users to jump to the invoice.

Concerns in Korea and Taiwan

The first of them, Tokyo Electric (Tepco, the operator of Fukushima), announced a 17% increase in tariffs for the industry and has requested another 10% for households. TEPCO had to accept its takeover by the state last week to survive. The operator of Kansai (western Japan), the second lung of industrial countries after the Tokyo area, he believes his side will not spend the summer with reactor shutdown cheapest personal loan rates. "Kansai Electric announced a cost of generation of 6 yen per kilowatt hour from nuclear. With natural gas, the cost increases to 9 yen. It is the user who will pay "this leap of 50%, warns Paul J. Scalise, specialist electricity sector in Japan.

The archipelago is so important a part of the world economic stage that their choices weigh on all. "The new gas demand in Japan has caused concern in Taiwan and South Korea in April 2011," says one foreign player in the gas market in Tokyo. Ever on the global gas market the differences were so great between Asian prices and U.S. prices, driven down by the boom in shale gas.

The ANA, which has joined the burgeoning renewable energy industry, believe that the release of their country's nuclear factodu is proof he can do without. The cost of the energy bill can not match that of the Fukushima disaster, priceless, they argue among their arguments. "False, says a nuclear framework: simulations of the costs of insurance against such a disaster Fukushima show that nuclear power is still profitable even in this case."

Before the disaster, Japan planned to increase the nuclear share to over 50% of electricity production in 2030. The government is preparing in principle for the summer, its new energy strategy for the long term. It should instead provide a reduction instead of the atom. In the immediate future, without it will prove costly for the Archipelago.

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"Choose well, choose Goal!" The old slogan of the number three of the furniture it always goes well. The company creates envy and indeed could, as revealed yesterday, Les Echos, soon change hands.

Reportedly, no less than five French investment funds have indeed shown interest in the brand of furniture from the current owners, Goldman Sachs and Colony Capital funds and OpCapita (former Merchant Equity Partners). Paragraph (Auchan group) looked at the file, but refrained. The name of the Austrian Lutz teaches that attempts since 2008 to enter France, is also advanced.

Officially, however, the group is not for sale. "No process was launched. Goldman Sachs and Colony Capital, which each hold 48.5% stake in Aim, rather sought a refinancing solution, "says a source close to the two actors, who adds:" They received expressions of interest, among others of Axa Private Equity and PAI, but they will refuse the offers if they are insufficient. "

Develop and design the kitchen

The three shareholders hope to sell Aim for 450 or 500 million euros, valuing the company at about six times its Ebitda (80 million euros in 2011). This is less than what was paid for Conforama Steinhoff – nearly seven times Ebitda – but the amount is close to that that the three had paid Kesa (Darty parent) in March 2008, ie 550 million euros.

Under the leadership of a new CEO, Regis Schultz Purpose managed to change course. The brand is losing its image with cheesy a thorough review of its range. More modern, but also more focused on the shelves carriers, such as decorating and cooking business card. And especially to lower prices, more in line with those of its competitors, thanks to tremendous work on own brands and supplies. Particular aim was to ally Cafom (Habitat-unique.com sale …) and joined the Central Purchasing SELECTIS to buy at cheaper prices.

The fleet of approximately 200 stores, almost unchanged for three years, was renovated. Purpose and City, a store designed for smaller and larger cities where the supply of appliances is only available on the terminals, was born in late 2010.

A nice improvement

The efforts are paying. Last year, sales grew 4.2 Goal% (LFL), reaching 1.8 billion euros. The company gained market share for the third consecutive year, from 9.2% in 2008 to 10.3%, despite the loss of eight franchised stores. But Goal acquired almost as many (five) since the beginning of the year, thanks to 200 million euros released by the sale of the walls of twenty-five stores last November. An operation orchestrated by Colony Capital, as he did at Buffalo Grill and encouraged at Accor. "Certainly, Goal has almost no debt and the bride looks very nice. But, with higher rents, its profitability will be even more difficult, "says one industry expert. Especially since prospects are rather gloomy furniture. In 2011, the market had grown by only 1.5%. "Goal should instead focus a competitor, French or European, who can achieve economies of scale in procurement," says this source.

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Nicolas Sarkozy wants to extend to "large local governments" the principle of non-replacement of retiring in two applied to the public. According to him, modulate state grants would be "very healthy" to encourage savings.

