International News

After Ireland and Portugal, Iceland could be the third country to experience a major diplomatic or political crisis, directly resulting from the economic and financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. On Saturday, some 230,000 Icelanders go to the polls have indeed voted in a referendum against the agreement Icesave, the name of the online banking subsidiary of Landsbanski, the second Icelandic bank nationalized in 2008 after going bankrupt.

Since March 6, 2010, the date of an initial consultation, the question arose on the repayment to Great Britain and the Netherlands of compensation paid at the time of their nationals Icesave victims (about 340,000 savers). Totaling over $ 3.9 billion. A financial burden that Icelanders have refused to take in view of the first results of the referendum held Saturday, April 9.

"No problem to solve our debts"

According to figures almost final, non prevail widely, with 57.7% of the vote, against 42.3% of voters in favor of yes. Certainly, the rejection is much less massive than a year ago, Icelanders have been 92% to vote against the assumption by the State for damages caused by international private banks. However, the consequences seem equally or even more complicated for the government in place since 2008. Iceland had indeed engaged in December last year to repay the Netherlands and Great Britain, all amounts advanced to their injured citizens.To plan would run from 2016 to 2046.

Already, even before the final election results, the Dutch Minister of Finance Kees Jan De Jager said he was "very disappointed" by the decision of the Icelandic people do not accept the agreement between the three countries to try to resolve a situation that has become almost inextricable. For British and Dutch side, no question that the matter ends there, whereas the two countries now that the litigation must be brought to justice.

In London and The Hague, the respective Ministers of Finance are studying the possibility of litigation to settle the case before the EFTA (European Free Trade Association). A first procedure had already been initiated by the Netherlands to that authority, then stopped to allow the three countries directly negotiate terms of an agreement.With the refusal of the Icelandic people Saturday "the negotiation stage is over" said Niels Redeker, spokesman for the Dutch Ministry of Finance. He thus echoes the English Treasury number two, Danny Alexander, who considers "disappointing" that the negotiated settlement with Iceland is either resulted in a release.

"No problem to solve our debts"

Therefore, the EFTA will resume in the coming weeks the record in hand. And Iceland may be worried because the authority was already acknowledged in 2010 that the amounts claimed by the Netherlands to Iceland and they were well due. The arrival of the United Kingdom in the proceedings, which examined the possibilities Sunday "to join it" could further complicate the task of the Icelandic government.Because if it believes it has "no problem to pay its debts" in the words of Steingrimur Sigfusson, his Finance Minister, is it always that the Icelanders are still refusing to pay the slate of private banks. More for foreign citizens. Therefore politically difficult to Reykjavik to meet its promises after two resounding rejection of his countrymen.

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After Operation Oil cons food (Oil for Food) "designed not to starve the Iraqi people emerge from the Gulf war, Argentina has invented a new form, but lighter, clearing:" From Wine cons of Porsche. "

In Buenos Aires, the fight against the deficit of trade balance is in effect a special twist. The Government has authorized imports of Porsche country Fangio, obtaining in return compensation, dollar for dollar, the price of cars by the importer, the group Pulenta. To obtain satisfaction, this distributor is committed to export the same value in wine and olive oil as the hundreds of Porsche imported this year, about 5 payday loans.7 million.A real challenge, since the distributor will sell about 1 million bottles to meet the Argentine government.

All manufacturers of luxury cars are housed in the same boat: to sell his Audi in Argentina, the VW group is committed to export more cars manufactured in the country. As for BMW, whose cars are popular, the brand would consider implementing a motorcycle plant.

