Archive for April, 2011

Accor wants to transfer Lenôtre

Auto Date Friday, April 29th, 2011

Accor is considering separating from Lenôtre, catering luxury present in thirteen countries with 64 schools. This decision is linked with the change of strategy group, which wants to focus entirely on the hospitality sector, according to a statement released Friday.

"The bodies representing staff were informed of these discussions and will be consulted when a project is developed more concrete," the statement said without giving further details. Accor said that some potential buyers have expressed interest in buying this prestigious culinary group.

Under pressure from some major shareholders, Accor has launched a process of refocusing on the hotel.He has sold its prepaid services, become Endered, sold the business to restaurants in the trains of the Compagnie des Wagons-Lits and sold the walls of a large part of its hotel brands Novotel, Sofitel and Formula 1 keeping only their management.

The announcement of this proposed sale leaves investors indifferent. This morning at 10:30, the title of the Accor Group in effect losing 0.33% to 30.15 euros in a market down 0.32%.

Puma takes out his claws into the world of night

Auto Date Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

In the streets of major cities, billboards bloom barred the slogan "For the athletes of the night." The campaign comes a bit mysterious Puma. It promotes events at night clubs that do not much about sports. Upcoming events: Thursday evening, simultaneously in Paris, Toulouse, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg and Zurich. The third sporting goods worldwide, behind giants Nike and Adidas, which is a target for "getting a phone is as important as winning a medal." Program: football, billiards, DJ and open bar. Through this global event operation, the German manufacturer is seeking to reconnect with the recipes that made its success: mix of fashion and the spirit of competition to win a young, trendy, but not necessarily very athletic.One way to show that its sneakers are also – perhaps more – suitable for dancing a glass in hand to win the 100 meters as Usain Bolt.

And it seems to work. In the first quarter, sales of Puma were up 13.2% and net income of 7.1%. Growth in sales than analysts' expectations and estimates of the company, which had announced a target of between 5 and 10% for the year. As a result, the brand plans to spend this year on course than 3 billion euros in sales, and is 4 billion by 2015.

"Back to attack"

This good performance, which began late 2010, marks a break after two difficult years. And this, when no major sporting event takes place this year. More reason to reinvest in the bottom slot of "sportslifestyle.This is one of the axes of the plan of "return to the attack" announced in October by Jochen Zeitz, Puma's charismatic boss for eighteen years, who just sold his seat to a young successor chosen internally, Franz Koch, 32. Zeitz, meanwhile, is now assisting in Paris Francois-Henri Pinault in its diversification strategy group PPR, which owns 65% of Puma.

"Our first quarter performance shows a strong start for 2011 and our plan to return to the attack, with strong sales growth, welcomes Jochen Zeitz. We've even been able to mitigate the negative impact of the disaster in Japan last month, as the Asia Pacific region contributed to the increase in our sales. "Revenues grew 6.9% in Asia, 4.4% in Europe and 20% in North America during the first quarter.Latin America is a strong growth driver for Puma, with increases of over 10% in almost all countries.

Fukushima: Tepco down wages

Auto Date Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

At TEPCO, the operator of the central hilly Fukushima, everyone will have to sacrifice financially to repay victims of the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power, said TEPCO announced Monday a general reduction in salaries of its staff to reduce expenses. This is for her to pay their due compensation to the people of the region.

All will not suffer wage cuts of the same magnitude. Widely criticized for their handling of the crisis, the honorary chairman, CEO and other senior leaders TEPCO will see their annual emoluments amputation of 50%. The salaries of middle managers will be reduced by 25% and those of ordinary employees by 20%. TEPCO had already announced it would not pay dividends to its shareholders or for 2010 or 2011.

"We will apply these deductions to earnings because of the impact on our accounts of the amounts payable under the law on compensation for nuclear damage to those who have been victims, and because of the increased costs for rebuild electrical installations, "the company said in a statement payday loans. Tepco discount and make an annual saving of 54 billion yen (455 million).

Recruitment canceled

In addition, the company canceled a plan to recruit 1,100 people. These hires, planned for 2012, should allow it to expand abroad. Before his international ambitions are ruined by the disaster, including TEPCO planned to expand its business in construction and operation of nuclear facilities outside Japan.

"We sincerely apologize to the public and our customers for concerns and inconvenience caused by the accident in Fukushima," assured the group. "We will continue to make every effort to manage the current situation and reduce our expenses by focusing on stable supply of electricity and security."

