Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Germany could still suffer. After the controversial purchase of a CD from Switzerland containing lists of suspected tax evaders in Germany launches massive search operation in the German subsidiary of Swiss bank Credit Suisse. Objective: to update the 1100 alleged customers of the bank suspected of evading taxes, and employees of the bank suspected to have helped.
The raids took place simultaneously in 13 cities and were conducted by 150 officers. Credit Suisse, which remained silent on the subject, has finally reacted by saying "cooperate with the authorities." "This is an ongoing investigation, so we can give more information," says the facility.
Unsurprisingly
Since March 19 this year, the Dusseldorf prosecutor's office suggested that he was investigating cons these clients in the fight against tax evasion carried out by the government. The purchase of the CD has already led almost 12.000à denounce himself, according to last count, in late March.
Credit Suisse is not the only Swiss bank in the sights of German authorities. UBS industry leader, is also subject of an investigation, not prosecution, but the authority of financial sector supervision Authority (BaFin).
Negotiations stalled
These searches involved in full discussions between Bern and Berlin on improving the exchange of information between the two countries my credit score. Both governments wish to reach an agreement that also aims to avoid double taxation.
In late March, the finance ministers of the two states signed a convention in this sense, but it is still not signed. Both governments face difficult issues such as control of German assets placed in Switzerland. A working group has also been mandated to expand the proposals and make findings in the fall.
Meanwhile, the convention is not in force, allowing Germany to put pressure on Swiss institutions. The spokesman for the German Finance Ministry wants yet reassuring: "We assume that the negotiations with Switzerland will continue to be constructive and to unfold in an atmosphere of mutual trust." He says they will, if successful, to "render obsolete" files using File Swiss bank clients stolen and resold.
The German technique is the same as that adopted in respect of Liechtenstein. In 2008, the Secret Service had bought a CD of stolen banking data, to 4.2 million euros. Having conducted several surveys, they managed to uncover many fraudsters, including the former boss of Deutsche Post, Klaus Zumwinkel. Under pressure, Liechtenstein was finally ratified an agreement on exchange of information on German assets located within the principality.
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This will ultimately alone as General Motors, the American auto giant, will assume the restructuring of its German subsidiary Opel. The German manufacturer has indeed withdrawn all applications for public aid claimed to European countries where it operates.
General Motors has "decided to resolve funding issues internally," the group said in a statement after the plea of inadmissibility raised by Berlin to its requests for government guarantees.
"The process is much more complex and much longer than expected," justified the manufacturer, which hopes to "implement quickly (his) plan."
In fact, the German manufacturer is found almost in the situation in November 2008, just before it calls the first time the German government to help paydayloans."General Motors is making a profit and has the capacity" to restructure its subsidiary, has reaffirmed the German Minister of Economy, Rainer Brüderl, who feels "comforted in (its) decision" not to help Opel.
Opel employs approximately 25,000 employees in Germany and it is expected 3,900 job cuts.
So far, Opel refused to consider funding 100% of restructuring by its parent, noting that it had recovered by the U.S. taxpayers' money, she could spend outside the U.S. USA.
"General Motors has demonstrated clear and put an end to speculation and uncertainty for employees," said the chairman of Opel's works council, Klaus Franz, said in a statement.
American Express has more than doubled its profit in the first quarter, a sign that the specialist credit card extricates a crisis battering the past two years.
Net income stood at $ 873 million, 73 cents per share, against $ 361 million, 31 cents per share, a year earlier.
Revenues, net interest rose 11% to $ 6.6 billion over the same quarter last year.
Amex charges its excellent resulting output to the resumption of consumer spending and an improvement in credit quality.
The action of the group took 1.8% to 47.61 dollars in after-hours transactions after finishing at 46.77 dollars.
At 24 hours of his arrival on the market, the iPad fever is at its height in the United States. If you believe the answer to preorders which started March 12, the new creation from Apple sensation. The first stocks are already exhausted, those who have not ordered their iPad before this week will receive nine days late, on April 12. Apple, which does not communicate its presales, would not produce enough to meet demand. On Saturday, the tablet will be available in Apple stores and Best Buy, and it will get up early to get his, because the rays could be emptied before the end of the day, according to the buzz on the Internet. The wireless models are $ 499 to $ 699. It was not until the end of April if we are interested to 3G versions, the price will go up to $ 829.
