Archive for the ‘business’ Category

Working time: Unions feel shorted

Posted in business, economics, people, publications, world by admin on February 15th, 2012 | Comments Off

 

Hocus-pocus, coup, betrayal … and Socialist Trade Unions slam in chorus the vote "on the sly," Jan. 31 in the Assembly, a provision that amends the labor law. Section 40 of the bill Warsmann simplification of the law provides that "the establishment of a distribution of hours over a period longer than the week and not more than the year under a collective agreement is not a change in the employment contract. "It aims to extend a 2008 law which allows to modulate the working time per company agreement but requires the approval of each employee. A condition that prevents any modulation in practice.

Alain Vidal, in charge of employment in the Holland team, justified his opposition to this change: "A new organization of work may be incompatible with the family and personal life of each employee." ……. .

"The employee will have no choice but to accept the blackmail against new employment zones and / or pay cut, otherwise the dismissal without recourse," says Bernard Thibault (CGT).

But above all, Jean-Claude Mailly (FO) sees a "gap" to develop competitive employment agreements, while Francois Fillon has given two months to the social partners to negotiate on this idea. "This is a first step in the government's willingness to allow the employer to lower both working time and remuneration without the explicit agreement of the employee," he feared. "It is contradictory that Parliament legislates on an element of negotiation to be open, except to reduce the usefulness of this negotiation," abounds Francois Chereque (CFDT).

Short memory

"This provision only relates to working time arrangements and not contrary to the logic of competitiveness, employment agreements, to the articulation agreement in the same working time, work organization and remuneration", they responded by Xavier Bertrand wrote Same day payday loans. The Minister sees no "interference with the negotiation," which starts Friday.

Unions are also far from having discovered this provision on January 31. It had been passed in the same terms, at first reading, the … October 18. So, before Nicolas Sarkozy calls for competitive employment agreements. And social partners had been consulted on the text in September by the Ministry of Labour! The CGT had cried foul but the CFDT held that section would "in the right direction." As for the PS, he had voted in the late 1990s, laws in 35 hours, a provision that an agreement down-modulating working time would be required for each employee.

"No organization has raised the subject during the preparatory meetings at the Social Summit, nor subsequent discussions on competitiveness employment agreements," says Xavier Bertrand. "We had forgotten," says a trade unionist. The text should be considered on second reading in the Senate next Monday, and then finally adopted by the deputies on Feb. 29.

ALSO READ:

"Competitiveness and employment: no law before the presidential

"The social partners will discuss working hours

SERVICE:

"Find the latest jobs with Cadremploi

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON FIGARO:

"Twitter: @ LeFigaro_Emploi

Posted in Uncategorized, business, money, online, people by admin on November 28th, 2011 | Comments Off

The Minister of Labour has acknowledged Sunday that all the experts were predicting for weeks: the goal set before the summer, to reach an unemployment rate of 9% at the end of the year is abandoned, postponed indefinitely even die because of the sharp decline observed for some time on the job market. For two reasons. Not only the number of unemployed who registered in the past five months employment center jumped from 111,400 in Class A (job seekers have not worked at all) and 136,700 in ABC (including those who have been active reduced).

Simplify the short-

But Xavier Bertrand has also confirmed that the figures for the newly unemployed at the end of October 2011, published Monday, "will not be good." Will not like those last two months of 2011, "because of a crisis that continues and intensifies at times on the ground"."There are 20,000 job seekers that could quickly get out of unemployment," promises Xavier Bertrand, who still intends to require companies subcontracting work, including automotive, better take into account the consequences of their choices on the activity and the use of subcontractors.

Themes of the presidential campaign

The Minister of Labour will also make an order to "simplify the mechanisms of short" made in 2008 in order to "keep the company employees rather than fire them, and train them." Xavier Bertrand also wants to up "for a permanent interim" to secure their jobs.

In the medium term, the Minister of Labour also suggests some topics that should find their place in the presidential campaign.

Posted in business, economic, international, opinions, special by admin on November 20th, 2011 | Comments Off

Lefigaro.fr – The gap between interest rates of French and German bonds this week hit levels not seen for 20 years (200 bp). French government bonds are they a safe investment?

Philippe Mimran – all depends what you mean by "safe." If this is the sense of repayable loan, the answer is yes. France is able to repay its debts. However, if the sense of an investment that does not generate short-term losses, the answer is no. In other words, the French government bonds are no longer as safe as German bonds. Financial markets expect interest rates continue to rise. This difference of 190 basis points is the same as that between Italian bonds and German bonds in July.The French bonds are more risky than a month ago, European banks sell massively.

