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Despite a sales increase of 3% to 7.9 billion euros in the first half and stable at 4.4 billion euros in the second quarter, Lafarge reported income down sharply from 34% to 260 million euros in the first half. The group warned that inflation and exchange rate effects will weigh on annual results. "The sector is still affected by high inflation and the absence of global recovery in developed countries," said Bruno Lafont, CEO of Lafarge, said in a statement.Half-year net income was, indeed, benefited last year, a gain of 160 million euros after selling its 17.28% interest in the Portuguese group Cimpor.

Weighed down by a huge debt of 14 billion euros, the rating agency Standard & Poor's has pushed the note of cement to the level of speculative transmitter – Lafarge claims to be "on track" to meet its debt reduction target of at least two billion euros in 2011. Two weeks ago, the group sold its gypsum in Europe and America in the Belgian Etex to € 1 billion (enterprise value) and they could sell in North America and Asia.In the second quarter, the group achieved 50 million savings in structural costs, $ 100 million since the beginning of the year, in line with the objective of a reduction of at least 200 million in 2011 .

The group still expects an increased demand for cement and provides a market growth between 2% and 5% in 2011 compared to 2010.

In the case of debt, time is a luxury that the United States as Europe can not afford. This is the message sent Tuesday by Christine Lagarde, director of the International Monetary Fund. Welcoming the plan against the crisis of the Greek debt presented Thursday by EU leaders, the French hoped "that these bold steps will be followed in the United States and that action in the fiscal area will occur as quickly as possible."

In Washington, "the clock is forever and you really find a solution," insisted Christine Lagarde. Democrats and Republicans can not agree on U.S. debt, then that must be addressed prior to August 2 the maximum amount that the state can borrow in the markets (the ceiling of the debt). Otherwise the U.S. will not reimburse investors.

"Having a default or a significant reduction in the rating assigned to the signing of the United States, an event would be very, very, very serious. Not for the U.S. only, but for the world economy in general, "said the leader of the IMF. In the longer term, the IMF has asked the United States Monday to hand over "the debt to a sustainable path." U.S. debt until recently was considered by investors as an investment "safe".

If it is proved otherwise, the consequences could be incalculable. The United States "can not default on their obligations," said John Boehner, a Republican official in Congress. "The jobs and savings of too many Americans (are) in."

Threat of 'turbulence'

Europe is no exception.After the summit on Thursday, the leaders of the euro area should continue their efforts, Christine Lagarde warned: "The plan was welcomed by financial markets, as evidenced by the stronger euro and lower spreads rates on bonds of the periphery. But the turmoil could easily reappear. For this reason it is essential that the commitments of the summit are implemented quickly. "

Problem: The plan must be submitted to national parliaments for approval. "This will be done in the coming weeks. This will not happen overnight because, as is often the case in many developed economies of the Northern Hemisphere, August is relatively calm. And parliaments are closed, "admitted the director of the IMF. But Europeans do not have the luxury of taking their time.I think there is an expectation that things should move forward and be implemented not only by the countries directly concerned but also by governments who, as I said, kept their promises. "

To help stem the debt crisis, the IMF disbursed $ 330 billion to date, also recalled Christine Lagarde. Given this fact, the IMF might have to seek new funds to its member countries, its director admitted: "In the not too distant future we will probably take an interest in this issue."

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The lack of consensus in Washington on ways to prevent a default by the U.S. Treasury in early August was still crying Friday. "We are clearly running out of time we have left. So I asked members of Congress to give me, within 24 to 36 hours, an indication of the plan that will raise the debt ceiling, "said Barack Obama. The American president has reiterated its willingness to accept adjustments in social programs, that number of elected its own camp, however, refused. But he asks the same time to give the Republicans on tax increases, or at least, on the elimination of tax loopholes, "The Republican voters are willing to (in) to accept," he said, citing recent surveys.

"We're not Greece or Portugal. We do not need to do something drastic, "said Barack Obama.The situation of the United States is indeed very different from the peripheral countries of Europe are grappling with the crisis of sovereign debt. Nevertheless: the absence of a congressional vote before August 2, the U.S. Treasury can no longer borrow as it has already reached the limit of its debt. It would be forced to stop paying some of its creditors.

"Golden Rule" Republican

Shortly before the intervention of Barack Obama, John Boehner, chairman of the House of Representatives, promised the adoption by his fellow Republicans of a "robust plan" to raise the debt ceiling to 2.4 trillion dollars. This text does not include any tax increases, cap on federal spending and also provides for the adoption of a constitutional amendment such as "golden rule" to prevent budget deficits. In other words, it is unlikely to generate a consensus in the Senate.Barack Obama has confirmed that he opposed it.

