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The long pause between colleagues at lunch time lived. The increased pace of work was right in this traditional division, whose length has been reduced to a trickle in the last twenty years. While employees willingly stopped for over an hour and a half to sustain themselves in the 1990s, they now spend no more than 22 minutes on average to this ritual.

"The lunch break has become the adjustment variable of the workday, says Anne-Sophie Godon, director of prevention within the group of social protection Malakoff Médéric, who published a study Tuesday on the subject. The content of the day was densified, while the distance between work and home tends to increase. In this context, employees have no choice but to cut back on the lunch break. "Women are more concerned than men, many of them prefer to take the shortest time at noon in hopes of starting earlier work, says Odile Fox, medical officer in Paris.

Employees bring their lunch more

With less time spent at lunch, it is the nature of the meal that has changed. A perceptible change in the last few years yet, the study said. Since 2009, the number of employees who go home for lunch has been declining (29% of respondents in 2011 against 34% in 2009), as well as those who go to a restaurant business (19% instead of 22%). In contrast, the share of those who swallow a sandwich as a meal is still growing by 2 points in 2011 compared to 2009.

Shortening the length of the lunch break is not always synonymous with "junk food".The proportion of employees who bring their pittance to work after having prepared at home is steadily increasing. Nearly a third now say do it frequently, women are over-represented again. "The French are trying to eat more balanced, it is a serious sociological trend. Provide meals is a way to control your diet. It's also a way to save money, "says Anne-Sophie Godon. The crisis is over there.

Decreased concentration

Sandwich and dish prepared in advance, reducing the dwell time has nevertheless perverse effects. "When you eat quickly, no time to feel full. Satiety occurs only after a quarter of an hour. And when we eat at his computer, it's worse: it does not even pay attention to what you swallow.Result, we tend to snack in the afternoon, "said Patrick Serog, doctor. In 2011, 39% of employees admit to regularly snacking, two points more than in 2009. "Making a real pause, three-quarters of an hour, is crucial, says Odile as Fox. Without this cut, the stress builds up. "

The health of the employee is not only involved for the company either, the lunch break is not wasted time. An employee who does not stop and does not cut even if it's only twenty minutes with their working environment is an employee who may lose concentration. "Attention has its phases. It can be really careful for forty five minutes or an hour, but rarely more. If we restore his normal work environment at his office, for example, the concentration decreases even faster, and we made mistakes, "warns Patrick Serog.This did not include an office where you eat according to host Monster 400 times more bacteria than the toilet normally maintained.

"Testimonials – And you, do you take time for breakfast? Prepare your meals in advance or do you buy close to your work? Share your experience in comments below or by email at temoin@lefigaro.fr.

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Coca-Cola is angry against France. To protest against the tax on soft drinks that the government of François Fillon wants to establish in 2012, as part of the austerity plan, the U.S. giant announced Thursday the suspension of an investment of € 17 million provided for the next year at its plant in the Bouches-du-Rhone, the Pennes-Mirabeau.

This is the first concrete decision of the U.S. company from ads on 24 August. By this gesture, the group's management intends to "symbolic protest" against the tax. The investment "is not canceled but it must be reassessed in the context of uncertainty created by the tax," says the group. These 17 million would be used to launch a new production line for cans at the plant, the second in France in terms of production, which employs 203 people and five years has already received 45 million euros of investment .

It was to be formalized on September 19, on the occasion of the celebration of 40 years of factory Pennes-Mirabeau. The arrival of John Brock, president of Coca-Cola Enterprises for 40 years the site is also canceled.

