Apr 12




The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) does not know where to turn. While the barrel of oil tops $ 125 in London and $ 110 in New York, raising fears that inflationary pressures in many countries, member countries are unable to agree on an increase in production quotas for calm the markets. Remains to be seen if the latest monthly forecasts for world oil demand, whose publication is expected on Tuesday, will decide this debate.

Meanwhile, two factions seem to oppose the organization. First there is the one represented by Kuwait, which calls for calm markets. The country takes a dim view of soaring prices identical to that of 2008 which would result in slowing global economies and ultimately, the demand for black gold."While we appreciate a high price, we wish to see lower prices, we want a more normal," recently told the press Farouk al-Zanqi, the head of state conglomerate Kuwait Petroleum Corp.. (KPC). "Given current events, the normal price of a barrel should be between 90 and 100 dollars," he said.

In the same camp, Qatar has condemned a sharp rise in prices mostly due to speculators. "The fundamentals are good as regards the offer. Stocks are at an adequate level, "said Qatari Energy Minister, Mohammed Saleh Al Sada. "OPEC can do nothing regarding the speculation, but it seems to be the main reason for the current level of oil prices," he said.

Barrel "will reach $ 150"

Facing them, the other camp, represented by Iran, takes a different speech.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, believes that rising crude poses no problem and reiterated last week that no decision was required from OPEC fast cash. "Currently, the price increase is not determined by market criteria, but by political issues. You asked me if the price was still rising: yes it will increase. I think it will reach 150 dollars, "he even added. The opinion of Iran should not be taken lightly: the country is the second largest producer in OPEC, which he currently chairs.

This view is shared by Venezuela, whose weight within OPEC is not negligible with 2.3 million barrels per day.

"No hasty decision"

This internal strife is nothing new. Since the beginning of the year, the tone has escalated between exporting countries.In February, Iranian Oil Minister Massoud Mir Kazemi stated that "OPEC members need not take hasty decisions and unilateral," a reference to Saudi Arabia, the largest producer (8.4 million barrels per day), who had expressed readiness to provide extra barrels to replace lost production from Libya. In early March, the Kuwaiti oil minister, Ahmed Abdullah al-Sabah, had countered that a "possible" increase in production was under discussion.

Despite the admonitions of the President of Iran, Saudi Arabia did increase its production to 9 million barrels per day last March. Kuwait and the UAE has followed suit.

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Apr 10




The unions had already waved the threats late last March. They put their threats into effect, calling all employees hypermarket distribution group to strike on Saturday to protest against including salary increases for 2011, considered insufficient. The appeal, launched by the FGTA-FP, the majority union at Carrefour (with 40% representation), is supported by the CGT, CFDT and CGC.

In total, the 65,000 employees of the French distribution group are known not to work and show around the shops this Saturday, the day the traditional busy in hypermarkets. Early estimates labor, the movement is widely followed in more than 200 superstores supermarket group. Over thirty sites are completely blocked, workers blocking access to supermarkets.Even when they are not blocked, the strike rate range from 30% to 85% as estimated by Dejan Terglav, general secretary of the FO-FGTA reported in the AFP. When contacted, the management of Carrefour has not confirmed those numbers, always carrying an inventory of mobilization.

From yesterday, union officials expected a high rate of mobilization of employees in a group unaccustomed to large-scale social movements. An impression confirmed this morning. "It's a movement that looks quite memorable. It is widely followed, "said Franck Gaulin, Steward central CGT.Jean-Claude Mailly, secretary general of Force Ouvriere (FOR), is expected today at Le Mans to support the movement.

Insufficient wage increase

While management offers its employees a 1% increase in wages to March 1 and another 1% increase on 1 October, union officials estimate that these increases do not cover inflation announced by 2%. "It does in fact represents only 1% over the year," says a leaflet distributed by the FGTA-FO.Even the promise of recovery to 10% (against 7% previously) discounts on purchases of stores, and the announcement of the reopening of negotiations next Wednesday, will not suffice to bring back the union leaders on their decision.

