Archive for the 'people' Category
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev himself has planned to attend the ceremony. On Friday, the Baltic pipeline, Nord Stream, carried by the Russian company Gazprom, will finally stage of project to construction. The first stone of the future submarine pipe along 1200 km will be laid in Vyborg, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, a hundred miles from St. Petersburg. Nord Stream is expected to provide, by 2013, 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, delivered directly to Germany. Gerard Mestrallet, Chairman of GDF Suez, attend the ceremony. The French group is involved in the project which is expected shortly to become a shareholder in the consortium with 9% of the capital.
"Nord Stream is a key element of security of supply, without any transit countries, welcomed Mestrallet early March on the occasion of the Paris visit of Dmitri Medvedev.The Baltic pipeline will in fact Russia to deliver Europe (which represents 80% of its gas exports), bypassing Ukraine, a transit country whose relationship has been adversarial with Moscow until the election February's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Nord Stream also avoids another export route, via Bi?olorussie-ally-capricious and Poland.
During the visit of Russian President in France, Gerard Mestrallet had welcomed the historic relationship of GDF established with Gazprom for thirty-five and secure supply contracts until 2030. But everyone in Paris does not share this idyllic vision of the relationship with Russia, the leading exporter of natural gas."Europe is dramatically dependent" for its gas, alarmed Stoffa?s Christian, chairman of the Center for Future Studies and International Information (CEPII), who has written a report on the subject on behalf of the Council Strategic Analysis, a body attached to Matignon. If the 145-page document provides a finding widespread evidence of the vulnerability on its European gas supply, Christian Stoffa?s was accompanied by comments not always diplomatic in presenting Friday empire payday loans. The risk of dependence is not one of supply disruption, Stoffa?s analysis, but it "weighs on the minds of Europeans and creates tensions." Europe currently imports 60% of its gas needs, 25% in Russia.The depletion of fields in the North Sea and the growth of demand should increase this dependence. Christian Stoffa?s regrets unvarnished recruitment by "providers" of former European leaders, referring to the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who became chairman of the board of shareholders of Nord Stream. "The importers are under blackmail from Gazprom but do not want bureaucrats in Brussels", Assen yet the author of the report. The former director of Foresight EDF considers that the Ukrainian crisis for most of 2006 and January 2009, when the tap was actually closed, the awareness of the need for joint action gains little from the Old Continent little.
"A real strength of negotiation"
The report recommends Stoffa?s among six recommendations, the creation of a Central European call.It takes up an idea put forward by Nicolas Sarkozy in his speech of May 5, 2009 at Nimes, "I want to bring the idea of a central European purchasing gas for Europe is a real strength in negotiations with its suppliers. "Jacques Delors, former President of the Commission, which is close Stoffa?s Christian, has just called with the same strategic objectives of independence, the creation of a European power, in a preamble report published by the think tank Notre Europe. The fact is that "the sellers are the condition of the sale," admitted recently Jean-Francois Cirelli, vice-chairman of GDF Suez.Stoffa?s Christian is convinced that even if the process takes years, "if there is political will, the companies will be happy to be less dependent on Gazprom.
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Having visited Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday before meeting and Barack Obama Tuesday in Washington, George Papandreou was in Paris on Sunday to win the support of Nicolas Sarkozy in the crisis in Greece. The appointment, expected by the markets lasted an hour. "Greece can count on full support of France, has hammered the head of state, after having praised the" courage "of the Greek prime minister" who has vigorously taken steps to clean up public finances "of his country. "Greece has done what the European Union asked him to do," recalled the head of state who immediately said that "if necessary, Member States of the euro area would fill too commitments they have made. "In other words, Europe will not let down one of its own.An "economic reality" to the president, a "political and moral obligation" for the European Union.