"I understand the position of Coca-Cola"

Coca-Cola, which employs 3000 employees across five production sites in France, says wait and see what will unfold the vote in Parliament before taking a final decision. The tax should indeed be debated in the coming weeks as part of the bill for funding Social Security."We hear and symbolic protest against a tax that punishes and stigmatizes our company our products," said Coca-Cola, which "reaffirms its strong opposition to any form of stigmatization of soft drinks and their assimilation into other product categories such as tobacco. "

This tax, which should bring 120 million euros to the state, according to the manufacturers should increase the cost price of the can of a euro cent on average. For the National Association of Food Industries (ANIA), the decision of the U.S. company is understandable. "I understand the position of Coca-Cola, said Jean-René Buisson, president of the association. Coca is one of the companies that have signed charters with the government on reducing sugar and nutrition education policy.Why do food manufacturers would they continue to trust the government? ", He gets mad. "The tax Fillon is the stigma of food which is harmful is not scientifically proven," he adds.

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Back in the red for the Paris Bourse. At closing, the Cac 40 drops 0.77% to 3812.97 points. Investors are concerned about the United States. The elected representatives of the U.S. Congress again tried Sunday to reach an agreement on raising the debt ceiling, but without success. While the Speaker of the House John Boehner had slammed the door to negotiations with the White House on Friday night, they have continued behind the scenes throughout the weekend between the Democratic allies of President Barack Obama, the Senate majority and their opponents Republicans, who control the House of Representatives. But John Boehner told his troops on Sunday night that no breakthrough had yet been obtained.

The situation becomes very tense nine days of the deadline mentioned by the Treasury before a U.S. default.This morning, this concern has led to a relapse of the Asian markets. For their part, the U.S. markets, which had already ended Friday without direction, changing declined Monday. According to the IMF, the United States may suffer a "severe shock" if the debt ceiling of the federal state was not found in time.

Greece is also in the news: Moody's today lowered the country's sovereign rating of "Caa1" from "It" with a development, saying the country was still facing major challenges medium-term credit.

Oil down

On the currency side, the euro declined slightly against the greenback at 1.4347 dollar dollar in late afternoon. Oil is also down.To 17.30 U.S. a barrel fell by 0.542% to 99.35 dollars, while the gold, he goes back to 0.84% ​​and is trading at 1615 dollars an ounce.

The banking sector in heavy losses

Dexia lost 8.09% to 1.95 euros, Crédit Agricole 5.44% to 8.92 euros, BNP Paribas 4.47% to 46.63 euros and Societe Generale 4.70% to 36.28 euros. Bank stocks suffer after degradation of the note of Greece by Moody's.

Axa (-4.26% to 13.72 euros), while welcoming the agreement reached by EU leaders on Greece, the insurers of the French Federation of Insurance Companies (FFSA) said they consider favorably participation in the project initiative of private investors, as part of the options.

Values ​​to follow

Areva: 0.10% to 25.37 euros, EDF: -0.28% to 27.09 euros

The new president of Areva, Luc Oursel, who succeeded Anne Lauvergeon end of June, will make his first official Monday by hosting one of its plants in the CEO of EDF, Henri Proglio, showing the warming of relations between the two groups. EDF and Areva have signed an agreement at that time technically and commercially, prior to a more ambitious partnership to be signed in September.

JCDecaux: -3 pay day loans.87% to 20.24 euros

JCDecaux was down sharply, after seeing the recommendation on its way down to "hold" against "buy" before, by Citigroup.

Alstom: -0.16% to 39.42 euros

RATP has ordered 66 additional subway trains for more than 300 million euros, of which 200 million will fall into the hands of Alstom Transport, Alstom said in a statement.

Score: -0.59% to 18.44 euros

The reinsurer Scor reveals a growth of 22% at constant exchange rates, the treaty renewals in non-life and specialties of the 320 million of premiums up for renewal in mid-year.

Saint-Gobain: -1.26% to 41.94 euros

The group will buy the British network Build Center and French Brossette in Wolseley, which is the world leader in the distribution of equipment, plumbing and heating.He will spend 145 million pounds (165 million) to Build Center and 186 million euros for Brossette. "These two acquisitions (…) represent a contribution of over one billion euros in sales," says Pierre-André de Chalendar, CEO of Saint-Gobain, said in a statement.

Unibail-Rodamco: -3.44% to 143.88 euros; Klépierre: 0.88% to 27.41 euros

HSBC has initiated coverage of Unibail-Rodamco to "overweight" with a target price of 175 euros and raised its recommendation on Klépierre to "underweight" to "neutral."

