Posts Tagged ‘business’

Retirements: Fillon will not retreat

June 25, 2010 - 8:52 pm Comments Off

"No engagement will not solve the demographic problem," still insisted the prime minister, noting that previous pension reforms of 1993 and 2003 had been "challenged" and "are now accepted by everyone."

Sanofi-Aventis: favorable opinion on the Multaq

June 16, 2010 - 2:56 pm Comments Off

Good news for Sanofi-Aventis. The pharmaceutical giant has obtained a favorable opinion of the Commission on Transparency Multaq medical interest, reveals the Tribune Wednesday. This drug for cardiac arrhythmias in place of amiodarone which generates significant side effects, had been criticized by the French authorities as a renowned American Institute cardialogie.

The Transparency Committee eventually concluded that "the Multaq does not improve the medical service rendered in relation to amiodarone (…) but represents a useful supplementary therapy. Experts believe that the "medical service rendered" is "important" when they had considered "moderate" in the first review in March.

This advisory opinion warrants a refund of 65% of Multaq, but it does not fix the selling price. This will be negotiated with the Ministry of Health.The daily La Tribune said that the opinion of the Commission should result in a price lower than the products already marketed. The laboratory should therefore support price negotiations with a strong argument: the reduction of hospitalizations and deaths due to medication.

900 million euros turnover in 2013 horzon

While numerous patents expire Group, Sanofi-Aventis place great hope in the Multaq: Analysts expect 900 million euros turnover in 2013, according to business daily.

The new drug is already marketed in several countries like Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland or Canada. A spokesman for the pharmaceutical group has confirmed a target marketing Multaq in France by the end of the year.

Japan threatens to bankrupt state

June 12, 2010 - 7:52 am Comments Off

If it does not take the bull by the horns, Japan will end as Greece. The policy speech delivered yesterday by the new Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, before Parliament is clearly intended to create a shock.

"Like the problems in the euro area caused by Greece, there is a risk of collapse if we do nothing against the rising public debt and consequently lose the confidence of bond markets," Has he said. Japan's debt exceeds 200% because of GDP (gross domestic product) and threatens to reach 246% in 2014, according to the IMF.

In reality, there is no chance that the archipelago is found in the situation in Athens, since this debt is 95% owned by Nippon investors and long-term rates remain very low, but feared the reaction of Tokyo rating agencies.Last January, Standard and Poor's downgraded the rating of its long-term debt from "stable" to "negative".

Naoto Kan, who can count on the support of 61.5% of the population, according to a poll conducted Wednesday, draws a line over ten years of economic policy that has led the country to choke.

He wants to go fast and run a complete overhaul of the tax system by initiating a national debate beyond partisan barriers "to ensure the support of the opposition. The economic recovery of the archipelago, with an annualized growth of 5% in the first quarter, giving him the means.

Deflationary

But this reform is likely to be painful because it requires an increase in VAT, currently at 5%, one of the lowest in developed countries. Can not kill it in the bud the recovery of consumer confidence recorded in five months? "I do not think so.The VAT could double, but that should not weigh. When households are too indebted state, they are slowing their purchases. If they have a visibility they consume more, "said one investment banker in Tokyo. He added that such measures can help break the spiral of deflation, which, "by dint expect further declines in prices affects consumption."

The government, which wants to reduce unnecessary government spending, is preparing in parallel to reduce the corporate tax, which at 40%, is one of the highest of OECD countries. This would allow companies to offer cheaper products, thereby reducing the impact of the tax increase on consumption.

"It's courageous," says a French financial analyst living in Japan.And Naoto Kan, for once, can rely with confidence on the new Minister of Finance, Yoshihiko Noda, firm believer in fiscal discipline.

Only downside, the prime minister can not deny the social promises made during the campaign of his party. But they are expensive. The only allowance for children continuing their studies, launched in the spring and intended to fight against the declining birth rate, represents 45 billion euros per year. And the Minister of Social Affairs, Akira Nagatsuma suggests it could take another form as a cash payment to families. But "when we preach the rigor of educational way, the Japanese understand perfectly," decide the investment banker, who took the gamble that the revolution Kan prevail.