Why?

The rules for accounting for government bonds in banks' balance sheets have changed. Until then, when a bank subscribed to an obligation of 100 million euros to 2.5%, it maintained that amount on its balance sheet and collected an annual coupon of 2.5%. And, regardless of the carrying amount of the obligation. Now, if the title is only worth 90 million euros, it instantly suffer a loss of 10%. The balance sheet of banks is affected. For secure, regulators require them to strengthen their capital.

Germany casts doubt on the stock market

Posted in Uncategorized, business, economy, news, resources by admin on October 18th, 2011 | Comments Off

After winning nearly 4% last week, the CAC 40 has shown much hesitation on Monday. After opening on a positive note on Monday, rising 0.81% to 3243.93 points, it is passed back to balance, to 3218.06 points (-0.02%) on the stroke of 13 hours before significantly in the red sign at closing. In the final meeting, the CAC 40 shows a decrease of 1.61% below 3200 points at 3166.06 points.

The enthusiasm of the morning gave way to uncertainty about after German leaders who are very cautious about a future resolution of the crisis in Europe.

Investors have not long welcomed the determination shown by European finance ministers at the G20 Finance last weekend."Advanced countries will adopt, taking into account their respective national circumstances, policies to strengthen the confidence and support growth and implement measures clear, credible and targeted to rebalance public finances" stressed ministers in statement.

Above all, they promise to make a decision at the European Summit of October 23, described as "decisive" on Saturday by Minister of Economy Baroin.For its part, the ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said the euro was "not threatened", but called on all Europeans to be "extremely vigilant" with regard to public finances.

Attempted to reassure the ability of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support countries in difficulty, Christine Lagarde, the Executive Director, has determined that the resources of the institution for the time were "appropriate" and "fit" to Micro Europe 1. And, while many European countries are considering to use the Fund to prevent contagion of the crisis in the euro area in case of bankruptcy of Athens.

Measures of expected savings on the U.S. side

On the other side of the Atlantic, U.S. President Barack Obama must include measures of fiscal consolidation through a savings plan.Last Friday, the country's budget deficit reached 8.7% of GDP in 2010-2011, 0.3 points less than in the previous year, according to the Treasury. In absolute terms however, the fiscal gap widened slightly compared to fiscal 2010, 0.4%, from the threshold of 1.299 trillion dollars, making it the second biggest deficit of the History of the United States.Concerns also weigh on U.S. growth, after the deterioration of consumer sentiment surprise U.S. beginning in October, falling incomes leading consumer expectations to their lowest level for over 31 years guaranteed approval cash advance loans.

Following the announcement of the failure of 20% of the 360,000 small businesses in Zhejiang Province since the beginning of the year, Beijing also pledged to "rebalance" its growth engines through a battery of measures this week.

The euro retreated slightly

On the foreign exchange market, the euro fell slightly against the U.S. dollar on Monday morning at 1.284 dollars (-0.21%). While oil was up in Asia after a barrel of "light sweet crude" for November delivery clinching 35 cents to 87.15 dollars in early electronic trading.Barrel of Brent North Sea crude for December delivery gained 18 cents to 112.41 him dollars.

Banks remain top values ​​to follow this Monday

• Banking

Standard & Poor's (S & P) announced Friday it lowered the long-term rating of BNP Paribas (-3.72% to 31.05 euros) from "AA" to "AA-" and the Bichri (Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment) of France in Group 1 Group 2. In this context, investors will keep an eye on Societe Generale (-2.81% to 20.25 euros) and Credit Agricole (-2.16% to 5.085 euros).

• Dexia (-16.71% to 0.578 euros)

The National Assembly will consider the draft supplementary budget by establishing a government guarantee.

• Air France-KLM (1.43% to 5.606 euros)

A special board meets Monday for the start RECORDED Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, as revealed by Le Figaro yesterday.In addition, three cabin crew unions (PNC) filed a strike notice for the weekend of All Saints to protest job cuts.

• Renault (-3.06% to 26.635 euros)

The new organization called the head of the manufacturer after the false spy case will come into force on 2 November as planned and strengthen the power of the CEO Carlos Ghosn with the aim to avoid the fiasco of the early recurrence in 2011.

• Axa (1.74% to 10.745 euros)

The French insurer Axa wants to eliminate by 2015 about 1,500 jobs in Germany, or one sixth of its workforce in the country, the Financial Times Deutschland on Monday.

• Eurosic (-0.43% to 32.35 euros)

The group has completed the acquisition of 22 office buildings with GE Capital Real Estate valued rights included 340 million euros.

