Ironically, the hello from Portugal, caught in a financial turmoil and a severe political crisis, could come from its former colony, Brazil, in 2010 became the seventh largest economy in the world, ahead of Italy. "Brazil will help Portugal, as Portugal has helped Brazil economically," said Tuesday after arriving on Portuguese soil, Dilma Rousseff the new president, making his first visit to Europe.
It is ultimately the American General Mills will acquire Yoplait. Reportedly, the U.S. group will take 51% stake in the dairy group valuing it at 1.6 billion euros.
Several groups including Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Dutch cooperative as well as Swiss and American giants have become interested in the sale of the participation of the investment fund PAI (50%) in Yoplait. COPERS Sodiaal also sells 1% of its share s and remains a shareholder at 49%.
Yoplait is the second global brand behind Danone fresh dairy products. Launched in 1965, thirty-six years after Danone, a brand created by the cooperative Sodima, ancestor of Sodiaal, succeeded his breakthrough on the French market, at once aggressive and commercial innovations. First brand to launch in cardboard containers, Yoplait yogurt invented the fruit and yogurt drink.
Veolia CEO since late 2009, only to orders from Henri Proglio, CEO of EDF, he left the presidency last December, Antoine Frerot Friday presented the results of group services for local communities. 2010 net income of Veolia fell by 0.5% to 581 million euros. But its revenues, driven by higher prices of recycled materials, rose 2.5% to 34.8 billion euros. Recurring operating income stood at 2.1 billion euros, up 8.5%. Veolia has also finalized with the Deposit reconciliation between its subsidiary Transport and Transdev.
Le Figaro. – How do you see 2011?
Antoine Frerot. – We are confident, after better than expected in 2010.Encouraged by the positive trend from the end of 2010 we expect further organic growth and operating profit up 4% to 8% higher by at least two points to economic conditions. Our debt will not increase. We will continue with the plan of divestment of marginal, which has already amounted to 2.5 billion in two years: 4 billion euros of assets will be sold again by the end of 2013, including $ 1.3 billion this year. And we will accelerate the cost reduction program, which was last year exceeded our expectations with savings of 265 million euros. It will grow to 300 million per annum by 2013.
And then?
I want to give back to Veolia status company for profitable growth it had before the crisis. Regarding activity, the slope is already in the right direction. Turnover was up 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2010.As the volumes of waste, the recovery is slow but confirms quarter after quarter.
Veolia how will he develop?
We must broaden our borders. We are positioned on areas of environmental services where demand is growing but supply is still scarce free credit score. In cleanliness, we will complete our network of treatment and recycling of toxic industrial waste in Europe and also in China, a country that has taken this issue head-on in the body. In water, we want to provide more support to major manufacturers in emerging countries. In energy, it is on the local production of energy from cogeneration and biomass, coupled with district heating, we will focus.
You expect acquisitions?
We rely primarily on organic growth, even if small purchases are not excluded.In three years, 6 to 7 billion euros will be earmarked for investments in our priority areas. Almost half will be allocated to contracts already signed, the other half will go to new projects.
Where is the proposed merger with EDF, Dalkia through your joint venture?
We are in the beginnings of an industrial partnership. It is too early to discuss the evolution of our partnership capital.
Is your business affected by the ongoing events in the Mediterranean countries?
No. Veolia has very little activity in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.We are more present in Morocco and the Gulf countries.
Except for the nomination, your initiative, a unique boss at the helm, Transdev Veolia, you have not changed the management of Veolia?
I remind you that more than half the current members of the Executive Committee of Veolia was not part of a year ago and a half. Antoine Frerot, CEO of Veolia, presented Friday the group's results to local services.
