The tax loopholes of insurance reduced by 3 billion euros

The French government wants to reduce by three billion in Budget 2011, tax loopholes enjoyed by the insurance industry, under the "movement of the plane" of 10 billion to reduce the deficit, said Monday AFP at the Department of Economics. The revenue thus acquired will be made to the Sinking Fund of the social debt of 3.2 billion new resources the government has agreed to pay."This revenue will be made in three steps facing the insurance industry at large, because it is the sector with the biggest stake in what guarantees the sustainability of social protection system," said the entourage of the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde.

Resources collected in advance

The first measure deemed included in the Finance Bill to be presented in late September by the cabinet for life insurance, the preferred placement of the French.Included are contracts known as "multi-media, which include a part in Euro (guaranteed capital invested in bonds) and other units of account (mostly invested in equities).

To date, social security contributions (general social contribution and contribution to reducing social deficits) are made only outcome of multi-support contract, then they are executed each year on contracts in euros only. "We will achieve the social deductions each year for the compartment euro contract of life insurance multi-media", it was argued. In this case, it is not really new but revenue from resources "advance", they added.

Tax incentives obsolete

The second measure relates to contracts "caring and responsible" health insurance, covering virtually all of the supplementary cover.They have since their launch in 2005 of a tax exemption on insurance agreements. "This exemption would allow these contracts to take an important place. But it is a success, so there is no need for a tax incentive very strong, "argued the entourage of Christine Lagarde."These contracts will therefore be subject to tax on insurance contracts, but at a reduced rate of 3.5% instead of the standard rate of seven per cent," he said.

The final measure focuses on the taxation of the "reserve accumulation" that insurers are required to be to smooth fluctuations in interest rates.

Each of these three measures should yield about one billion euros in revenues in 2011.

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What the cash advance is designed for is to cover temporary financial difficulties without damaging your credit score.

Festivals face of declining public subsidies

As every summer festivals in numbers on the territory have not failed to meet a great public success. However, despite attendance that does not deny, the contraction of budgets of local cultural events to make this worthwhile. For the vast majority of them are "small joint ventures", in the words of Emmanuel Negrier, author of "Public Festivals, tapped in large part by public funds.

According to a study by France festivals, grants from these mainly involved local average for 51% of the resources of these events. "The festivals of contemporary music, which developed later than others, however, are less dependent," says Emmanuel Negrier.To give an example of the financial stability of a festival of medium size, the budget of Auvers-sur-Oise is broken down as follows: 44% public funding, 23% from sponsorship or partnerships, and 33% of own revenue, notably from the ticket.

The counties, which face increasing social spending, have generally lowered their subsidies by 10%. This is the case in Rock en Seine, which begins this Friday with the envelope from the general council of Hauts-de-Seine is dropped from 300,000 euros to 265,000 euros on a total budget of 5 million. "The trend is clearly down government subsidies. In addition to the crisis, the reform of local finances led to a narrowing of the capacity of local authorities to act in the field of culture, "says Emmanuel Negrier. A feeling also experienced Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival."Apart from agreements concluded in three years, we enjoy public support dropped from 10% to 20%. In total, they nevertheless represent 35% of our budget, "says there is no fax payday loan.

Increased use of patronage

What, therefore, to overcome this shortfall? There are really only two main levers on which play to increase revenue: the price of tickets and the development of sponsorship. While the increase in ticket prices is a limited instrument which undermines the availability of a diverse public festivals, many events, however, attempt to play the role of patronage. This is for example the case of Inter-Celtic Festival Lorient or that of Annecy.The Crescendo Festival of Annecy has indeed experienced a revival this year thanks to the donation of 500,000 euros a Russian businessman, Andrei Valeriyevich Cheglakov. "The only thing Andrei Valeriyevich Cheglakov wait in return is the recognition by the Mayor of Annecy festival of this size that has an interest in the city," said Pascal Escande, festival director. This case, however, is very exceptional, "he concedes himself.

Especially in times of crisis, it also becomes more difficult to find private funds. While the vast majority of companies have retained last year an almost identical level of funding, "they tend to focus their actions and be more attentive to their consistency," said Beatrice Menanteau, director of Admical , an association that promotes corporate philanthropy.Above all, it is currently unthinkable in France private funds to replace grants: "In Spain, some festivals are completely private. But their benefits are not equivalent to those of French festivals. Neither stimulation of cultural creation, or access to culture to a diverse audience are possible without the help of communities, "argues Emmanuel Negrier.

