International News

"Industrializing access to start-up." This is one of the goals sought by Electronova Capital, the investment fund which EDF has announced Tuesday. This new tool will prioritize the "cleantech", these companies specializing in innovative technologies environmentally friendly.

"Our approach is flexible: it can be anything to support a project to take an equity stake," said Bernard Salha, director of research and development of EDF. The electrician tricolor, via an annual budget of 500 million euros, is one of those that invest most heavily in R & D.

Turn to France and Europe

Electronova Capital Fund will have a capacity of 60 million minimum investment, and the envelope will increase to 90 million euros, said Thomas Thornton, chief financial officer of EDF faxless pay day loans. The French group has teamed up for the occasion to Indivest Partners, a recognized specialist in SME financing.

"The launch of this fund is a further step in our policy for innovation. We have already taken similar initiatives in China and Canada, while qu'Electronova Capital will initially intended to turn to France and Europe, "said Thomas Aldridge.

Meanwhile the first operation, areas of intervention should not be missed: "The energy landscape is changing; between issues related to CO2, the development of renewable energy and the desire for improved energy efficiency, we are a turning point, "says Bernard Salha.

ALSO READ:

"Energy: the sector still on a roll

"A new fund for start-up digital

Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille

Nicolas Sarkozy gradually draws its economic project and incorporated last night during his speech in "Capital", a measure to end a specificity very French, that EU rules are still emphasize: the proliferation of standards, which hold back activity and increase the cost of everyday life. "The standards, they are 4-5 points higher expenditure in GDP," he insisted.

"If the French trust me, in the next five years, whenever a minister will propose a new standard, it will remove two old standards," he said. And the Economic, Social and Environmental will be "the guarantor of that commitment." At European level, would have "the same rule applies [...] It will convince" our partners, said the president candidate.

"Five temperatures according to the dishes"

And to demonstrate the absurdity of some of these standards, the latter did not hesitate to embark on a series of examples: a herd of cows "can not drink in the river" that goes on in their field for ecological reasons, there are "five temperatures according to the dishes" in the restoration, a local breastfeeding in a company must have "3 meter high ceiling" … Examples like these could increase, amounting to Nicolas Sarkozy 200,000 the number of French standards and the number of 20 000 European standards. 

Inflation regulations is a recurring complaint of local elected officials: the proliferation of standards on the environment, urban planning, accessibility of the disabled, or food in school canteens, leaden local finances. The bill would give them about 600 million euros a year, according to the Advisory Commission evaluation standards (NECC).

In fact, a moratorium on the standards had been established by the Government in July 2010 but it had proved ineffective. A bill by Senator Eric UMP Doligé then acts as recently new weapon to fight against the proliferation of standards – the text provides that they can vary depending on community size. But given the parliamentary calendar, it could not be examined in the Assembly before the legislative elections of June 2012. Yesterday was a measure that goes further brought forward by Nicolas Sarkozy.

It is in the Christofle workshops in Saint-Denis, near Paris, where the Assizes are held the craft, the Secretary of State for Crafts and SMEs today unveiled a thirty measures. Frederic Lefebvre also presents the first dictionary of trades and crafts made by the Higher Institute of trades. While the economic slowdown weakens small companies, the government has sought to limit their cash flow problems. The State must pay the bills upon receipt of an amount less than 5000 euros. "I wrote to all the major French companies and representatives of local communities so that they apply the same rule," says Frédéric Lefebvre.

The artisans can compete more easily for the procurement of up to 15,000 euros, against 4,000 euros previously. "There are thousands of markets that they are going to get easier. We work to promote the hiring of apprentices as an element of choice for businesses in public procurement. Finally, I remain determined to convince the public purchasers to join our project of setting up a central website for the TPE easily know where to find listings of government procurement, "said Frederic Lefebvre.