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Feb
22
The articulation of the French nuclear industry is probably the greatest industrial complex issue to manage for the government. For months, governments are seeking a scheme that guarantees efficient operation, with clearly identified relationships between actors, EDF and Areva head. Monday at the Elysee Palace, Nicolas Sarkozy chaired a Council responsible for nuclear policy to formalize this new system. It issued its findings in stride. All the question marks in the industry are not addressed, particularly the issue of succession to the presidency Anne Lauvergeon of Areva. Similarly, nothing is said explicitly about the possible entry of EDF's capital even Areva, while the previous Council's nuclear policy, last summer, noted that this possibility should be studied.However, the Council on Monday gave a number of key for a better industrial organization and a secure supply of uranium. Finally, more than ever, it confirms EDF's role as leader of the industry, but not under any conditions.
• EDF pilot sector
In the eyes of the Council of nuclear policy, EDF, the first global nuclear electrician, must assume its responsibilities. In this context, the Council of nuclear policy installs a strategic committee of nuclear power, bringing together all actors in the nuclear industry. Minister of Energy will assume the presidency but the Vice-Presidency is entrusted to the CEO of EDF. Load therefore Proglio animate all French industry.The government does not want a repeat of the recent episode of steam generators, where EDF has openly challenged Areva.
• Three new reactors in the study
Nuclear Policy Council took note of the weakness of the French offer for medium-power reactors instant personal loans guaranteed. He asked Areva, EDF and GDF Suez to intensify their cooperation in the TDD, a third generation reactor of 1000 megawatts (cons for EPR 1650) and thus have it certified. The Commission notes that a study be launched to implement a tool of its kind in France. Currently, the only nuclear site in France for the Flamanville. The government, aware that China is the first global nuclear market (100 new reactors are planned over the next twenty years), imply that France is participating in this program successfully.EDF will be allowed to be developed with its Chinese partners a third generation reactor mégawwats of 1000.
• A partnership between EDF and Areva reactivated
Operationally, Areva and EDF are invited to operate more effectively on many issues: in addition to sharing lessons learned about the EPR, improved maintenance and operation of the park is a priority. In the background, extending the life of French power stations.
• Spin Areva mines
A new milestone was reached in the case of mining of Areva. While reaffirming that "this is a mining asset for Areva, the nuclear policy of the Council asks him to spin off. A step that should probably be followed by an opening of the capital.This spin will be "pre-examination and implementation of strategic and financial scenarios to ensure its development," the statement said. At this stage it is not said whether or not EDF will be allowed to enter the capital, while such a scenario is under consideration in the number of global electricity. Areva and EDF are, at present, only invited to conclude an agreement "to long-term supply of uranium EDF.
On the occasion of its big annual event, the Ufip, the French Union of Petroleum Industries on Friday announced the impact of strikes on the fall of 2010 alone oil industry: 230 million euros.
A figure that could grow. For the fourth straight weekend, the activity of French ports will be affected by social movements, the CGT still requiring validation of an agreement on the drudgery.
Besides this "handicap" represented by the unreliability of the port of Marseilles, and denounced by Jean-Louis Schilansky Ufip Chairman of the rising discontent especially from the bosses of companies weakened by the downturn port. Under the patronage of the Phoenician city, the losses at the end of November last, relating to strikes, would amount to 800 million euros.In the medium term, the continued movement threatens 41,000 jobs directly and indirectly specifies the organization, who attended Thursday at a meeting of major economic players in Marseille.
Now "A container for two to France through foreign ports," a late Jean-Luc Chauvin, president of the PSU 13, the Union for companies in the Bouches du Rhone. Companies are dying to Marseille where we are in a state of permanent strike. "
Threat to long-term activity Ports
"Companies are tired, we are undermining the economic fabric," adds the CEO of the Port of Marseille, Jean-Claude Terrier. Especially if short-term impact of strikes on the job can be cushioned by partial unemployment, it is not the same in the long term.
Plagued by recurring blockages, the poor image of the port of Marseilles is widening. What is not without consequences for the activity: traffic from all terminals of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM) grew twice as fast in 2009 as the Mediterranean ports, and three times less than those Northern Europe.
