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Geithner is in vain, the lesson for Europeans

From our special correspondent in Wroclaw.

The Europeans hoped "a dialogue between friends," the Americans had "no arrogance." Las. With the destabilization of markets and growing concern on both sides of the Atlantic, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, could not resist lecturing his seventeen counterparts in the euro area gathered Friday to Wroclaw (Poland).

The relief provided by five central banks – including the U.S. Fed – banks in the euro area will not long concealed the absence of concerted policy response to the crisis. On behalf of the Europeans, the President of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker declined projects Tim Geithner, citing "differences in approach with our American colleagues."Treasury Secretary, he has put his finger where the euro hurts: he publicly expressed concern "of the conflict between governments and the European Central Bank," a week after the sensational resignation of the Chief Economist of the ECB .

Barack Obama's America, soon launched a presidential campaign, fearing a collapse of Greece, a contagion to European banks and a possible fracture of the euro area. If the crisis deepens, it is the U.S. economy would suffer the backlash, shock reverse of that which had hit Europe after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

The first message in Washing-ton is to push the Europeans to speak with one voice and act decisively. "Governments and the Central Bank should work together (…) to avoid catastrophic risks for financial markets," said Treasury Secretary.And he insists, denouncing the cacophony that destabilizes the common currency: "Everyone should also abstain from loose talk about the end of the euro area." Targeted: the proponents of expulsion from Greece …

Denial of a tax on financial transactions

The unprecedented invitation launched by Poland – host country because currently presiding the EU – Timothy Geithner had anything to embarrass, in turmoil, the finance ministers of the euro no fax payday loan. We saw Baroin host the head of U.S. Treasury of a strong handshake in Wroclaw. But the Euro has carefully kept at a distance. He has not formally participated in the circle, but a "preliminary conversation" about an hour. Contrary to custom, he did not sent to journalists.To tell his truths to Europe, he preferred an audience of bankers in another part of town.

Some did not take gloves to say that Europe has no lessons to learn. The United States, collapsing under the deficits should put their own house, says the Belgian Didier Reynders. "America has nothing to dictate when the person refuses flatly our suggestions," added the Austrian Maria Fekter. It is true that Tim Geithner repeated Friday his opposition front to the tax on financial transactions carried to Paris, Berlin and Brussels.

Decisions deferred

For the second time in eight days, Treasury Secretary left Europe empty-handed. Friday, the Europeans have made a face at her suggestion to "leverage" means the EFSF, the bailout fund for countries of the euro in difficulty."This is not a subject that is discussed with a country outside the EU," Jean-Claude Juncker meant. Same end of inadmissibility of the American idea of ​​supporting the growth of public funds "even a donkey does not stumble twice on the same stone, 'says Didier Reynders, convinced of the urgency to fight first against the deficits.

For the Americans as to Europeans, the European event in Wroclaw ends with a disturbing sense of incompleteness, even for emergencies. The Eurogroup has pushed to mid-October a decision on payment of 8 billion euros to Greece. He did not reach an agreement on guarantees that Finland requires Greece.

Eurozone: emerging in support

The main emerging countries could come to the bedside of the euro area. So says a source on Tuesday the Brazilian government, according to the Brics acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – could increase their holdings of bonds denominated in euros.

These discussions are not yet at a "preliminary stage", says this source, who adds that this approach would not involve "the majority" of the reserves of these countries. The Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico understands that these purchases could be limited to the debt of Europe's most solid.

"To help the EU out of this situation"

A final decision could be taken at the meeting on September 22 finance ministers and central bankers of Brics in Washington bad credit unsecured personal loans.The Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega, has already confirmed that the Brics discuss the debt crisis in the euro area, without giving details. "We will talk about what it takes to help the EU out of this situation," he said simply.

Meanwhile, Italy, whose rates have soared during bond, has denied media reports that she would have asked China to invest in debt. But markets want to believe this solution. THE EUROPEAN stock markets have closed well over sharp increases. And Wall Street is also displayed in the green end of the session.

