Archive for the 'technology' Category
The CAC 40 ended the week above 3900 points, to 3910.42 points exactly, powered during the afternoon of Friday figures on U.S. employment. This Friday, the Paris stock exchange has closed up 2.14%, slightly eroded after the previous day. The sessions Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were marked by increases comfortable leading the progression of the weekly flagship index +7.3% at Paris, from a closing price last Friday of 3640 points.
The United States has published employment figures less bad than expected. The U.S. economy has destroyed 36,000 jobs in February, according to figures released Friday by the Labor Department. It is far better than economists' forecasts. The unemployment rate held steady at 9.7%. But it remains "inadequate", according to President Obama.At the time of closing in Paris on U.S. exchanges were directed upward, the Dow Jones arrogating 0.8% at 10,531 points.
Moreover, German industry has recorded a surprise jump in orders in January, 4.3%, according to provisional figures published on Friday that far exceeds expectations, thanks to a spectacular increase of 7.1% of domestic orders .
The DAX index of 30 blue chips of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ended Friday up 1.42% at 5877.36 points against 5795.32 the day before closing. The London Stock Exchange closed higher Friday, the FTSE-100 index of leading values winning 72.60 points, or 1.31% over the closing Thursday at 5599.76 points.
After Market (in 21 hours), the U.S. figures reveal consumer credit.
Veolia Environnement in the single red
Veolia Environnement (-4.26% to 23.94 euros) said before market in 2009 have recorded a turnover of 34.55 billion euros, down 3.4% on year, down slightly higher than expected (-2%). The titles are the only ACC to be in red guaranteed approval cash advance loans .
Still later publications, Areva announced Thursday after the stock market, a 2009 operating profit up 20% to 501 million euros. The turnover showed an increase of 6.4%, to 14 billion euros and net income group share for 552 million euros (-6.3%). The title has been 1.98%, to 352.3 euros. euros.
NicOx reported Thursday a net loss of 60.4 million euros in 2009, cons -73.9 million euros in 2008.The shares gained 1.01% on 5.98, having outperformed the broad trend in recent sessions.
The markets welcomed the gesture of banks
Side of EADS (+1.98% at 15.95 euros), the client countries of the military transport plane A400M and the European industrial group EADS in Berlin on Friday reached agreement on funding for this project has told AFP the French Minister of Defense Herve Morin.
The banking sector remained well oriented on Friday: Societe Generale (+4.83% to 44.95 euros) eventually leads the CAC 40, BNP Paribas (3.67% to 56.78 euros), Credit Agricole (3.19% to 11.66 euros) and Axa (+3.17% to 15.61 eruos) were searched. Following a meeting with Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysee, the banks have agreed to reserve 96 billion in financing small and very small.
Casino (-0.38% to 60.20 euros) should start in May its pods, modeled on that of Nespresso. In France, the market for coffee pods is estimated at 1 billion euros, half for Nespresso.
Natixis (0.90% to 3.69%) is under the radar of the AMF. A book published Thursday reveals that the former officers have disclosed false information to markets, in October 2008.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the group's boss, Jean-Bernard Levy, said he was interested in the sale of a mobile frequency by the governor of Brazil. According to analysts, this would require an investment base of over one billion euros.
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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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LE FIGARO. – ArcelorMittal escapes shortly after the first loss in its history. Are you satisfied with this performance?
Lakshmi Mittal. – No, although, given the circumstances, we are very far out. We achieved all our objectives of lowering costs, reducing debt, adjusting our production, and have negotiated with the various unions in the world … while 2009 was one of the most difficult years for thirty years the capitalist world. The crisis is not over. The recovery will be slow and gradual. But we managed to overcome the crisis successfully.
Using your production capacity from 50% in late 2008, to 70%. Do you anticipate this year?
Our production planning is based on the request of our customers. In 2009, only 10 of its 25 blast furnaces were in production. Now, twenty are active.There remain four or five who are temporarily stopped and restarted when demand recovers. At the end of 2010, our plants should operate at 85% of their capacity. The automotive market is expected to improve slightly over fourth quarter 2009 in Europe and strong growth in emerging countries. We organize days of innovation with our major customers. We present our new products, our development programs. They are still waiting for better products, steel both stronger and lighter, and more services.
How do you make 5 billion cost-cutting announced in 2012?
This total includes 5 billion of the savings already achieved (2.7 billion Editor's note). We have implemented many measures to improve our productivity.ArcelorMittal is a great company so we can make a "benchmark" in the group! We have implemented a continuous improvement plan which aims to save $ 30 (or 20 euros) per tonne of steel produced. There were hundreds of initiatives in this area. In 2009, we managed to save 13 euros per tonne. We still have to win 7 euros. At group level, it will represent an additional saving of 1.4 billion euros. And we can still reduce our administrative costs and expenses. This will include a specialization of production sites that could be devoted to one type of product payday advance . That does not mean that we will close …
… Or that you will continue to reduce your workforce?