And the fall in traffic could continue. On the site of Fos sur Mer, terminals and cargo containers are still totally blocked this weekend. A new arrest brings to 29 the number of calls to cancel since the beginning of the month. Between 1980 and 2010, the port of Marseille has lost 12% market share, reaching 16% last year. He has yet to lose a place among the European countries (5th in 2010).
However, difficult before any return to normalcy, to quantify exactly how many jobs really threatened.Meanwhile, a cell of the Prefecture of the Bouches du Rhone will be created to select the companies affected by social movements, and conduct an evaluation in terms of jobs. About 2,500 companies will receive bank facilities, said the Prefect Hughes Parant.
Side Le Havre, or movement is also closely watched, the loss of port activity related to strikes brought to 40% in Les Echos said the president of the Maritime Union and port of Le Havre. About 80% of the 16,000 jobs that include the organization today are indirectly affected, "he said. In January more than 50 calls were canceled out of 170 were provided, again in favor of other ports, Belgian and Dutch.
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In a statement issued following an interministerial meeting on the situation in Tunisia, the Elysee said he had "taken steps to ensure that suspicious financial transactions involving assets in France are blocked Tunisian administratively under the law" .
Paris "is available to the constitutional authorities to respond promptly to any request on Tunisian assets in France," the statement said the French presidency.The statement did not explicitly cite the case of ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, but it's him and other members of his clan who seem concerned.
A U.S. diplomatic telegram released by Wikileaks published by the daily Le Monde calls a "mafia" family of former president and said that corruption exists at the highest level of government with bribes, kickbacks, expropriation, robberies, extortion …
Appellant also "to calm and end the violence, France has also requested" the organization of free elections as soon as possible "in Tunisia, claiming to be ready to" respond to any request for assistance to the democratic process is conducted in the most compelling ".
Recalling the principle of "non-interference in internal affairs of a sovereign state," Paris said at last bring a "strong support" to the Tunisian people in its "commitment to democracy."
(With AP)
"The world economy is currently experiencing an earthquake." Economists at HSBC does not speak of the crisis, but the profound disruption that should take place by 2050. Namely the irresistible rise of large emerging countries, China and India in mind.
Two reports have been published in recent days on the subject. HSBC and, secondly, the consultancy and audit PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC). The latter predicts that, together, the seven main emerging economies (China, Russia, India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey) by 2020 will exceed the group of G7 economies (U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom France, Italy and Canada). And this, by measuring the wealth created in purchasing power parity, that is to say if the exchange rates of currencies perfectly reflected living standards.By simply comparing gross domestic products (GDP), developing countries will exceed the developed countries by 2032, according to PwC.
Wealth multiplied by three
Economists at the British bank HSBC in a note published in early January, reached the same conclusions, a few decades by: in 2050, 19 of the 30 largest world economies are emerging. Both studies agree perfectly on one point: the U.S. will lose their top spot in favor of China. India, HSBC said, heels close. In total, the wealth produced in the world will be multiplied by three.
France, for its part, is expected to fall from 8th to 11th place, behind Mexico and Brazil, according to PwC."The dominance of China in particular implies a return to the historical situation that existed before the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and 19th centuries," said Bernard Gainnier, development manager at PwC payday loan. "This revolution was originally from a transfer of economic power from Asia to Europe and the United States."
At the source of these changes to come next forty years: a bustling population, coupled with better education and democratization of the key emerging markets, economists at HSBC list. Moreover, "the United States and Great Britain, with the best prospects for population, will succeed with some success to maintain their rank, they are."However, the small but wealthy European countries aging, such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden, will drop in the rankings."
"The Economics of Climate"
Military or commercial wars, return of protectionism, epidemics … The study authors, from HSBC and PwC, acknowledge that their predictions are surrounded by uncertainties. The biggest challenge? The ecological balance and exploiting resources increasingly scarce. In this context, "the economics of climate should play a role as important as that knowledge during the past century," say analysts at HSBC.