Decline of social plans in H1

Good news on the employment front. The Labor Department announced Wednesday morning in the Echoes of figures on backup plans for employment (PSE) fell sharply from the end of 2009. In the first half of 2010, 668 PES have been reported to the administration against 934 in the second half of 2009, a decrease of 28.5% over this period. Moreover, the month of June 2010 recorded 87 such redundancy schemes, a level at its lowest since August 2008. The Ministry of Labour, however, did not release the total number of jobs destroyed by these schemes.

This news comes in support of other labor market indicators published recently. Two weeks ago, INSEE reported on the creation of 60,000 salaried positions in six months, one year after 2009 generally very destructive.The use of frames also rebounded since last January found the Association for the executive employment (APEC). In July, the job offers published by the association executives and 53% progressed, mainly in IT and business functions.

2009 catastrophic

However, the decrease in the number of PES remains in place relative to the extent that the figures for 2009 had been devastating: 2,245 plans had been identified during this year particularly affected by the crisis, nearly 2.5 times than in 2007. With already 668 PES 2010 is also unlikely that the number PSE set up in 2010 found its level before the crisis (957 PES 2007).

The explosion, finally, the number of broken treaty in June might suggest that some companies use them in lieu of some PES, although this practice is prohibited by law. In order not to attract the attention of governments and not having to pay compensation in the amount tends to grow under pressure, companies could use this mechanism put in place two years ago, or even layoffs in smaller numbers.

The CAC 40 rose 3%, reaches 3750 points

The Paris Bourse was raised a notch to 16 heyres. Already the CAC 40 took more than 2% since this morning, but the ISM index of manufacturing activity, released on Monday across the Atlantic in 16 hours (Paris time) gave a boost to U.S. indices, as best expected. European stock markets all benefit.

In Paris the CAC 40 wins no less than 2.96% at 3,750 points to 16.20. The month of August begins very well, after one month of July already favorable to investors in Paris.

Last month, the CAC 40 was well recovered, compared to a decline in June and a memorable month of May in terms of poor performance. Between 1 July and this July 30, the index rose 9.1%. Since the beginning of the year, it remains a decline of 7.45%. Compared to a year ago, it was up 6.3%.

On the face of macroeconomic indicators, two publications are important to remember.In Europe, growth in manufacturing output and new orders accelerated, reaching their highest level in three months, according to the latest PMI survey released Monday and conducted by Markit Economics Institute. The PMI index for manufacturing final Eurozone appears already to 56.7 in July against 55.6 in June

On the other side of the Atlantic, the ISM has continued to grow, but less than before. The increase in activity in the manufacturing sector in the United States has continued to slow in July, the index measuring the ISM has fallen to 55.5, but less than expected, according to figures released Monday by the association .

On the values front, are monitored:

BNP Paribas (4.59%) which unveiled on Monday its quarterly results before the market in good order. They are far beyond expectations, thanks to lower provisions.The title gained 4.19% to 54.92 euros. The title brings in its wake Societe Generale (2.97%). For its part, Credit Agricole gained 2.33% to 10.75 euros.

Air Liquide (1.29% to 87.48 euros) on Monday confirmed its objective of increasing its net profit in 2010 after an acceleration of growth in sales between the first and second quarter, thanks emerging markets.

France Telecom (1.09% to 16.24 euros) has initiated discussions with shareholders Meditel second operator in Morocco, to acquire 40% stake in it, according to the Moroccan weekly News, suggesting a possible investment of 650 million euros. Title varies slightly to 16.05 euros.

Eurazeo announced Saturday that entered into exclusive negotiations with the U.S. fund Carlyle for the sale of the hotel chain B & B.Eurazeo gaining 1.74% to 49.73 euros.

The construction group Vinci (2.44% to 38.05 euros) was selected Friday by the Government for the concession and the construction of the airport at Notre-Dame-des-Landes, who should take over from 2017 the air service from Nantes-Atlantique.