Moreover, the malaise is becoming stronger on the side of employees on the deteriorating conditions of employment and new working methods since the arrival at the head of the group of Swedish Lars Olofsson, in January 2009.

Opposition to the plans of division

While President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday expressed its willingness to link salaries to dividends, the unions could ask for more support for their speeches.For beyond wage increases claimed, employees believe that the demerger proposal by listing the subsidiary Dia hard discount and the 25% of Carrefour Property land would bring six billion euros to the two main shareholders, Bernard Arnault and Colony Capital (14% stake and 20% of voting rights between them).

In the words of Dejan Terglav, secretary general of the FGTA-FO, reported in Les Echos this Friday, the organization also wants the Mutual Fund Business (CIPF) 'vote against the division (during the next meeting June 21 di ed.) CIPF owns approximately 1.33% of the shares but the double voting rights "said the union leader. Bringing to nearly 4% the number of shareholders opposed the project, with the fund Knight Vinke (more than 1% of capital).But for now insufficient to meet a third of votes needed to derail the project.

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Apr 8




Symbol of the Republic on the old five-franc pieces in silver, Hercules is back. But this time, the hero of Greek mythology appears in a stylized manner on new limited editions of the Paris Mint, representing the "brotherhood" that brings equality (his left) and "freedom." This April 8, the Monnaie de Paris launches two new pieces Hercules gold and silver, the respective denominations of 1,000 and 100 euros, from 10,000 to 50,000 copies.

Never before had struck the institution of such values ​​on the coins of precious metal. Since the advent of the euro on 1 January 2002, the Paris Mint had issued "only" 100 gold and 500 euros and 50 euros in cash.Where did the idea to stamp the parts of such value? "We realized that besides collectors, these prints seduced more and more individuals: they are sure of wool socks," says an official communication. Often, "the elderly offer these pieces to their grandchildren," she says.

Safe haven

Clearly, these pieces serve as safe havens, to hoard, at a time when the price of gold and silver are the highest. The yellow metal went through the roof these days, from April 7 the bar in 1467 dollars an ounce. The money, meanwhile, has never been higher, displayed more than 40 euros per ounce on 8 April, an increase of nearly 122% in one year.

What pushed the Paris Mint for optimism."These valuable coins [...] are in line with the old parts 20, 50 or 100 francs in money for years 1960, 1970 and 1980, but also Napoleons for which the French retain a special affection," says the institution in a statement. He added that his "little" news "should be a landmark in the history of money."

These new parts are available at the Monnaie de Paris (open to the opportunity this April 8 until midnight) or via its website, and from specialist dealers in numismatics. Some post offices will also distribute the money 100 euros.

Apr 7




Airbus leads charge. Despite a poor start to the year, with a single command net in the first quarter against 88 for Boeing, Airbus announced the marketing of its new A320 NEO for 2015, a year earlier than originally planned. In a statement, Airbus sees this as a response to the "spectacular home" of his new device, which has earned "more than 300 commitments total [302, note]" since its launch in December 2010. The date of operation for airlines has been moved from spring 2016 to October 2015, said a spokesman told AFP. Investors did not react for the moment at the news.By late morning, the EADS, parent company of Airbus, has stagnated at around 21 euros.

Featuring new reactors, coupled with a new wing device, the A320 project NEO should reduce up to 15% fuel consumption on this family's flagship medium haul. So far the device continues to attract buyers. In early March, ILFC, the world's leading aircraft leasing subsidiary of U.S. insurer AIG, in particular, ordered 75 A320s and 25 A321s NEO NEO expanded model of the A320. At list prices, these units represent some 9.5 billion dollars.Certainly, ILFC has also purchased 33 Boeing B737NG, but it's a safe bet that his orders would have been more balanced if the Chicago group has proposed a competing bid to Airbus.

