International News

Controllers return to work gradually. After La Rochelle and Paris Sud Est (Gare de Lyon), several sites have voted Friday morning to return to work, like Bordeaux, Reims, Chambery, Dijon, Lyon, St Etienne, Toulouse or Besancon. Other websites should take a similar decision at general meetings planned in the afternoon. The management of the SNCF

Many controllers SNCF had exercised their right to withdraw on Thursday afternoon to work after the announcement of the attack on a colleague on a train on the Corail Lyon-Strasbourg. In an interview with Figaro.fr, the president of the SNCF appealed to the coolness of the railway to resume work soon and would discuss with the unions to turn.Management has undertaken to present an emergency plan with the security services.

Traffic TGV, Corail and TER is still disrupted, although the situation has improved significantly over the entire network, including 8-9 in 10 TGV from and to Paris and a TER of 2. To find out if their train is running, users are encouraged to consult regularly Infolignes site, or call toll free (free from a landline) 0805 90 36 35 credit score.

Toll and information site

SNCF always invites customers to delay their trip or take alternate means of transportation. Ticket holders whose train was canceled may obtain a refund, or take any train leaving for the same destination without the need to exchange their ticket. Good news however for users Transilien (train network in the Île-de-France), the Thalys and Eurostar.Traffic on these lines is normal according to SNCF.

"There is no point in penalizing travelers"

The strike controller led Thursday the cancellation of all trains at night, and created a big mess all over the country. According to the station, all passengers stranded at the station in the evening were able to reach their destination or were assisted to find accommodation for the night. According to the Ministry of the Interior, it was not necessary to set up emergency housing plan.
Board trains at the Gare Saint-Charles in Marseille. Photo credits: GERARD JULIEN / AFP

BNP Paribas seeks to ensure she's back? The French bank has seen its share price loosen over 50% in three months could ask for help to private investors understood the Financial Times. The bank of rue d'Antin should send in the coming days envoys to the Middle East to test the appetite of potential investors if the bank would need money, reports the British newspaper.

Reuters indicates that other French banks have also started negotiations with Qatar for an investment of this type. BNP Paribas and Societe Generale declined to comment this information, the Elysee either. "BNP Paribas leads naturally as road shows each year to present the company and promote its work with investors around the world," said a Reuters spokesman for BNP Paribas.

According to the Financial Times, BNP Paribas might seek to raise up to EUR 2 billion from investors from Qatar and Abu Dhabi. One hypothesis, however, largely rejected by the executive director of the bank, Baudouin Prot. In an interview Thursday with the Echos, the manager believes that, for now, his group is properly capitalized. If necessary, the banker said preferred a strategy based on "a dual effort to set aside profits and reducing the size of the balance sheet" of the bank, rather than a capital increase.

And to convince the good health of his group, the leader said that BNP Paribas "announced one of the best half-year profits in its history, and works quite normally in the collection of savings and loan before adding that the bank is working normally. "Baudoin Prot said BNP Paribas' knows no other difficulty than its share price. "

The official regretted that "today, the concern of investors on the euro area and the problems of sovereign debt are that markets do not really take into account the information we give them." It must be said that the bill for the debt crisis is not insignificant for European banks. According to the IMF, they could potentially lose $ 200 billion. An amount that "does not constitute an estimate of additional capital requirements of banks," moderates the Fund.

ALSO READ:

"Capital of banks that actually says IMF

"Banks:" Europe did not wait for the IMF "

After the increase in VAT on the inputs of the theme parks last week, the elimination of rebates on real estate gains promises to be the main divisive issue of the week opens. This provision, very criticized, only affects second homes and rental investment (principal residence remains, as before, exempt from taxes). But it is radical: since August 25, the capital gain on resale is taxed at 32.5%, regardless of the length of detention of the property. Previously, the taxable gain was undergoing a reduction of 10% per year from five years in prison, which made totally exempt from taxes in fifteen years.Delete this reduction is therefore a true revolution that will represent, in 2012, over 2 billion euros in additional revenue for the state budget!

For many members of the Finance Committee, the government was wrong to brutally suppress the abatement system. "This chopper's austerity plan is absurd, asserts the centrist MP Charles de Courson. It will freeze sales. Transfer taxes, which are sitting on real estate transactions and represent a significant tax revenue departments and municipalities, will collapse. "The deputy also fears an increase in under-the-table, in order to limit the most capital gain to report.Many also fear a destabilization of the market for rental investment.