LVMH: 1.01% to 130.55 euros

Consob is considering a complaint from an investment fund over the price offered to pay the French to buy the balance of Bulgari, confirmed Sunday a spokesman for the Italian stock market.

Total: -0.48% to 39.26 euros

The oil amounts to ten billion dollars (seven billion euros) of investment needed to develop the oil field north of Moho Bilondo off the coast of the Republic of Congo, said its CEO, Christophe de Margerie.

Valeo: 0.05% to 47.32 euros

The group announced Friday that its U.S. subsidiary Valeo Inc., based in Troy, Michigan, had received a request for information from the U.S. court as part of an antitrust investigation.

Fimalac: 0.07% to 27.84 euros

The group announced a sales increase of 11.9% on a comparable basis to 515.8 million euros in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010-2011.Its subsidiary, the rating agency Fitch Ratings has led to an increase of 11.7% of its turnover over the same period to 401.5 million euros.

After market, Seb and Klépierre publish their half year results, April Group will announce its earnings for the second quarter, Faiveley the first quarter. Mercialys and STMicroelectronics will publish their results for the second quarter.

After the immediate relief, the scrutiny. The decisions of the EU summit in distilled As the day of Thursday, had caused a real euphoria in the markets. The important thing was then to resist the further analysis which would not fail to deliver the observers. Result: the markets have continued to welcome a plan that went far beyond their expectations, even though Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Barclays, we regretted not getting an expansion in the size of EFSF (European financial stability).

Real financial thermometer, the CDS (credit default swap) of Greece – or the premium paid by investors seeking to insure against the default risk of Athens – had symbolized the tension alone: ​​this instrument has lost 500 points these hours to reach 1500 bps.As recently as Monday, July 18, he had earned in 2568 basis points. In this case, the ISDA – the professional body responsible for deciding whether to initiate hedges and therefore pay those who hold them – decided on Friday that the European level do not justify.

A first in the euro area

Conversely, the rating agency Fitch has confirmed that it would place Greece in "selective default". This penalty – provided from the time the private creditors were asked to contribute to the rescue of Greece – a first in the euro area. The default is "selective", only a portion of the loans in Greece are concerned. There will be temporary. Fitch says it will award the following further notes that Greece will consider reducing the weight of its debt.

Behind these technical quibbles lies a considerable challenge.Whether the 50 billion of impairment suffered by the financial sector to come to the aid of Greece are yes or no if a "unique and exceptional" as European leaders have hammered. These statements have not prevented Fitch stressed that the Greek case did constitute a "precedent", when Ireland and Portugal are far from out of the woods. "This means that Ireland and Portugal have eighteen months to put up their house in order, they will suffer further degradation of their rating," warns Gary Jenkins, head of research at Evolution.

Apart from Ireland and Portugal, the first priority was to stop the contagion to Spain and Italy. On this point, the efforts have paid off. The rates at which these two countries borrow on the markets have significantly relaxed this week.

This renewed confidence has yet to confirm."We see four risks in the plan," detailing the Societe Generale analysts. Get ahead of the national parliaments, first. Limit the duration and impact of selective default, then. Confirm a response rate of 90% of creditors to the plan – in this respect, the French banks said they would meet there. And, last but not least challenge: that Greece found a dynamic itself.

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Christophe de Margerie confirmed and signed. In mid-April, the boss of Total has caused an uproar by saying that the super two euros per liter was something inevitable.This time the statements are more subtle but no less firm: on the margins of economic meetings in Aix-en-Provence, the head of the French company said that "the price (of oil) rather than being on the rise, so do not expect long-term prices (fuel) down. "

The issue is very clear to Christophe de Margerie, "If it does not reflect the increase in oil prices, the box runs." Under these conditions, while going on holiday will intensify in the coming days, the price the pump are about to take four to five cents extra.