Areva (-2.96% to 354 euros) on Friday, as expected, half results penalized by an additional provision under the Finnish EPR OL3, but confirmed its 2010 targets.

Eiffage (2.21% to 39.57 euros) published a quarterly revenue up 2.2% and said its order book stood at EUR 10.8 billion at July 1 ( +4.4% at constant since 1 April 2010), more than 11 months of activity.

APRR (stable) – The Socialist leader Arnaud Montebourg said it had seized the financial markets authority (AMF) to try and block the delisting of Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhone (APRR) requested by Eiffarie, a joint venture of Eiffage and the Australian Macquarie Group

Prices in Europe: from single to double

From simple to double. In 2009, the price of a comparable basket of food and soft drinks were twice as high in the Member State of the European Union the most expensive in the cheapest, according to a survey published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, which compared the prices of nearly 500 products in 37 countries across Europe.

Among the 27 countries of the European Union, Denmark takes the top spot, with rates higher than 39% the EU average. The Nordic country is followed by Ireland (29%) and Finland (20%). A laggard, Poland is the EU country where food prices are the lowest, 36% lower than average.Romania (34%) and Bulgaria (32%) are just ahead of Poland at the end of this ranking.

According to Eurostat, France was the eighth most expensive country in the EU for food in 2009, behind Germany (7th) and Belgium (6th), where food prices were respectively 11% and 15% higher than average.

In France, food prices (including soft drinks) were 10% more expensive than the EU average in 2009, reports Eurostat. In detail, the bread and cereals were costing 13% more in France, the 22% more meat and milk, cheese and eggs 4% more. Excluding food, prices of alcoholic beverages in France were 5% below the European average.Tobacco, however, was 33% more expensive.

"Taxation, particularly on alcohol and tobacco, varies enormously from one country to another, and this has an obvious impact on prices of products sold to consumers," says Mathieu Plane, an economist at the French Observatory Economic Conditions (OFCE). So tobacco is even more expensive in Ireland (117% above the EU average) and the United Kingdom (66%).

Discrepancies of wealth even more important

Other parameters explain the wide disparity within the EU. "The final prices are higher in the importing countries," says Mathieu Plane. Costs such as transportation of products are indeed passed on the labels on the shelves."As for producing countries, wages and other production costs are also reflected in consumer prices." Prices that are reported above the standard of living of each country.

Again, the European Institute of Statistics has found very large differences in wealth within the EU, in relation to gross domestic product (GDP) of all 27 members to its population. According to figures recently released by Eurostat, the EU's 13 states have a standard of living than the European average. France is in 11th place with 7% above average. At the other end of the table, Bulgaria ranks dead last with a per capita wealth less than 59% above the average of the 27 states. And seven times lower than the first classification, Luxembourg!

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France Telecom unveiled its strategic plan

The expectation of employees is very high, but the room for maneuver because it does not turn a ship as France Telecom as a racing boat. Stéphane Richard will therefore have to show all his talent to convince and mobilize, after months of crisis, France Telecom on its new project.

After requesting a "right of inventory" since taking office in March, the new strong man of the group presented on Tuesday his union business plan for France Telecom.

The economic, strategic and commercial details will be this Wednesday from 10:00 am to 16 30 to Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis) with a thousand top managers of the group, and journalists on Monday.

France Telecom insists that it is a collective project "coconstruit" with managers, employees, social partners, which have many meetings and other working groups in recent months.But the fact remains that everyone expects to see "leg" of the new boss, his strategy for France Telecom and its vision of the role of the operator, particularly in the content.

Highly anticipated the level of recruitment and the amount of investment, two key points, Stéphane Richard was evasive. He could announce additional recruitment Monday over 3500 planned for this year. "But the question of investment will remain raised until they fail to break the grip of dividend imposed the state shareholder. France Telecom has paid $ 3.5 billion dividend, "Sebastian responded Crozier. "The unions are a bit disappointed because we expected the dream of enthusiasm.But the good thing is that it makes every effort to revive the son of social dialogue, "he says.

"The people at the center"

"This project is out if only because it places people at the center because it reflects poorly on the ski-being in the company, the need to regain autonomy in work, "said Dominique Glemas, delegate SOUTH. "Budget allocations will be reallocated to the working conditions, simplification of information system. We are truly in a break with the era of Didier Lombard, very centralized. The priority now is to customers and employees, "said Lawrence Rich, CFDT delegate.