They are not only two signs that are preparing to light.Speculation is also rife on the Web according to PCWorld magazine. Taking advantage of the predicted shortage, some simple pre-booking their offer to $ 100 on sites like Craigslist, others have started their iPad on eBay at $ 700 instead of 500. These deals seem even more doubtful that Apple, as usual, organized the launch of its latest gadget in the greatest secrecy. The employees, including technicians to repair the supposed object in case of failure, had still not seen the tablet this week.
5 to 6 million sales?
The bookmakers are already on their paris sales volume by the end of the year: 5 to 6 million, maybe more. To entice buyers, Apple has guided the launch eleven new iPad applications on its site, including Safari, Keynote, YouTube, iTunes and irresistible iBooks, which may well dethrone the Amazon Kindle.If even two months ago, we doubted the potential of Apple's latest invention, now we only speak of it. Advertisers flock to the advertising pages of publishers whose applications will be available on Saturday, as Time Magazine, The New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. FedEx has purchased 90 days exclusively on applications of Reuters and Newsweek.
The reviews coming out are largely positive. A few handfuls of journalists across the U.S. have played for a few days in secret with the tablet. For most, the iPad is a single iPod or eBook. The New York Times predicted that the techies will hate but the general public will love.
In any case, Apple continues to generate humor. The tablet on behalf biased in English (mean pad pad) is suitable for two months parodies the most diverse.The latest is a "tablet" Doritos (the chips). A real hit on the Facebook page for fans of the true shelf.
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The Wall Street Journal, the last hopes of the record company EMI to sell a license to distribute its music catalog in the U.S. by a competitor, have collapsed. On Wednesday, the world's number one industry, Universal has withdrawn from negotiations. Same with Sony. EMI wanted to sign an agreement for pocketing 200 million pounds by the end of its fiscal year to pay a portion of its debt at Citigroup on time.It amounts to more than 3 billion pounds.
Before deciding to license USA, EMI had planned to sell its legendary London recording studio Abbey Road, whose group owns, but it is finally decided.
EMI and Terra Firma its owner, an investment fund, will have to raise 120 million pounds by June to meet their commitments vis-?-vis Citigroup Payday Loan for Bad Credit. If they do not, Citigroup will take over the record label. In this case, the bank could sell EMI in several pieces.
The relationship between Citigroup and Terra Firma are already tense because the fund had filed a complaint against the bank for fraud in the acquisition of EMI by Terra Firma financed by Citigroup.The fund now plans to submit a new plan in late April to prevent EMI from falling under the control of the bank.
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After the affair in 2008 Jerome Kerviel, Societe Generale will she once again in turmoil? A dispute is ongoing between TCW, the U.S. subsidiary to 100% of the bank specializing in asset management, bond, and his former chief investment officer, Jeffrey Gundlach, fired for "theft, dishonesty and conspiracy, December 4 2009. "This case is completely different from the Kerviel affair," explains Jacques Ripoll, director of asset management business and services to investors in Societe Generale.
Jeffrey Gundlach, former chief investment officer at Trust Company of the West (TCW), claiming 1.25 billion dollars (about 940 million euros) to the 100% subsidiary of Soci?t? G?n?rale, it is stated in the document Reference Societe Generale on page 204.This corresponds to 1.4 times the net profit recorded in 2009 – or 678 million euros – the bank chaired by Fr?d?ric Oudea! "This amount is totally surreal, the goal is to impress," said Jacques Ripoll. "Do you realize, this is equivalent to 30 pay by Jeffrey Gundlach. Over the past five years, Jeffrey Gundlach won $ 134 million and 40 million for 2009 alone.
"A very marginal impact on Societe Generale"
It all started last December 4 when TCW, which manages $ 115 billion in assets, bought one of its competitors, MetWest. But it is his manager, Tad Rivella, which takes the place of Jeffrey Gundlach, dismissed. A transition that is grinding his teeth. And that degenerates in litigation before the courts.