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Accor Ibis setting

It's great oral reentry. Denis Hennequin, the controls of Accor since the ouster of Gilles Pelisson in January, will unveil early next week its strategy to revitalize the hotel group. It will present its first new priorities for employees at headquarters Monday and Tuesday to investors and financial analysts.

His method and revenues to improve the performance of Accor are particularly expected that the share price has lost more than 30% since the beginning of the year, in a very difficult indeed. "We should have a clearer view on marketing initiatives, brand repositioning and expansion plans, hoping Exane analysts in a note published this week.Their impact will probably do not feel immediately, but a better brand strategy could lead to a better average income in both years, as if Holiday Inn has reopened. "

Accor should provide a detailed annual forecast for the year. In a context of great tension on the purchasing power, investors also hope that the group will provide guidance on trends for next year.

But the most anticipated the evolution of the brand portfolio, a question that Denis Hennequin, who spent his career at McDonald's, has always considered a priority. Reportedly, the CEO of Accor is expected to announce its intention to make Ibis spearhead the group's development in economy hotels. Ibis brand is already the highest contributor to the results of Accor.Denis Hennequin wants to further exploit its strengths in the imposing new on land now occupied by All Seasons and Etap Hotel. Ibis would be broken down into three "versions": Ibis, corresponding to the current Ibis, standard hotels, all in the same vein Ibis Styles, corresponding to the current All Seasons hotels, which would then be renamed; Ibis Budget, instead the current Etap Hotel. New logos would be launched with a pillow and different colors according to the formulas (red, green or blue). lnterrogée yesterday, the management of Accor declined to comment.

In the 2010 annual report of the group, Denis Hennequin felt the need to strengthen the brands so that they emit more personality. "They will be more aggressive in their communication, in their boldest and most innovative design in their service offerings," he writes.He continued: "Our priority is to strengthen their DNA. Ibis is a good example. It is not only the first contributor to the results of Accor, but also a nugget: in a market dominated by the economic basis of price, it has more soul and warmth that all clients recognize him. This is all the difference. "In late January, Ibis opened its 900th hotel in the world, in Tangier in Morocco.

"The Big Mac of Accor"

Launched in 1974 in Bordeaux, the chain now operates in fifty countries. It has opened 44 schools last year and provides 10,000 new rooms per year by 2015.In addition to providing accommodation at an affordable price, it offers the opportunity to purchase snacks and drinks 24 hours 24, a breakfast from 4:00 am to noon and to use an Internet space.

In late February, presenting the results of the exercise, Denis Hennequin was ruled IBIS takes to become a world reference. "Ibis is a bit of the Big Mac Accor, a jewel in a market economy. This is a brand that works everywhere, "he was delighted, much more critical of other brands. After the Big Mac index, he said he would see an "Index Ibis" to the extent of the global economy hotels. Walking is engaged …

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Rebound in the Paris Bourse

The Paris Bourse on Wednesday will try to stop his downward series. The CAC 40 is at least on track to: the opening, it increases from 2.45% to 3038.57 points. Same movement in Frankfurt the Dax gained 2.74% and in London the FTSE-100 was up 2.20%.

The Paris markets were closed yesterday on a third round of consecutive decline, to the lowest of the year and still under 3000 points. This time, operators mimic their movement on the Asian markets who have chosen to embark on a bargain hunting.

Closing slightly lower on Wall Street also reassures the markets. The New York Stock Exchange, which remained very cautious, however, has not panicked by the announcement of a good non-manufacturing ISM index.All good news about the health of the U.S. economy are highly valued in a context of fear of a recession in America. As such, investors are waiting to know the details of the Fed's Beige Book, which will be announced tonight. Tomorrow, Thursday, will also be a crucial day in Congress with the speech of President Barack Obama on employment. The CNN already believes that it will propose to spend $ 300 billion to new posts. These new expenditures should be fully offset by budget cuts.