"In 2050, the economic earthquake will do at its beginning, also warn them."Although increased sevenfold in 40 years, living standards of a Chinese only account for 32% of that of an American." The growth potential will remain substantial.
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For one last time before the scrapping has boosted consumption. In November, households spent 2.8% more in manufactured goods, after falling 0.6% in October, according to Insee. The boom in car sales, with 14.9%, pulled the index from the Institute of Statistics for the month.
"Beyond the positive effects of scrapping set up by the government on car purchases, all items of consumption of manufactured goods have increased significantly in November, held to highlight the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde. Textiles and leather rose 2.9%, probably enjoying the weather rigorous. Purchases of equipment housing also rose (+0.4%).
Despite the optimism of Bercy, which expects a recovery in consumption, the start of January looks bleak on the trade front.More than one in three households (35%, 7 points higher than in the previous barometer) is planning to spend less in the coming months for food and clothing, according to a poll conducted for BPCE ViaVoice *, France Info and Les Echos published Thursday. They are only 9% plan to spend more and the rest of the population does not intend to waive the rules of parsimony introduced in 2010.
On higher expenses, the prospects for buying real estate is still very low: 3% of respondents planning to invest in the stone payday advance lenders. However, the prospects of acquiring cars increased slightly (7%, +2 points) to a few days to stop scrapping laprime and environmental bonus.
In total, the total fertility rate of spending intentions of the French lost 17 points compared to last month.
Low morale
A relative majority of French people (42%) still expects a decline in purchasing power, and this proportion is increasing compared to last month (+3). They are only 13% to bet on a rise in their purchasing power.
In a second aspect, the study focuses on Christmas gifts and notes that the French are shared between termination of a consumerist frenzy and caring towards one part relational authenticity. On purchases (frantic) Christmas, youth aged 18-24 believe overwhelmingly (63%) which was due to make as many gifts.In contrast, seniors (65 and over) believe overwhelmingly (59%) that we should do less of gifts.
* This survey was conducted on December 16 and 17 by telephone on a sample of 1005 people, according to the quota method.
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On the eve of the Council of Ministers Franco-German Vice-Chancellor gave an interview Thursday in several European newspapers, including Le Figaro.
LE FIGARO. – Can we expect an initiative to stabilize in a sustainable way the eurozone today at the Council of Ministers Franco-German?
Westerwelle. – I welcome the close cooperation with France in this difficult phase for Europe and the euro. The ways out of crisis depends largely on France and Germany, due to a very simple economic fact: France and Germany together account for over half the economic power of the euro area. Through a strong partnership, we obtained positive progress by insisting that Greece did not receive a blank check to go out of its difficulties.But she draws the structural consequences of this crisis before accessing European guarantees.
Germany is it under pressure to increase the European fund or to give its approval to the issuance of bonds in Europe?
No. As we work to protect the euro and Europe … It is also understandable that Germany wants to maintain sovereignty over its own finances.
There is some bad mood towards Germany among European countries weaker than Germany. Worry you there?
There are two philosophies in Europe and worldwide. Some believe that we can prevent the bubble bursting by pumping more air into debt. We believe that the only way to prevent the bursting of the bubble is to let air escape in a controlled way by returning to a policy of consolidation.We can not project the discomfort caused by the current situation of Europe on a government that tries to solve problems by drawing the consequences of the crisis. That Germans are not keen to wipe out the debts of other European countries is understandable. And our Constitutional Council monitors closely the actions of our government in these matters. Everything we offer for Europe, we apply it to ourselves, Germany. We noted the retirement age to 67 years: a measure anything but popular. Our government has a savings plan of 80 billion euro in this Parliament. It is a necessary sacrifice. We find that trust in the German economy is rising, and that of our fellow citizens. That is why our exports off again. But also domestic consumption. Trust is the engine of the economy.When there, people invest, consume. This creates jobs and tax revenues increase.