Members of the Finance Committee, under the aegis of their rapporteur UMP Gilles Carrez, have decided to table an amendment that will restore an allowance of 5% per year after five years free online credit report. What can a total exemption from capital gains tax at the end of twenty-five years. They also want to refer to 1 December 2011 or January 1, 2012 implementation of this measure.

But there's a catch: Bercy awaiting the removal of allowances 200 million savings in 2011 and 2.2 billion in 2012. The restoration of a 5% reduction would cost 900 million full year. Aware of the need to preserve public finances, Gilles Carrez proposes to increase the tax on patents."This is a measure anticompétitivité," retorted Bercy where people still say "open to discussion as long as the deficit does not widen."

A gesture is expected

Reportedly, the Budget Ministry is prepared to make a move on entry into force of the measure on second homes (which could be a little delayed) and would eventually restore a favorable tax abatement in the time, based on a total exemption from taxation of capital gains after thirty years rather than twenty-five as proposed by Gilles Carrez. Between last-minute negotiations and uncertainties on the position of Members who are not part of the Finance Committee, voting in the National Assembly is uncertain. Not to mention that it could be unraveled in the Senate."No decision of economics can not be accepted in the general joy," says Philippe Marini, the UMP rapporteur of the Committee on Finance of the High Assembly, which considers the extent of the government "justified".

After launching its offer in May with mobile calls, text messages and unlimited internet for 24.90 euros monthly subscribers to its box (and 49.90 euro for non-subscribers), Numericable goes further. Reportedly, the operator will now enable call abroad from the mobile unlimited. An option to pay 10 euros per month, which will be available as of September 19 for all.

"This is a world first, exclusive service and unprecedented," enthuses Jerome Yomtov, general secretary of Numericable. "We want to bring all the mobile services already on the box at home, at home or abroad called unlimited," he says. Over 100 countries are included in this offer, including most major destinations throughout Europe, the DOM, the United States, Canada, Asia.It is extended to calls to Morocco and Algeria for Numericable subscribers who have subscribed to the "Maghreb More" on the NCbox.

This new offering "world" not only to make calls to landlines abroad, but also to the Chinese mobile, U.S. and Canada. And supply expected to be enriched in the coming months. "You can call the U.S. since its unlimited mobile to 34.90 euros a month. United States, to call a mobile to mobile unlimited is $ 70. In short, it will be cheaper to call the U.S. from France, than to be there! "Said Jérôme Yomtov.

Numericable says the offer will be profitable.While the cost of communications decline in Europe and the world, he found a business model by negotiating agreements with major international operators such as Verizon, Telefonica, Cable and Wireless, Tata Communications.

One way to cut the grass under the feet of Free which means lower prices but also change the mobile uses. "This is the mobile revolution continues," trumpets for days on Numericable Tweeter … which led to his being sued by Free, which considers the term as its slogan identity. Atmosphere!

ALSO READ:

"Free raised the pressure on the mobile market

"Unlimited calls to less than 25 euros in Numericable

Earlier this week optimistic the New York Stock Exchange. On Monday in early trade, the Dow Jones gained 1.84% to 11,016.24 points while the Nasdaq index jumped 2.15% to 2392.20 points. This return comes in the green after a further sharp fall on Wall Street last Friday. Oil has also opened up, earning $ 1.92 after opening at 84.10 dollars a barrel.

No major statistical date to worry about Wall Street, while European markets are more focused since Monday morning. As for U.S. data, only the index of manufacturing activity in the Chicago Fed was on the agenda. Stood at -0.06 in July, against -0.38 in June. "The index shows no tendency to a looming recession, observes Philippe Waechter, director of economic research at Natixis AM.However, other surveys conducted in August are troubling. "

But it will wait until Tuesday to learn more, with the publication of sales figures for new homes, from 16 hours. Wednesday, the agenda will grow a bit, with durable goods orders for July and the weekly inventory of crude oil to the United States.Thursday, things become more serious with the weekly jobless claims, always eagerly awaited by investors on the lookout for any sign of weakness, or, conversely, improvement in U.S. growth.

Threats to U.S. growth

But the appointment will most certainly expected the intervention, Friday, Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve (Fed), some investors are hoping a third easing able to restart the engine stopped the world's largest economy.This day will be both detailed, the second estimate of U.S. gross domestic product for the second quarter, and the index of consumer confidence for August.