Germany at the center of attention

Side the euro area, all eyes turned to the German Constitutional Court which shall decide on Wednesday on the legality of the financial contribution of Berlin plans to help Europe.The observers could never imagine, however, that the Court considers illegal contributions already provided by Berlin, which would cause a cataclysm in the euro area. Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to comment on the decision of the Court in a speech to the Bundestag in the morning.

The European Commission has also expressed his relief after Tuesday night's decision by the Italian Government's plan to strengthen budgetary discipline, while financial markets doubted the real will of Rome to reduce its deficit. For its part, the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, acknowledged Tuesday the difficult economic situation, highlighting the problem of Greece, and "tensions" in the markets, but said that Spain 's will not need help.

The single currency was this morning up 0.34% to 1.4055 dollar.It is particularly supported by the decision of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to set a floor price of 1.20 francs per euro. Oil side, in the early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 51 cents to 86.53 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery 39 cents to 113.28 dollars .

Values ​​to follow on Wednesday

• Banking

Countries in the euro area have no plans for financial support to banks beyond and above what was planned for the financial sector rescue packages in Greece, Ireland and Portugal, have sources said Tuesday the euro area. For its part, Greece wants to extend the powers of its central bank to strengthen bank supervision, hoping to put the sector in the shelter of a worsening debt crisis, according to a bill presented Tuesday.

• Air France-KLM

The company reported passenger traffic up 7.6% in August, a load factor of 85.7% on the month and stability of cargo traffic (-0.2%) with capacity up 2.8%.

• Pernod Ricard

The group said they did not consider major strategic acquisitions before next summer at least.

• Scor

The reinsurer expects to achieve a volume of gross written premiums, equivalent to sales of 10 billion euros in 2013, against 6.7 billion in 2010, according to a statement posted Wednesday on the occasion of a day devoted investors.

• Sodexo

The group, a global leader in catering, has announced the acquisition of Puras do Brasil, Brazil's number two industry, in a statement.With this self-financed operation, Sodexo will become number one in Brazil, a rapidly growing market where Puras do Brasil realizes a turnover of half a billion euros.

• Valeo

The group announced its intention to repurchase up to 670,000 of its shares to a maximum of 22.5 million euros in connection with operations authorized by the General Assembly in June These shares will be allocated for the implementation of any plan of options to purchase shares in the allocation of shares in respect of participation or implementation of any company savings plan.

• Biomérieux

The group released a consolidated net profit up 3.7% to 75 million euros in the first half and said forecast for 2011 organic growth in sales of around 5%, against a previous target of +5% or + 6%, in a context of weak European economy and the U.S..

• Boiron

The specialist in homeopathy said the uncertainties in the economic environment for caution in its annual outlook after a deuixème trimesre marked by a 3.3% decline in sales. This decline in activity, combined with an increase in personnel costs and a continued investment in advertising, led to a fall of 92.5% of operating profit in the first half of the year.

• Transgene

The specialist therapeutic vaccines has announced a net loss dug to 17.7 million in the first half, against -14.5 million a year earlier, but said he expected a second part of a year rich in results and starting clinical trials.

As for recommendations:

The UBS analysts raised their recommendation on the title Accor to "neutral" against the "sell" previously.Analysts at Morgan Stanley in turn have lowered their recommendation on the title PPR to "neutral weight" against "overweight" previously, said market sources Wednesday.

Pernod Ricard ready for small acquisitions

LE FIGARO. – Are you satisfied with the performance of Pernod-Ricard during the exercise?

Pierre PRINGUET. – Congratulations to the teams of Pernod Ricard. The group has an excellent performance, with both a strong acceleration of growth of our business and our operating profits. For the first time ever, our net income exceeds one billion euros. These figures show the relevance of our premiumisation strategy and innovation. Our high-end bottles account for 71% of our sales, against 69% last year. Our new products (Wild Tea Absolut, Malibu cocktails …) our limited series and our innovations in advertising and packaging met with success.With a new bottle of Ricard sales increased 5% in France, a market of aniseed stable.

You get ready for a worsening economic environment?

