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The Zerg, Protoss and Terrans are back. The three races battling in the legendary game of real-time strategy StarCraft landed Monday on PCs around the world after twelve years of absence. Fnac des Champs-Elysees the game will go on sale 22 hours. The first version of this futuristic war of the worlds had sold 11 million copies.

The publisher Activision Blizzard (Vivendi) is certain: Starcraft II (sold $ 60) will also be a success. During a meeting with analysts, reports the Wall Street Journal, Bobby Kotick, chief editor, said that Starcraft II was one of the "seven pillars of opportunity" of his group. Each of these "pillars" should generate between 500 million and 1 billion dollars during his life.

If Activision Blizzard does not want to reveal the cost of developing new work, the game should be very profitable thanks to increasing revenue. Beyond the 60 euros of the sale price of the base game, players will be encouraged to buy add-ons (weapons, missions) throughout its progress in the game All this, via micro-transactions online.

"Captive audience"

The advantage? "This results in recurring revenues and customer becomes captive, publishers building online communities around their titles, decrypts Richard Beaudou, video games analyst at Natixis. "This model comes from Japan and invaded Europe in two years." Gross margin games designed on this model reaches 50%, against 15-25% for conventional.

The launch of Starcraft could however be overshadowed by a lackluster.Video game sales fell 6% over the first five months of the year in the United States, according to the institute reference NPD Group. Activision Blizzard executives remain confident. "StarCraft II will not fail to customers," he assured Bobby Kotick at the E3 video games fair in Las Vegas. "Several million people are still playing the first version of the game when it was released just over ten years."

Cows

Activision Blizzard hopes to replicate the success of World of Warcraft, Call of Duty or Guitar Hero, all blockbusters. These securities have become over time real cash cows, each new version is proving to be a commercial success.The latest edition of World of Warcraft and Call of Duty have enabled the group to see its turnover soar 33% in first quarter 2010, against the current market.

On Monday in early trading, Activision Blizzard title earned 1.54%, to 11.91 dollars at the NYSE.

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Photographers, cameramen, and around 70 MPs, including several tenors Socialists (Francois Hollande, Jean-Marc Ayrault) belonging to other committees, however … The Social Affairs Committee of the Assembly, Eric Woerth who auditioned Tuesday, just after presenting his plan to reform pensions in Cabinet, had on Tuesday an unusually busy. She was visibly much at the media-political context and the importance of the bill to the agenda. The audience was also gradually scattered throughout the session … And if the Left has repeatedly expressed its disapproval loudly – a ruckus usually reserved for the Chamber – is inside the text she attacked.

The fate of the Pension Reserve Fund has attracted the most virulent attacks.Introduced by Lionel Jospin and supposed to help pass the peak of demographic imbalance between contributors and pensioners, beginning in 2020, the FRR will finally be used to offset deficits in coming years, pending the promised balance by the government in 2018. "Your reform is shortsighted, accused DSK.The holdup on the Pension Reserve Fund is to penalize future generations. "

PS She also found that the device "hardship" (starting at age 60 with full rate, subject to a disability of 20%) returned to "say people who are disabled or sick are entitled to be found invalid or sick " instant payday loan no TeleCheck.

"A good balance"

Labour Minister regretted the "distortions" and recalled that this device, combined with the long careers (early departure for those who started working before age 18) should cover 100,000 people per year in 2015, a new retiree on about six.Earlier, Eric Woerth was held, in an interview Capital.fr that the threshold of 20% was a "good balance", seemingly closing the door to a significant change – and potentially costly – on this point.

Not a word left, however, to challenge the alignment of the contribution pensions of officials on that of private sector employees.

The majority, she has power, supporting a reform considered "essential," "urgent," "fair" and "effective". Jean-Luc Préel however, raised a question: "I have some doubts about the economic forecasts that seem optimistic," said the member of the New Center.

Meanwhile, unions have reaffirmed their opposition to the reform, gathered before the Ministry of Labour hundreds of activists, including Bernard Thibault (CGT), François Chérèque (CFDT), Alain Olive (UNSA) and Bernadette Groison (FSU).

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The leaders of Taiwan and mainland China signed Monday in Chongqing, Sichuan, a free trade agreement that will profoundly change the relationship between the two countries. Called framework agreement on economic cooperation (ECFA), it plans to introduce preferential tariffs on 539 products exported from Taiwan to China, the island being provided by 250 Chinese products. More favorable to Taiwan and in Beijing, however, it divides the citizens of the island. They fear that China, which does not recognize the Republic of Taiwan and considers it a renegade province, one profits to strengthen its hold on her and never grows to become like Hong Kong, part of its territory since 1997 .