In the Senate, bipartisan negotiations, subtle and inventive, continue. The leaders of both parties hope to combine a reduction of expenditures in the order of at least 1 000 billion over ten years, raising the ceiling to be de facto delegated by Congress to the President.

The aim is to enable elected not to vote explicitly for raising the ceiling or to the tax increase. Increasing the cap would take place in three stages and maximum total amount would be 2 500 billion, just enough to allow the Treasury to pay all his debts until after the 2012 elections.

According to the proposed scheme, only two-thirds majority in both houses can block increases ceiling decided by Barack Obama. It does not say that this effort to succeed.Or that the elected House of Representatives accept the principle or detail. The installation is complicated as it may be associated with a new method of reduction in social health (Medicare) and retirement (Social Security). A bipartisan commission would draw up by the end of a list of savings to be realized.

Pending the arrival of his eagerly awaited first smartphone with the Windows operating system Phone at the end of the year, and production "mass" in 2012, we have to wait markets and customers. That Stephen Elop, president of Nokia strived to do during the CommunicAsia exhibition in Singapore. "Our main strategy in the field of smartphones is to focus on the Windows phone," he said, for its next billion mobile.

For Nokia, it is urgent. Last month, the group issued a warning on its sales and results, giving even to make predictions, as the period is difficult.Its sales continue to decline, it would hold more than 13.1% of the smartphone market in the first quarter against 25% a year earlier.

But maintaining a strong presence of the Symbian operating system in its range and choice of Microsoft at the expense of Android leave many doubts cast. While the number of applications available on a smartphone is a paramount requirement, the Finn is not in the race. It strives for the time to catch up in smartphones, highlighting the N9 in Singapore, expected to outdo the iPhone and Android to its competitors. To do so, Nokia boasts jumble "three home pages," his "handy user interface," "better voice quality," connectivity … The N9 (under platform Meego) is also equipped with a NFC connection, which enables contactless payments.With this feature, shows that Nokia is still able to board the train for a new technology, not to watch the competition from without it.

With the launch of three new models (N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 will be sold in July) Nokia has pushed the highlight of its commitment to Symbian OS. These terminals will be equipped with the new update system Symbian Anna. Novelty of this new version, it will be downloadable for those who have already bought one of these phones. And over the next twelve months, Nokia will market up to ten new smartphones based on Symbian. From there to imagine that the Finnish and protects against possible setbacks of its U.S. partner, there is only one step.It also reaffirms its loyalty and its customers, accustomed to its operating system, and that it might lose by abandoning it completely. Hence the idea to favor a smooth transition.

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"This crisis does not pay." One month after the birth of the movement of the "outraged" that has spread throughout the country, between 35,000 and 40,000 people, according to police, marched in Madrid against austerity. The crowd came in processions from all six districts of Madrid, gathered near the parliament in the center, opposite a row of blue gates and a dozen police vans blocking the road.

"Against unemployment. Organize yourself and fight. Let us march together against unemployment and capital, "proclaimed one of the great signs. "We are not commodities in the hands of politicians and bankers," said another banner in red letters.Under the slogans, demonstrators of all ages, families with strollers, young, unemployed and retired, came to testify of the same tired response to the crisis that is strangling the Spanish company.

Unemployment and corruption

Protesters targeted the Stability Pact in the euro area and its imperatives of fiscal discipline, politicians accused of corruption and not the voice of citizens, unemployment hitting 21.29% of the workforce in Spain, almost half the age of 25.

"We must prepare for a general strike 100% free credit score. We will paralyze this country, "said a speaker at the microphone."Banks and governments that have caused this situation should be aware that we do not agree with the measures and budget cuts, we intend to be heard, and that we will," assured the flat platform calling for demonstrations across Spain.

Broad popular support

Tuesday, June 13, the "outrage" had dismantled their camp from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, a symbol of this wave of protest. Enjoying broad popular support, they now want to consolidate their movement through the neighborhood assemblies and other occasional events.

Other demonstrations were planned in the late afternoon on Sunday, including Barcelona and Valencia, and in several foreign cities, including Paris, where nearly 450 "outraged" gathered.

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The games are not made. While the International Monetary Fund is seeking a new general manager following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, emerging countries are mobilizing for a leader from their ranks.