Transmission and recovery companies will be encouraged. "We will develop regional branches of repayable advances of funds, with the chambers of trade and craft areas and support networks that help entrepreneurs such OSEO and Siagi, said Secretary of State . We will provide an opportunity for buyers to keep an artisan when staff have over 10 employees. Today, a cottage industry, when it is created, is to use up to 10 employees; in the future, a buyer may acquire a company employing 20 employees without it losing its status as an artisan. ".. …… Develop exports

A government portal, listing the aid that can benefit small-scale entrepreneurs, will be implemented. Artisans will participate in the commission of reducing paperwork, composed equally of government officials and business leaders, which will be implemented on March 19. "About 10 measures will reduce and simplify the calculation and payment of social contributions. For example, the Contractor may choose the monthly or quarterly surveys of its social security contributions. The lag between the time of its collection of revenues and the payment of social security contributions will be reduced, "says Frédéric Lefebvre.

The poles for Innovation of Crafts will be developed. "I hope that the craftsmen and designers collaborate more. I am setting up a double signature "made by" with the name of the craftsman and "designed by" with the name of designer, enabling artisans to defend their talent and authenticity in the global marketplace, "explains Frédéric Lefebvre . The cabinetmaker Rinck won a solid commercial success by working with Philippe Starck and other designers. Hundred thousand euros will be allocated to projects where a designer and craftsman have worked together.

To develop the exports made by artisans, which exceed 6 billion euros a year, Paris Airport opens the first half of a space dedicated to the craft at the airport of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle. Spaces of the art of French living will be opened in New York and Tokyo. "I hope that the great American fortunes, Asian, South American or Russian sponsor of French craftsmen labeled" business of living heritage and crafts. " Artisans will be able to win new business, "says Frédéric Lefebvre. This operation sponsorship will be launched in the first half in Moscow and Miami.

Conclusion of the Secretary of State, who does not forget the campaign: "Artisans are strong pillars of France defended the president. They embody the work, a key value that France remains the fifth largest economy. They create jobs, growth, and defend the identity of the territories. "

ALSO READ:

"145 steps to simplify life for business

"Industrial Employment: when the government gets involved

"SOHO-SME: hiring, behind the scenes

Personal loans and other revolving loans no longer seduce the French. In January, output fell by 7.4% compared to January 2011, according to the ASF (French Association of Financial Companies). Last year, after a strong first quarter (+9.3%), it had already begun a sharp decline: – 1.8% in the second quarter – the third and 3.7% – 4.5% in the fourth . "The French market fell to its 2000 level. Production in 2011 was 14% below the historic peak of 2007, "said Bruno Salmon, president of the ASF.

The revolving credit continues to decline

To explain this disaffection, professionals invoke the loss of consumer confidence in an economic anxiety, but also lower sales of new cars, and therefore the associated credits. The car loans decreased by 14.5% in January over the same month last year, and 7.8% over the last three months.

Also involved, the law Lagarde who oversaw the marketing of revolving credit, these "reserves" of money in which the borrower draws at will as and its needs.

This law compels such professionals to offer clients an alternative to the revolving loan in excess of 1000 euros. They must also include in each monthly payment a minimum repayment of capital. The loan term is shortened, and the amount becomes smaller. Revolving credit is transformed gradually into a cash credit for small amounts, for short periods, for small repetitive purchases.

The impact of the law Lagarde

"The law Lagarde has reduced from 12% to 15% of the openings of new revolving loans and a decrease of 20% of new uses of credit lines already open," said Francoise Guillabert Palle, general delegate of the ASF.

In total, the production of these loans fell by 6.1% in 2011. This is the fourth consecutive year of decline. They also represent more than 35% of consumer loans made by members of the ASF, against 40% in 2009.

In a recent study, the French Banking Federation (FBF) also emphasized the lower French interest in the consumer credit. Only 3.6% of respondents were planning to buy one within six months, against 4.1% a year earlier.

ALSO READ:

"The French have not even eaten with balances

"Retail banking, the mutual hope of salvation

"United States: jump in consumer credit

The ears of Michel Barnier, European Commissioner – French – in charge of Financial Services, had whistled Thursday morning. Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the president of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), which held its annual interviews, did not mince words in criticizing his proposed reform of the financial markets in Europe. "The responses of this text do not match" issues, said Jean-Pierre Jouyet who fears that "to continue the movement toward more opaque."