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Tour operators seek to reclaim the French

Auto Date Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

For the first time, New Frontiers publishes a booklet dedicated to stay in France. The tour operator offers such a night in a chateau in Burgundy with bike rental, a week traveling with half-board in Britain, a tour of Paris in a 2CV … For three weeks, mostly sold and weekend getaways weekends in Paris from 75 euros per person in double room for two nights cruise on the Seine included. "For a long time in France we welcome customers from foreign tour operators, said Jean-Baptiste Delsuc, production manager at Nouvelles Frontieres travel. We hope that the French have the reflex to go as a travel agency for holidays in France. It's a gamble.Budgets are 4-5 times lower than for distant trips, but for the majority of the French. "

Lack of "resorts"

This summer, due to unrest in North Africa, more French will remain in France. "Traditionally, 27 million French spend their holidays in France every summer, according to Didier Arino, Chief of Staff Protourisme. But this year, unless an increase in late bookings for Tunisia, they are more likely to remain in France. "

Tour operators must adapt, but they face the French who took the habit of doing without them. They spend more than two-thirds of their family vacation, with friends or in their second home. Moreover, "the French tend to think they know as much as professionals on tourism in France."Notes Didier Arino, The Hexagon also lack of "resorts" are capable of accommodating a large clientele fast cash loans. However, to reference offers, tour operators are looking volume.

"Long, tour operators have not sought to sell the destination France, because it is more interesting for them to market mass travel abroad, where margins are higher, said Christian Mantei, director general 'Trump France. Result, only 5 to 10% of French people go through a travel agent for vacation in France. "The Pierre & Vacances group Center Parcs, the leading tourist residences in France, it also carries about 80% of its sales Direct. "It will be difficult to change habits, but some market share to take on well-identified niches, such as skiing and spa," says Christian Mantei.Didier Arino also believes the future of theme holidays: œnotourime, river cruises, stays fitness or sports … Lands of Adventure, hiking specialist in small groups, carries 10% of its turnover in France , its first destination. Each year, the tour operator is to walk 6,000 customers.

"France is the top-selling destination, with 18% of our business," says Jean-Pierre Mas, president of Afat Selectour, which has 1,300 travel agencies. That little knowing that over 70% of the French spend their holidays in France! "This network of agencies primarily sells short stays in amusement parks (Euro Disney, Futuroscope, Parc Asterix), tourist residences and winter sports holidays. "We're starting to sell camping and caravanning, as Framissima Soustons Nature," says Jean-Pierre Mas.

Electricity: reasons for higher rates

Auto Date Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Rising electricity prices in the coming years will she "modest," as stated by the Government? Nothing is less certain. Especially if the state relies on the Champsaur report to determine the selling price of nuclear energy for EDF to its competitors, under the law on reorganization of the electricity market.

In the conclusions of this report – that Le Figaro was bought – "the average price of Arenh (restricted to nuclear power history) over the period of regulation could out to about 39 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) .

This figure is substantially lower than the threshold advocated by EDF, which estimates that 42 euros per MWh the full cost of nuclear power (operation, maintenance, future investments …).But it is also well above the starting price desired by EDF's competitors, who point out that current tariffs are regulated on the basis of 35 euros per MWh. Anyway, to 39 euros per MWh as stipulated in the Champsaur report, the convergence required by law in 2015 between regulated tariffs and prices Arenh will result in a significant rise in the former."In a context where all components of cost of supplying electricity are up, the constraints of evolution of the price system (…) are extremely strong," the report notes.

Although several hypotheses can be considered according to the weight of taxes and the rate of inflation, but increase the rates regulated by 2015 could average 6.5% per year as the underlying report.

The impact of Fukushima

Suffice to say that politically, the application of such a law might be scolded consumers. Hence the long wait before the final decisions of the government.

Still in its conclusions, the Champsaur report notes that "tests were made before the serious problems that have affected nuclear power plants in Fukushima.And to emphasize that the results of the audit of central French government decision "should be taken into account in calculations of electricity generated by nuclear power history." For EDF, this is no doubt this will generate additional costs for maintenance of the park, which should therefore be reflected in the price of Arenh.

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Asian stock markets: the U.S. debt burden

Auto Date Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

The Tokyo Stock Exchange moves without surprise drop in net Tuesday, the Nikkei index yielding 1.34% at 9428.28 points at around 6:45 after the decision by Standard & Poor's lowered the outlook of the sovereign rating of the U.S. stable to negative. That has sealed a new European markets (-2.35% in Paris) and American (-1.14% for the Dow Jones) yesterday. Trading volume remains to be low, investors remain cautious before the results of Japanese companies at the end of the month.However, the steep downward trend was slightly blurred since the resumption of trading after the mid-session Tuesday.