Wall Street closed sharply higher

June 11, 2010 - 5:24 am Comments Off

The U.S. stock markets resumed their minds on Thursday. The Dow Jones climbed 2.76% and the Nasdaq gained 2.79%, to clĂ´tire the NYSE. Wednesday, after long hesitation which direction to take, Wall Street slipped into the red at the very end of the session. At the finish, the Dow Jones lost 0.41% and the Nasdaq 0.57%.

The chairman of the Fed, Ben Bernanke was upbeat about the economy of his country Wednesday, despite the difficulties of Europe and the latest figures, disappointing employment in the United States. Ben Bernanke said before the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives that the economy should grow at a rapid pace in 2010 and accelerate slightly in 2011.Published yesterday, the Fed's Beige Book confirmed an increase in economic activity in the United States without signs of inflation, reinforcing the idea that the Fed is in no hurry to raise interest rates.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro shows a renewed nete against the dollar, worth U.S. $ 1.2098 (0.92%), around 15h40, due to a lull in all markets, on the eve the monthly meeting of the European Central Bank. The European Central Bank (ECB) is today holding its monthly monetary policy meeting.

After the disappointment of last Friday on the employment figures, investors should pay particular attention to weekly figures for unemployment benefits that are to be published today.

Meanwhile operators should welcome the trade surplus of China.China recorded a trade surplus of 19.53 billion in May, against 1.68 billion in April, with exports up 48.5% year on year last month and imports rose 48.3 %, according to official statistics published today.

From the values listed, shares of BP, listed in New York should remain under pressure. The day before, they have continued to drift, plunging more than 15% to their lowest level in 14 years, in the wake of the London listing.

The Internet giant Google has criticized the new rules governing advertising on the multifunctional phone from Apple, the iPhone, saying they could prevent him from receiving income on this unit.

The CAC 40 is expected to start in the red

May 15, 2010 - 11:23 am Comments Off

The Paris Bourse is scheduled to begin last week's meeting in decline, in the wake of U.S. markets worried about the difficulties in Europe – Wall Street closed down over 1% – and the Nikkei in Tokyo down the same order Friday morning.

Since the beginning of the week, the CAC 40, which replaced the European aid plan of 750 billion euros announced in the night from Sunday to Monday. Last week, the CAC 40 index had fallen more than 11%.

Thursday evening, the benchmark index of Paris has stood still while the rest of Europe has evolved disparate: Spanish IBEX fell 1.11% to 9,977 points, when the BEL 20 has folded 0.22%, to 2534 points. While the Dax frankfurt took some 1.1% to 6251 points and the FTSE in London, 0.93%, to 5433 points.

The IMF: a report on public finances G20

Today, Europe is free of major statistical.In contrast, the United States, the indices continue to rain. Are scheduled for this afternoon publication of retail sales in April, very controlled, industrial production for the same month – also highly regarded – the index of confidence from the University of Michigan for the month of May – for a forecast of economic health – and stocks and sales companies in March.

Other important events this Friday, the IMF will publish its report at 5:01 p.m. on the budget deficit and public debt G20 Fast Cash Without a hassle.

EADS net profit down 39%

The giant European aerospace firm EADS said Friday a 39% drop in net profit to 103 million euros. The A380 still weighs heavily on the performance of EADS. The group has however confirmed its objectives for the year.

For this Friday, it is the only publication of results and no presentation of turnover is expected.

However, investors will follow the evolution of Cr?dit Agricole, showered yesterday: Securities fell 3.56% Thursday evening at the closing (the largest drop in the CAC 40). The bank posted earnings of 470 million euros in the first quarter when its rivals Societe Generale and BNP Paribas are respectively reached profits of more than 1 billion euros and 2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2010.

Furthermore, the Attorney General of New York has opened an investigation into eight banks, including Credit Agricole, to determine if they had provided misleading information about their mortgages before the subprime crisis, "according to The New York Times.

EDF side, the series on electricity prices is not over.Priced at 42 euros per MWh, the price increases would be 11.4% in 2011 and 3.5% per year between 2011 and 2025, according to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Figures disputed by EDF. The government – which sets prices for electricity – and EDF belie such increase.