• Edenred (-3.03% to 18.57 euros), Guyenne Gascogne (1.50% to 80.66 euros), Mercialys (-0.11% to 27.5 euros) will publish their results for the third quarter after Stock Exchange.

LVMH buys a tanner of crocodile skins

Posted in business, features, opinions, people, publications by admin on October 8th, 2011 | Comments Off

LVMH keen interest in crocodiles. The luxury group buys Heng Long, one of the five largest tanneries in the world of skin of these amphibians. LVMH guarantees its supply of crocodile leather quality that will serve to make its products more upscale, like her Louis Vuitton bags designed by Sofia Coppola or some accessories valued at Dior.

Tanning, led by Koh family since its inception in 1950, is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, it should be removed in the coming weeks.

This will be done via a holding company dedicated HLI Holding. It will acquire all shares of Heng Long to 160.8 million Singapore dollars, or about 92 million euros. LVMH will become majority shareholder of Heng Long, holding 51% stake. The Koh family is committed to reinvesting in the HLI holding up the remaining 49%.The Director General and Executive Director, members of the fourth generation Koh, will remain in place for at least the next five years.

The tannery produces between 200,000 and 300,000 skins per year, including crocodiles from Porosus high in Asia. Despite the change of ownership, it will continue to supply customers other than LVMH.

Heng Long is riding high. Its sales surged in the first half of this year to 36.3 million Singapore dollars (20.8 million), it was up over 50%. During the same period, the net result of the tannery was even more than doubled.

Premiums below expectations of government

Posted in Uncategorized, business, news, people, publications by admin on October 5th, 2011 | Comments Off

Many companies have awarded the famous "dividend premium against" backwards. And in fact, the amounts paid are far from the expectations of the government, says a study by Deloitte from the first returns of negotiations in companies. As Labour Minister, Xavier Bertrand, was on the table before the payment of a premium of 700 euros per employee in companies that have paid dividends on the rise, the real turn around more than 300 euros. As for the maximum amount paid, it tops out at 600 euros.

Two reasons. The first is that the premium desired by Nicolas Sarkozy to "restore the purchasing power of employees in times of recovery," has been perceived by most companies as an additional constraint than an opportunity to motivate their troops.The premium has indeed added to the devices sharing the existing value, such as profit-sharing, mandatory for companies with over 50 employees who make a profit. "This is even more disturbing that the incentive for the prisoner has recently been tightened," says Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont, a lawyer in employment law at the firm Jones Day.

The other factor is the economic context. "Uncertainty room makes companies cautious," says Philippe Burger, a partner at Deloitte. The evolution of the economic situation is also evident throughout the negotiations. "Before the trouble was and he threw in the financial markets, companies thought given bonuses of around 500-600 euros. Today, the discussions revolve more around 150 euros to 200 euros per employee, "says Philip Burger.The crisis reduced the premium to a trickle.

Wage increases slightly affected

Some companies, such as Rhodia, were more generous than others. But it should not enjoy these raw numbers, without putting them in connection with the incentive policy, participation or wage increase of the company, the consultant warns. "Some companies had the tools to share value added very generous, and that worked well. Explain what they have paid premiums less important, "said he.

The study also brings its share of surprises. The dividend premium against does not seem to negatively impacted as wages were concerned that the trade unions. While most companies recognize that its influence is not neutral, only 10% of them say they have reduced the envelope increases the amount of the premium.And they are more than 60% to estimate its impact on wages has been small.

Companies have until 31 October to agree on the amount of the premium, or they are liable to criminal sanction. Evidence that firms do not rush, only one in two has already ended its negotiations on the subject. "Given the mandatory nature of these discussions, and urgency, companies are simple, says the consultant. They also generally a fixed amount equal to each employee. But if the premium is sustained, they could eventually refine their criteria for distribution. "

UBS boss resigns after fraud case

Posted in business, economics, economy, international, technology by admin on September 24th, 2011 | Comments Off

The case of the fraudulent trader at UBS will ultimately cost his position to the Director General of the Swiss bank. The institution announced in a statement Saturday that the departure of Oswald Grübel. "Today, the UBS Board of Directors has accepted the decision of Oswald Grübel, Group Chief Executive, to retire from office. The Board asked Sergio Ermotti to assume this interim position. This appointment is effective immediately, "said UBS.

The board of directors of the group was convened in plenary session Friday in Singapore. Initially, Oswald Grübel had yet to defend him. According to press Helvetic, he had to enjoy a visit to the Singapore sovereign fund GIC, which holds 6.41% of UBS, to ask the Board of Directors of the bank vote of confidence.He wanted to get his approval to remain in power until early 2013 and to complete the restructuring of the banking and wealth management at UBS.