"We will extend" the policy of non-replacement of staff on two "large to local authorities, who have quite the ability to make the same effort as the state," said the president-candidate in an interview broadcast Tuesday on the magazine's website Actors public.

"This is a very important issue: since 2007, local authorities have created 100,000 jobs, while the state removed 160,000", he said.

Nicolas Sarkozy, however, did not specify which communities that would be affected. Communities that employ the most staff are the major cities, regions and departments.

"The larger communities, which represent two thirds of local expenditures, must make the same effort that the state and they have the opportunity to reorganize, to be more efficient in their ways," Nicolas Sarkozy has insisted.

Global consumption of wine is finding colors in 2011. It increases from 0.7% to 241.9 million hectoliters (hl). She stopped and started a downward cycle since 2007. "It seems that the worst is behind us. This does not mean that an immediate return to pre-crisis growth is confirmed, relativizes Federico Castellucci, Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). In addition to unfavorable economic factors, changes in consumption patterns continue to see recovery in the major producing countries, such as the EU. "Indeed, European consumers now favor quality over quantity. This, however, are the Americans and Chinese who support sales.

47.4 liters per capita in France

In detail, the world's largest market, that is to say the EU wine consumption fell by nearly one million hectoliters last year, mainly due to degradation economic conditions in countries of this area and a change in customer behavior. Italian consumption shows a sharp decline of around 1.6 million hl (- 6.3%), as Spain and Britain, but to a lesser extent. Germany, meanwhile, has stagnated.

Only exception in this bleak picture: French consumption increases significantly (3.5%), almost 30 million hl. This increase is explained by massive purchases of wine last year on French territory by foreign tourists easy payday loans. But the OIV can not be quantified precisely. Single index, consumption rises officially in France to 47.4 liters per capita. Net purchases of tourism, it would be some 40 liters per person, a level close to that of Italy to 37.4 liters.

French cognac and champagne appreciated

For their part, the United States, second world market volume, estimated to have grown 0.9 hl (nearly triple the 2009 and 2010) and 28.5 Mhl approach. Americans like French cognac and champagne. Example: for the Charente house Courvoisier, "remains our largest market outside the U.S. where we sell 48.5 million bottles of brandy a year, or nearly 30% of our annual exports," said its president, Patrick Pinet.

China also exports have increased with the increasing popularity of a population easier for wine products. "Since 2001, exports of French wine and spirits increased by 3700%, three quarters of which relate to the claret and brandy," says Nicolas Ozanam, Delegate General for CFTS (Federations of exports of wines and spirits).

Result, world trade in wine in 2011 reached over $ 103.5 million hl, up 7.9%.

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Premiere in prime time. Sunday night on TF1, between the news of Claire Chazal and the film Asterix, the display advertising will be fully reserved for a movie three and a half minutes, signed Cartier. There is no question of a campaign for a classic perfume, a ring or a watch. The short film, called The Odyssey and devoid of any slogan, many references to the history of Cartier and its flagship products. Starting from the Grand Palais in Paris, a panther toured the world, gliding sleigh on the frozen Neva at the foot of the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, from the Chinese wall in the palace of a Maharajah India, jumping on the "14 bis" of the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, before returning to the Place Vendome. Two years of work were needed for this film, a budget of 4 million euros.

"No question of resting on its laurels"

Flagship of the South African group Richemont, the world number two luxury (Van Cleef, Piaget, Montblanc, Lancel, Dunhill …), Cartier the jeweler is certainly already the world's most popular and favorite luxury brand of the Chinese. But no question of resting on its laurels. "We always want to go further, do better, we stand out from other luxury brands and the desirability of maintaining the highest Cartier for eternity," says Bernard Fornas, CEO of the company, to justify the first institutional campaign this magnitude in the luxury sector. This will be deployed in 29 countries around the world.

"With this film, we wanted to strongly reaffirm the myth Cartier, make a mural that film foregrounds its history, its values ​​of creativity, elegance and refinement, his inspirations, his artistic dimension and universal, continues the boss payday loans in one hour. We want to show that this house is the opposite of fashion, fleeting. We are located on the side of the timeless. When they create, develop and manufacture, our teams are not even thinking. Our products are designed for life, not for a few seasons. "

History of jewelery

The Odyssey is an allegory of the history of Cartier. The muse of the film is a panther, icon of the jeweler since 1904, rather than a woman. The house designs are present on some shots, "but only in a subliminal way, says Bernard Fornas. The Odyssey is a way to reassert the French genius of Cartier style. We were the first to the Art Deco style we invented the Tutti Frutti and garlands. With 1300 pieces of Cartier private collection, one can tell the story of jewelery. "No question, of course, that this campaign replaces ads for classic perfumes, and jewelry Cartier rings. "This is an umbrella campaign on the brand, designed to create dreams," says Bernard Fornas. Cartier still spend 5 to 10% of its budget worldwide media buying with different versions of this film. The film will be released in the cinema, a 45-second version will follow on TV, and the Publicis agency will organize relay on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. One way to Cartier, instantly find global relay and multiply the effectiveness of traditional media campaign.

