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The English are trying to shake up the French market for fast food, dominated by the U.S. McDonald's. The British chain Pret A Manger could quickly establish themselves in France. The management of the company and the investment fund Bridgepoint, the owner, studying his arrival. Their strategy? Immediately propose to the French offer meets their dietary habits and make a name quickly on the territory with a hundred addresses minimum. To achieve this, an acquisition seems a prerequisite. Bridgepoint had also identified potential targets of fast food chains that already have at least a hundred units. They are few in number to fulfill this condition: Potato Bread, Crust and The Class Croissanterie.

"The decision for Pret A Manger coming to France is taken, says a close case.But nothing is done, since the arrival of the chain depends on the success of an acquisition. At this stage, discussions are most advanced with Apple Bread but can still roll over. "Founded in 1980 and acquired in 2004 by Acto Capital (Private Equity Groupama), Pomme de Pain is mainly located in the Paris region. The chain has made more than 60 million euros in turnover in 2009.

Pret A Manger, co-founded by two college friends Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe, opened its first store in London in 1986, where she quickly became a phenomenon. So much so that in 2001 McDonald's has acquired 33% stake. In 2008, the fund Bridgepoint has taken control of Pret A Manger, for 345 million pounds.

Pret A Manger has approximately 250 restaurants, mostly in Britain. The company also has a thirty addresses in the United States and a dozen Hong Kong.With over 4,500 employees, its turnover grew 12% last year, averaging 280 million pounds. On its website, Bridgepoint said that Pret A Manger wishes to increase its number of outlets by 15% per year and that the chain wants to become "truly global" through a "controlled expansion". Obviously, Pret A Manger will not hear talk of openness. "Do not ask us to open duty-free, because we do not, the company warned on its website. We do not like the franchise. "

Upscale sandwich

"The arrival of Pret A Manger in France can impact all the concepts of fast medium and high-end type Cojean especially those developed by distributors, starting with Daily Monop," said Bernard Boutboul, Director General of Cabinet Gira Council.He said the brand strength is its triangle sandwich bread upscale, which does not exist in France. In addition, the ingredients are fresh, organic and natural, and everything is manufactured locally. A la carte, salads, soups, but also sushi, croissants, baguettes, muffins, raisin, chocolate brownies … Drink: tea, coffee, chocolate, juice and smoothie. "Our wasabi mustard sauce is brown (not green fluorescent), our ham is pale (not pink) and our Maroon dried apricots (not orange)," said Pret A Manger on the Internet, while detailing the number of calories that products it sells.

The Government may be relieved: the Constitutional Council has approved on Tuesday night most of the Finance Act 2011 and the supplementary budget for 2010.

No surprises, then, like last year, when the Sages had censored the carbon tax and reform of business tax for freelancers! This time, the Constitutional Council rejected all the complaints for which the socialist parliamentarians had seized.

The plane of 1% on tax loopholes and the fact that employment at home is excluded, the contribution of 30 euros on the medical state, the levy on low-income housing, transfer of 4 million euros private education, exemption from land premium for autoentrepreneurs were found to conform to the Constitution payday loans with no fax.

However, the Council said that six items had no place in the Finance Bill.Including one important one that limits the fees charged to merchants when a payment transaction by credit card.

Advertising is the buzz at this time of celebration. These days, two pieces of information are especially react on the web. The first of these relates to the German carmaker Volkswagen, whose last TV spot reacted all fashion bloggers. And for good reason: Karl Lagerfeld is the protagonist.

It was in German as the artistic director of Chanel touts new Polo and Golf models. Camera in hand, the creator of these enraptured many cars he would move from Paris to Milan. But his hopes are showered by Giabiconi Baptist, his muse and assistant in the advertising, who whispers in his ear that the models in question will only be available for the German market."They deserve to be in Paris," said Karl Lagerfeld, so, disappointed.

Karl Lagerfeld renews with the auto sector, two years after he donned the yellow vest for road safety in France. In Germany, the advertising, broadcast from December 22, continues to talk about her. So much so that the leadership of Volkswagen considering the decline in other media including Internet, print and display.

Gillette goes to Woods and Henry

The other ad news this year for Gillette. The mark of the U.S. group Procter & Gamble announced in its way as Tiger Woods and Thierry Henry embody more "masculine perfection." Their contracts for the Gillette Champions campaign, ongoing since 2007, will indeed not renewed their term on December 31."The Gillette Champions program will end the first quarter of 2011, said Michael Norton, spokesman for the group. Gillette Champions was created by the famous brand of shaving accessories namesake in 2007 and, like any brand, we update our marketing efforts to match our consumers, "he said simply.