Carlos Ghosn re-elected head of Renault

May 1, 2010 - 4:52 pm Comments Off

A few days after the publication of a sales soaring and better than expected, Ghosn perfect its operation seduction. The CEO of the automaker, which suffered heavy losses last year with 3.1 billion euros of losses, it is one of the most important sector, pledged on Friday at the annual Shareholders' return in the green "no later than 2011.

A challenge for the "cost killer" at Nissan, the shareholders re-elected for four years without surprise at the head of the automaker. Five years after its accession to the presidency of the group, the economic conditions in 2010 should however be difficult. The scheduled shutdown of the scrappage scheme in particular, should not contribute to boost the profits of Renault, who anticipates a decline of 10% of the European market this year.

"The club small groups producing more than 7 million cars a year"

To find the flexibility brought by the loan of 6 billion euros granted by the state earlier this year, Ghosn has also committed to the shareholders to repay that money more quickly than expected, it ie before the year 2014 Guaranteed fast personal loans. "We will refund well before the deadline and we will refund if possible in concert with our friends at PSA," he said. The lion brand was in effect at the time assisted the same amount.

The manufacturer expects to have the freedom again to close and installing production units it wants to reduce its costs.One recalls the intervention of Nicolas Sarkozy to stop the entire production of the Clio in Turkey …

Carlos Gohn finally defended the recent alliance with Daimler, well received by analysts but with more caution by the shareholders of a German manufacturer of luxury cars. "With Daimler, we enter into the restricted club of groups producing more than 7 million cars a year," argued the head of the corporation.

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The cloud of ash does not jam recovery

April 19, 2010 - 10:12 pm Comments Off

"Dust volcanic paralysis airport dangerous for the economy." The Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CGPME) became concerned Monday that could have consequences for European sky empty of planes. Dramatization? CGPME quick to point out a little further in his text that only SMEs "whose activity is immediately dependent on air transport" are currently affected.

If paralysis continues, the slow recovery of the economy will she threatened? "If this situation persists, all French SMEs encounter difficulties," worries CGPME. Everything depends on the duration of the flight ban imposed much of European airspace. "The problem is simple: the shock will be there temporarily or not?" Says Philippe Waechter, head of economic research at Natixis."For now, all this is annoying but does not call into question the economic recovery."

"A crisis of this type can be analyzed as attacks or an outbreak, however, significant events that have little overall economic impacts," said Nicolas Bouzou for its part, an economist at Aster. Especially since the paralysis of European airspace should not have a huge impact on trade between Europe and the rest of the world, according to the Economist: "80% of goods moved by boat. And the businessmen will still meet in videoconferencing payday loan instant. "

Attacks and pandemic

The situation is somewhat reminiscent of the paralysis attacks of Sept. 11, which at the time, had greatly affected the airline."This event has changed the behavior vis-?-vis the air, but the current environment is extremely different," relativize Philippe Waechter. "Today, if the ban is lifted, all restarts as before." September 11 has also not necessarily have any impact on the economy, beyond transport. "It is very difficult to detect traces of attacks on the World Trade Center on economic growth," said Nicolas Bouzou.

More recently, influenza H1N1 has raised fears the worst. Especially because of the flight ban could be decided to limit the spread of the virus. The worst-case scenarios developed while anticipating a decline in U.S. GDP by 1.5% year over year. Impact due to paralysis of all types of transport, the cancellation of sporting and cultural events and absenteeism rates of about 30 to 40% in companies.In comparison, the ash cloud would block more than 150,000 French nationals abroad. For a limited time.

See also:

"Economic consequences cascade

"Volcano: expected improvement by the end of the week

Ousted Generali, Bernheim is preparing its response

April 9, 2010 - 3:00 am Comments Off

LE FIGARO. – Your estate at the head of Generali was held a week ago by Mediobanca, the main shareholder. The agreement was then found that satisfy you?