The decision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEA) on 23 June, to tap into strategic reserves to lower prices will have had a very limited impact."The effect was instantaneous – crude has fallen from 115 to 107 dollars, almost four cents less at the pump – but the fundamentals of the market quickly regained the upper hand," said Jean-Louis Schilansky, President of the French Union of Petroleum Industries (Ufip).

$ 200 a barrel

In this case, is the increase in demand on prices. While the IEA has estimated that the outbreak in the spring classes began to slow global consumption, but the 90 million barrels per day (bpd) is no longer so distant. Moreover, if growth continues, the cap could be gone by the end of the year, according to the scenarios of the Agency.

Meanwhile, it is unclear how far prices will rise at the pump. At the end of last week, the Brent crude in London closed above $ 118."The courses tend gradually to 120 dollars," said Jean-Louis Schilansky which states that within a few days fuel prices should find their levels of early June. An average of 1.50 euro for unleaded 95 and 1.33 euro for a liter of diesel. As for the bar that fateful two euros per liter, it corresponds to the experts at a price of 200 dollars a barrel. "We still have some respite," said Jean-Louis Schilansky.

In this issue so sensitive fuel prices – especially in summer – the government continues to be very careful. A few days ago, they had encouraged retailers to pass quickly down the barrel instantly.This time, they should encourage stakeholders – oil and supermarkets – to smooth the rise in crude.

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The U.S. stock markets are yo-yo. After closing sharply higher Friday, Wall Street declined sharply on Friday. The Dow Jones lost 0.76% to 12,622.54 points, the Nasdaq yield 0.84% ​​to 2848.44 points and the S & P 500 0.99% to 1339.84 loose points. Thursday, Wall Street has ended sharply higher, reassured by the employment figures in the private sector.

These declines are explained by the release this Friday afternoon, disappointing numbers in employment in June that contradict the good results of the ADP survey released Thursday.The hires are in fact remained at a standstill for the second consecutive month, with only 18,000 jobs created, while the unemployment rate continued its rise, to 9.2%, according to figures released by the Department of Travail.Le report Official "is seen as a crucial gauge for assessing the short-term capacity of the world's largest economy to withstand" the signs of slowdown in the country's economic recovery, analysts explained the broker FXCM.

On the macroeconomic front, investors will also monitor the numbers of consumer credit in May (21 hours).

For his part, President Barack Obama acknowledged yesterday that the disagreement persisted with the Republicans on the budget and debt.He has given a new appointment on Sunday to elect to provide an update on the progress of talks will take place by then.

First results expected Monday half

Attention should also be strengthened by the forthcoming opening of the ball half-year results. As usual the aluminum giant Alcoa (-1.33% to 16.27 dollars) will open the show these ads on July 11 or next Monday. Generally considered a barometer of the health of the U.S. economy, the aluminum companies would announce analysts said a sharp rise in earnings in the second quarter.The rise of aluminum prices and increased demand, especially from aircraft manufacturers, accounted for much of this improvement.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro lost ground against the dollar on Friday, traders moved cautiously before the release of the official report on employment and unemployment in the United States, major indicator to assess the strength of resumption of the world's largest economy.In early afternoon in Paris the European single currency was worth 1.4323 dollars against 1.4356 dollars Thursday

The side of values, given the green light Thursday by the shareholders of the transatlantic exchange operator NYSE Euronext (-0.40% to 35.26 dollars) a merger with Deutsche Börse marks a victory for its chief executive Duncan Niederauer, who strongly defended the project since mid-February.

Always on the side of values, the U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer (0.10% to 20.25 dollars) is considering "strategic alternatives" including the potential sale of its animal health business and infant feeding.The animal health division of Pfizer in 2010 achieved a turnover of 3.6 billion and nutrition Pfizer $ 1.9 billion.

Moreover, after the close of Wall Street, CEO of Exco Resources (7.46% to $ 0.72) Douglas Miller has revised its bid on the company to 18.5 million in cash and a part in actions against 20.5 million in cash earlier.

For its part the News Corp. (-2.84% to 17.42 dollars) will close the British tabloid Sunday News of the World, in the heart of a wiretapping scandal.