Beyond the social question, the new group project should also include an industrial component, including investments in the network, particularly in the fiber network allowing access to Internet broadband."Stephane Richard told us that the network should resume its former glory," said Lawrence Rich. A major project which has the advantage of restoring momentum to the technical teams throughout. "But the leeway to invest are reduced. From a financial point of view, money is not there. It would invest 10 billion over several years, yet we hear of two billion euros. From a regulatory standpoint, the group is forced and does not build the network to its competitors, "observes Patrick Ackermann, delegate SOUTH.

Internationally, the group does not seem likely to engage in large mergers and acquisitions. But he will pursue an active policy of development in emerging countries, primarily in Africa.

Euro: the rescue fund will be operational before the summer

The sixteen capitals of the euro will, on Monday at the Eurogroup, the finishing touches to 'ease' of 750 billion euros, which must guarantee the eventual bailout of states at the edge of bankruptcy, according to sources placed at heart of the discussion. Germany finally helped a lot by going beyond the limits imposed it seemed, an EU official confirmed Friday: "Everything will be operational within a few weeks."

The actual launch of the European Facility for Financial Stability (FESF) could bolster the euro and calm the markets, hitherto little comfort from the start of construction decided in an emergency on May 10 last. The issues of risk sharing and security ultimately raised by the Merkel government, have long hindered the development. But it was Berlin came the answer.The debate could end Monday with the appointment of the Chairman of the facility, on the occasion of the Eurogroup in Luxembourg.

The FESF, intergovernmental organization and incorporated in Luxembourg, will have a board with decision unanimously. This leaves a veto in Berlin and other capital of the euro. In theory, the decision to help a country asphyxiated as well as the amount of the guarantee and / or loan will be made once and for all, as desired by France.

Loans conditioned

In practice, using the FESF will be conditioned to multi-year plans for fiscal consolidation. They require, as for Greece, a regular monitoring of progress, terms of appointment, or even a questioning of the programmed disbursements. Germany promises to be challenging at every turn.

The European facility can guarantee or provide up to 440 billion euros of bonds or loans, equivalent to 4% of GDP in the euro area. The IMF and the European Commission will provide the additional 60 billion euros for the Commission and up to 250 billion euros for the IMF.

Its creators plan to combine two modes of action: either a common security for borrowings granted by the State in difficulty or of loans granted to the State FESF in trouble after borrowing common in international markets.

Triple A

In both cases, the sixteen are issued by the prestigious AAA rating agencies and the interest rate is more favorable. The first method is the simplest and fastest. The second, which resembles a European issue, reinforces the coloration Community commitment."This looks like a Euro-issue, even if it remains politically difficult to use the term," says the European official, in an allusion to the reluctance of Berlin.

In addition, the guarantee given by each signatory is not integral, unlike a conventional transmission. It is limited to 120% of the initial commitment of each capital. These 20 points are margin solidarity efforts made by the Merkel government. They also mean that Germany would not pay off the entire bill, even in the unlikely scenario where all partners would collapse one after the other.

Danone: lower prices boosts sales

Groupe DANONE posted on Thursday its sales for the first quarter of 2010. It is up 7% to 3.978 billion euros, in line with the stated objectives. Growth was driven in a significant increase in volumes of 10.8% and a policy of falling prices (-3.8% on average).

The increase in turnover is true in all categories of product group. In "dairy products", the largest division at Danone, there is an increase in turnover of 7.6% over one year helped by Easter which is positioned earlier in the year. Waters, an increase of 2.3%, are drawn by the emerging countries. Infant nutrition has been a growth of 8.5% and medical nutrition, up 9.3%, is supported by an increase in volume and value.

Outlook 2010

The group expects economic conditions still fragile on the year.He said: "In this context, we continue to encourage the development of our categories, strengthening our competitive position and developing our brands." Concerning its objectives, Danone is still growing in sales of at least 5% with a stable operating margin compared to 2009.