The team goes into overdrive in the race to develop digital. In January, Marie-Odile Amaury, CEO of the eponymous media group, reiterated his desire to develop the sports daily on digital media, web, mobile tablets, after clearing up advertising revenue in 2010. "The Team Leader Sports Information on digital. Our website attracts over 5 million unique visitors per month, consuming more than 700 million page views, which places him among the top three websites in France, across all categories. Our mobile traffic has surpassed 100 million monthly page views. All our media are also available on shelf ", says the CEO of L'Équipe, which is also considering" creating a product designed exclusively for Team shelves that prepares for early 2012. "

In 2011, one of the group's priorities is to approximate the print and Web newsrooms, which total more than 350 journalists and must "work more consistently. These essays have lived ten years in parallel with strong stories, "says Francis Morinière, who named Fabrice Jouhaud head of editorial at the end of last year. The latter has seen his responsibilities extended to the Web, in addition to newspaper and magazine. "This is one of the most brilliant journalists of his generation, I think this project will lead with intelligence."

A free channel available on an HD channel

Another variation of the group, the Team TV channel on cable (numeric), satellite (CanalSat) and ADSL (SFR), carries an audience share of 0.2%, according to Mediametrie. What is the future of TV? "The thematic development of pay channels is complicated to run.That's why, if the CSA confirmed its intentions, The Team will be a candidate for the award of a frequency HD digital free sports information, "says Francis Morinière, echoing the call for APF applications "should be announced for late 2011. Until now available on carriers paying Team TV would become a free channel, directly accessible on a HD channel. "This is a major project for the Amaury group. That's why this decision was taken in full agreement with Philippe Carli, CEO of the group. Two years ago, the president had said during the Estates General of the press that "The State should ensure that the press has the conditions for its development." Our development on television follows this logic.The future of media groups through their ability to project itself into a multimedia based on strong brands and recognized, "said Francois Morinière.

If he gets the green light from the CSA, the proposed free HD channel on DTT would require an investment of "more than 30 million euros cash advance now. Many people are concerned about upsetting the economic balance of the PAF. But it will not be challenged because we are targeting around 1% market share of advertising revenues in television [estimated at 3.4 million net in 2010, according Irep]. When comparing the profitability of media groups and media groups, there is no danger in delay. For us, it can be very beneficial to the contrary ", says the CEO of the group.What would the editorial content of this new channel for free? "The sport is missing from the landscape of free channels, then it is a focal point for 25 million French. The public expectation is high, and the legitimacy of the team is obvious. Our project is ambitious and is a part of Team DNA. It was Charles Bietry, editorial director of TV crew and one of the inventors of the sport on television, which designs the project. "

8.4 million consumers

If he was born, this project would compete with that of Alain Weill, RMC Sport, which would also aim to invest TNT HD. "We'll see. Team TV has been around almost 13 years, but the draft RMC. Our editorial guidelines are different, our projects will be too.RMC is very focused on football and relies on consultants vedettes.Notre project will discuss all sports in all their meanings, and based on an essay of 350 journalists sport experts, present on all land sports the world. Sport is essential in the TNT. The team of 70 can speak the French sports, "argues Francis Morinière.

In 2010, France paid for the dissemination of L'Équipe, almost stable at -0.3%, amounted to 302,158 copies, according to OJD. Sporting events of 2011 do they offer such good prospects? "We are pleased with these figures. This is the first time that the daily broadcast is stabilized since 2006, knowing that France was now in the final of the FIFA World Cup, "said Francois Morinière.In addition, Team consolidates its leading position in national newspaper with 2,347,000 readers daily on average, up 1.6%, according to the latest audience research EPIQ. A hearing "up 6% on assets and AB +, as the Group Chief Executive. Finally, the mark "Team" is the first media brand in France with 8.4 million consumers weekly, daily between the Web and magazine. Nevertheless, 2011 will inevitably a little quieter for us. Sporting events are less promising and have the disadvantage of being in negative time difference, "he concedes.

Returned to profit, the group Team weighs "250 million" in sales in 2010. "Just over 50% of its revenues" are generated by the newspaper, whose 'relative share is fairly stable, "said its director general.

The government takes action to defuse the controversy over rising energy prices. And Francois Fillon has "taken a series of measures to limit the impact of energy prices on the purchasing power", Matignon said Tuesday in a statement.