While for now, no Chinese is not on the list of potential candidates for the resumption of the post, the Middle Kingdom believes the new boss of the institution should be Chinese. "The time has come to put an end to Western domination on the IMF," said Shan Renping commentator, in an article published by the Chinese newspaper Global Times. He adds that "one of the main responsibilities of the IMF is to oversee the trade and provide funds to countries in need, capabilities that can provide a growing China."He cited the name of Zhu Min, the former deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, then became Special Advisor to the Director of the IMF, as a potential buyer of the post.

For its part, the Mexican Minister of Budget, Ernesto Cordero, supported the candidacy of Governor of the Bank of Mexico, Agustin Carstens. "This is the best candidate for the IMF," said the minister at the Mexican press.

Statements which echoes the words of the Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Wednesday that the succession of DSK to head the IMF should not be "decided in a hurry" or reserved for a European.

For Lipsky, Christine Lagarde is one of the candidates "well qualified"

Since the establishment of the institution the item is traditionally given to a European Bank since management is entrusted to an American.Thus, if an emerging leader is elected this would be a first for the institution.

While the position raises all desires to the four corners of the globe, American John Lipsky, who has served as Acting, said yesterday that the Board of Trustees will meet Friday to discuss it. He believes that Christine Lagarde is one of the candidates "well qualified" to lead the institution. A view widely shared in France and Europe, where statements of support have multiplied yesterday.

However, John Lipsky has left the door open to candidates from emerging countries, stating that "there is a consensus among our members that the process of appointing the CEO should be open, transparent and must be on the basis of merit. Open means open.Open does not open only to some. "The campaign has only just begun.

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The cold shower! Between January and March, the amount of money bet on sports online paris tumbled 26.5% in France compared to last quarter of 2010. According to the Regulatory Authority online games (Arjel), they accounted for 147 million euros for all 16 sites de paris sportifs allowed (BetClick, Bwin, PMU, … FdJ).

"This is a significant decrease, but this does not mean that athletes will put Paris down more than 20% this year, according to Jean-Francois Vilotte, president of the Arjel. The market just opened and we have no referent for the first quarter of 2010. We are attentive. It should not be the legal tender, for lack of attractiveness, the lead players trying to reconnect with the illegal sites. "

Football remains the supreme discipline of bettors

Several factors explain this lack of enthusiasm of the punters, starting with the sports calendar.There was no unifying event as a World Cup football, capable of boosting demand. Football remains the supreme discipline of punters, with 54% of stakes, to tennis (24%).

That said, the end of 2010 had not been richer in big tournaments. Operators are responsible for what happens to them. "To reconstruct a portion of their margins and respect the average rate of return to players imposed by law, they have degraded their ratings, making them less attractive to paris players," said Jean-Francois Vilotte. Indeed, if the bets were down 26.5% in the first quarter, gross gaming revenue has increased it to 33 million against 27 million last quarter of 2010. "Operators have underestimated the lack of culture in France paris sport and have not adapted their supply, said Jean-Francois Vilotte.Italian and English are long accustomed to paris sports, often to excess. But bet on Beckham's haircut is not necessary for sports! "

Missing operators

However, fans of horse racing and poker paris are themselves remained at the rendezvous. In the first quarter, the amount bet in paris horse has reached 241 million euros, in the last quarter 2010 and still much more than this summer. In poker, they are also stable at 1.9 billion euros, while the activity of tournaments grew another 4%, entry fees from 261 to 271 million in three months. One thing is sure, Jean-François Vilotte concluded: "Quite naturally, some sites will disappear or be absorbed." Already, Canalwin, a subsidiary of Canal + and Ladbrokes gave its approval.TF1 and prepares to throw the towel in Eurosportbet.

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The news will revive speculation about the succession to Maurice Levy. The boss of Publicis Groupe, the world number three communication, set this Wednesday, Jean-Yves Naouri head of Publicis Worldwide, its largest advertising network. A decision fraught with meaning, and "an important context for me," says the FigaroMaurice Levy, whose term as CEO was extended beyond the end of 2011, but no deadline is set .

Jean-Yves Naouri, who also remains CEO of Publicis Groupe operational, takes the place occupied since 2006, Richard Pinder, who is leaving Publicis' to carry out personal projects. "

At 51, Jean-Yves Naouri still does not inherit the scepter, but puts its new mission as a worthy successor.While giving him the keys to the brand's founding group Publicis, Maurice Lévy offers him the opportunity to "complete the range" of its capabilities: to manage the operational activity of a network of nearly 10,000 employees, serving client world leaders in their sectors such as Renault, L'Oreal, HP, Nestle and Procter & Gamble.

His appointment and the departure of Richard Pinder concomitant further reduces the range of possibilities, especially after the release of the game by David Kenny, former head of Digitas, acquired by Publicis in 2007, and Vivaki – which includes activities and digital media group payday loan online. The latter joined the Internet Akamai solutions specialist.