Both athletes appear in several commercials alongside the Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer:

No information about the future of tennis at Gillette advertising and footballers Kaka and Lionel Messi has been unveiled. But one thing is certain: for all these sports, the end of the Gillette Champions campaign will result in a significant cut in their income. Thierry Henry's contract with Gillette was 5.6 million euros per year. It was around 8 million for Federer and Woods.The latter will suffer most from this decision. Indeed, his marital problems, which have already cost contracts AT & T and Accenture, its revenues have shrunk from 35 million.

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Plan Epargne Logement (PEL) will undergo a facelift. The Minister of Economy and Finance militates in the direction of reform of the property interest whose remuneration is fixed on arbitrary criteria since 1969. In an interview with Les Echos, Christine Lagarde has indeed announced its intention to make the ELP "more attractive, more popular so that households have an effective tool to build their personal contribution to a housing project." This reform proposal must be defended Wednesday's cabinet meeting, said the business daily.

It must be said that the ELP, largely forgotten housing reforms and savings, is "losing momentum," said the minister.In 2003, such investment accounted for 16 million cardholders, and this figure rose to 11 million today "and at the same time, stocks have declined from 227 billion to 176 billion," added the minister.

Attractive remuneration

In fact, to attract investors Bercy plans to establish a new formula for determining the rate of PEL determined by expectations of long-term rates for banks and revised annually. Specifically, in periods of high rates, the new PEL will offer an attractive remuneration with the opportunity to purchase a less expensive conventional loans from banks. Christine Lagarde said that if the new rate calculation was applied in the last seven years, the remuneration of the PEL was an average of 2.90% instead of 2.50%.

Regarding the conditions for obtaining loans "they remain the same," said the minister.Another point of interest, the ELP is not subject to income tax.

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The budget for 2011 employment center could pour oil on fire. The Director General of public establishment, Christian Charpy, has announced Thursday the removal of 1800 jobs by the end of 2011, while employees are already complaining of being bogged down by work. In detail, 1500 CSD will not be renewed and 300 permanent positions eliminated. The draft state budget for 2011 does allow the continuation of the subsidy to the employment center at the same level as in 2009 and 2010, but not DDC or assisted contracts in addition to the permanent staff of employment center to meet the influx of unemployed.

"I announced the situation for several months and warned that employment center would contribute to the reduction of public deficits", justified Christian Charpy Thursday night.Highlighting the reorganization "successful" of the public institution and the fact that jobless claims have steadily increased, the employment center director considers that it is now possible to "make a number of ways that we had exceptional was granted in 2009 and 2010.

"Growing unease"

However, a very unpopular decision Thursday by the unions, which had previously called the employees to go on strike Tuesday, November 9 in protest against the "growing unease" and the deterioration of their working conditions. "This announcement is seen as unacceptable a real aggression against employees" have responded well all the nine unions that sit on the Central Works Council (CEC).Trade unions have therefore requested the next meeting of a special CEC.

Last week, the publication of results – mixed – in consultation with users of employment center would improve the image of public service. According to the study initiated by the Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez, 80% of job seekers believe indeed listening to their advisers, although only 52% are satisfied with their employment support. For their part, employees of employment center slam of "wallets" of job seekers provided too, and failures of fusion ANPE-Unedic.

Despite the reinforcements of personnel provided by the state at the height of the crisis, the Director of Cluster Employment in effect admitted Thursday that each counselor followed on average over a hundred job seekers.According to figures released by the Paris last week, the same charge would amount to nearly 300 unemployed per counselor in some areas particularly affected by unemployment, especially in communes of Seine-Saint-Denis. While unemployment has generally stabilized in 2010 without reflux, deletions announced Thursday should not fix the situation.

Japan goes to war against the yen strong, detrimental to exports. In the aftermath of a massive sell yen and surprise on the currency market, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has warned that Japan will intervene directly again "if necessary" in order to weaken the yen if its value rises too quickly.

"We are determined not to allow rapid fluctuations in the yen," said Naoto Kan in the aftermath of the first direct intervention by Japanese authorities in the markets since March 2004.

Wednesday, Minister of Finance had confirmed intervention by Tokyo for the first time in six years, increasing the rate of 83 yen per dollar to 85.72 direct payday lenders.The euro also rose to 111.06 yen against 107.93 before the intervention of the authorities.

According to Japanese media, Japan, after intervening in Tokyo Wednesday continued its sales of currency on the streets of London and New York, bringing to total 2,000 billion yen in the market (18 billion euros).