No recourse to IMF
For Nicolas Sarkozy, not "the future of Greece" is at stake is that of Europe. "The euro is our currency, it is our responsibility," he said, before announcing he would, with Angela Merkel and Jean-Claude Juncker – that has had the phone Monday – quickly "take specific measures "to fight against speculation on the euro, but say more. "We are ready and very determined, he has merely stated. Speculation that plays against Greece can happen in many countries if they can not afford to fight.We must not add a financial crisis to economic crisis itself created by financial excesses across the Atlantic. "
For his part, George Papandreou thanked his "friend" Nicolas Sarkozy for his "commitment and support staff" to help his country out of crisis. "If the speculative attacks against Greece continues, it will not be a Greek problem, but an attack against Europe and the euro," confirmed the Greek Prime Minister, who preferred a "European solution" to a possible appeal International Monetary Fund (IMF). "We do not loan to other countries in the euro area," said George Papandreou. We just want to borrow at rates similar, not identical, to other countries in the euro area.We're just asking a fair treatment. "Greece, which on Thursday lifted 5 billion market, will pay 750 million euros of interest than Germany for a loan of similar amount. "This is not viable, late Greek Prime Minister. This is not competitive. "
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5 000 participants in round tables, 800 proposals from across the territory, hours of debate … Put the issue of competitiveness at the heart of the debate: it was the whole purpose of the General Industry. Today, while traveling at Eurocopter in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhone), Nicolas Sarkozy will close the first phase of work completed since last October by announcing a series of steps to a new industrial policy 'ambitious, powerful and consistent, in the words recently used by the Elysee.
I must say it is urgent.Beyond the occasional cases in which the government provides the voice for several months (Heuliez, Molex, Total …), de-industrialization of the country is evident for several years: between 1980 and 2007 its contribution to national wealth rose by 24 % to 14% and, over this period, its numbers have melted to a trickle, from 5.32 million to 3.41 million – a drop of 36% of its workforce, according to estimates by the Treasury Department.
Accompanied on Thursday morning from the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, and his industry colleagues, Christian Estrosi, the head of state should take over the main proposals ginned in recent months by the companies themselves, partners social and ministers themselves.
To restore the industrial base of France, the government initially advocated a policy of industry.Because it takes a more balanced relationship between contractors and subcontractors, instead of a relationship "to dominate dominated" commonplace today. The establishment of investment funds sector for the most strategic channels to digital, energy, transportation, pharmacy … – with the participation of principals, should be announced.
Governments also want to encourage employment – particularly in developing mentoring by senior citizens and reorganizing the training – and the location in France of production tools and research."It is not normal that BMW produces nearly three quarters of its cars in Germany and Renault do not produce only 25% in France, likes to cite the example of Christian Estrosi.
On the one billion euros dedicated to general statements in the large loan, 185 million have also been planned to provide repayable loans to companies wishing to reinvest in France. A total of 500 million for loans at subsidized rates for green investments is also provided in this framework.
Innovation, a perpetuation of the current form of research tax credit – at least for SMEs – would be announced today. The CIR could also be extended to expenditure standards, patents and prototypes. One idea that won almost unanimous support.In one detail, cost: about one billion euros.
"Do not close the file"
For the CGT – including metallurgy and chemical federations call for day of action Thursday for the defense of employment in the industry – "the government should not close the file of the General Industry (…) After a speech by President of the Republic. "
This is unlikely to be the case … In fact, some people put on the table at the conclusion of the General Industry require further reflection. Especially the financing industry. Ways to redirect part of the French savings to industry, SMEs and unlisted companies should be studied by the summer.Such a new method of financing social protection, less work-related, too.
Time, it will also need a bit to play a proactive role at European level in order to convince the Member States of the need for a common industrial policy.
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Medef to Unemployment Insurance, Union des industries and metal trades (UIMM) becomes very visible social issues. It has always been the heart of its expertise and sphere of influence, but the employers' federation was forced to the discretion, after revelations about the cash withdrawals from his former manager and his huge windfalls anti-strike . IAJ President since late 2007, Frederic Saint-Geours, 59, chief financial officer of SAP, warns against the risks of "clip the wings of the recovery", defends the need for strong industry and answered questions found on the ambitions of "Steelworkers" among employers.
LE FIGARO. – The latest unemployment figure is better. Is this a sign of lasting improvement?
Fr?d?ric SAINT-GEOURS.-feeling of our members on their activities is very varied.Capital goods or export sectors are still in great difficulty. Others are more like the automobile, with the premium snack, or remain at good levels as railway equipment. I have two concerns for the future. First, many companies have exhausted the means for maintaining the relationship with their employees, including partial unemployment. If their order book does not go back, they should ask themselves questions about their workforce. Therefore, the employment situation will not improve substantially until a few months. You have to look if it is possible to extend these devices. Second concern: in two or three months, the companies have completed their 2009 accounts, which are often degraded.If banks apply their analytical tools such classic figures, they refuse many loans – I am not talking about fund investments, but simply increasing needs for working capital resulting from a rebound in activity. The risk is to clip the wings of the recovery. We are working on this with the mediator credit, Gerard Rameix.