The Government has expressed particular the cancellation of the rising gas prices initially expected July 1. In addition, departments will review the tariff applied to gas prices. Gas prices rose 5.2% Tuesday, bringing to more than 20% price increases year over year. With the calculation in force today, it might also increase again by 7.5% on 1 July.But while the subject of rising prices are especially sensitive to thirteen months of the presidential election, Eric Besson, Minister of Industry, Energy and the Digital Economy, had already indicated that decisions were expected at the end arbitrations and the Elysee Matignon "in the days to come."

The government also plans to review the public service contract that binds GDF Suez to the state, "to make it more favorable to the ultimate consumer when the market prices are persistently lower than the price of long-term contracts." Since early 2010, GDF Suez, owned 35% by the state, which offers fares. The CRE then verifies that they conform to the formula.This was pronounced in recent days to a new formula.

"Special contribution" of oil

Another measure expected: the oil companies will now be drawn upon to finance the oil import bill. They will finance the upgrading to 4.6% "of the flat rate mileage apply for tax revenue in 2010 compared to the level used in 2009." This tax deduction will allow those who use their cars very much to offset soaring fuel prices bad credit payday loans. Matignon stresses with the oil companies define the form that this "special contribution". The idea of ​​a fuel voucher donated to the poorest households had been discussed but time does not appear to have been selected by the state.The establishment of a solidarity fund, financed by oil tankers, would be the preferred path to creating a new tax.

But this idea goes wrong with the oil companies. The president of the French Union of Petroleum Industries (Ufip) Jean-Louis Schilansky pointed out that the "flexibility" was "extremely small".

Focus on energy savings

Moreover, the Prime Minister indicate that electricity prices for households will increase by 2.9% on 1 July 2011, then remains unchanged until 1 July. An increase of more than 5% until 2015 had been raised so far, an increase of nearly 30% by 2015.

Finally, the State affirms its commitment to achieving energy savings."The Grenelle environment in 2020 will continue the energy reduction through the support of renewable energy, energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions." The government will thus to 1.35 billion euros the program "Living better" which assists households in a precarious situation. EDF, GDF Suez and Total will participate in 250 million euros in the program.

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The Cac 40 should begin the session and week, up on Monday morning. Asian markets are facing this morning as Wall Street Friday, which closed on an increase of 0.43% after the release of employment figures better than expected in the United States.

This week, the industry is in the spotlight, during the first week of national industry. The report on the financing of green growth, produced by the Economic Council for Sustainable Development (CESD) is to be delivered this morning. The International Energy Agency will provide an update on smart grids. No macroeconomic statistics is expected Monday.Parisian investors should therefore focus on the many acquisitions announced this weekend, and this morning before the market opens.

Six acquisitions announced in 48 hours

Rhodia announced Monday it had signed an agreement yesterday with the Belgian Solvay has made a friendly takeover offer on its entire capital, to 31.60 euros per share.

Vivendi announced yesterday that it bought the 44% held by German Vodafone SFR to 7.95 billion euros. It possesses the entire share capital of the telephone operator.The operation should allow to "increase the dividend for 2012, said Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO of Vivendi.

Sanofi-Aventis holds 84.6% shares of Genzyme, following its takeover offer on U.S. biotech.

Ingenico announced Monday the acquisition activity in the United States from its U.S. rival Hypercom for $ 54 million. The specialist in payment terminals and wants to strengthen its position in the United States.

The price of nuclear electricity generated by EDF and sold to competitors at wholesale prices would be set at 40 euros per megawatt, according to Les Echos, which states that this rate is still subject to validation of the Elysee. EDF demanded 42 euros per MWh.

PagesJaunes bought the site from ads Avendrealouer.fr, which was previously held by PriceMinister.The transaction, whose amount was not disclosed, will enable it to dethrone Seloger.com head of the French market.

The Moroccan telecoms operator Meditel, which France Telecom holds 40% stake, recorded a 126% jump in net profit last year thanks to the expansion of its clientele, said Friday the official news agency MAP .