Also note, the Taiwanese SemiLEDS (-8.06% to 5.70 dollars), listed on Wall Street has announced a loss of 5.1 million dollars, or 16 cents per share against 6 cents expected. Turnover was down to 5.6 million against 9.9 million last year and 6.3 million expected.

Europe is gaining time, but did not extinguish the fire in Greece. Following a conference call Saturday, finance ministers of the euro area have given the green light to release "by July 15" 8.7 billion euros in loans that should add 3.3 billion paid out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision was expected after the adoption this week by the Greek Parliament of the austerity program imposed by his European creditors. "It (the decision) strengthens the international credibility of Greece", immediately congratulated the Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos.

As the new Executive Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, to take office Tuesday, the organization welcomed the developments."We welcome the commitment of the Eurogroup to a funding strategy that ensures that the Greek economic program is fully insured," said the spokesman for the IMF, Caroline Atkinson. No details however were given about a possible date on which the Board could meet to release the funds.

Berlin puts pressure

If these 12 billion euros to Greece should avoid going bankrupt in the short term, it is not enough to save the country permanently and fully reassure the financial markets. For this, the country has called for a second bailout International 110 billion euros. Finance ministers of the euro zone have promised yesterday decisions "in the coming weeks." For its part, the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, more prudent, spoke of an agreement by the fall only.Berlin looks indeed to be certain that Greece implement austerity measures quickly that the country has promised. "After the release of the fifth installment of the countries of the euro area and the IMF, the next step must be addressed decisively: the measures passed in Athens should be implemented quickly. Privatization, for example, must be launched without delay, "responded the German Minister of Finance. Response of Athens: the austerity plan of 28.4 billion euros will be implemented before mid-September.

Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Spain could knock on the door

These two months of rest should also help to advance on a second rescue plan 110 billion euros. Finance ministers of the euro area have not spoken on this subject last night.They expect to clarify the private sector, banks and other creditors, imposed by Berlin to a new plan to help decide. "The details and extent of the involvement of private and official sources of additional funding will be determined in the coming weeks," they said.

Time is running out: Ireland and Portugal may need a new international aid. As for Spain and Italy, both countries are under pressure from rating agencies. "The failure of European political leaders to resolve the crisis quickly and decisively hits the rest of the euro area," says Ben May, economist at Capital Economics. The United States pressed more in Europe to solve its debt problems to avoid a global impact."If Greece fell deeper into recession following the new austerity measures, it could reduce the willingness of governments to implement additional fiscal measures," says Ben May.

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The Paris Bourse started rising sharply on Tuesday morning – the Cac 40ouvre up 0.80% at 3973.92 points – after finishing Monday night in a small decrease (-0.21% to 3942.53 points) carried by a slight recovery in confidence in European markets while the situation in Greece feel a little better. The single currency advance against other currencies on a hope that the Greek crisis can be resolved (one euro 1.4371 against the dollar this morning). Jean-Claude Juncker, Eurogroup President, has expressed his desire to "solve the Greek problem by the end of June." In addition, a second bailout of 65 billion euros could be established, combiners loans from the EU and the IMF.In addition, Germany plans to withdraw its proposal rééechelonner maturity of Greek bonds to facilitate the release of new aid to Athens, reported Tuesday the Wall Street Journal, which further strengthens the euro on the market exchange.

Still, this morning, the rating agency Fitch Ratings lowered by three notches note of Cyprus, which changes from "AA-" to "A-" due to the involvement of banks in this area countries euro in Greece and does not, according to a statement, to conduct a further deterioration.

This morning, Asian stock markets are well oriented. The rating agency Moody's has yet announced it, it could lower the rating of the long-term debt of Japan within three months, citing the massive debt the country exacerbated by the recent earthquake in north-east . Fitch made the same announcement three days ago.The Nikkei has still finished rebound of nearly 2%, amid weaker yen against the dollar and a good indicator of industrial production.

The French Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, has pledged Monday in Brasilia to "deepen" the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to give more weight to emerging countries if elected head of the institution Financial.