Antoine Bernheim. – No. Of course I understand that we did not wish to renew for three years president of 85 years. But in this case, it is obvious that age is an excuse. I do not accept the way things have been made against me and against Generali. Me, I was offered an "honorary president", but not at the board of directors! As for the company, its management has been decided from the outside, in Mediobanca. And he provides a board where anyone outside the two managing directors (CEOs, Ed) will not know anything for insurance. They even rejected Claude Tendil, president of Generali France, which is one of the best insurers in the world.Generali deserves better than that. We do not yet know how the powers will be defined between the two managing directors and the president. As for Mr. Geronzi, who must take the presidency, I wonder … This is not an insurer and he always said he did not want this job.

Will you accept this patronage?

Honestly, I do not know yet. Thanks to Mediobanca, I'm not even on the list of directors to be presented at the meeting April 24. Given what I represent in the history of Generali, I think it's an insult. Ultimately, I could accept such a position, if I was director. And then, when we, like me, been kicked out of a masterful kick, one is rather tempted to retaliate. I am.I would add that on April 24, the small shareholders in Generali will, too, have a say.

Vincent Bollore, who is close to you has participated in the council and Mediobanca will become vice chairman of Generali. This does not "compensate" Does not your departure?

Vincent Bollore said he did everything he could within the nominations committee of Mediobanca. I think, though, in reality, I think that he is not against the idea of a withdrawal to my age. He advises me for months already to accept a honorary president for life and the benefits attached to them.Do I need? After all, my phone rings again …

As for the future role within the board of Generali, Vincent Bollore – who, as intelligent and dynamic as it is, is not an insurer – I do not know what he can be when we clearly supports a takeover of Generali by Mediobanca.

What do you mean?

I think if you put me in the door today Generali, because I defend an orthodox management, exclusively serving the interests of the company and its shareholders, not special interests. I also fought for what is Generali of Italy, a treasure, one of his very few companies to be known worldwide. We're number two in France, Germany, Central Europe, in China too (private sector).But for the merchant bank Mediobanca, which is no longer the hub of the Italian economy, it was the time of Enrico Cuccia, the issue has always been to return to power at Generali No teletrack payday loan. What has never been neither in the interests of the company and its customers or the interests of Italy.

The defense of Generali, it was also against the appetites of other insurers. Have you, during your presidency, proposed a marriage with AXA?

My duty has always been to defend, with all my strength, the "Italian character" of Generali. So yes, Axa has always wanted a reconciliation, but I've always been against. And I have often said Claude Bebear.If it was thought at one time or another, the fact that French is the head of Generali was a godsend, he finally had to give in to reason.

Compare yourself today the circumstances of your departure to the 1999?

When I became the CEO of Generali in 1995, it achieved very little of its profit in connection with its object. She was content to sell property to make profits! In four years, I had doubled the turnover consolidated global market capitalization tripled. But Mediobanca from me in 1999. As I said at the time, and this remains true, the recognition is a disease of the dog not transmissible to man!

And then in 2002, Mediobanca, very concerned about the financial situation of Generali, which was lost, asked me to return. What not to the liking of everyone.Antonio Fazio, Governor of the Bank of Italy, has done everything for me put a spoke in the wheels. But he failed. Others were convinced that I would not set goals that I had with the two managing directors: we had developed a considerable business plan, for a term of three years for the management, instead of just one year as was. And as I have done my job, they could not get rid of me … until now.

This special relationship between Generali and Mediobanca did she embarrassed in your plans for the insurer?

Yes, because Mediobanca would not be diluted stake in Generali. They have never wanted me to realize any capital increase. Mediobanca may not, from his point of view, giving room for maneuver to Generali, and I worry for its future.Because if the company has managed to partially rebuild its capital after the terrible financial crisis we went through these past two years, it will not be sufficient to meet future regulatory requirements under Solvency 2 Directive nor more needs to be developed by means not only organic but also by major acquisitions.

At one point, he will make a capital increase. And better sooner than later because the liquidity has been abundant in recent months, will not always what you …

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Daimler-Renault agreement imminent

March 27, 2010 - 11:41 pm Comments Off

In discussions for several months, Renault and Daimler could seal the alliance next month. Reportedly, Renault convened April 6 board of directors on this extraordinary subject. Y will be referred to the amplitude of the partnership between the two groups and an exchange of shareholdings which reach a symbolic level of around 3% of the capital, the Financial Times.