No, I fear neither slowing growth in emerging countries or return to recession in mature markets. The world faces a problem of public debt, with a unique in Greece, the country most fragile. But the political dimension is at least as important as the economic dimension. Everyone was betting on an acceleration of growth in mature markets: the targets are scaled down, but countries will experience low growth in 2011 (1.5 to 2%). And there is no reason for the dynamic growth of emerging countries is slowing. For 2012, the objectives are still serene. IMF sees faster U.S. next year. You can always play to be afraid.But the psychodrama of the summer on the state of the banking system has nothing to do with the situation of 2008 and the general crisis of debt at the time. It is a political problem, but not macro-financial.

There will be no effect on the growth of your business during the current year?

We expect continued moderate growth in mature markets for the fiscal year beginning in July (1.5% last year) and continued strong growth in emerging countries (17% last year) . These will drive our growth: built on solid economic fundamentals, these markets are naturally attracted to our premium brands.

The tension in the markets makes it more difficult to manage your debt?

For our bank debt, we have no due before July 2013.We have an active management of our debt, with two bond issues last year to EUR 1 billion and $ 1 billion respectively. Interest rates remain particularly low, we will seize every opportunity to issue bonds. We will continue our debt reduction, with the aim of achieving 30 June in a net debt / EBITDA of close to 4.

You will be able to resume your acquisition policy …

Does not expect to purchase several billion on 1 July. In the meantime, we will conduct no strategic acquisitions. However, we can make tactical acquisitions, such as tequila Avion in July. It is both a start-up and a brand ultrapremium, sold between 40 and 60 euros a bottle, which allows us to expand our portfolio in the United States.This is the type of operation we will focus in the immediate future. Acquisitions of Brazilian cachaça or baijiu Chinese are possible options. In our business, this is not the type of product that counts, but the brand. Pernod Ricard could also create one from scratch. This is one of the objectives of our internal team called BIG (Breakthrough Innovation Group), whose current head of our German subsidiary, Alain Dufossé, just take the lead.

This summer, Patrick Ricard, non-executive chairman of Pernod Ricard, said at that point the group should aim for first place in the spirits market. What is your strategy to achieve this?

This is the purpose of our project Agility. The goal is not size for size, but the growth momentum. Our sales have grown faster than our competitor's last year. We must repeat that performance this year.We take the market, we are the most innovative, we are well placed to achieve this.

Alexandre Ricard was promoted a few weeks ago. It is well positioned to succeed you …

Two things are certain. One is Alexandre Ricard has an excellent track. That's why I named Executive Vice President in charge of distribution networks. The second is that I leave my post January 31, 2015, when I turn 65, according to the statutes of Pernod Ricard.

Asian stock markets nervous before the intervention of Bernanke

Caution on Asian stock markets Friday. And for good reason, investors are waiting with some anxiety the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, the outlook for the U.S. economy. The markets had a first look Thursday with the increase in weekly jobless claims in the United States. They are very careful before publication at 14:30 (French time) the second estimate of GDP for the second quarter could be revised down by 0.2 point to 1.1%.

Meanwhile, the Asian financial centers are clearly hesitant and have not adopted the same direction. Thus, while the Nikkei in Tokyo Stock Exchange gleans some points (0.13%) to 8783.99 points, retreating Chinese stock markets: the Hang Seng in Hong Kong was down 0.21% to 19,710.10 points and the Shanghai CSI 300 lost 0.89% to 2877.99 points.

Japanese Prime Minister resigns

Also in Japan, criticized for his hesitation and awkwardness to the disaster caused by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan, has resigned as chairman of the Democratic Party of Japan, according to media Japanese instant payday loan lenders. And therefore of his duties as head of government.

On the macroeconomic front, the consumer prices in Japan rose 0.1% in July after a revised 0.2% decline in June.Analysts on average expected a further decline of 0.1%.

On the other Asian financial centers, the trend is mixed if the Taiwan TAIEX gains 0.40% at 7440.37 points, the Kospi in Seoul was up 0.47% to 1772.80 points, the BSE Sensex 30 advance 0 , 12% to 16,165.70 points, the S & P / ASX 200 was down 0.28% to 4200.90 points and the FTSE Straits Times lost 0.71% to 2746.10 points.