Soaring oil prices

For now, Boeing is considering a project to repower its B737 aircraft as sold in the world, but does not launch a brand new machine. Airbus, which was a time considered this possibility, had finally rejected, arguing that new technologies to develop the successor to the A320 would not be available until 2025.

But the European manufacturer has found the term too far away, at a time when companies seek to reduce their consumption of kerosene saving account payday loan."Rising oil prices put airlines under pressure in the short term, but also forces them to renew their fleets to long term," had found Louis Welsh, CEO of EADS in mid-March. Reacting to recent columns in our orders, he adds, saying "[have] made the right choice" with the A320 NEO.

Through this announcement, Airbus seems to drive a little over Boeing, which continues to accumulate disappointments. April 5, after the emergency landing, a few days earlier, a 737 with a hole in the cabin, the Civil Aviation Administration (FAA) has asked the operators using these old machines to conduct a battery of safety tests. A total of 175 aircraft will be scrutinized.In a statement from the FAA, Ray LaHood, the Transport Secretary has called the incident "very serious" and added that "further steps" could be decided later.

Setback

Also difficult not to see in this response to "the spectacular home of [her NEO A320]" Airbus will appear as a trustworthy partner. And this, while Boeing expects to launch its long-haul 787 Dreamliner in the summer of 2011 after three years of delay. Immediately after the earthquake in Japan, the manufacturer was concerned about a further delay, fearing that its Japanese suppliers – which produce 35% of the parts – can not deliver on time. But four days later, he assured that the facilities were still intact, and there would be no further delay.

At just over two months the Paris Air Show, the message is in any case clear: Airbus shows himself ready to cross swords.

Apr 5




"This is another step," said Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi-Aventis Business on BFM on Monday morning. A month and a half after formalized the acquisition of U.S. biotech Genzyme, the pharmaceutical company announced on Monday morning having met 84.6% stake in its target (number of shares), after the close of the offer on April 1.

For late or indecisive, Sanofi-Aventis has announced the reopening for four days after the offer of 74 dollars per share, beginning this Monday, April 4 and April 7, 2011 Termier at midnight, Paris time. With this announcement, Sanofi-Aventis loop thus one of the most difficult acquisitions in its history. More than eight months of stock market battle will have been necessary to convince the board of directors of Genzyme.

End of an eight-month battle Market

More than the interest of the reconciliation, Henri Termeer, Genzyme's CEO questioned the price offered by the French, hoping to raise up the auction. A successful challenge, the champion tricolor pharmacy having finally sold, raising its offer from 69 to 74 dollars per share, together with a certificate of conditional value (TRC).It could reach 14 dollars per share based on sales performance of Cerezyme and Fabrazyme, two major products of Genzyme, which has experienced serious production problems, but especially those of Lemtrada, developed an anticancer drug against multiple sclerosis, and could become a future blockbuster (drug of over one billion euros in annual sales) Same day payday loans.

So it's a big step forward for Sanofi-Aventis, which has just spent over $ 20.1 billion to afford the latest nuggets still independent of biotechnology. And this redemption, the laboratory with one stone two birds, reinforcing both in biotech, where despite efforts in recent years, he remained behind. In addition, Sanofi-Aventis is increasing in rare diseases, where it was virtually absent.

Preserve the culture of Genzyme

"This operation is Sanofi-Aventis the world leader in biotechnology, alongside our leadership position in vaccines, has also said Chris Viehbacher Business on BFM this morning. For if the French had been dethroned in 2010 by GlaxoSmithKline in the sector, it still aims to double its sales of vaccines for the period 2008-2014, to bring them to more than 5.7 billion euros.

In the meantime, the acquisition strategy very offensive Viehbacher crisis should be put in parenthesis, the leader now want to concentrate on the restructuring of research and development. A crucial step in integration, when we know that the corporate culture of biotechnology in particular is one of the key success factors.The rush too hastily would then lose to Sanofi-Aventis which is the productivity of research teams of its target.