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Dessange transfer all of his empire

At 85, Jacques Dessange finally hangs up the scissors. Even if no cap over himself for over forty years, founder announced yesterday the sale of 21.6% stake in his company that he still had the financial OFI Private Equity Capital. The French-listed fund (also a shareholder of the restaurant chain Leon de Bruxelles) had already taken 65% share in mid-2008. The transaction is based on a valuation of Dessange International 80 million euros.

Dethroned recently by the Franck Provost group which took over the networks of Jean-Louis David, Dessange has pioneered the development of hair salons free. It has more than 1,000 shows in France and abroad (40%), under its brands Jacques Dessange, Camille Albane and Fr?d?ric Moreno.The set weighs a business volume of more than 700 million euros.

Royalties paid back by franchisees to the parent (about 5% of revenues) and sales of hair products (especially via a partnership with L'Oreal in supermarkets) are a direct turnover of 53 million euros for Dessange International, with a return close to 20%. OFI wish within five years to double the size of the company, including developing the network in France, the United States and Asia. "China is one of our priorities," says its president Olivier Millet. It also has double the sales of products.

Jane Fonda and Sheila

The adventure began in 1954, when Jacques Dessange, hairdresser's son born in Sologne, created his first salon in Paris. With his first wife, Brigitte Bardot officer, he conquers Famous faces such as Martine Carol, Jane Fonda or Sheila.In 1975, a hairdresser from Havre, Michel Cauvin, suggested that his "rent" its name. This is the beginning of the great adventure of the franchise. Dessange is a businessman, set up training, procedures, style (the tousled-headed), color (blond) standard. In the years 1990 and 2000, he launched two other signs of entry and midrange, Frederic Moreno and Camille Albane, he developed the makeup, care, hair care products. "Mr. Dessange has both succeeded in creating a very fine company and ensure the transmission and continuity," said Olivier Millet. Founder's son, Benjamin Dessange retains his position as chairman.

Ireland: 81 billion euros to save its banks

"We have a banking sector in very difficult position since September 2008. On the airwaves of public radio RTE, the Irish Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan announced a massive bailout about to upset the Irish financial sector. His government is preparing to take effect in banking reform to rid the system of 81 billion euros of toxic assets from the Financial Times. The information was officially confirmed in the afternoon.

16 billion euros at a discount of 47%

To carry out this project, the Government should announce the creation of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), a bank created to buy their rotten assets, mostly mortgages risky accumulated before the bursting of the credit crisis.Initially, the NAMA buys 16 billion euros in loans at a discount of 47%.

Paral?lle be completed a recapitalization plan. According to analysts, banks would need 15 to 20 billion euros while strengthening their own funds. They could throw a party the money itself, by making asset sales. In return, the rules will have to be modified. The banks should strengthen their Core Tier 1 ratio to bring it to 7%. "We must put our banks in a situation where they will be able to finance themselves with confidence on the international markets," said Brian Lenihan.

The government should give more detail on Tuesday late afternoon.

Wave of nationalization

At the Dublin stock exchange, these ads and the suspense that surrounds them, are very unwelcome. Around 16 hours, the action Allied Irish Banks (AIB) loose 5.59% to 3.38 euros.Bank of Ireland (Bofi) lost 9.40% to 1.25 euros guaranteed payday loans. Already Monday, the shares of banks had been abused.

Investors are concerned because the wave of nationalization or increased state participation in banks suggests that such a plan. That recapitalization by the government should increase its stake in the bank (AIB) to more than 70% against 16% currently. The competitor in its Bank of Ireland (Bofi) should rise to 40% against 25% today. The state had already acquired shares having salvaged their coffers 3.5 billion euros.

The Anglo Irish Bank had already been nationalized last year.The government could also take control passage of two credit institutions Mutual, the Irish Nationwide and EBS.

Ireland under surveillance

Global markets keep an eye on the reforms undertaken in Ireland. The country is indeed one of the most affected by the crisis. In 2009, economic activity has suffered a fall of 7.1% and the country is still not out of the recession. The government keeps its hopes for recovery in the second half of this year.

According to analysts, if this ambitious plan than the original amounts provided by the government, this could affect the country's sovereign debt. Just as Greece, Portugal or Spain, Ireland through debt problems which have already led to a program of fiscal restraint in December.At 11.7% of GDP, the budget deficit is currently the largest after that of Greece which was 12.7%.

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