The European Union last month presented a draft revision of MiFID came into force in 2007, which led to a proliferation of trading platforms, which make more complex markets work and the work of monitoring their police.Today, "it replays the same scene!" Complained Jean-Pierre Jouyet.

The tackle of the President of the MFA vis-à-vis Brussels has earned strong support from representatives of the Paris present yesterday morning, as Mestrallet (GDF Suez CEO and president of Europlace), Dominique Cerutti ( Nyse Euronext number two) but Ramon Fernandez, director of the Treasury. But on this subject as on others, the good alignment between gendarmes and police positions in finance in France lack relay abroad. But "it is here that we must share our ideas," Ramon Fernandez fell Thursday. "It's the G20 that plays the game."

Credit Risk

Global or European scale, several parties have just recently lost by France. The recapitalization of the banks decided at the Brussels summit of 27 October had not favored by Paris.

Long relegated to playing second fiddle, women are playing an increasingly active in economic life. They upend the established positions and make their voices heard, as evidenced by the seventh edition of the Women's Forum which runs through Saturday in Deauville. Notably, they enter the highest levels, for example by investing the boards of large listed companies with the Zimmermann-Cope Law, which requires 20% of administrators by January 2014 in the groups listed on Paris and unlisted companies employing over 500 people. Anticipating that date, the giants of the CAC 40 they received from this year 20.99% of their directorships, according to Ethics & Boards, the first international observatory board and monitoring of listed companies, chaired by Alexandra La Martiniere.But women are only 15.21% to hold this type of responsibility in smaller listed companies belonging to the SBF 80.

Even the state is beginning to apply the principles it imposes on the private sector. Saffron, which is a shareholder, allowed him finally to have the first three women's representative in a large group when he joined the CAC 40 index in September.

Support networks

The verb "undertake" is combined also becoming more feminine. Women represent an entrepreneur in three. Some embark necessity. "After working twenty years as product manager and then as marketing director, I was forced to give up my profession for family reasons. When my husband died, I had 50 or more years of employment.The idea to set up my own business has become a highlight and a necessity, "said Agnes Terrillon who created Voskel, an art gallery for young talents. Others launched by personal desire. "I always knew that I would one day own guaranteed fast personal loans. The trigger came from a personal need for which I could not find a solution. I could not rent equipment for childcare for the birth of my children. Separated with two children, I also wanted to take a new turn in career almost 50 years, "says Florence Pouzergue, who created Louli & Go Kids, a site that offers baby equipment. Younger do not hesitate to give up the comfort of well-known companies.

"I created the Factory Design to 24 years at HEC," explains Emily Gobin.Women can especially make the attempt and assert their professional ambitions that support networks are increasing. InterElles, Women's Network, O'Pluriel, Action'elles help them win in businesses. Force Femmes, EPWN, the first European network of women executives and entrepreneurs, and encourage others to take responsibility and develop their society. Martine Liautaud, founder CEO of investment banking Liautaud & Co., launched in September 2010 a mentoring program called Free WBMI, including BNP Paribas is a partner. "I met by chance WBMI at a time when I was at a standstill. With my mentor, I found the keys to move, "said Martine de Richeville, head Svelt'Coaching, now in Paris, Brussels and Milan. The financiers also are mobilizing.Women Equity, founded by Dunya Bouhacene, loop a fund raising 100 million euros for investment in growth SMEs run by women and made his first investment. With an aim to discover the female champions of tomorrow.