Oil not very active

Oil prices were mixed Friday morning during electronic trading in Asia, in a sluggish market, before the highly anticipated speech of the head of the U.S. central bank (Fed). In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gave 10 cents to 85.20 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery took 19 cents to 110.81 dollars.

Stock Exchange: Banks are still affected

The panic would still blow time on banking stocks on an exchange. In any case, what predicts Frederic Oudéa, CEO of Societe Generale, in an interview with Journal du Dimanche. The latter ensures that "nervousness can last at least until early November," that is to say at the time of publication of third quarter results.

This period will provide an opportunity for banks to prove to investors that they are doing well. Starting with Societe Generale, whose share price has further declined by almost 16% last week."We will have the opportunity to communicate to the market that the bank has no liquidity problem, its activity is healthy and that its investment capacities are intact," says Frédéric Oudéa, who had made similar remarks after that his institution has been a rumor about his health.

Wait and see

According to the head of the French bank, the sector is the first victim "of downward revisions of global growth prospects" and "doubts about the debt of the euro area". Markets therefore expect political decisions from the United States, France and Germany. But these "slow" because of the elections in these countries prepare themselves."You can see a waiting period," warns the leader then.

This will be even greater that there is a lag time between taking a political decision and its implementation, said the head of Societe Generale. For Europe in particular, "the area in need of economic convergence, integration of tax policies. That will not happen as fast as the markets want. "

According to Frédéric Oudéa, global stock markets in any case "slipped into excessive pessimism." The fear of a global recession, which shook investors, moreover, has no place: "What we see confirms our expectations. The second quarter marked a break. We said that growth in developed countries would be moderate. Things will balance but it will take time. "

No takeover bid for SocGen on

In this interview, Frederick Oudéa also ensures that the bank he heads will not be the subject of a takeover bid, despite the sharp drop in its share price. "I see no looming strategic move," said he. "It will happen in Europe if the bank nothing is happening in Europe at all. Industry consolidation will not intervene if the situation does not change. There should be no movement before attending two or three years. "

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Italy proposes the "golden rule"

Friday night, two days after intervening in Parliament without presenting concrete and after two weeks of falling markets, Silvio Berlusconi announced a drastic revision of budget targets. He was accompanied by his Minister of Economy, Giulio Tremonti: both showed a facade of unity after publicly bickered on the eve of the ECB's role in the crisis, which had a bad effect.

The new roadmap is binding. Parliament will be asked to register immediately the "golden rule" which prohibits any deficit in the Constitution. The balance of public accounts will advance to 2013 instead of 2014, deadline too far in the eyes of the markets. This means emerge from 7-8000000000 new resources in the form of budget cuts and reductions in structural costs.In this context, the Minister of Administration, Renato Brunetta, estimates that the deficit target to 1.5% of GDP next year and 0.2% at end 2013 is achievable. The government is also considering a new Labour Code introduced more flexibility in wage bargaining, tax reform, growth-oriented and cuts in government spending. It remains to translate these intentions into decrees by the Cabinet, so that Parliament can approve the final quarter of 2011.

Historically high rates

The pressure has paid off. Brussels and the ECB have joined forces this weekend to make the government realize that the time for procrastination was over. Rates have exceeded 400 basis points with the German Bunds, a historically high level. Italy has urged the ECB to acquire Italian government securities on the secondary market.Frankfurt on Sunday night welcomed the efforts of the country. The German Government considers that it is first in Italy to prove the seriousness of his reforms.

A crucial week therefore expects the peninsula. The social partners will be informed of the contents of the measures of fiscal austerity plan Wednesday. On Thursday, the budget committees and Constitutional Affairs will shorten their vacation to hear Giulio Tremonti.

Bernard Tapie had sought to evade taxes

Bernard Tapie cases still contain some gray areas. According to a survey completed by Rue89 Charlie Hebdo, the businessman would have sought to avoid tax by transferring some of its assets in Belgium.

