The route of the TGV Bordeaux-Toulouse validated

 

The TGV will happen one day at Toulouse to Bilbao? The Pink City will she finally to 3 h 15 from Paris by train, against more than five hours today? The decision to build the new high speed lines (HSL) from Bordeaux will not be taken before long. But last Friday, a necessary step to making this project possible was reached: the Ministry of Transport has validated their route. By setting three new TGV stations at Agen (Lot-et-Garonne), Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne) and Mont-de-Marsan (Landes).

If governments dither before launching the operation is that it will be very expensive. "At least 12 billion euros," said one expert. A huge sum when the coffers of the State and local governments are desperately empty because of the debt crisis. In February, the General Council of Lot-et-Garonne has already said he would not pay his bill for the Pharaonic site.

The hesitation is all the more palpable than funding another LGV, that between Tours and Bordeaux, was problematic. But this was "only" from one site to 7.8 billion. It was expected that 57 local authorities provide nearly $ 1.5 billion for this mega project won by Vinci in public-private partnership.

Finally, about twenty of these entities have defaulted. Foremost of these, the Regional Council of Poitou-Charentes led by Ségolène Royal, who refused to pay its contribution, fixed at 103 million euros. For this LGV can be built, the state decided to take the money for its support.

330 million accrued

It also will replace the General Council of Gers, who a month ago, is back on his promise to pay eight million for this line, as with other local authorities who have given up to get their hands in their pockets for this work. Of nudges that will not be pledged the state budget. The explanation? "Nearly 330 million had been provided by the State in 2011 to address a potential rise in interest rates which Vinci was exposed because the group had used bank loans to complete the operation, says an expert on the issue. But this rise in interest rates has not occurred. These sums have been used in part to address the failure of several local communities. "

Result, despite all these upheavals, the financing of the LGV Bordeaux-Tours is provided. And Lisea group, led by Vinci, can concentrate on the subject regardless of his income. Fortunately, as Europe's leading construction and concessions has not time to lose if he wants to meet the deadlines: the first trains will travel on this line as of July 2017 and will Bordeaux 2 hours from Paris against three today.

For now, Lisea, which was selected in March 2010 to complete this operation is on schedule. In February, the group obtained the approvals related to the protection of wildlife and waterways necessary to begin work. It also acquired 71% of the land where will this new line of 340 km. And if some owners may appeal to the justice of the decision on the expropriation, these procedures will not prevent the commencement of work. In addition, Vinci has completed all archaeological excavations on the route at the end of the year. Already, he started out small tasks related to land clearing or the connection of the new and the existing line.

But the real kickoff of the site will be given in a few weeks. "We will attack the earthworks in June, Tricot explains Hervé, President of Lisea. Four or five thousand people are at work in fifteen different places. This work will take three years, maybe less if the weather is good. "

Under no fax paydayloans, an applicant can apply for any amount between $100 and $1500, considering the importance of the ends.

How the American Crocs picked up

 

Since it was set afloat, ten years ago by three friends in Colorado, Crocs has sold more than 150 million pairs of shoes in 90 countries. Right in her funny shoes, this American company shows $ 1 billion in revenue in 2011, up 27%. 112.8 million and net income, against 67 million in 2010. The hilarious crocodile brand has regained its bite.

At the NYSE, the action hovers around $ 20. It was not worth even at a low point in 2009. In 2007, she had already sold 100 million pairs. She posted $ 168.2 million profit. After a flash of sales growth between 2005 and 2008, its accounts have fired that year in the red: it lost 185.1 million in 2008 and 42 million in 2009, before returning in 2010 to profits.

Crocs has been the victim of the crisis on its first market, the United States, which now represent less than half of its sales. Victim, too, its single-product strategy and the strength of his shoe aesthetics controversial. Crocs lost momentum, if not renewed by their fans. "The Crocs shoes are indeed a life of ten years on average," says Mustafa Sadik, head of the brand in France.

But the restructuring, fought on all fronts, product development management through logistics and supply sources, has borne fruit. The Canadian plant closed. Manufacturing has been focused on China.