Last January, WCA filed a complaint against Jeffrey Gundlach to whom she seeks 200 million dollars in damages. A month later, the American manager responds with a cons-complaint in which he stated that TCW would not honor a verbal agreement on his employment contract, his salary and that of his collaborators. For Societe Generale, there is no question of compromise. "Today, more than in the past, we no longer want to be taken hostage by managers or traders who, by their deviant behavior, put their interests before those of the group. Frederick Oud?a has made his war-horse, "said Jacques Ripoll.
After a difficult 2009, Societe Generale was slow to emerge from the crisis. "The case Jeffrey Gundlach have a very marginal impact on the accounts of Soci?t? G?n?rale and its shareholders.In the long term, our ethical and responsible decision (to have dismissed Jeffrey Gundlach, Ed) will be very positive for our shareholders. " "The worst is behind us," concludes Jacques Ripoll.
TCW: an IPO, no surrender
In a context where Societe Generale seeks to distance himself with the business of asset management, this case does not fall more, especially since the bank is considering introducing its subsidiary American Stock Exchange. "The IPO of TCW is not on the agenda today. We will consider that once the full potential of TCW implemented. In this regard a doubling of assets under management is a worthy goal for our team. In the two years ahead, our goal is clearly to help TCW to develop. Moreover, the IPO of TCW does not mean we want to cede control.
The bank hopes to delay an end to this matter before scheduling the operation, which could be followed by another IPO: that of Amund. Last December, Soci?t? G?n?rale merged most of its activities in the sector with those of Cr?dit Agricole to create Amund, the number three European asset management after Allianz and AXA, and prompted to enter the stock market " within five years. " An operation that TCW has been kept out, only 20% of capital has been brought to the joint venture.
Between 700 million and 1 billion of additional losses
At a conference with investors organized by Morgan Stanley, Frederick Oud?a, President and CEO of Societe Generale, confirmed Wednesday, according to Les Echos, the bank may suffer in 2010, additional losses of 700 million to 1 billion euros related to its portfolio of toxic assets. This portfolio contained at December 31, 2009 to 35.5 billion euros of risk weighted assets.
In addition to his 2009 results, published last January, Societe Generale had announced that its portfolio of illiquid assets, whose value reached 37 billion euros at end December 2009, generated a net loss of 2.8 billion over the year, including $ 1 billion in the fourth quarter alone.
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 Herv? 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-?-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 Barri?re 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 Barri?re. We have lost a few points marginalized because, for example, the telephone line is directly in the room on request. Vis-?-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! "
The consumption of manufactured goods rose more households in November. After an increase of 2.3% in September and 1% in October, the index has shown quasi-stable -0, 1%, according to figures from INSEE.
Despite this slowdown, "the last quarter will be exceptional," states Dominique Barbet, economist at BNP Paribas. "Already, we can build on 2.3% growth in consumption from October to December, the biggest increase in ten years."
The November figure was supported by strong buying automobiles rose 4.2%. "The household benefit last months of premium breaks down before his scheduled first next January, said Insee.
"Contrary to what one might fear, the car sales have not cannibalized other items of household expenditure," says economist of BNP Paribas.Other sectors, they fell for some, have not fallen sharply.
Spending on equipment housing is growing even if they slow down to 0.2%, against 2.1% in October. "If they keep their spending in electrical and electronic, are households have reduced their spending on furniture," said INSEE.
However, the week of floating balances authorized in November did not save the textiles and leather. Purchases fell 1.8% in November, two months after dynamic (+2.4% in October and 3% in September). Probably because of mild weather that has not prompted the French to equip themselves for the winter.
Limited impact of unemployment
In 2009, INSEE expects a limited increase in consumption of 0.7%, after 0.9% in 2008."Unemployment has not been in France very negative impact on consumption, unlike what happened in other European countries, thanks to measures directed at low income," notes Dominique Barbet.
Consumption is the traditional engine of French growth and growing at a rate of 2 to 2.5% until 2007.
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