The extent of the fraud trader in London, Kweku Adoboli, has had because of this determination. "The Board regrets the decision of Oswald Grübel. The latter considers it his duty to take responsibility for the recent case involving unauthorized trading operations. " This case was discovered on September 15, caused a stir in the world of finance. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's immediately placed under review with negative implications the debt rating long-term 'A +' the Swiss bank.

Reputation under pressure

First estimated at $ 2 billion, losses due to fraudulent transactions conducted by Kweku Adoboli were revised upwards three days later business card.They eventually reach $ 2.3 billion (1.66 billion euros). An internal investigation was opened. UBS tracking the failures of its system of risk control. The gendarmes of financial markets in Switzerland and the UK have also launched independent investigations into the circumstances of the losses suffered by the bank. "The board is deeply disappointed by the loss from unauthorized transactions and fully support the independent investigation. Furthermore, it will ensure that support measures are in place to prevent such cases could occur again in the future, "promises UBS.

It must be said that the bank is under pressure, as he tried in recent years to restore its reputation tarnished by the crisis "subprime" in 2008.The Federal Housing Finance Agency, the U.S. federal agency to oversee the mortgage market, accuses him of having sold $ 4.5 billion of toxic assets to mortgage refinancing agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is seeking to return $ 900 million. The Swiss bank is also under investigation in France on suspicion of using tax evasion. Anxious to maintain the confidence of its customers, it manages the fortunes, the bank sent them a letter last Saturday. "Your assets are safe with us," she assured.

For its part, Kweku Adoboli, the trader, 31, was detained, following his appearance before a London court Thursday. The boy will remain jailed at least until his next hearing on October 20, announced the judge.

ALSO READ:

"Fraud: UBS under surveillance by the rating agencies

"UBS revises upwards the bill for the trader

The Greeks of rumble louder

Posted in business, economic, online, special, top news by admin on September 23rd, 2011 | Comments Off

Prime Minister George Papandreou on Thursday once again called on Greeks to "make one more effort." Parliament where he met members of the Ionian Islands region and Crete, he acknowledged that "in an international environment very hard and unfavorable" it was inevitable to give a new turn of the screw "to ensure the important decisions of 21 July which give Greece a new rescue package and alleviate the debt. "

But two days after the announcement of new austerity measures, the Greeks hardly accuse the coup.To get the sixth installment of the loan of 110 billion euros, or 8 billion euros, the government's attack this time directly to households: 20% discount on pensions in excess of 1200 euros months, 30,000 employees laid off and placed in lowering the threshold of non-taxation to 5000 euros per year.

For Thanassis, college teacher, the situation has become untenable. "For eighteen months, we wake up every morning with a knot in my stomach until the next sunset," says he. So far, Thanassis did not participate in strikes, but this time he is running out: "My wife earns only 400 euros per month and will now be imposed.As for me, in addition to the reduction in my income, it imposes upon me a new solidarity tax … I can not pay, they send me to jail, it will always be better than being homeless ".

Strikes cascade

Thursday, the streets of Athens were paralyzed by the strike of public transport and taxis, while teachers and municipal employees will do so instant payday loan. As a result, the Greeks had taken their cars, contributing to the formation of traffic jams. In turn, air traffic controllers stopped work four hours, forcing airlines to cancel or delay flights. And this is only the prelude to an end of September and October ahead particularly hot socially.

Even today, the whole country will again be largely private transport.From next Tuesday, taxi drivers planned a second strike of forty-eight hours, renewable. Before the nationwide general strike scheduled for 19 October, Greece is going to live on a chaotic rhythm.

For Pavlos Tzimas, a political analyst, the malaise is deeper. It may even, says he, to turn against the government: "This can not continue. Every three months, it was announced to the Greeks a new package of austerity measures. The government has overestimated its austerity program and has underestimated the weight of the recession. "

The business concern as well. "There is no compass, this government does not know where it goes," Constantinos Michalos rebels who heads the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Athens.

ALSO READ:

"Papandreou believes in crisis

"The promises that Greece has not held

ISF: last day to alleviate his note

Posted in Uncategorized, business, news, opinions, resources by admin on September 18th, 2011 | Comments Off

Until September 30, nothing is lost! There is still time to reduce the amount of the check to the Treasury for the ISF. To do this, most taxpayers will simply altruistic donation to an association of public utility, a research institution or higher education or artistic (non-profit and community service), or to a foundation academic example. They will benefit from an ISF reduction equal to 75% of the amount of their generosity (the gift is included in the limit of 45,000 euros). Their main concern in the coming days is to choose the institution they most want to help.