ALSO READ:

"Listed companies feminize their boards

"Parity: the companies involved gouvernementveut

"Parisot stands against sexism

"Cope promised a" fight "for women

The contours of the nationalization of Dexia emerge. When Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel discussed the rescue of banks in the euro area in Berlin, Prime Minister François Fillon, his counterpart Yves Leterme and representatives of Luxembourg have them addressed this issue in a summit to looks like a marathon. And this morning, after a council of ministers, Belgium has decided to take control of 100% of Dexia Bank Belgium, the Belgian entity of the institution present in retail banking, with an investment of 4 billion euros. A price at the bottom of the valuation range expected by shareholders, who were betting on an amount of between 3 and 7.5 billion euros. The Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders believes that this amount is "reasonable."Belgium intends to remain for several years proprietor of the bank in order to "continuity" before the network to lean a private actor.

The board of directors supports the offer of Dexia in Brussels, saying it is part of the "social interest" group. It also ensures that the 600 employees of the Dexia holding will be reclassified to the various subsidiaries promised a recovery.

Meanwhile, states have agreed on the allocation of guarantees to make to the future "bad bank" that remain after the dismantling or the defeasance structure to isolate the assets at risk. "States have agreed to divide this guarantee in proportions similar to those of 2008 (during the rescue of Dexia), 60.5% for Belgium, 36.5% for France and 3% for Luxembourg," said the Belgian government.

For its part, the French state must create a new bank dedicated to communities, both owned by the Postal Bank and the Deposit CDC. The Board of Directors has appointed Dexia director Pierre Mariani to conduct these negotiations. His copy to a detailed plan of recovery of the industry is expected "in the coming weeks."

ALSO READ:

"Belgium and Dexia France share

"The Belgian branch of Dexia could be nationalized

This is a severe blow to Samsung and a victory for Apple. This may well be a mere confirmation of a judicial decision made in August, the pill is no less bitter for the Korean manufacturer who is outright ban the marketing of its top shelf, the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It "presents an overall appearance similar" to that of the iPad, according to the German judge seized of the matter.

Such a decision is worrying Samsung that focused on this tablet to boost this market. It means that beyond the patents on technical issues, courts are increasingly sensitive to another argument, visible to the naked eye: the appearance of the product design.The German decision comes two weeks after a Dutch court has taken a similar decision, and while litigation between Samsung and Apple are in the United States, Korea and Australia, where the Apple brand has already achieved a first favorable ruling.

For now, Samsung is still able to sell the Galaxy Tab in other European countries, and do not hesitate to do much advertising best payday advance. The Court of Düsseldorf has finally found not competent to prohibit the marketing of the Galaxy Tab across Europe. Nothing prevents Apple to take legal or other countries. The U.S. has also filed a complaint against Samsung for the same reasons, September 8 in Japan.

This offensive against Samsung, which is otherwise also one of its major suppliers, enabling Apple to establish its supremacy on the market shelves, which he holds from 70 to 80% with both iPad.The Galaxy Tab 10.1 was seen as the most serious rival. By preventing the market, Apple terminated the debate … that takes a different turn on the Internet, with netizens concerned about the relentlessness of Apple, who made his reputation by being the anti hegemony of Microsoft, which builds on present its own hegemony with a lot of trial and eco closed system.

Good harvest for Publicis Consultants. After a long consultation process in the first half, a subsidiary of Publicis Groupe, chaired by Fabrice Fries is entrusted with the overall communications budget of Motor Vehicles (Interior Ministry).

The agency was opposed to Euro RSCG C & O, TBWA, Lowe and BDDP Stratéus & Fils, the sign outgoing. This is one of the largest budgets of public communication: the agreement reached nearly 15 million euros (excluding purchase of space) over four years. Publicis Consultants, whose campaigns will begin in November, was selected, according to its president, for "the creativity of the proposed mechanisms, its emphasis on the Web and its ability to mobilize all the expertise – public relations, lobbying, social networks payday loans with no fax… – on a complex subject. "

The signature "Road safety, all responsible" is retained.Author of iconic campaigns such as posters yellow vest with Karl Lagerfeld and the film Unbearable crowned with a gold lion on the top of pub Festival in Cannes, Stratéus Lowe began his collaboration with the Road Safety in 2001 and returned the contract 2004 and 2007. This change of agency comes after the controversy over speed cameras and the appointment of a new Road Safety Officer, Prefect Jean-Luc Nevache.