You have to participate in the States-General of Industry. The final report sets the goal of "restoring an industrial ambition" to France. Does it still make sense to argue at the national level?
Clearly, yes. Exports from France, this is 80% or 85% of industrial goods.However, if we had kept our market share of ten years ago in world trade, it would be 100 billion euros 'turnover' in addition to France, so perhaps hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions in tax revenue, R & D … But in France, the industry faces obstacles that are not specific to him: taxes, too focused on factors of production, education must increase training to new technologies, new businesses such as green growth, or difficulty in finding long-term financing. Now we need the conclusions of the General does not remain in the state report.
When it comes to the carbon tax, this time you prefer to speak to Europe!
Exactly.The business tax was a mistake French, it is deleted and that is not enough to put French industry at par with its rivals in terms of competitiveness – and I speak of our European rivals, not Chinese! Do not create another anomaly French with the carbon tax.
On behalf of the same desire to save France in the industry, the state interferes in the strategy of Renault and Total. Shoot there too far interventionism?
The State must play its role as guarantor, no manager. The dialogue, the contract may be more effective than law and regulation, because they give companies greater flexibility, flexibility.That is how the UIMM signed agreements on training, employment of older workers, after taking a diagnosis with the unions in the sector.
The Delegate General of the UIMM, Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard, took the head of the Social Protection Committee of the MEDEF. So, does it change the approach to the appointment pensions?
I recommend that we proceed at cross as we used to do in the UIMM: establish a working group, consult widely to build the position of business before entering the "hard" discussions. This must be done quickly, but there are already many tests. Finding a consensus will be difficult, but we must absolutely try.
Your annual convention, March 18, will focus on how employers' organizations can be useful to businesses.Three months after the start of the food industry, the MEDEF should it be seen as a veiled threat?
On the contrary! The subject is exactly one: from business needs and how to respond with a simple, cost control, and effective. Effective, that is to say, which makes a service to members (of the economy, tax, legal, social …) which allows them to best be heard locally and nationally. This suggests the most appropriate organizations. Asking these questions is not a threat, as an aid to employers throughout the world. How many times have we heard of the structural complexity employers!
Should we open the question of the employer's representative?
I can not imagine anyone not treated during the convention. I would add that the UIMM be extremely firm on the joint system: it must develop.We need stronger intermediary bodies to better address important issues, which must generate the widest possible accession. As to the joint management (Insurance Unemployment Agirc-Arco …), it must go further now that the new rules of representation reinforcing the legitimacy of unions. This requires changing the rules of governance, transparency, funding. It is possible the UIMM did in six months.
Do you agree with the criticism of the President of the MEDEF?
There is no question for us to weaken the MEDEF. Businesses need a strong employer representation and united.Our convention and the arrival of Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard as President of the Welfare Committee of MEDEF serve to strengthen it.
But when your delegate said that joining the team of Laurence Parisot does not constitute support for the renewal of its mandate, it is a sign of defiance!
Not at all. What is being done every day, Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard and me? We work. In UIMM and MEDEF. We are all employers who are negotiating delegations, which met the government. No confidence, we serve the cross. I do not say it was easy every day …
The present UIMM Does a candidate for President of the MEDEF?
We will do things in order. We will set our direction in our convention. We'll see if one candidate or another the endorsement.Otherwise, we'll see.
Where are your projects using your famous "kitty"?
Again, the idea is to use these reserves heritage as a service to businesses. What are their issues? Develop. In January alone, our system of capital development has taken investment decisions totaling 9 million euros, and these are multiplied by 4 to 10 other investors. Second issue, recruit. We will launch the next wave of our communication campaign in the spring, to show young people that may be realized in the industry. And we've released several million as part of our integration fund to help companies find skills, including among those furthest from employment. Finally last challenge, innovate.Our other endowment funds joint research projects university-industry or education programs that meet the needs of businesses.