The greenback that folds also pushes the oil upward, making them more attractive purchases of raw materials denominated in dollars. In morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for July delivery took 35 cents to 100.94 dollars.That of Brent North Sea crude for delivery gained 58 cents identical to 115.26 dollars.

Rain important indicators to monitor

In France, before the opening of trading, we followed the consumption expenditure of households on goods in April (INSEE): it decreased by 1.8% in April after falling 1.0% in March (revised ). Sales of new homes fell in France by 17.2% yoy in the first quarter, according to the Ministry of Housing, which reported Tuesday in a parallel increase of 30.4% in housing starts and 9, 0% of building permits between February and April 2011.

Then at noon, we take knowledge of business failure in December 2010, the agricultural price indices in April, while producer prices of business services in the first quarter (INSEE).In Germany, retail sales have risen dramatically in April, but at a slower pace than expected, after a march which the drop was even greater than had originally estimated.

In the euro area, we know the unemployment rate April at 11 am and the first estimate of inflation in May

United States, 15 hours, we expect prices logger (S & P / Case-Shiller) well attended in March. Then at 15:45, industrial activity in the Chicago area in May, also very important. At 16 hours, the highly anticipated index of consumer confidence (Conference Board) in May.

Laurent Perrier: net profit up 39.5%

Side values, Alstom (1.81% to 42.64 euros, the biggest increase Cac 40).The construction project by the group of a line of elevated railway in Baghdad will cost $ 1.5 billion (one billion euros) and will be financed by the French government and French banks, said Monday the Iraqi leaders.

The group of Laurent-Perrier Champagne on Tuesday reported a 39.5% increase in net income for fiscal year 2010-2011 ended in late March, thanks to higher sales volume in the second half, which helped significantly reduce its debt.

Areva (-0.51% to 29.50 euros) will follow as the night before, the stock lost 1.98% to 29.65 euros on its first day of cotation.De invertitudes many threats to the nuclear group. EDF is also on the alert after the announcement yesterday (Monday) at the end of nuclear power in Germany by eleven.

Renault (1.35% to 39.31 euros) is also on the radar screen when a new number two was appointed to replace Patrick Pelata yesterday.Carlos Tavares will cheer for employees and create attractive cars to restore momentum to a manufacturer whose weight continues to fall within the Renault-Nissan.

Total (1.33% to 39.97 euros) will launch a discount service stations to compete with low cost workstations supermarkets. In an interview with La Tribune, Jerome Pare, director of the distribution business of France's Total announced that a "large number" of 2050 sales outlets would be affected by this repositioning to the entry level.

France Telecom is in Paris today's investor day. The group plans to sell its minority holdings in Austria and Portugal.He announced his will destabilize its level in 2013 EBITDA to a level higher than 2011 and reaching a total cumulative EBITDA of around 45 billion euros over the period 2011-2013.

EADS (1.14% to 22.68 euros). UK fraud office (SFO) launched an investigation of alleged bribes, kickbacks paid to Saudi officials by a subsidiary of British defense giant EADS and aeronautics, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.

Nexans (1.29% to 66.57 euros) provides the first half organic growth in sales of 7% to 9% and operating profit representing between 4.5% and 5% of its turnover, announced Tuesday the French manufacturer of cables.

Vinci (1.37% to 44.10 euros), ADP (+0.41% to 66.50 eruos), Veolia (0.99% to EUR 20.92).The process of opening the capital of major regional airports is frozen amid differences between local and state, wrote Tuesday in La Tribune. Vinci confirmed early May watch some airports, while ADP and Veolia might also be interested.

Carrefour (+0.74% at 30.51 euros), Casino (0.01% to 73.45 euros). Casino said it had asked the ICC for arbitration and requires that the Brazilian group Diniz fulfill its obligations pursuant to their shareholders in the company that controls the Wilkes Brazilian retailer CBD.According to sources familiar with the matter, the president of the Brazilian group distribution Pao de Acucar Abilio Diniz approached rival Carrefour to evoke the hypothesis of a merger with the local activities of French

Sanofi (0.96% to 54.61 euros) on Tuesday released desrésultats a phase III study showing that lixisénatide, treatment of diabetes has reached, as an adjunct to basal insulin, the primary endpoint .