Markets, even if they are experiencing very high volatility, and may still show, at the same time, some caution, pending the decision of the Fed on Friday. Especially as the threats to the outlook for U.S. growth accumulates. After Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase lowered its estimates, in turn, growth in the U.S. economy. The Bank of New York discusses risk "clearly raised" a recession, while growth prospects for the third quarter are for their slightly smaller than before pay day loans.The U.S. GDP growth for the fourth calendar quarter is now expected at a rate of 1%, against 2.5% previously.

Vice President Joe Biden, on an official visit to China, but probably a little appeased the spirits, reaffirming this weekend at the first creditors of the country they could rely on the strength of the U.S. Treasury.

Values ​​to follow

The uncertainty is compounded room at the international level, by the events in Libya. The fall of Colonel Qaddafi, found, became clearer Monday morning, prompting oil companies to return to the values ​​of the colors. However, perhaps more in Europe than the United States. Although they are not active in Libya, Chevron (1.79% to 94.95 dollars) and ExxonMobil (1.66% to 70.96 dollars) respond positively to the opening, rising oil prices in New York.

On the corporate side, the internet telephony group Skype also announced Sunday an agreement to acquire Me Group, a provider of mobile messaging services to targeted groups. Registered in Luxembourg, the company Skype was founded in 2003 and became the world leader in Internet telephony. She is currently being acquired by Microsoft U.S. computer group (0.89% to 24.20 dollars).

Apple (1.22% to 360.58 dollars) takes advantage of the rumors about the implementation of its pre-production soon iPad 3 October.The Wall Street Journal says in effect this morning as the group prepares its suppliers with the necessary logistics, to produce 1.5 million units in the fourth quarter.

In addition, Dollar Thrifty Group Antomotive asked Hertz rental companies (1.03% to 9.81 dollars) and Avis Budget (2.50% to 11.92 dollars) in early October to submit their final proposals on reconciliation activities.

Verizon (1.15% to 35.11 dollars) on his side ended a social movement and Hewlett-Packard takes up 6.34% to 25.12 dollars after losing 20% ​​of its stock value at the end of last week. He took advantage of presenting a new model of high-end PC, after announcing Thursday the sale of its computer manufacturing.

LE FIGARO. Why launch this new brand, B & You?

Olivier ROUSSAT .- Today, with the success of smartphones and mobile Internet, a whole segment of customers has become an expert. They can do many things for themselves via the Internet without the need for assistance. For them we run B & You. It's very innovative. Five years ago, this kind of customer did not exist.

Selling online community of geeks … Is it a way to counter the arrival of Free using its own weapons?

In recent months, the market has sharply segmented into two blocks, with one side clients who are willing to pay for expensive packages smartphones with many services and, on the other clients are doing by them themselves but want less expensive packages.They are equally distributed among all operators.

How is it innovative?

B & You is a new concept: a revolutionary price, a non-binding offer, all in full on the Internet. All this together, it had never been done. We are entering a new era of data, and we are only in infancy. We are in the early history of digital homes.

You offer no phone packages included. Is this the end of the model based on the grant, which strike the costs of operators?

For the operator, in terms of value is almost equivalent: either we subsidize the phone, and packages are more expensive, or we make the economy of the phone, and we are making this economy the customer by lowering the price of his crime.In the same vein, the fact that everything happens on the Internet can not charge the cost of distribution in stores, and the customer relations center.

On the issue of commitment, is a way to get ahead of the bill presented by Frédéric Lefebvre?

The government's plan does not prohibit the engagement. What is important is that the customer has a choice. The commitment is absolute evil. Some customers ask for formulas without commitment, others with a commitment sooner or later.

You feel that the TV will be blurred in 20% of households in future 4G mobile. Will you still at the tender 4G?

Yes, because the frequencies are necessary for our business. But such interference will have a major impact: TVs will not work, it will be black screen. TV makers should take into account now.That the State to determine precisely the measures to be taken.

Are not you exaggerating the problem?

The financial impact can be heavy, everyone knows it. In addition, I note that much interference on all frequency blocks, not one.

Why fiber optic only does much to take off?

For our purposes, we are making very good recruiting subscribers and Bbox fiber meets the needs of our customers who expect very high speed. It is true however, that in very dense area, the operators had to deploy four networks in parallel, which is a non-economic sense. We should not repeat this mistake in the medium density areas. Bouygues Telecom hopes that the facilities are pooled as possible between the different operators. This should facilitate investment, therefore the deployment.

There are 140 operators in Europe, against five in China and three in the United States. The concentration is inevitable?

For Bouygues Telecom, there would be no incentive to merge with another operator. On purchases of infrastructure, we are well positioned. And terminals, exclusive agreements are reduced to a very short period.