The group has 35 000 employees less in 2009 than in 2008.We have plans in place starting in early retirement, voluntary severance schemes … We have nothing planned as of this year. We have just completed what was started. There is no excess production capacity in Europe. In China, yes.
You also talked about the resumption of investment.
Yes. We will resume mining projects and investment in developing countries, including Brazil. We do not expect to make further acquisitions in the steel. The cost would be higher than the expansion of existing capacity. We focus on the latter solution.
The introduction of carbon tax is a threat to your business in France?
We will be less competitive in Europe. We are in discussion with the French Government, to explain the impact of this tax on our costs.I met President Nicolas Sarkozy a few weeks ago. He says he wants a strong industry in France. We'll have to find solutions. European policy in terms of CO2 is already a burden for the European steel industry, compared to our competitors in China or India. This clearly represents an additional cost, difficult to quantify but very real. Finally, the carbon tax would be inconsistent with a strong industry. But both will have to coexist.
Chinese production of steel which starts again on the rise is a threat to your industry?
Last year, net exports of Chinese steel amounted to 10 million tonnes. This year, they should not exceed 25 million tonnes. First, because the Chinese domestic demand has picked up.Then, because Chinese steel production depends on imports of raw materials, making it less competitive for export. Finally, China mainly exported to South-Eastern Asia. Nevertheless, we are always attentive. If China's exports, it can make European prices down, it already happened before 2008. There is always a risk.
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After the sharp market downturn in Paris last weekend, with the Cac 40 lost nearly 7% in 48 hours, optimism is in order at the beginning of the week Award paris.le CAC 40 is up 0.89% to 3595 points.
On the macroeconomic front, gross domestic product (GDP) of France is expected to grow by 0.5% in first quarter 2010, according to a first estimate of the Banque de France (BdF) on Monday.
The latest forecast from the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) published December 17, the economic recovery in France will confirm in early 2010 but will be "laborious and delicate, with a growth of around 0.3 % to 0.4% per quarter until midyear.
The government recently revised upward its growth forecast for this year, rose 0.75% to 1.4% in the revised budget.
INSEE has published Friday its first figures on French growth in the last quarter of 2009. The government forecasts a GDP drop of 2.25% over the last year.
The detailed values to follow.
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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?
Frédéric 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-François 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-François 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-François 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.
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The case of the possible relocation of the future of Renault Clio in Turkey is still rising a notch. Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed Wednesday his irritation with his vows to parliamentarians at the Elysee, "We do not put so much money to support our manufacturers to ensure that all plants go outside." And this message the head of state has to pass directly to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault, he will receive Saturday at the Elysee.
Wednesday Christian Estrosi, Minister of Industry, has shown the same firmness after a meeting with Patrick Pelata Bercy, the CEO of Renault. The Minister has shelled the long list of grants awarded since the beginning of 2009. Three billion loan was granted to Renault (all PSA).Flins received aid from 100 million euros for the production of Zoe, electric cars Renault (launch scheduled in 2012) and 150 million euros from the ISP for its project to produce batteries. In addition, there are 600 million euros bonus for breaking, which allowed the sale of 600 000 additional cars and the abolition of the tax.
"The government has enough evidence to say an industrial strategy," says the minister said that the state holds a 15% shareholding in Renault and two posts. It is also possible that the state seeks more seats on the board.But the number of directors is proportional to the percentage of equity held by an Act of October 30, 1935.
Wednesday, Patrick Pelata played the card of appeasement, saying that "no decision has yet been taken regarding the future production of Clio in 2013. Several scenarios are possible. The production will be maintained at Clio Flins, "as Zoe does not saturate the capacity of the site, which would be a fantastic scenario," said the skipper of the brand. However he also said that "production in France is good for vehicles with high added value. It is difficult in the low range. A shade as the government seems unwilling to consider.
A Clio for France
He asked three requirements to Renault, which has only a few days to find answers.Firstly, the group must incorporate as possible suppliers and subcontractors French to its industrial. More components must be manufactured in France.
Then, Christian Estrosi does not decrease production or declining enrollment in Flins, which currently produces 150 000 Clio. Finally, the Government intends to maintain the territory the production of Clio, regardless of the success of Zoe. Renault will have to determine what other sites the French Clio IV could be fabricated. No way to transfer the production in Bursa in Turkey, which are currently produced 180 000 Clio.Christian Estrosi does not want the share Flins parte in Bursa, but remains in France.
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The gross public debt (government, social security and local authorities) continues to rise. At the end of the third quarter, gross debt under the Maastricht amounted to 1457.4 billion, up from 29.4 billion the previous quarter, according to figures published by INSEE on Tuesday. "Expressed as a percentage of GDP, it is approximately 75.8%, up 1.9 points," says the National Institute of Statistics. In the second quarter, the debt had reached 73.9% of GDP.