Schneider Electric (1.22% to 112.15 euros) announced Monday the acquisition of 74% of Luminous, a specialist Indian UPS and critical power, as part of its strategy for small and medium-sized acquisitions.

Despite a "peace message" sent by LVMH (1.22% to 112.15 euros), the debates became heated during the general meeting of Hermes, which was held yesterday.

Fimalac (4.05% to 29.03 euros), parent company of Fitch, saw its operating income grow by 23.9% in the first half ended March 31, while its sales sales was up 21.1% (an organic growth of 12.3%).

Mersenne (ex-Carbone Lorraine: 0.43% to 39.50 euros) acquired the remaining shares of Chinese Mingrong Electrical Protection (MEP) which it already owned 51% since 2008.

CD & R, Axa PE and CDC Quebec are paying 2.1 billion euros to afford Spie, according to our information.

It's definitely good news. Growth of 2011 has started on a flying, rising 1% in the first quarter, after the tiny increase of 0.3% in the last quarter of 2010, according to figures released Friday by the INSEE. Not only is it much better than what was expected, but it is also the best quarterly performance registered by France since 2006. You almost forget that the institute of statistics at the same time, lowered the growth figures for the previous three years!

The Economy Minister, Christine Lagarde, who blew the whistle on the previous evening, was immediately welcomed this figure, which confirms "that the French economy is set on a path of robust recovery."Jean-Francois Cope, secretary general of the UMP, for his part spoke of "excellent performance".

It must be said that, as the saying goes at Bercy, all the lights earlier this year are "green" to watching a few nuances in detail. Household consumption was slightly accelerated, rising 0.6% against 0.4% over the last three months of 2010. And proof that the expenses do not only with cars and the latest gaming effects of scrapping the service consumption rebounded sharply. Business investment has, meanwhile, performed well.

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the graphic.

The institute noted however that the balance of trade "contributes negatively again" on GDP growth (-0.4 point), but that "this is more than offset" by changes in business inventories, which contribute positively to 0.7 percentage points to growth.

Industrial production finally jumped 3.4% and `show its strongest growth over the last thirty years," Christine Lagarde welcomes. Which does not specify that this rebound in industrial production is largely due to the production of refined products, which dates back strongly for technical reasons related to the correction of consequences "of social movements at the end of last year" in refineries , said Insee.

"A little less strong"

The Minister of Economy nevertheless acknowledged "very possible" that the second quarter "a little less strong.""One swallow does not make statistical economic spring," said, in his way, the number two PS, Harlem Desir.

For even if the number of start of the year is a reflection of economic situation improves, the pace may not continue. Rising raw material, exchange rate of the euro, higher inflation that continues in the purchasing power effect of stock-cons, or international situation deteriorates … So many reasons fear a slowdown in coming months .

Bercy, however, confirmed on Friday its growth forecast for 2011 to 2%. The goal now seems achievable because over for the current year is already 1.6%.Traditionally more pessimistic, the European Commission was asked to meet on Friday too, its growth forecast for the Hexagon, 1.7% to 1.8% over the year.

2008, 2009, two years of recession

Each year in May, INSEE revised the growth of the three previous years. This time, it's a bunch down! Growth in 2010 has not reached as planned 1.5% but 1.4%. The recession of 2009 was 2.6% and not 2.5%.But it is in 2008 that the difference is most significant: adjusted downwards by 0.3 percentage points, the year does not end on a growth of 0.1% as announced, but a decline in GDP of 0, 2%, according to Insee

Moreover, the institute has recalculated the slight increase in deficit (state, social security, local) of France in 2010 to 7.1% of GDP at year end as against 7% announced earlier.

As for the debt, it was 82.3%, instead of 81.7% predicted previously to 1 591.2 billion.

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