But observers question the effectiveness of such interventions in the long term. Indeed, direct intervention, even repeated, could be difficult to firmly stabilize the yen to a level deemed acceptable in Tokyo, because of differences in rates and economic fundamentals between Japan and the United States, analysts said.

Full debate on pensions, France Mutualist wondered how active this deadline prepare financially. The organization that offers retirement products commissioned the polling institute Ifop to question the French on their concerns and savings products of choice. The results of the study are startling: whereas 86% of respondents believe it is important to build up savings exclusively for retirement, over half of them say they do not have enough money available to build up a nest egg.

"It tells a lot of stupidity on long-term savings, says Christian Oyarbide, CEO of The Mutualist France. It is argued that the average saving rate of French is 17% but this figure conceals very different situations.20% of the richest French have a savings rate approaching 40%, but those whose incomes are so widespread that intermediate 1-4% while the less wealthy can not afford to put sufficient money aside to prepare for retirement. "

Recover his money if needed

Unemployment, health problems, the obligation to take care of children or family are all arguments put forward by the French to explain their reluctance to turn to specific investment products such as PERP, or the PERCO other savings plans (PEE) …

"They want to recover the money invested in the event of hardship and do not want savings products" tunnel "on which the funds are blocked," said Christian Oyarbide continues: "the only product that allows this today is life insurance.That's the real retirement savings product "Investors are not mistaken for that matter. According to the study, half of them look to it. "The French do not seek profit above all they want is a guarantee, an investment whose return is no surprise," says Ifop. 80% of them are naturally turning to the funds in euros, less profitable but less risky than accounting units mostly consist in action. "If they were not pushed into action by investing in tax benefits, I even think that the share increases to 90%," says Christian Oyarbide.

The director of The Mutualist France regrets that, besides amending the tax legislation the government would "destabilize life insurance." His plea went even beyond.He wanted the portability of contracts is introduced, so that investors no longer feel compelled to leave the money placed on a contract if they wish to change banks. As for other retirement savings products, it also urges the government to simplify their tax systems. Pending a hearing, the agency he heads has a free tool on its website to allow the French to determine their investment profile, and select the product that best suits them, without obligation to purchase.

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Brussels is more optimistic. The European Commission has almost doubled its growth forecast for the euro area this year. It now expects an increase in activity by 1.7% against 0.9% previously.

For France, growth is forecast at 1.6% against 1.3% estimated in the spring. This revision is even more optimistic than the one made by the prime minister on Friday. Francois Fillon said he expected growth of 1.5% in the second half, against 1.4% previously estimated.

"The European economy is clearly on the road to recovery, more sharply than expected in the spring, and the recovery of domestic demand bodes well for the job market, welcomed the Commissioner for Business Economic and monetary affairs, Olli Rehn. The development is uneven in Europe, the Commission shade.Germany and Poland enjoy a dynamic economy much more than their neighbors, "she observes. In both countries, the activity should rebound by 3.4% this year.

One-time inventory effect

"Uncertainties remain, however, and safeguarding financial stability and continued fiscal consolidation remain key priorities," Olli Rehn warned however cheapest personal loan rates. The first half growth was driven in part by inventory rebuilding by companies. This time effect should disappear in the second half of the year, the Commission said. It excludes, however, a new recession, black scenario that Anglo-Saxon called "double-dip".

The European Central Bank has revised upwards its growth forecast in early September.According to his new figures, activity increased in 2010 in a range between 1.4 and 1.8% from 0.7% to 1.3% previously estimated.

Downside risks

However, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has preferred to stress the downside risks to stronger than expected in the second half. In its revised economic outlook released last week, the international body believes that growth in the three largest euro area countries (Germany, France and Italy) should not exceed 0.4% in the third quarter and 0.6 % in the fourth.

The OECD estimates remain more optimistic than those of Brussels for the three countries. The Commission plans further growth of 0.5%, then 03% in the eurozone over the next two quarters.

Oil: A Black August

The oil prices have again been eventful one week. Tuesday, oil closed the month of August under 72 dollars, penalized by macroeconomic concerns. Throughout the month, a barrel of crude oil shows a decline of 7.03 dollars, or 8.9%, the largest decline in percentage terms since May As stock markets, oil markets have then wished to turn the page. For the first day of September, the courses have undergone upward pressure, almost touching the 74 dollars in New York amid more reassuring indicators (increase in U.S. manufacturing ISM index). "The optimism of the early months," said Phil Flynn of PFG Best Research.