"We set the bar high for other luxury homes that would highlight their" legend ", if indeed they have one in," says Bernard Fornas.

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After heavily involved in fundraising efforts of the firewall in the euro area, Japan is preparing to support its European partners. The country plans to provide up to $ 50 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) to enable the institution to help the euro area to cope with the crisis, AFP reported citing an official from the Japanese Ministry of Finance. "Japan considers the precise amount that will provide the IMF," said the official who also spoke up to $ 50 billion, confirming information reported by the newspaper Asahi Shimbun. The exact involvement of Japan to raise funds from the IMF will be announced following a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 which takes place on 25 and 26 February in Mexico City.

However, Japan is not ready to sign a blank check. In a joint forum in the Financial Times, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and his Japanese counterpart Jun Azumi indicates that their countries are willing to increase their contributions to the International Monetary Fund but only on condition that the euro area strengthens its funds Relief and make greater efforts to resolve the long-term debt crisis. "The euro zone countries have made progress but we must still do more to achieve a lasting solution. Japan and Britain are longtime supporters of the IMF and we are ready to make our contribution to the global effort if certain conditions are met, "wrote George Osborne and Jun Azumi.

The institution led by Christine Lagarde seeks in effect to increase its reserves by $ 500 billion to support the euro area. But the IMF's role is crucial in resolving the debt crisis in the eurozone. An official with the International Monetary Fund warned yesterday that if the institution was not associated with the bailout for Greece, the whole edifice would collapse for lack of support from private creditors. "We play a catalytic role. If we are here, both the public and the private sector will join in supporting a country, "said an IMF official, speaking to reporters in Washington on condition of anonymity.

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One can enjoy the river traffic and see a very dim view of Voguéo expansion projects, the public transport network on the Seine. While the Syndicat des transports d'Ile-de-France (Stif) until March 3 launches public consultation on its new project Voguéo providing three transmission lines serving 31 stops between Suresnes and Vitry-sur-Seine, several sailing clubs West Paris began to give voice. After mobilizing their members, they come to question the Sports Minister, David Douillet, in a letter.

According to them, canoeing-kayaking, rowing and sailing would be greatly threatened in western Paris by the arrival of motorized shuttles Voguéo. The nautical base of the island of Sir, Sevres, would be most affected. Opened in 2007 this space accommodates 900 oarsmen, 500 followers of canoeing and sailing fans from 150 clubs from neighboring villages (Sevres, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint Cloud, Ville d'Avray and Chaville).

"There are quite some barges in our area but then with water buses with 150 seats running every ten minutes (runs every 20 minutes in both directions), it would be really possible," says Francois Banton President ACBB rowing, the biggest club occupying the premises.

Condemnation of water activities

These water activities are practiced in calm water and it takes several minutes after the passage of a big boat that caused the stir constantly. Besides the security problems created by passing shuttles, unlike barges, from one bank to another. Eventually, the associations believe that the project would condemn outright the activity of their members and 15 employees they employ.

"We did not necessarily identified this aspect of things by launching our project, we admit to Stif. But it's also why is the public consultation. "For now, the project will start in 2013. Meanwhile, the website vogueo.fr that collects users' comments recensait originally an enthusiastic majority of opinions is an increasing number of protests rowers who spread the word to defend their favorite pastime.

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In February, the U.S. bank Citigroup has taken to turn control of the record. Prior to announcing its sale in June, immediately arousing the interest of Universal.

Negotiations between the two partners have stumbled on the issue of management of pension costs. The agreement could finally be announced early next week fast cash online. But sources familiar with the FT interviewed by the warning that the agreement can still be challenged by a cons-bid Access Industries, owner of Warner Music.

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The tax. It scares some, who left France for tax heavens warmer (Switzerland in the lead). It works the other. The French tax system is so dense that the understanding, and around, held for hours and other estate planning tax, paid to find clever editing which will reduce the tax bill their customers.