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Apr 2




That would set the palace Boulevard without the views of the courthouse in Paris or a woman without her honor police stations? Television and cinema are big consumers of scenery, and public places can provide many. However, until now, governments were very few or very poorly organized to meet demands.
Launched in 2007, the Agency Intangible Heritage of the State (FIPA) remedy, among other things, this deficiency. This structure is responsible for enhancing inter-owned assets and intangible quickly addressed the rental of certain buildings. "Barracks, prisons, hospitals and many other public places have a great interest film, recalls Claude Rubinowicz, CEO of FIPA.Demand is strong but it takes a real professional approach to this type of benefit. "

Thus, most jurisdictions now have a focal point for handling requests for filming. Many sites traditionally closed to this type of offer, such as ECOSOC or some sub-prefectures, took the opportunity to open up. To avoid mistakes, the agency has published guides that list the legal issues to resolve. It also has standard contracts and price indications. The game is worth the candle. The shooting day is priced from 300 euros for a simple, anonymous office until 5500 euros for a prestigious venue.According to the FIPA, most of these public sites are not used 40% of the time, which makes them easy to rent and the income from these shootings are completely retained by the authority which manages the site. The sumptuous Farnese Palace in Rome, the headquarters of the Embassy of France, for example, has removed 146,000 euros to rent a house for eight days shooting the latest film by Nanni Moretti with Michel Piccoli, whose output is planned for September . The check in question has fully fund an exhibition on site.

In 2010, public spaces have hosted some 150 shootings, including 51 on sites managed by the Department of Justice (courts and prisons in particular) when they were sporadic until then. As the Department of Defense, which has the largest property portfolio in France, it should also draw growing profits from its bases, barracks and grounds.In total, in 2010, filming for the state have generated 2 million euros of revenues paid to the government. What encourage new vocations of moviegoers in the public service.

Apr 1




This is a new thorn in the fund Colony Capital and Groupe Arnault, all holders of 14% stake and 20% of the voting rights of Carrefour. According to statements by Herve Defforey, a son of the co-founder of Carrefour, the Tribune this morning, he either would not vote for the demerger proposal proposed by the two shareholders at the next general meeting of June 21 "I'm just a shareholder in Carrefour. But I will vote no, "said Hervé Defforey daily. The fund Knight Vinke (1% of capital) had launched the hostilities in the first announcing its opposition to the project and has been trying to rally up to shareholders to his cause.

While the split in July 2010 with the activities of Accor IPO Edenred, his former branch in tickets and restaurant gift had convinced investors that Carrefour raises many more debates.The proposed restructuring of the retail giant is to introduce financial markets on the one hand, 25% of Carrefour Property, which houses its land assets, and secondly the entire share capital of its Dia (hard discount) .

To support the relevance of their project, the Carrefour group on Friday put a strong argument, namely the potential interest of private equity funds for Dia. According to the confidences of sources familiar with the matter told AFP, these funds could provide at least 3 billion euros for the hard discount subsidiary. Pending confirmation of a possible takeover, the soap Crossroads should not stop there, and new twists are not to be excluded before the next general meeting of the supermarket group.

Both parties actively campaigning

"To be approved at the General Assembly special projects division of Carrefour must obtain two-thirds vote of members present or represented," the newspaper said. Forcing the two shareholders to put their side of the maximum possible shareholders, focusing on the strategic value of their projects, many still doubt. On the other hand, the low participation of Knight Vinke fund forced him to campaign actively to achieve the 32% needed to block the project.

Depending on the participation of shareholders (present or represented) at the next general meeting, the votes that he should be convinced therefore vary between 15 and 25%, the Tribune analysis.But whatever the outcome, the high mass of the shareholders of Carrefour already figure among the hot issues to watch, when the big dance starts annual general meetings.

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