ALSO READ:

"Mobile Bouygues launches new brand

"4G: Besson meets Bouygues Telecom

While the crucial talks between government and private creditors of Greece continued the last few hours across Europe, they rose sharply in Paris. Reportedly, the French Treasury and financial institutions have agreed on the night of Friday to Saturday on a proposal that they hope to win their European partners now. Important first step, a highly anticipated meeting of the IIR (International Institute of Finance), which groups 400 banks worldwide, will be held on Monday in Rome.

It will be remembered, European governments have launched negotiations Wednesday with the holders of Greek debt. They are seeking a contribution of banks, insurers and other pension funds to the tune of 30 billion euros, backed by a new extension of Europe and the IMF to Greece.So far, the proposal on the table was simple: the voluntary, private creditors agreed to reinvest in due proportion the debts repaid by Athens over the next three years in new loans Greek to 5 years. It is the "rollover". However, private capital, especially German, had requested that these new loans are guaranteed in one way or another by Europe. But Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, refused this demand, which is to transfer the responsibility of the public an additional part of the burden.

Hence the impasse. The problem for private financiers, is to pay a state that nothing says it will be out of trouble in five years, the plan has expired. Of course, under pressure from governments, banks and insurers could be convinced.But specifically, if the process is not perceived as voluntary, rating agencies may raise the flag of the "default" and the plan falls overboard because the ECB can no longer accept sovereign debt and stigmatized in the refinancing of Greek banks cheap business cards.The French proposal is a parade, making the "rollover" both more attractive and relevant to them and to Athens, by lengthening maturities.

New loans to 30 years

In addition to the original proposal, a working group led by BNP Paribas, in fact, imagined an alternative, opening the opportunity to reinvest only 70% of amounts received in connection with the Greek borrowing fell 50% are allocated to Greek new loans issued this time in 30 years as to 20%, they are placed on what the financial call a "zero coupon", ie a fund invested in securities of high quality self-reinforcing through then cumulation of interests: the piggy bank somehow secures new borrowing Greek, as would have government guarantees.According to the discussions, these borrowings could be long carry an interest rate equivalent to that of Greece pays vis-à-vis its "rescuers" public, with the addition of a variable interest rate likely to be linked to an economic indicator Greek, such as GDP.

In any case, this alternative would yield less per creditor only 50% returned to the Treasury Greek but is likely to attract more people. And above all, by providing funding for 30 years, she pushes the horizon in part refunds for Athens. The French solution began circulating in the corridors of the European Council on Friday. "We received an initial favorable response," says a close case.

ALSO READ:

»Greece: towards a second aid plan of 110 billion

"Greece:" Our government is not doing his duty "

China is disappointed and all stock markets suffers. While the Middle Kingdom has unveiled a disappointing trade surplus in May, the S & P Asia fell back by 0.7% shortly before the close of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Nikkei, the benchmark index of the place in Tokyo, which gained 1.3% even in mid-session before the release of Chinese statistics, not put more than 0.6% to 9,522 points shortly before the close. The S & P ASX 200 Index Australian star, he has ended up slightly from 0.1% to 4553.90 points. Of the other major Asian markets, the red predominates. In Shanghai, the China Shanghai Composite fell back by 0.4% while the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong landmark, losing 0.7%, South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.5% and the Sensex Stock Exchange Mumbai was down 0.3%.

China's trade surplus in May released by China Customs reveals to be significantly below expectations.He came to 13.05 billion against $ 11.4 billion in April, but analysts were betting where, on average, about $ 18.6 billion. Chinese exports totaled last month in May reached a new record value of $ 157.16 billion, up 19.4% while imports reached 144.11 billion dollars, up 28 , 4%, according to the joint Customs. These figures were even more disappointed investors they contrast with those published in the United States. The trade deficit the U.S. has significantly reduced in April, falling to 43.7 billion dollars as a result of lower imports, according to figures released Thursday by the Commerce Department.

Moreover, the consequences of the nuclear disaster that followed the tsunami of 11 March the authorities continue to worry.Japanese Minister of Economy has warned Friday that the prolonged suspension of nuclear reactors beyond the areas affected by the tsunami of 11 March, notably in the west, could lead to electricity shortages and hamper recovery. "Energy production may fall, especially in western Japan" if utilities can not rely on their nuclear reactors, Banri Kaieda warned during a press conference, the agency Jiji.