Other taxpayers prefer to invest in developing their heritage. To alleviate the ISF, they will be willing to take risks. For their salvation will come from SMEs.Taking an investment in an unlisted (eg during a capital increase), they are entitled to a tax reduction equal to 50% of their bets, capped at 45,000 euros. "For the first time this year, this tax benefit is granted subject to maintain this participation decade. The minimum period of detention was until 2010 only five years, "says Didier Orens, Director of Private Banking Palatine.

New deal to invest in SMEs

Unless you're used to playing the angel, or to have in its relations to an entrepreneur confidence eager to welcome new shareholders, it is very difficult to choose oneself society adequately. But sometimes private banks épaulent their clients in this process.Banque Palatine, for example, proposes to support film production, investing in a small business designed with the specialist who already operates its Sofica (companies that finance the film industry and provides a tax advantage for income tax) .

Last year, it was still possible to diversify risks and build on a number of SMEs both through a holding company that was responsible for selecting them. But the new rules imposed on these structures this year has had a dramatic effect: it creates it virtually over. Investors can not expect to reduce their ISF through them no fax cash advance.

To receive a turnkey management and a diversified investment must subscribe for units of FCPI (mutual funds in innovation) or FIP (local investment funds).If the fund is committed to devoting 100% of its portfolio in SME financing, the taxpayer is granted relief on ISF 50% of the amount subscribed. If the fund is content to place in non-listed 80% of its assets (the remainder is invested in money market investments in listed shares, bonds …), the tax benefit is "only" 50% × 80% 40% of the bet. In all cases, the economy of ISF is capped at 18,000 euros. The subscriber must keep its shares five years, but the actual duration of the investment is longer, sometimes over a decade … because you have to allow time for the manager to sell the participations in the capital of companies (with another fund, another group leaders.) and to reimburse the taxpayers as well. The new trend? Some FCPI FIP and invest in convertible bonds (non-listed course) issued by SMEs in obtaining financing."This is a solution increasingly demanded by business leaders because it prevents them from being diluted by new shareholders," said Fabrice Imbault, associate director at A Plus Finance. Another advantage: the FIP or FCPI know more precisely what date it will be refunded.

Among the FCIC that matured (ie, generally between seven and ten years after the purchase), some showing heavy losses. Others have preserved capital or even offered a capital gain of 10% to 50% throughout the period (excluding tax benefit and entrance fees). How to sort the wheat from the chaff? "The most important is that the manager has a sufficient deal flow, that is to say that SMEs seek the spontaneously when accessing finance. This implies that it is known entrepreneurs or intermediaries who advise them, "said Fabrice Imbault.Because for the money, good "records" of investments are not so numerous. And they are coveted.

Europe is complaining about access to China

Posted in Uncategorized, business, economics, money, special by admin on September 10th, 2011 | Comments Off

Year after year, the situation is more bitter and alarmist. The Chinese market is becoming less hospitable to foreign companies. In its annual report, the European Chamber of Commerce in China believes that despite promises, Beijing multiplies the obstacles. "Recent measures limiting further opening the market to raise questions about the desire to create for all market players sustainable opportunities," says the EU document.

Catalogue of Foreign Investment released this year by the Chinese government is full of examples. Notably in the "green" high priority posted in Beijing. Foreigners are worried about being de facto excluded from the promising area of ​​"clean energy".Thus, the joint venture manufacturer of components for cars running the "new energy" power in the first place can not be held at 50% maximum by foreigners. The same goes for offshore wind turbines. In a more general, significant obstacles still exist in the sectors of construction, automotive, financial services and telecommunications.

A perfect expertise

If the Speaker of the House, Davide Cucino, welcomed the objectives of 12th five year plan endorsed this year by Beijing, which focuses on the development of domestic consumption and services, he regretted that "some of these priorities will not reflected in the texts governing foreign investment. " And, while "European companies have a perfect expertise and technology" to address these areas of effort.Surveys of members of the House reflect the anxiety room. Some 43% of them believe that the measures taken by Beijing are discriminatory to foreign firms, against 33% last year. And 46% – against 36% last year – believe that this situation will continue at least in the next two years.

At a time when the general economic downturn makes the dynamic even more indispensable terrain Chinese, Europeans and Americans want Beijing transforms good intentions into action. As for improving market access for public bids – estimated at one trillion dollars annually, which is slow in coming, as deplored by Davide Cucino.