Initiatory journey

The trajectory of Jean-Yves Naouri has it, all of the initiatory journey.He joined Publicis in 1993 after a stint in the cabinet of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Minister of Industry from 1991 to 1993, this X-Mines co-founded Publicis Consultants, assumed the chairmanship of Publicis Conseil in 2000, and his classes internationally, including the charge recovery activities in northern Europe, or that the healthcare division.

Organization man, Jean-Yves Naouri has risen through the ranks of the group. Appointed Executive Vice President of Publicis Groupe in 2004, Deputy Director General in charge of operations in 2006, then Chief Operating last year, he is a member of the Board since 2007.

Challenge beautiful "and" great opportunity "in the words of Jean-Yves Naouri, the post he was offered Wednesday is" a step closer to the finishing line, "which places" in an excellent position in the race "warns Maurice Levy.

It's the domino effect. Twelve days after the earthquake that hit Japan, manufacturers of electronic goods continue to feel the shock wave. On Tuesday, Sony announced the suspension of production in five of its factories, which were not affected by the earthquake or tsunami. But they are now facing power cuts, shortages of components or raw materials.

Laurent Roussel, CEO of Panasonic France, announced that four Japanese factories in the group had stopped their production. "Our sites themselves have suffered very little damage, but the infrastructure does not work anymore," says Laurent Roussel. A situation similar to that known by Sharp. "Some of our plants are occasionally arrested, because of power cuts. Transport is also affected.Priority is given to people and help, "says Patrick Chardin, the CEO of Sharp France.

From last week, Toshiba had suspended part of its production, not to weigh on consumption of electricity. Under these conditions, no one will risk a prediction on the consequences of such interruptions to production. While large groups have a clear picture of damage to their own plants, they lack information on their suppliers. Last dreaded effect: a collapse in domestic demand. "The Japanese manufacturers are also very powerful in their domestic market online payday advance. If domestic consumption were to fall, it would be a major blow, "said Patrick Chardin. To complicate matters, the Japanese groups close their financial year to 31 March.The proximity of maturity contributes to a more prudent.

International impact

Despite Japan's importance in the global electronics production – Archipelago weighs 20% of LCD or 16% of memories – nothing to suggest that Europe will be affected by a shortage of TVs or computers. Most of these products are transported by boat, which involves traveling time of around five to six weeks. For now, manufacturers believe that it is still possible to make up for delays in shipping their products by air. With consequent higher prices.

"The worst disaster that exports would fall. This would have the effect of a second earthquake in Japan, "warns Lawrence Roussel, who is most concerned about rumors of possible radiation problems of products. "Nothing is further from the truth, he says.Especially since the products currently on the shelf have left Japan there are more than a month! "Nevertheless, some manufacturers have already put in place procedures to control the output string to reassure their customers.

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The sensational espionage case that shook Renault continued on Sunday to "deflate". One of the three security officials of the automotive group into custody-to-view this weekend, Dominique Gevrey, was indicted for "organized fraud" and imprisoned following the dismissal last January three group executives for espionage.

Two other officials cautioned to view this weekend, including the director of security and close to Carlos Ghosn, Remi Pagni, however, were released Sunday morning, without any charges being brought against them.

The two frameworks safety first taken into custody-to-view, and Marc Dominique Gevrey Tixador, both authors of the report which led to the dismissal of three employees, have so far refused to reveal the name of the informant the source of accusations of espionage.By the reckoning of Renault's lawyer Wednesday to a microphone Europe, the automotive group has made "in the order of 250,000 euros" in this anonymous informant, through an intermediary agent of a private intelligence to collect data that led to three dismissals.

Renault claims a "manipulation"

Renault claims not to know either the name of that source, and have asked the two security officials, "who are only to know, to deliver his name and address to the investigators," said Renault's lawyer no fax pay day loan.This same source who gave Renault numbers of three bank accounts which was based on the automotive group to accuse the three executives have coined strategic information on the program of Renault's electric vehicles.

However, investigators of the Central Directorate of Internal Intelligence (DCRI) claimed last week they had found "no evidence of bank accounts" on behalf of these employees, nor "any evidence of espionage." As a defense, Renault now evokes the idea of ​​a "manipulation". In an interview with Le Figaro, the number two carmaker, Patrick Pelata, said that if this hypothesis was confirmed, "Renault will be attentive to repair any injustice."He also designated himself as a scapegoat, saying the group will draw all the consequences of this case until the highest level of business is to say to me ".

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