The low participation rate of older workers back into the crosshairs of the government. While the employment rate of 60-64 years is 17% – against 30% on average in Europe – the postponement of the next age of retirement increases the urgency to improve their employability. Lest the number of older unemployed increased significantly. In an interview in Paris, the Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez details the tracks being considered by the government to address them.

First measure: a transposition to senior citizens, at the request of the President of the Republic, the device "zero charge" established during the crisis to boost recruitment in small businesses. A measure that was then allowed to generate, according to the government, one million additional jobs.Since, according to the observation made by Laurent Wauquiez, "companies do not hire older workers because they are too expensive," Secretary of State for Employment suggests "to enable companies who hire older unemployed to be exempt from charges. " A measure that could prove costly.

Second measure mentioned: encouraging the development of tutoring. A practice already contained in most "action plans" developed by companies with over 50 employees in early 2010, the government's request. "This creates the link between generations," says Laurent Wauquiez, a senior form a young, and so we created employment for both. Today, the device for 200,000 people.But the government wants to go further, developing the management of a portion of the salary of the guardian in order to lower the cost of funds for vocational training.

The government's proposals in the context of pension reform should not be known until mid-June But the number of unemployed over 55 years did not wait until that date to increase: in May, it still rose 0.8%.

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PSA Peugeot Citroen has issued a statement Thursday confirming finally signed with China Chang'An Automobile Group (CCAG) "a letter of intent for the creation of a joint venture in China."

The French group announced in January that targeted a growth of 30% of its sales in China in 2010 from 3.4% to 8% share of the market by 2015-2016. Last year, PSA had sold 450,000 vehicles, while General Motor and Volkswagen sold respectively 1.8 and 1.4 million vehicles cash loans Guaranteed approval ".The Chinese market is indeed a challenge for the major car manufacturers: the Middle Kingdom has become the world's biggest car market last year, overtaking the United States, with 13.64 million vehicles sold in 2009.

Peugeot was already present in China through a partnership with Dongfeng society. But it is located in Beijing and in the center. Instead, Changan Peugeot opens the market for the East Coast, including the rapidly growing region of Shanghai.

The index futures are predicting a slightly lower opening of U.S. markets. Shortly before the opening of Wall Street, futures on indices Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 yield 0.25% and 0.18% respectively at 1 181.50 points and 1969.75 points.

On Monday, the New York Stock Exchange finished at its highest in a year and a half. The Dow Jones gained 0,43% and approaching the threshold of 1,000 points, while the Nasdaq has made 1,12%.

The Easter weekend has been glazed by the publication of a series of macroeconomic indicators considered a good omen. The employment figures, released Friday reassured. In March the U.S. economy created 162,000 jobs, the best performance for over three years. Also in the United States, activity in services has increased more than expected in March, and sales of cars.More good news on the front of the property this time, the promises of housing sales rebounded sharply. She leapt more than 8% in February.

Faced with these signs more and more and tangible relief to the U.S. economy, minutes from the Fed, expected tonight will be scrutinized by investors. The discussions among central bankers are particularly lively, especially on whether or not to keep interest rates "sustained low. The deal also discuss the rate at which the waves of liquidity dumped on the markets must be included. On Wednesday night, announcing a further increase in outstanding consumer credit, the month of February, is also positive news.

Values follow

Apple announced it had sold more than 300,000 iPad Saturday for the first day of marketing.This figure included the taking of orders. Analysts had forecast sales of between 250,000 and 350,000 units over the entire weekend. Following this announcement, several analysts raised their price target on Apple.

The companies that provide components for the digital pad Apple could also benefit from the craze for iPad if it is confirmed. The product categories include Samsung Electronics, Broadcom or Texas Instrument.

The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. software giant Microsoft plans to unveil a new range of mobile phones next week, with features of socialization designed to attract young consumers.

If you want to meet Antoine Zacharias usually must go on the shores of Lake Leman to 71 years, the former CEO of Vinci now lives in Geneva. But Thursday and Friday, the boss forced to resign in June 2006 will be in Paris. Or more precisely at Nanterre, where his trial took place before the 15th chamber of the court.

All started from a complaint by a shareholder of Vinci, Michelangelo Tiphineau, filed June 12, 2006 a few days after the resignation of Zacharias. The approach of the small carrier and the departure of the historical pattern of the group have the same origin: the huge sums affected by Zacharias between 2003 and 2005 when he was the CEO of the world's leading construction companies. Up to 250 million euros, based on the share price higher.Including severance pay of 12.5 million, an annual retreat of 2.5 million and stock options by tens of millions.

The prosecutor in Nanterre has conducted a preliminary investigation for two years after which Philippe Courroye, public prosecutor has decided that the dismissal of former boss 40 of ACC before the court. A rare event, especially since, in this case, Zacharias did not leave behind a group of shareholders difficulties or ruined. Under his leadership, the net result of Vinci has been multiplied by 21, and the market capitalization by 20.