Since the beginning of this crisis, some of your neighbors have the impression that, under the influence of the popular press and the public, the German government is more lukewarm towards Europe instant credit report…
These criticisms are unjustified. Germany is European heart and reason. The German government does not let itself be influenced by mood swings. We will do what is good for Germany and Europe. European citizens are aware that sound public finances are in their own interest. The Europeans are the lucky children of European unification. Youth, Europe and the euro are a guarantee for the future.
You have been personally affected, and your party, the FDP, by the revelations of Wikileaks. One of your aides was sacked.This type of revelation Will it change the way we do diplomacy?
Trust and reliability are the most important tools of diplomacy. But the excitement will be measured. Lots of chatter have been reported. I hope this will soon be forgotten. The partnership between Germany and the United States shall not be affected. In my party, the FDP, we learned the consequences. And now the problem is resolved.
Why Does Germany attaches much importance to it develop relations with Russia?
We have a great interest in a strategic partnership with Russia. Not just because we are neighbors. This offers new opportunities to the European Union and beyond the scope of supply of raw materials. The fact that Russia has attended the NATO summit in Lisbon ¬ good is positive. Twenty years ago, two blocks facing each other.Today, Moscow agrees to work with NATO to a security policy, instead of sweeping this proposal out of hand as it would have done before.
Germany entered the Security Council UN at a time when the tension is very high with North Korea and Iran. The fact that Germany could be in a position to vote for or against a war worries you there?
Germany will continue to follow the path of military restraint. For us, the military interventions in foreign countries are always the last resort. But we are also the third largest contributor to the NATO force in Afghanistan to help protect Europe against terrorism.
The U.S. Administration did she send the wrong signal, according to you, renouncing the demand a freeze on Israeli settlement in the West Bank?
From our point of view, there must be a freeze on settlements.We support the solution of two states. And we call on everyone to remain at the negotiating table. We want the continuation of peace talks. Israel has the right to live in safety. But Palestinians are also entitled to an independent state.
Oct
27
Five euros. This is the price which was selling Walkman cassette player on Monday on the auction site eBay. In a few months, they will climb out technological relics perhaps the price of gold. For now, they will be collectors.
The Japanese electronics manufacturer Sony, inventor of the legendary gadget that has music in the pockets of millions of consumers, has announced Monday that he ceased the production and sale of cassette players in Japan. This is one of the last countries in the world the Walkman cassette was still underway, with China or Vietnam. Sent to Japanese distributors in April, the latest models, such as WM-GX202, will gradually disappear from the shelves. However, Sony has said it would subcontract the production of the Walkman cassette in China to meet local demand.The product still has particularly favored by older consumers and foreign language students for the tape which serves as course material.
Also, Sony will, for now, continue to make Walkman CD, which include the ability to play CDs, MP3, Walkman and MD (MiniDisc).
Thirty years of history
The decision of the Japanese group punctuates thirty years of history that have both scored the music industry and electronics quick pay day loan. The first Walkman TPS-L2, was sold by Sony in July 1979 for about 33,000 yen. The product, a revolutionary, was born of a simple request of the CEO of Sony at the time, Akio Morita: avid golfer and music, he wanted to combine his two passions with a cassette flanked by a lightweight headphones .Icon of pop culture and Japanese symbol of "trendiness", quickly conquered the Walkman crowd.
Ten years after its launch, 50 million Walkman units were sold worldwide. In the mid-1990s, heading the 150 million copies is reached. Then, as the music players are emerging in the early 2000s, the Japanese giant continues to sell his pocket tape recorder, now enriched functions Reverse (double reading direction), Dolby sound, "mega bass" and a radio receiver AM-FM, reaching more than 200 million copies sold to date.
"INA VIDEO – The emergence of the Walkman in the 80s:
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