The Bank of Korea raised its key rate

Also on the macroeconomic chapter, the Bank of Korea raised its key rate a quarter point to 3.25%, defying predictions of economists who expected a freeze for the third consecutive month.Seoul remains concerned about inflationary pressure continues to threaten the performance of the fourth largest economy in Asia.

As for values, the title of the Chinese bank Citic Securities fell back by 0.6% to 5.08 HK dollars after it bought 19.9% ​​stake in the trading business in Europe and Asia two subsidiaries of Crédit Agricole Cheuvreux and CLSA. The transaction, valued $ 374 million, confirms the global ambitions of Citic, and should help make Cheuvreux and CLSA a global leader specializing in research on the equity market.

Also, Takeda Pharmaceutical folds of 2.7% in Tokyo while France wants to remove two blockbusters dulaboratoire its market.

Hynix Semiconductor fell back by 4.7% while its shareholders that the group of semiconductors intend to transfer 15% of their participation, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Young people do not aspire to the job security. According to a TNS Sofres poll * for AEF released Thursday, students in second year Master (Bac +5) want to work primarily in the private sector. They are almost two thirds (61%) wish to find future employment in a company, against only a third (30%) in the public service, hospital, or territorial government. A finding that contrasts with previous surveys on the subject, but that did not exclusively on those college students having similar profiles to those of larger schools.

"A bias-size grave, Danielle Deruy analysis, executive director of the agency specialized in teaching AEF. For students, salvation is not the public! Today they remind us of another image: they like the company and hopefully they will now. "Only literary exception, because of their high palatability (39%) for teaching careers. Among these students graduate and very end of the course, only 5% also aspire to work in an NGO.

Salary underestimated

In detail, their choices reflect the concerns of a new generation assets. The company to which they aspire to be primarily responsive to its employees, dynamic, innovative and socially responsible. So many choices that confirms the ranking of companies in which to work published this Friday, which ranked first on the wishes of the American students Microsoft. About their work, they hope exciting and friendly, allowing them to learn a lot.Have the opportunity to emigrate, however, is unimportant to them: two masters students even put this criterion in last position.

Wishes which are not inconsistent with some realism. A quarter of them want to find their first job in the council, even if much work for "a comfortable salary." Their remuneration does not appear as long as paramount to elect their future employer. In connection with a labor market that they find it difficult to integrate, rather they underestimate their wages will be eligible. And a majority said it would accept an annual salary of less than 25,000 euros per year, or 1730 euros per month. "They still lack a lot of confidence in them," said Danielle Deruy.The director of the AEF recalls that the average salary of first job found by the Agency for the Employment of Executive spring to 2170 euros gross per month.

* Survey conducted among 6365 students from 28 March to 22 April /

SERVICE:

»See all jobs

The Paris Bourse took a breather on Thursday morning at the open after sharp declines seen the day before (the CAC 40 fell 1.31% and fell below 4050 points). At 9:00, the index lost 0.10% to 4039.10 points. Otpimiste trend a bit more in Europe where the FTSE London hotel departed from 0.19% to 5995.27 points while the Dax wins 0.46% to 7408.17 points. Both indices had suffered the heaviest losses the Cac yesterday.

In Japan, markets are still closed, but in the rest of the region, the trend has been generally plombéepar investors disappointed by the economic numbers have fallen the day before the United States, which have been faltering and Wall Street. The U.S. ISM services has indeed disappointed while the ADP employment figures in April came out worse than expected.Furthermore, oil inventories surged against all odds, which gave the lead in using oil, which fell below $ 110 in New York yesterday, and changing CNoR down in Asian trade this morning .

On the foreign exchange market, the euro is also strong: it is trading at 1.4878 dollars (+0.32%) to 9 hours after once again exceeded $ 1.49 during the meeting Wednesday.

In anticipation of the ECB

Statistical side to follow on Thursday in Germany, at noon, destatis provide figures on German industrial orders in March. On Thursday, the ECB meets in Helsinki to decide on interest rates that will apply. Jean-Claude Trichet said Thursday it is the price of silver in early June or summer. In England, the BoE also decide on interest rates.

United States, expected productivity in the first quarter (first estimation) to 14.30.Same time, it will be the traditional unemployment claims. The employment figures that will fall tomorrow, Friday, are eagerly awaited. Yesterday, investors learned that ADP figures have reported a creation 179,000 jobs in April, less than expected.

Societe Generale falling, Carrefour sentence

Side values, a publication of rain fell again on Thursday quarterly earnings including Societe Generale, disappointing driving down the stock price by nearly 3% at the opening, drape the CAC.