Side companies in Japan, the Japanese conglomerate Toshiba has raised Tuesday its net profit forecast for 2010-2011 to 135 billion yen, citing a reduction in non-operating expenses, but lowered its forecast turnover Because of the earthquake of March 11.

Opening of the Auto Show in Shanghai

In Shanghai, the CSI index falling 1.98% to 3292.96 points. Automakers around the world began on Tuesday to show off their latest models and concept cars at the Motor Show in Shanghai, animated by the desire to succeed on the first global automotive market. Among the new products, unveils its new VW Beetle, General Motors, the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Envision, the Citroën DS5.In total, 19 models are world premieres and 75 launched on the Chinese market, according to organizers.

The announcement from Standard & Poor's also affects China

Side economic data, foreign direct investment (FDI) in China rose 32.9% in March year on year to 12.52 billion dollars, according to official data released Tuesday. This amount is higher than in February and January, when China was respectively 7.8 and attracted 10.03 billion U.S. dollars of FDI, said the Ministry of Commerce. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng was down 1.28% to 23,524.80 points.

Elsewhere in Asia / Pacific, the trend is less bright red: Australia, the S & P / ASX fold from 1.43% to 4792.60 points, in India, the BSE Sensex yields more timidly 0.21% to 19,051.71 points, and Singapore, the Straits Times down 0.79% at 3119.40 points.

In Malaysia, the FTSE Bursa stumbles from 0.46% to 1520.92 points.Bulldozers and cranes are busy day and night in the south to establish Iskandar, a megalopolis of the future, built on the Singapore model in which economic success is a dream the other Asian countries.

The decline in oil

Oil prices were trending lower Tuesday in electronic trading in Asia, after the warning about the U.S. debt by Standard and Poor's, but the situation in the Arab world will continue to drive prices upwards, as brokers. In morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery yielded 17 cents to 106.95 dollars.

The euro continued its fall and early this morning was trading at 1.4210 dollars against 1.4234 late Monday. The dollar is at 82.50 yen against 82.67.

A tax return via the Internet even easier

Auto Date Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Starting this week, the French will receive in their mailbox the usual blue print from the tax: the tax return. The Department of Budget commences in fact its shipments to 36 million homes Tuesday and completes tax May 4

This time he is to declare the income year 2010, revenues will be used to calculate the income tax (IR) paid in 2011. Households that still use the paper return will have until May 30 at midnight to do their job.Those who declare on Internet impots.gouv.fr – it will be possible from April 26 – as usual will have additional time: until June 9 to midnight for departments numbered 1-19, until 16 June for those numbered 20-49 and until 23 June for those numbered 50-974.

This year, Bercy has further simplified the statement by the Internet, increasing the number of pre-filled boxes (which are already numerous, both on the Web than on paper)."The information télédéclarées the previous year as the full names of children or the details of actual costs will préaffichées on the Web," says one of the department budget instant payday loan.

Monthly modular

Also new, having declared online and conducted a simulation of their tax liability, taxpayers will be able to adjust their monthly payment.

Bercy hopes to convert a few more taxpayers to the Web. "We went from 3.5 million in 2005 to more remote declarations from 10 million last year, welcomed yesterday Baroin. The Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the involvement of the Directorate General of Public Finance (DGFIP) Authority of calculating and collecting taxes. "25,000 workers were mobilized to accompany the French this year," he said.In 2010, officials of the DGF Live IP helped 4.7 million people to make their statements and answered 3.1 million calls. The game is worth it: the IR reported to the state 47 billion euros in 2010.

Final point: the explanatory statement attached to said that tax loopholes are now capped at EUR 20 000 plus 8% on income and capital gains from sale of stocks and bonds are subject to payroll taxes at 1 first euro transfer.

Bettencourt: united family pocketed € 300M

Auto Date Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Back to business in Bettencourt. Reconciled since last December, Liliane Bettencourt, heir to L'Oreal, and his daughter Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, working actively in the management of Tethys and Clymene, the two holding companies responsible for managing the family fortune and owner of 18% stake the cosmetics company. The first fruits of this management amounted to 300 million euros. According to the Journal du Dimanche, it is money that Françoise Bettencourt Meyers affect the result of a subtle tax game.