Side publications Monday, Delachaux should submit its accounts to 8.30. The annual results of Aegis is also expected. Argan the land must submit its turnover in the first quarter of 2011.

Wall Street ends week in positive territory. At the close on Friday, the Dow Jones advance of 0.46% to 12,373.72 points. The S & P 500 is 0.5% to 1332.41 points. The Nasdaq composite index was him, appreciated by 0.31% to 2789.60 points.

For the week, the Dow gained 1.3%, the S & P 1.4% and Nasdaq 1.7%.

The job restarts

Yesterday, the markets showed very cautious before the release of the monthly report on employment. They discover a pleasant surprise today: the recruitment remained high and accelerated in the U.S. in March, allowing the unemployment rate to decline for the fourth consecutive month. This fell to 8.8%, its lowest level since March 2009 (8.6%). The market was expecting an average 8.9% stability.The U.S. created 216,000 non-farm jobs last month when observers were waiting an average of 190,000 new posts after 194,000 (revised) in February. Economists point out that new posts are developing in many sectors of the U.S. economy, which suggests a general recovery.

The good news on the jobs front this week have followed. On Wednesday, the firm ADP unveiled the net creation of 201,000 jobs in the U.S. last month. Thursday, the markets learned that the weekly claims for unemployment benefits were lower spring to 400,000 for six of the last eight weeks.

"Investors are expecting good numbers of jobs after the firm ADP's report on Wednesday, and they were even better than the optimistic expectations," said Michael James, of Wedbush Morgan Securities."This tells us that the economy continued to grow in March, and perhaps a modestly faster pace than what we expected," commented Hugh Johnson, Hugh Johnson Advisors.

Construction spending receding

Other statistics were also at the appointment on Friday. Worse than employment, they were completely overshadowed:

– The growth of manufacturing activity slowed slightly in March but less than expected, according to the index of industrial purchasing managers released Friday. This index, calculated by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), stood at 61.2 in March after having touched a high of nearly seven years to 61 faxless payday advance.4 in February. Analysts on average expected an index to 61.0.

– Construction spending fell more than expected in February in the United States, posting a decline of 1.4% to an annual rate of 760.6 billion dollars, its lowest level since October 1999, underlining the renewed frailty in the housing sector. Economists on average had forecast a decline of 0.1% after falling 1.8% in January (revised from -0.7%)

As for currencies, the euro stood at 1.4224 dollars at the close, surging 0.49%.

War of the exchanges is relaunched

As for values, ICE (-3.06% to 119.76 dollars) and Nasdaq OMX (9.25% to 28.23 dollars) officially announced on Friday it had sent a joint offer for the acquisition of NYSE- Euronext (12.62% to 39.61 dollars) for $ 42.50 per share, paid in cash and stock, giving a total of about $ 11.3 billion (7.98 billion euros).This proposition therefore shows a premium of 19% over the offer from Deutsche Boerse.

Logitech (-18.81% to 14.72 dollars) unscrews. Yesterday, the technology group warned on its revenue and operating profit 2011.

Berkshire Hathaway (+0.04% to 83.66 dollars) should again be observed after the resignation of David Sokol, the most likely successor to Warren Buffett.

Office Depot (-9.07% to 4.21 dollars) will revise downward its results for fiscal 2010, due to a reduced tax credit of 80 million.

BP (3.44% to U.S. $ 45.66) enjoys a recommendation by JPMorgan.The broker believes that the title is "seriously downgraded," and reiterated his recommendation to "overweight" value.

Boeing (+0.07% to 73.98 dollars) on Friday confirmed an order for 15 737 aircraft made by compage Turkish Airlines for more than $ 1.2 billion based on list price. The aircraft manufacturer said that this order includes delivery of 10 737-800 and five 737-900ER.

Ford (1.68% to 15.16 dollars) overtook General Motors (4.45% to 32.41 U.S. dollars) in the U.S. car market with sales growth of 19.2% yoy month last 9.6% cons for GM. Chrysler saw its sales climb 31%.