After the excellent figures given yesterday by BNP Paribas, leading bank in Europe, SocGen announced a net profit of 916 million euros in the first quarter, a decrease of 13.8% over the same period of 2010 attributed to effect accounting related to the revaluation of its own debt.

Gadin the other day, the retail group Carrefour (-2.37% to 30.86 euros), which announced Thursday the departure of its Executive Director James McCann France and the postponement of a controversial quotation of its real estate subsidiary, but maintained its draft rate 100% subsidiary of Dia and its financial targets for 2011.

Lafarge (-1.43% to 45.02) reveals a net loss of 29 million euros in the first three months of the year for a turnover up 9% to 3.55 billion euros .

Legrand (-0.95% to 30.17 euros) in the first quarter increased 13.7% in sales and 41.2% of its net profit, thanks to emerging markets and new market segments which the group has made a priority, which has confirmed its annual targets.

Bureau Veritas (-0.74% to 57.88 euros) confirmed anticipate strong growth in its turnover and adjusted operating profit this year after an increase of 23.2% of its activity in the first quarter .

AXA (-0.37% to 14.94 euros) expressed confidence in improving its profitability despite a drop of 2% of its turnover in the first quarter to 27.92 billion euros.

Maurel & Prom, Arkema and Capgemini climb

The independent oil company Maurel & Prom announced Thursday want to split and rate of its independent subsidiary in Nigeria, whose shares will be distributed to the shareholders in proportion to their participation in the group cash advance to savings account. The action takes off from 4.87% to 14.74 euros this morning.

Arkema (4.34% to 4.24 euros). The net profit quadrupled to 151 million euros and EBITDA (EBITDA) reached 17% of sales through an increase much higher than the market. This puts us among the best chemists.

The French group consultancy Capgemini and Computer Services (2.07% to 41.35 euros) saw sales increase by 14.5% in first quarter 2011 to 2.3 billion euros and confirmed its objectives of achieving a growth in turnover of between 9 and 10% for the year.

The producer of wines and spirits, Pernod Ricard (1.93% to 68.27 euros) Thursday announced an increase in its turnover in the third quarter and confirmed its targets for its entire fiscal year (July 2010 – June 2011).

Air Liquide (+0.48% at 97.41 euros) wants equity for the premium

Its CEO said he was open to the principle of paying a bonus to employees in case of dividend increase, provided to maintain the equity in a group with more than three-quarters of the members are outside France.

Alstom: 0.16% to 42.69 euros Moody's raised its outlook on the Baa1 rating on the group stable, negative cons.

Total: 0.56% to 42 euros, GDF Suez: 0.37% to 26.78 euros a parliamentary commission on Wednesday passed a bill to ban UMP in France in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons not conventional gas and oil shale.

Michelin (+0.35% at 66.74 euros) announced an increase in the price of its truck tires, civil engineering, public works, agricultural and handling in Europe to meet the continually rising cost of raw materials.

TF1 (+0.12% at 12.68 euros), which has suffered several setbacks during the hearing last month, decided to appoint a new program director, Jean-François Lancelier, which takes the place of Laurent Storch .

The French chemicals group Rhodia (+0.14% to 31.52 euros) on Thursday posted net unbénéfice 151 million euros in the first quarter more than doubled over one year and raised its profitability target for 2011 to become a recurring gross operating profit of "more than 1 billion euros."

Veolia Environnement (+0.54% at 22.27 euros) on Thursday posted a turnover up 11.3% in the first quarter thanks in particular to the resumption of its activities in the waste.

Mr DIY (+0.64% at 14.14 euros) confirmed its targets for 2011 after publishing a stable turnover in the first quarter to 135.2 million euros.

Gifi (+2.15% at 75.99 euros) registered a growth of 5.2% of its turnover for the first half of its fiscal year 2010-2011, to 351.3 million euros.The turnover of the group's second fiscal quarter ended March 31 rose 7.5% to 139.1 million euros.

Cegedim (0.94% to 43.05 euros) has reported a sales increase of 2.9% as reported to 211.5 million euros, but down 1.4% comparable data available, and maintained its target of 4% growth in turnover for 2011.

The food group Bonduelle (0.57% to 68.50 euros), specializing in vegetables, posted a rise in its turnover for the third quarter from 14.6% to 421.6 million euros thanks to an improvement in consumption, particularly in eastern Europe, according to a statement.

Tonight will be the turn of Vale, Wendel, Eiffage French Cement and NextRadioTV publish.