Specifically, the company Tethys, which has since reconciliation Director Jean-Pierre Meyers, husband of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, voted after a special general meeting a capital reduction. As its name implies, this operation is to reduce, directly or indirectly, the amount of equity in society.It can be done by a bid for a certain amount of shares outstanding. The latter will then be canceled and the redemption price will be deducted from equity.

Tethys has purchased the 380,000 shares owned by Liliane Bettencourt and her daughter Frances No teletrak payday loan. At 900 euros per share, this means that 300 million must be paid to the latter while the mother must receive 41 million euros.

Operation of law

Rather than paying the 300 million directly to Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the company Tethys has decided to borrow 100% of this amount to the bank. From an accounting perspective, this takeover will enable Tethys to reduce their taxes by deducting finance costs of the loan. By inflating its debt and reducing its equity, the company should also pay more tax on corporations.These are the dividends that will be paid by L'Oreal for five years which will then allow the company to repay the loan.

For his part, Françoise Bettencourt and puts his hand on a jackpot of 300 million euros during this period. A transaction tax optimization work that illustrates the cooperation of the family clan and that is perfectly legal.

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Skyrock: Axa offers mediation to former CEO Pierre Bellanger

Auto Date Friday, April 15th, 2011

Mediation to resolve the conflict between Axa Private Equity (70% shareholder of Skyrock) and Pierre Bellanger (which holds the remaining 30%). This is the solution proposed Friday by the investment fund Axa Private Equity, which now wishes to withdraw.

The proposal comes as Pierre Bellanger said Thursday he will not leave his office in the premises as a result of Skyrock not be found with its majority shareholder.Camped there since Tuesday evening to protest against the eviction of the Directorate General of Skyrock, which he fears a "split sales.

Marc Laufer while the new Director General appointed by the shareholder still has not gained access to the premises of Skyrock, Axa offers "the appointment of an independent mediator to propose a solution that simultaneously preserves the interests of company, its employees, its listeners, its users and its shareholders. "The fund relies on the "spirit of dialogue that has always animated" and "the emotion in some public" but also "the threats that the current climate poses to the group."

Similarly, while the antenna Skyrock concerned about attacks on freedom of expression, the majority shareholder of the house said that he is "never" acted on "the editorial content."

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Orange: Open offer has attracted 500,000 customers

Auto Date Thursday, April 14th, 2011

France Telecom was highly anticipated product. Launched in August, Open, the quadruple play that combines mobile, Internet, television and telephone sets, has reached the milestone of 500,000 customers at end-March. "Bouygues started in May 2009 with great success. We received in June 2010 a positive opinion of the Competition Authority and launched our offer two months later. It really is a trend of the market that responds to customer demand, "says Delphine Ernotte, Executive Director of Orange France. "For Orange, this is a major growth driver and a bid to retain clients," she says. Open a new offer, including high-speed fiber optics, to be launched before the end of the year.

The competition authority had AutoInput few months ago and is still investigating to ensure that Open does not hinder competition.France Telecom asserts confidence, ensuring that the Internet and mobile services each have independent terms of termination.

A new organization

Open illustrates the commercial recovery of the telecom operator after a difficult period marked by the crisis of suicide. She had had a significant impact on sales in France. Today, France Telecom will jump to the conquest customers. "I do not want one customer in a spin at France Telecom by the end of the year," says Delphine Ernotte. "No telco is very good in this area. There is therefore a real economic space to be different.

France Telecom-Orange's ambition to be far above others in terms of customer relations. We are legitimate for this role because of our history and culture that have always been labeled "a public service, '" she says."By the end of the year, all customers who hang unresolved problems should have been treated. Next year we will increase the level of customer experience. And 2013 will be the effect of "Whoa" means customers will only see the difference with our competitors, "says Delphine Ernotte.

"Conquest 2015"

A vast project could motivate teams disoriented after the social crisis. The operator has also set up a new organization, France. Orange nine new directors will replace the old territorial directors. They will be responsible for a wider region, with responsibility each about 6000 employees. "The challenge is to lower the center of gravity of the company, we do not want everything to come from above, we want to restore freedom to the operational patterns," says Director of Orange France.A measure of the plan directly inspired by "Conquest 2015", launched last July by CEO Stéphane Richard.

However, this battle will not be the excuse to abandon the mark this year in favor of France Telecom's Orange. The rebranding is a continuous process already begun. But the permanent abandonment of the name France Telecom, which goes hand in hand with the name change of the action, not even this year. Such a decision requires the approval of the General Assembly, however, no resolution to this effect were made.

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