The holding of this board proves both that the proposed partnership is strategic and that Renault wants to make a quick decision. The aim is to announce in the wake to shareholders of Daimler and Renault, whose general meetings held respectively on 14 and April 30.

A partnership on small cars appears to be established."We saw no fundamental obstacle that would prevent an agreement", said earlier this month Dieter Zetsche, head of Daimler, maker of Mercedes and Smart. Both groups were formalized in late 2009 for discussions on small cars. He would share components between models Renault, the successor of the Mercedes A and B and the Future Smart, and even create a common platform to both manufacturers for smaller models. The agreement would also cover vehicles and electric utilities. This would allow Daimler, which has lost a lot of money with its smart, make economies of scale crucial.

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault, has never hidden his willingness to open the Renault-Nissan Alliance in a third partner, bad credit payday advance . Objective: "search for additional synergies.The owner of the mark in the Diamond does not believe the alliance cooperation without capital, only "a symbol that the relationship is long term." "It is difficult to ask the engineers of two competing companies to share fully their skills without the link," said he.

Participation Nissan

The Japanese Nissan, which Renault owns 44%, could also be part of the agreement with Daimler. According to the Nikkei, Daimler would provide bigger engines to Nissan, which in turn would make electric cars and batteries to the German group."If Renault signs an alliance with Daimler extent, I suppose Nissan will join the alliance," said a Nissan executive quoted by the Japanese newspaper.

An equity cross between Renault and Daimler mean that the obstacle of the valuation gap between the two groups (10 billion euros to 37 billion French and in German at the current rate) has been bypassed. To simplify things, Daimler would provide the 3.5% it owns in his own group, according to Bloomberg. Finally, the merger could also speed the withdrawal of Renault in Volvo AB, the truck manufacturer with the French group holds 20%.

Beginning of the strike at British Airways

March 21, 2010 - 1:53 am Comments Off

This is the first known strike British Airways for 13 years. Its cabin began Saturday a strike should significantly disrupt air travel in the United Kingdom during the next three days, after the failure on the eve of negotiations between the company and the union Unite. Approximately 1100 of 1950 BA flights planned over the three days will be canceled. British Airways hopes anyway, filling its planes at best, Saturday and Sunday carried 49,000 passengers on 75,000 for a regular weekend of March, up 65%.

Thousands of members of Unite, the first British trade union, launched the movement to midnight Friday, hours after a failed final attempt to reconcile the co-general secretary Tony Woodley of Unite and the Director General Company Willie Walsh.The conflict includes the company's decision to abolish the post of cabin crew on fifteen on the long-haul flights, and wage claims of employees. Unite has rejected a deal of 4 years, he said, returning to freeze wages until 2014.

At Heathrow, the world's first airport for international traffic, over 60% of long-haul but only 30% of short-and medium-haul should be provided on three days. At Gatwick, London's other airport, the traffic would be normal for the long haul, and operate at 50% for short and medium haul. Picket lines were in place Saturday morning in many UK airports.

The movement would resume next Saturday

Unite represents 12,000 members of cabin crew for British Airways instant payday loan .According to the union, early indications seemed to show that the movement was widely followed, although the direction of BA had threatened the strikers they remove a number of benefits gained.

British Airways seems better prepared than during the conflict in January 2007, when the strike had been canceled at the last minute. She claims to have found a thousand volunteers from among its cabin crew to fly up Monday and have it properly trained. Sixty other companies have agreed to take on their flights by British Airways customers. The move, which comes just a few weeks of parliamentary elections expected May 6, will last until Monday included initially.But he could resume next Saturday for four days, if no solution is found in the meantime.

After negotiations failed, the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has missed a strike that is' in nobody's interest "and will" cause unacceptable inconvenience to passengers. " He called it "should be lifted immediately" and that union and management "to meet without delay." Co-Secretary Tony Woodley of Unite said he was disappointed that no agreement had been reached. For his part, Willie Walsh has appeared in a video posted on the site of his company and on YouTube, to say "deeply sorry" and call this day "terrible for the company." This move is embarrassing for the Labor government, Unite is the largest financial contributor of Labor.