He took his time. But the New York jury delivered its verdict on Friday evening the group of telecommunications and media company Vivendi sued by shareholders ruined by its near-collapse in 2002, was convicted of misleading communication. Its CEO at the time, Jean-Marie Messier, has instead been milled.
As expected, Vivendi's lawyer Paul Saunders immediately announced he would appeal, and that he intended to "win". "We are satisfied that the damage is half of what the plaintiffs claimed this side there is a partial victory," said the lawyer. The plaintiff had estimated that damages could rise to 11.5 billion dollars.
Messier absent when the verdict
Jean-Marie Messier and Guillaume Hannezo, its chief financial officer, were absent when the verdict.They have yet to appear in magistrate in Paris in the spring, with five other executives of Vivendi, including responding to charges of disseminating false or misleading information, price manipulation and abuse of social goods, which they could worth up to 5 years imprisonment and heavy fines for bad credit payday advance .
After three months of trial, the nine board members of the Federal Court had to decide on 57 points very technical. After answering a series of questions establishing the guilt of the accused or not, they have, for each trading day occurring between October 2000 and August 2002, "determine the amount of inflation being caused by the fraud alleged" .
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The United Kingdom is concerned that a boomerang effect will weaken his come back. On January 1, VAT is in fact rise to 17.5%, having been exceptionally lowered to 15% for a year to boost consumption. Economists from the Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) think again increase the VAT rate could be "stalling a recovery in its infancy."
The Center for Economic Research, which called in July 2008 a decrease of 5% tax, advance that have prolonged the VAT at 15% until July 2010. Joerg Radeke, economist at CEBR, said that the consumer will still need a boost in the first half. Inflation should indeed start rising, exceeding the 3%, which should lead to a decrease of 0.7% of household spending.In 2010, consumption would fall by 0.2%, according to economist.
The test balances
The effects of the rise in VAT rates could soon be visible through balances. If the high shopping season has started on the Bleeding Edge, economists fear it is only a deadweight, consumers rushing to the shelves before the tax goes back to 17.5 %. "They certainly have some early purchases in November and December," Analysis Caroline Newhouse-Cohen, senior economist at BNP Paribas.
The decline in consumption expected in early 2010 should still be written off by the pricing of retail giants such as Tesco. The largest British retail group has decided not to pass on the rising rate of VAT on certain non-food products.This should enable consumers to save another 12 million pounds (13.4 million euros), according to the distributor. The Sainsbury and Home Retail, among others, have also decided to sacrifice their margins.
Beneficial effects difficult to measure
In total, J?rg Radeke the CEBR believes that the rise in VAT rates, premature, and likely to "wipe out most of the benefits had been reduced fee. Still, it is difficult to estimate what were these "benefits" in 2009. According to the CEBR, reduced VAT rates contributed 0.5% to growth of British GDP.
The effect has not been miraculous. While passing the reduced rate, in the first quarter of 2009, "Private consumption fell 1.5% from fourth quarter of 2008, after a similar decline over the previous period," said Caroline Newhouse-Cohen.A decrease which stabilized until July. But economists agree that even if the measure has cost 4.3 billion pounds (4.8 billion euros) to the Treasury, the economic situation would have been worse without it.
The staff of Leica range in France climbs in France. No more view on the device and Gennevilliers. The teams of the prestigious manufacturer of optics and cameras, whose headquarters was located in the suburbs of Paris for 25 years, have won the exchange. Now they literally dive on Lake Annecy in Savoy, where an old factory has been refurbished to accommodate the fifteen employees at headquarters. "We carry nearly a quarter of our turnover in optics, said St?phane Manara, the manager of Leica Camera Western Europe.It was difficult to offer our customers to try before you buy if we gave a large surface on the device.
The lucky few who spend an average of 5500 euros for a box and from 2,000 to 8,000 euros for the optical can now follow short training courses in outdoor seat in the new Alpine Leica 350m2 terrace where they are dedicated.