The tax is also debate. Political issue, it will be based on the outcome of presidential elections next year. But whatever the future tenant of the Elysee, the necessary fiscal consolidation will make more bitter potion tax in France and elsewhere. This fall, several large employers, Maurice Levy (Publicis) to head, seized of the matter, declaring themselves willing to pay more, in the wake of U.S. financial guru Warren Buffet.Went to war for the tax to China with Bill Gates, the investors have called "the sage of Omaha" and admits that pay less tax proportionately than his secretary did not meet with success expected in the Middle Kingdom.

Tax loopholes less generous

In some banks, asset management, however, we feel that the climate is changing. Faced with the country's debt, attitudes are changing. "Taxes will go up, most of our customers are aware of, said Philippe Vayssettes, the president of the bank Neuflize OBC. The crisis has raised awareness to wealthy clients need to solve the problem of public finances, and his reactions to the tax increases are less epidermal few years ago.Many say they would pay more taxes, but only if the load is evenly distributed and that addresses the spending. "

France, in recent years sought to rebalance the tax burden on labor and the heritage. And tax loopholes were made less generous. Yet the French are addicted to the means to reduce their taxes. "Everyone is struggling to pay less tax, but push the system too far is destructive of social cohesion," says Mathilde Lemoine, director of economic research and market strategy of HSBC France. Investors rushed last year on investment in rental real estate law Scellier, which allowed them (for investments made in 2010) to obtain a tax reduction equal to 25% of their implementation, a limit of 300,000 euros.This year, the percentage of tax reduction increased to 22% for purchases in buildings BBC (low power) and uncertainty hovered for months about the future of the device. Result, the French have been slow to invest. The ax has fallen at the presentation of the Finance Act 2012: tax reduction Scellier expected to increase to 18% next year. Individuals tempted by a real estate transaction in the nine have a vested interest to act quickly if they want the rate of 22%, although an amendment could, if adopted, to take into account the sales agreement and not just the final act signed before the end of the year.Better yet avoid precipitation because tax savings does not always mean good business.

Before embarking on an operation of tax exemption must make an effort not to be blinded by the tax sirens and see the economic benefit of investment. And its output. With these precautions taken, why not kill two birds with one stone? Build wealth, comfort and reduce the income tax it will pay next year. For this, we need to invest before the end of the year. The tax paid in 2012 will focus on the income received this year. So it also charges, expenses and investments made in 2011 that will reduce the tax liability next year.

Individuals familiar with the outline of the 2012 budget, a few caveats about. We must also wait for the vote of the National Assembly and Senate to get the specific details of the measurements.On some points, arrangements are already being considered. The slowdown in growth means fewer tax revenues, will require to find recipes. The tax may be more severe in the coming years and levers to reduce fewer. One more reason to enjoy the levers that exist today.

Avoid the pitfalls of tax exemption

But the string of investments and existing mechanisms, it is often difficult to find your way. The folder you now offers Le Figaro Magazine, with the teams of the Particular (group Figaro), is designed to help you reduce the tax burden without falling into the pitfalls of tax exemption.So we sifted through real estate investments, financial products, including FIP, the FCIC and Sofica and investment overseas and work to achieve in its housing, which can afford to pay less tax next year, whether the income tax or, in some cases (direct investment in SMEs, gifts, etc..), the ISF. And to reduce taxation intelligently, we give you other ways to reduce the tax burden, such as investing in the forest or going into debt. Have a ball. –

Limit spending to curb the increase in taxes

We too often forget: you pay taxes to finance public spending. One way to limit the tax increase is to reduce them. It will do so, and ask what the costs really useful, "said Mathilde Lemoine.In a report last July, the Economic Analysis Council considers necessary and tax reform advocates an overhaul of the system of tax loopholes. To restore confidence in the fairness of our tax system, he advises to "better link the tax to ability to pay."But he warned: "To encourage investment guess you do not make the mistake in the name of the simplification of our tax system, a confiscatory taxation of capital income." Fiscal policy is a delicate, because ultimately, too many taxes kill taxes.

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1 – Choosing to let investment in direct

2 – Diversify investments with the stone paper

3 – New Development with French SMEs

4 – Focus on non-listed companies with the FIP and FCPI

5 – Acquire shares Sofica and finance the film

6 – Investing overseas with the industrial Girardin

7 – To carry out work for Energy