"This is the trial of a system that loses his head with a CEO who receives are astronomical compared to the employee base of Vinci," says Frederik-Karel Canoy, the lawyer Tiphineau online payday advance! ???!!!???!!!."All decisions regarding those fees are legal because they were passed without any reservation by the Board of Directors," whispered one in the circle by Zacharias. The functioning of the board is just the heart of this case. It is in this place that had played the beginning, dramatic, CEO. His heir apparent, then denigrated, Xavier Huillard, had alerted administrators against the greed of his boss.

Five years in prison

He had a wound, he has returned to court the former leader to his beard neatly trimmed, on suspicion of abuse of social goods. He took particular offense to have changed in May 2004 the composition of the Remuneration Committee, which had capped his salary. Exit therefore Alain Minc, Patrick Faure, the former boss of Renault Sport, and Serge Michel, a former General of the water.In their place is especially Alain Dinin, Nexity's boss, Dominique Ferrero, banker, and Quentin Davies, a British MP. The salary Zacharias then flew, including up to 4.2 million euros in 2005.

If the abuse of social goods is confirmed, Zacharias risk up to five years imprisonment and 375 000 euros fine. And if his former employer, Vinci, was a civil party, he will not claim damages.

The leading global service to local shows in 2009 a slight decrease in its turnover to 34.5 billion euros, an increase of 44% to 584 million euros in net income.

LE FIGARO. – Veolia publishes results better than expected. What were the highlights of 2009?

Antoine FR?ROT. – The two major goals set at beginning of year, in the heart of the economic crisis, have been met. We develop a positive free cash flow after dividends – and to do that, we did not need our program of asset sales which amounted to 1.3 billion euros. On the other hand, we have achieved 381 million in savings, an amount greater than what we had announced.In total, our debt has declined from 1.4 billion to $ 15.1 billion.

Your new strategic plan installment does with that of your predecessor?

There is no question of strategic failure. We aim to quickly find a balance between growth and profitability. Veolia Environnement has formidable strengths: market inherently very porters, strong reactivity with a decentralized but coordinated and a significant asset base of 25 billion euros, which provides flexibility.

We aim to sell 3 billion euros in assets between 2009 and 2011 allows us to breathe our business portfolio. For a group size of Veolia, yield an average of 1 billion per year is not a revolution but a healthy, which allows you to concentrate on the heart of business activities.However, there are very few external growth.

What are your projected outcomes?

At a horizon of 3 to 5 years if the economy remains flat, we expect a profit after tax of at least 9% and operating profit up 4% on average. If the economy is recovering, after-tax profitability could exceed 10% and operating profit increased to 8% per year.

As for 2010, the year seems still uncertain and we do not see today's rebound. In this context, I maintain priority to cash. We seek a new economy of 250 million and 1 billion sale of non-strategic assets.Our operating profit should improve further.

Consider yourself an arbitration more radical in your core businesses?

Veolia Environnement is the only group in the world with four specialties: the water, waste, energy and transport. There is no question of separating from one of them, especially as new needs, new offers, imagine the articulation of these four professions. For example, in water treatment, it has already greatly reduced energy consumption. Tomorrow, sewage treatment plants become producing bio energy and bio-plastics …

Where will the growth?

From the internationally but not only in emerging countries. In Europe and the United States, the model of delegated management – a public water treatment or waste managed by a private group – is much less developed than in France.It will certainly be emulated.

Closer to home, markets are developing. Take the case of countries of Southeastern Europe. Dry and tourism, they will probably need new ways of managing water and improving the quality of bathing water.

You have a license for international passenger transport. When will the first TGV Veolia?

Our partner Trenitalia awaits approval of its trains. It is a rail regulatory authority be established to ensure that competitors of the station can actually make their trains run in the furrows to be allocated. All this should be effective in late 2011.

In urban transport, which is the reconciliation between Transdev and Veolia?

The process of consultation of the staff concerned is underway and we need the approval of competition authorities.We are in final talks with the RATP on swaps. This merger will be followed by an IPO, I hope the first half of 2011. Transdev Veolia will be the leading mondiJal urban transport and reach the critical size in a trade promised sweeping changes. I think including the payment of tickets which will be soon available on mobile phones.

Where is the proposed combination with EDF through your joint subsidiary Dalkia?

Here too, there are new services to be created. For this, we must expand the industrial partnership. With its activity, Veolia is already the largest European producer of biomass, useful for decentralized production of energy.There are also offers to develop the electric motor, which will soon revolutionize the passenger.

Suez there reason to suspect Veolia to take advantage of the strike force at EDF calls?