Another major innovation for the brand fetish Cartier Bresson: a shop owned outright by the company was opened in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, Rue de la Pompe. Others have also opened in London, Tokyo and Moscow. Until then, the brand had on reseller partners. But leaders of the German company wanted to better control their distribution.Especially in recent months, the manufacturer has launched several new digital cameras aimed at different audiences: The S2 for professionals, the X1, a compact for a wider audience and the M9, the first 24X36 trademark. Not forgetting his first monocular pocket for hikers
President of Leica Acting, Andreas Kaufmann, the representative of the family owns a small cottage industry, announced in 2008 the deployment of a twenty Leica shops in the world and "shopping shops" nestled in large signs. Since last spring, Andreas Kaufmann has passed the torch to Rudolf Spiller, the new CEO of Leica, Zeiss former. The latter must take Leica red where it fell this year. Indeed, the group posted a net loss of 4.8 milion euros (against a profit of 3 million) for a turnover of 134.2 million.
When the SGC prepares to launch a takeover market … the powerful Caisse centrale social activities (CCAS) of electricity and gas industries, the equivalent of a supercomit? company EDF and GDF, managed by the communist union , the well would hand over the Compagnie Internationale Andre Trigano (CIAT), publicly traded company valued over 80 million euros. The company, better known under its consumer brand Camp?ole, is a specialist camping and tent.
The operation should be discussed at the Board of Directors of the CCAS Wednesday. It creates a stir internally. One branch of the CGT, the CGT union Ectam-Staff headquarters EDF and social organizations, objects."The case is disproportionate," denounces the union in a statement.
The central fund social activities is the biggest works of France, with a budget of nearly half a billion euros and over 3 000 permanent employees. Its management has been pinned in the past by the Court of Auditors. As part of its operations in recreation for employees of EDF and GDF, it already manages 60,000 beds in holiday resorts, including 48 000 of which he owns. By placing hands on the Trigano group, it would greatly enhance its ability to host. To become the first player in the sector. The CIAT is the leader in three-star campsite with 43 sites and 14 000 places, which would correspond to about 72 000 beds. It also has a second activity: the manufacture of tents and canvas bungalows.In total, the company achieved a turnover of 43 million euros last year and suffered a loss of nearly one million.
Several applications
The story begins at the time of the first paid leave, with a workshop created by Raymond tarpaulins Trigano, father of Andrew, who is developing the "triganette, a family tent where you can stand. Andrew continues the adventure after the war, while his brother Gilbert resumed Club Mediterranee, which leases its tents in the family business.
The founder and his family still control over 30% stake in the company whose majority shareholder is the fund managed by Groupama Acto. Its Listed raises other applications than the CCAS. Bernard Laporte is interested too, so that Promeo, which owns the Village Family camping.
Good news: industry recruits even in this difficult year. This year, there should be about 50,000 recruits. The dual is scheduled for next year and years to follow. "Look, there is no new jobs, warned Frederic Saint Geours, president of L'Union des Industries et M?tiers de la M?tallurgie (UIMM), but the renewal of generations."
Bad news: the industry has difficulty recruiting. To attract young, the UIMM launches communication campaign entitled "It is done by performing." Meanwhile, the UIMM put in place a mechanism to facilitate contracts and apprenticeship. Large companies are better equipped than small to provide training. Or, are smaller companies that have the greatest needs "summarizes Frederic Saint-Geours.The board therefore UIMM on a course of learning that take place in a large company with prospects of employment with a subcontractor or other entity of the same pool of jobs.
Financial support for industrial
The UIMM has also set up three funds, with respectively 10, 20 and 50 million euros and are for financial
– Innovation in the industry,
– Employment in industry
– SME development.
This may include funds allocated equity loans to companies that are struggling to complete financing for investments or developments.
The UIMM represents 45,000 businesses employing 1.8 million employees. "There is no strong economy without strong industry," said Frederic Saint-Geours.85% of R & D expenditures in France are in industry, 75% of researchers and developers working for industry and 85% of French exports are products made from industry.
Turbulence, again, for the U.S. economy yesterday, the Financial CIT Group, a key player in SME finance – with more than one million customers – said he put himself under the protection of Bankruptcy Law. The figures speak for themselves: the extent of ILC assets are valued at about five billion dollars, it is the fifth largest bankruptcy in history of the United States. After those of Lehman Brothers (2008), Washington Mutual (2008), WolrdCom (2002), and General Motors (2008). However, CIT said in a statement that the process concerns only the parent, who hopes to reduce its debt of 10 billion dollars. The agencies of CIT and its subsidiaries should be able to continue operating. The group's difficulties have sharply accelerated in July.After having already injected 2.3 billion dollars in December, Washington has refused this time to rescue CIT.
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