The increase over the period, less than that observed in the second quarter (61.1 billion euros), was driven in particular by the increase in debt of the state. To finance the budget deficit, the state has cut its debt of 23.4 billion euros.The debt has also funded a stake in the Company making state participation in a French bank, Crédit Agricole 3 billion, INSEE said.
The social security funds have also contributed to the increase in gross public debt to the tune of 5.9 billion euros, "particularly as a result of increased indebtedness of the ACOSS (3, 9 billion euros), "details the INSEE.
The government has included in his bill to finance the debt was still progress to 77.9% of GDP at the end of the year. In 2010, it expects debt to 84% of GDP, without taking into account the large loan.
Moreover, net public debt, which includes cash and short-term is highest increase over the period, the gross debt.It was heavy with 57.1 billion euros over the second quarter, rising late September to 1331.5 billion. In case a "sharp decrease in cash of the State (-28.3 billion), returning to a level close to that of a year ago," said INSEE.
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Five-star hotels in France? Yes, it is possible since the introduction in June by the government, a new classification. The list already has sixty places, especially in Paris, Courchevel and the Cote d'Azur. For hotels, a small revolution is underway. Their institutions were previously rated by criteria that had not changed since 1986 and they did not understand that the fifth star has long existed abroad. The world record is held even by a hotel worthy of megalomania, the Atlantis Palm in Dubai, which displays seven stars!
"In Portugal, there are 6 star hotels which are no better than our 4-star, said Georges Panayotis, founder of research firm and consultancy MKG.And even for congresses, the French destinations were penalized with no five-star hotels for VIPs. "
According to Hervé Novelli, Secretary of State for Tourism, some 200 hotels could eventually claim win five stars, including 30 to 40 with an additional distinction reserved for best of the best, the "palaces".
But the goal that the government had set, finished 2009 with a hundred five-star hotels will be missed. "The application process was somewhat longer than expected. But the candidates are there, "he defends one in the entourage of the Minister where there promised that the establishment of a new procedure will go faster next year.
"It's not very complicated to have the fifth star, half of the 750 four-star hotels can claim without doing much work, yet adds Georges Panayotis.But with the crisis, many are reluctant to ask. Applicants were fewer than expected. Be a candidate takes time and money. Vis-à-vis a business clientele, this is not the time to raise prices and display an image of luxury. Some employees have instructions from their companies do not reside in five star hotels. "
Then there are the unsuccessful applicants. Reportedly, about 15% of cases were retoques.Among the mandatory criteria, which require the most hoteliers questioned: the size of rooms, room service 24 hours on 24 or even the use of two languages by staff, including English.
A bid of 70 000 €
In the district of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris, the Hotel Bel Ami (four stars) was in the starting blocks in the month of June to submit an application. He has still not done, but considering the first quarter of 2010. "Other priorities have taken over as the work of redecorating in a few rooms," says Vincent Tissier, Director General. But we remain candidates, while some of our competitors are reluctant because of the economy. "To comply with the new schedule, he has already made investments. He equipped the rooms with a service and an extra chair.It also increased the number of electrical outlets, bought lamps and roof rack. "For us it is an application to € 70 000," says Vincent Tissier.
The hotel part with a disability are 15 rooms for less than 24 square meters, the minimum area required. "We do not fulfill all mandatory criteria, but we have our chances because we can compensate this problem by gaining points optional," says its director. In Bel Ami, there is indeed "a spa, meeting rooms, a hall larger than the minimum required, a team of janitors, many more points for the fifth star. Whatever happens, Vincent Tissier is serene: "For teams, it would be a satisfaction. The U.S. travel agencies are also susceptible.But the provision of Bel Ami and its price will not change. "
Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, the Fouquet's Barrière was among the first to win his fifth star in June For this, he installed air conditioning and WiFi in the restaurant Fouquet's classified and bought 27 blankets. The hotel was rated four-star luxury since its opening in October 2006. "As we were the last to arrive on the market, we wanted to be the first to have five-star hotel with a very good note," said Eric Boonstoppel, general manager of the Hotel Fouquet's Barrière. We have lost a few points marginalized because, for example, the telephone line is directly in the room on request. Vis-à-vis our international customers, visibility and legibility are important. But we do not mean increased prices.If the government wants to create a category "Premium" We are ready! "
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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 Stéphane 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.
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Paris, Palais des congrès. This Thursday, the huge amphitheater, Pierre Gadonneix presided as expected its last general meeting of shareholders of EDF. Re-elected director of the group with 96.5% of the votes, Henri Proglio, already designated by the State, has been inducted as the new chairman of EDF. His appointment should be approved definitively by the Council of Ministers on 25 November. The person will thus serve as head of the electrical lights at the end of the month.
Henri Proglio Photo credits: AFP
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