I have no fear of being disadvantaged in France or Belgium by GDF Suez even if its president is also head of Suez Environment. By analogy, this reasoning applies to EDF and Veolia.

Henri Proglio, became CEO of EDF, "he informed the Board of Directors of the exact duration of his" transitional mandate "to the non-executive Chairman of Veolia?

This was not on the agenda of the Council held on Thursday.

For better and for worse. The formula is devoted to marriages as a glove in Hong Kong. China, with its tremendous growth (10.7% last quarter 2009), certainly takes the resumption of the Special Administrative Region (SAR), politically subservient to Beijing but economically and financially independent. However, it also threatens to plunge the country into a spiral of overheating.

"The potential risk of forming bubbles is high," says Norman Chan, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

In China, prices are rising for several months now so excessive, and many experts are warning the country against the dangers of relapse.Mid-January, during the Asian Financial Forum, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called for the establishment of measures of capital controls in Asia, stating: "Until is temporary, it probably only means to avoid the bubble shape. Beijing does nothing when the bank credit limit to 7.500 billion yuan (773 billion euros) in 2010, against 9590 billion yuan (966 billion) per annum penny.

"The Chinese spend freely"

The Government of Hong Kong is believed to be safe. But it was forgotten that the two powers "are linked by two-way interests perfectly understood one side or the other, as recalled Victor Visot, president of advisers of Foreign Trade of France.

The city is a work in progress."500 buildings out of earth each year, observes Edward Yau, Minister of Environment, pointing to the towers being built around his office. While height and meet new environmental standards, "says he, anxious to point out that 70% of the land remains wild.

Even 710,000 Hong Kong dollars (66 cash advance in one hour .700 Euros) per square meter for an apartment overlooking the sea, tearing programs like hotcakes. The mainland Chinese are the first customers of Hong Kong developers."All the establishement of Beijing and Shanghai, all top managers have a pied-?-terre here that they have or not a business, said Edward Leung, chief economist at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They are the ones who buy goods more expensive and they have that, unlike the financial crisis of 1997-1998, house prices do not collapse. "

They invest more easily than the Chinese authorities have allowed banks on the continent to settle in Hong Kong. In the luxury shops of the Central neighborhood, one recognizes immediately the Chinese in their Mandarin while everyone here speaks Cantonese. "They have money, they spend freely and today supply 60% of sales of major brands," said Victor Visot.

After declining 20% in fall 2008, housing prices soared again, observes Helen Chan, senior economist for the government.Especially in the high end, where they rose 30% in 2009, at the same time that transactions were exploding, driven by interest rates very low (0.5% base rate).

While "the risk of a bubble is not imminent," dithers Nomura specialist on site. But it is real enough that Hong Kong officials, while saying "do not control capital movements, consider taking administrative measures to curb overheating. As they did last October, raising the deposit on the most luxurious apartments.

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The manufacturer's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, was summoned to the Elysee Palace on Saturday to explain about a possible transfer of production of the Clio in Turkey IV. Several questions remain suspended.

Renault To calm the game two months of regional elections, announced by the press this week of a possible relocation of the Clio IV in Turkey has taken a political turn that had not expected the group. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the diamond manufacturer, had to return to Japan on Saturday to explain his strategy to President Nicolas Sarkozy.

An interview that lasted over an hour and which was also attended by Industry Minister Christian Estrosi and Patrick Pelata, deputy CEO of Renault. "Carlos Ghosn said the Head of State that Renault will continue work and site activity" Flins (Yvelines), the Elysee said in a statement released after the meeting.The site will always French production of current models of the Clio, and that "part of the production of the Clio IV", which should begin in 2013, added the president.

Promises to blurred

After the announcement effect, many questions remain unanswered. Carlos Ghosn confirmed in a statement last night that the well would produce Renault Clio Flins IV, "with a second location in Bursa, Turkey. However, no details on shared tasks. "Speaking today in volume is not very realistic," he defends the boss of manufacturer in an interview with Journal du Dimanche. "The important point is that Flins is a permanent site for Renault and that employment will continue to run." A "term" which is not clearly defined.

For the Socialist Party, who responded from last night's meeting between Nicolas Sarkozy and Carlos Ghosn has "given birth announcements waves. Nothing was said about "the strategy of Renault in Turkey. Nothing about the intentions of the state regarding its stake in Renault (15%) or its representation on the board of directors. The subject was not discussed, according to Carlos Ghosn.

Flins bet on electric cars

Today, Renault wants to focus on its electric vehicle project. The production model Zoe in 2012 and will be entrusted to Flins. "We manufacture in France models with high added value," says Carlos Ghosn at Parisian. And among these, Zoe, "which should represent 60% of our sales of electric vehicles. Forecasts certainly reassuring, but the prospects for electric cars are still unclear to this day.

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