This operation was performed twice. In October 2010 first of all, Bernard Tapie in Belgium created a company called "GBT Holding" has, according to Rue89, a capital of only 20,000 euros. Evidenced by a deed recorded in the registry of Brussels and whose site has obtained a copy.

Two months later, the businessman makes a capital increase of the holding company by transferring 60,999 shares of Groupe Bernard Tapie (GBT) headquartered in France, worth over 215 million euros. A discreet way to transfer his assets abroad, in a country where taxation is more advantageous.Rue89 is also the same period, Bernard Tapie assured the Socialist deputy Jerome Cahuzac he only had that 100 to 120 million euros of assets …

Liquidation of debts

This is not the only mounted by the businessman to evade taxes. By the 1990s, Bernard Tapie would indeed be served in another company, called Superior Ventures Limited, to conceal large sums of money to the accountant in charge of liquidating its debts, revealed this week Chained Duck payday loans. Bernard Tapie's lawyer denies the very existence of this company. For its part, the satirical newspaper, without citing sources, provides an extract of transfer slip from Superior Ltd Venture.

Subsidiary of a company established in Malaysia and half owned by Bernard Tapie and half by Andre Guelfi, businessman otamment sentenced in connection with the Elf affair for misuse of corporate assets, Superior Ventures Limited cashed including revenues his musical performances – 120,000 euros copyright for singing "Beautiful Life" on an album of Doc Gyneco – and advertising – 250,000 euros for the campaign to stamp shops Log -.

With the Superior Ventures Limited, Bernard Tapie had also received 12,000 euros per month in wages between 1997 and 2000. According to the accountant questioned by the satirical newspaper, the company would never enter the perimeter of liquidation of debts of Bernard Tapie.

Realtors hinders mobility

The cost of housing is a key criterion for the French when accepting a job. A study by the Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions (Crédoc) reveals that weighs so heavily in real household budget that "70% of workers say they would refuse a job better than they currently hold if this would cause a move leading to an increase in their housing costs (agency fees and transfer, new housing too expensive, etc.).. "

More than half (56%) of 2006 respondents at the request of the MEDEF, which counts among its ranks of companies to recruit Penant – state and not be forced to move a test is "very important" in the choice of a new job. Experts emphasize Crédoc for comparison as these assets are only 48% to include the amount of compensation as a criterion."The hope of wage gain does not appear to offset the fear of having to spend more on housing and, finally, many prefer not to move," says the study. Worse, Of the 4.6 million registered unemployed in job center, 500,000 – 11% – have given up a job in the last five years for failing to support an additional financial cost housing.

The origin of this choice: two realities, closely linked. Most jobs are concentrated in large urban areas (77% according to INSEE), while house prices explode, due to strong demand and the housing shortage."A growing proportion of employees in particular within the middle classes – and those seeking employment can no longer reside in the inner cities of large urban centers because rents are too high or because the purchase price housing beyond their financial capabilities, "says the study cash advance in one hour. Consequently, the travel time longer, making it difficult to reconcile private and professional life. Thus, 7% of people of working age said they had given up a job because of excessive travel time.

The barrier property

And the situation is equally difficult for wealthier households, who already own. The survey confirms that 80% of them are reluctant to move.A remark already made in macroeconomic analysis by economist Andrew Oswald and the OECD, which show that countries where the ownership rate is higher are also those where the unemployment rate is higher.

In conclusion, the Crédoc recalls "the need to take into account the housing issue when looking for employment," and that the introduction of housing assistance devices may have a direct impact. For example, the study suggests using Housing Action (formerly "1% logement") funded by companies for their employees. If experts say Crédoc a comprehensive study is needed to accurately assess the system, they note, however, that the study results show a positive effect on the mobility of employees and hence on employment. A conclusion that is sure to please the sponsor of the survey.July 18, the MEDEF employers' organization joined with labor unions to protest a drain of 3.4 million euros under the State Housing Action funds.

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