The rest of the week merely reinforced the progress.The promise of sale housing and industrial orders rebounded unexpectedly in the United States while new jobless claims fell slightly. In short, the oil market "sees the economy growing, but at a very slow pace," according to Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates.

Oil prices ended the week down slightly, to 74.60 dollars in New York and 76.01 dollars in London. Investors welcomed the figures monthly employment for the month of August, considered less bad than expected. Analysts, however, remain on their guard: "I think the employment situation remains mixed in the United States, said John Kilduff, of capital Again. The figures are not good enough that prices are good, particularly given the levels of stocks in the country, currently the highest since at least 20 years for crude.

The base metals in great shape

On the London Metal Exchange (LME), the week was synonymous with strong gains. Classes were worn by the announcement of a rebound in manufacturing activity in China in August, to scan a sufficient investor fears of seeing the world's largest consumer of motor crash. To this was added the new surprise improvement in industrial activity while U.S. markets had already built a slowdown almost low interest rate personal loans.

Copper rose to 7,750 dollars per tonne, its highest in four months, leading to higher nickel which ended the week at 20,900 dollars. The aluminum finish to 2161 dollars and zinc to 2161 dollars.

Gold is approaching the record

Always above. Gold has increased its earnings, still driven by its status as a safe haven.The yellow metal has touched 1,254.73 dollars per ounce, very close to its record 1,265.30 dollars reached last June. Analysts now believe that gold will reach 1350 dollars per ounce by 2012, pushed up by demand from China and India.

The money has followed suit, reaching its highest since May to 19.68 dollars per ounce to finish at 19.66 dollars per ounce at Friday's auction.

Platinum and palladium climbed while the announcement of a new movement to strike in the mines of South Africa, world's largest producer of platinum, recovery concerns about market supply. The ounce of platinum ended at 1553 dollars an ounce Friday, while palladium ended at $ 524 against $ 503 a week earlier.

Cocoa plays yoyo

The brown bean has been very eventful one week.Classes are first touched its lowest level since July 2009 in New York, in 2681 dollars per ton, showered by the prospects of a bumper harvest in Cote d'Ivoire, the world largest producer and pulled down by speculative buying. However, the market turned around so that experts wonder more and more about the quality of the product Ivorian affected by moisture. The tonne of cocoa for December delivery ended at 1953 pounds in London and 2748 dollars per ton in New York.

Coffee has gone the same way, a pound of Arabica for December delivery ended at 185.65 cents on Friday in New York, against 177.95 cents a tonne for the same maturity a week earlier.

The record Domenech is nearing completion. According to France Info radio quoted a source close to the matter, the French Football Federation (FFF) has sent a letter of dismissal to his former coach, Raymond Domenech, who is still an employee of the National Technical Directorate (DTN). Information that Fernand Duchaussoy, acting president of the FFF, neither confirms nor denies. "While he has not received his letter, he does not know, I'm not going to make a statement like that … The process is supervised," he said Saturday.

Domenech could also blame a serious mistake to FFF

The nature of the dismissal is not known: misconduct or not. According to France Info, the first solution was chosen.Three facts are alleged to Raymond Domenech: not having shaken hands with the opposing coach, Carlos Alberto Pareira after the match against South Africa, having read the famous mutineers release of players and not telling Escalettes (former President of the FFF) qu'Anelka had told him in mid-time of a technical analysis of a certain depth. In the eyes of the FFF, all this would be a "serious mistake", leading to immediate dismissal and up to the door without compensation.

A decision that could challenge in conducting the case before the tribunal. And for two reasons: firstly, Raymond Domenech no longer occupies the position he held when the facts alleged against him, on the other hand, it can be argued that Laurent Blanc, the new coach of the Blues assumed his duties before July 31, or the formal end of his contract of coach of Team France.In other words, neither party would have an interest in this case to go to the tribunals of one hand not to tarnish further their respective images and the other not to turn this case series.

"We'll go faster"

Where an amicable agreement between the two parties would be found, the former coach of the Blues paid about 12,000 euros a month on fourteen dates as all employees of the FFF, could affect up to 340,000 euros, according to the Parisien. Le Journal du Dimanche progressed, the last weekend, the sum of 500,000 euros, and France Soir, "between 1.5 and 2 million euros," it is ten days.

If one believes the words of Acting President of the FFF, it would move more towards an amicable settlement. "We will go fast, Raymond Domenech wants too. There will probably be a negotiation.It is not a business like any other, but we, like others, a business, "he says.