The Croslite: a lightweight resin

This is taking the offensive on diversification, international and opening stores as she now has more than 169 – that picked up Crocs. Without abandoning his favorite material: colored and perforated, the shoe – called "Clog" – was forged in a patented material, the "Croslite", lightweight resin, antibacterial, waterproof and flexible. Hooves, dominated by the model "Cayman", weigh only 50% in sales volume, but also offers Crocs shoes to more traditional sole "Croslite". Fabric or leather dress patterns for women, men and children, from sneakers to high heels compensated, covered with cork, to sandals, ballet slippers and boots for the whole family. The colors are often flashy, but the forms were assagies. The brand, which also sells shoes filled, at the same time has reduced its dependence on seasonality: the items were accounted for only 65% ​​of sales. Ready-to-wear this summer, with shells and sleeves for smartphones tablets, scheduled for 2013 in France, a slew of new products will accelerate diversification.

If the shoe of Colorado is still nearly half of its sales in the U.S., sales there rose by 19% in 2011, but have surged 34% in Europe and Asia. In Europe, where Crocs aligns 34 stores and 92 franchises, an offensive was launched in France, where the brand has opened two stores, after closing at all its difficulties. Its third store will open its own in France in Nice on March 22. This will be his first major "Crocs Store" in Europe. A new store concept, where 250 models will unfold in both healthy, shelves and large digital displays.

ALSO READ:

"Bottega Veneta, the nugget Ultraluxe PPR

"Adidas displays his Olympic form

"The French Kindy addresses 2012 off right

Holland tempers on the surcharge to 75% for football players

 

Francois Hollande, who recently announced he would tax 75% had incomes in excess of one million euros, backtracked, while the football world presage an exodus of players. "It would be the death of French football", "would cost a billion euros to French football", "we would lose all TV rights", "It would involve the demotion of the French Ligue 1 in the second division European", etc..

The Socialist candidate, himself a football fan, surely does not expect that its proposal a week ago, for a number of French "symbolic", announces the end of the French favorite sport no fax payday loan. He who was above all the big heads and leaders of countries including those whose salaries "have no connection with the talent, intelligence or effort." And which boasted a "patriotic act" that "agreeing to pay an additional tax to rehabilitate the country."

Sorry, this video is not available on your device.

The previous Free plays with the spirit of the Telecom Act

 

The battle between ARCEP, the telecoms regulator, and the Ministry of Industry (through the National Frequency Agency) about the extent of actual coverage of the network of Free Mobile reveals an unprecedented reality. Free Mobile have actually deployed a network covering 27% of the population, as he had promised. But this network is not used by its 1.5 million subscribers, mostly transiting through that of its rival Orange.

This situation is probably temporary, but it calls into question one of the very principles of the 1996 Act on the opening of the telecom market, which promotes competition investment. To be operator of right, we must invest in its own network. Otherwise, it is a mere reseller of airtime, as Auchan Mobile. This principle of law is based on two ideas: it is necessary to stimulate investment in technology and jobs and we have to play the full benefits of competition as an operator with a network is able to offer innovative services.

This is why France has opted for the construction of four mobile network operators for four different full function. Under this principle, Bouygues Telecom has embarked on the adventure of moving in 1996 without using a roaming agreement. The law could have imagined another option: a single network shared among all operators, as is the case with that of Réseau Ferré de France, which will be used to train competitors for SNCF.

Today, the problem is that Free Mobile plays it both ways. Taken to extremes, this precedent could lead mobile operators to choose to play on the roaming network of next generation 4G, which would reduce investment.

ALSO READ:

"Free Mobile has switched its network

"Orange claims that he did not make a gift to Free

"Where Free Mobile has recruited 1.5 million customers

"No more suspicion on the activities of the CDC'' '

 

CEO of the Caisse des Depots since 2007, Augustin de Romanet takes stock of his term as head of the financial institution publique.Il defends a vision of long-term, theme also of his book, "Not to thirty painful" , to be published next month by Plon.

LE FIGARO. – March 2007-March 2012, your tenure as head of the Deposit has been essentially that of crisis management?

Augustine ROMANET – The first thing I did upon arriving was to establish a strategic plan, the first for twenty-five years! This plan was conceived before the outbreak of the crisis, which was a chance: we had in effect given to this house a solid foundation and then through the turbulence. If the five years of my term were five years of crisis in the Deposit, then this is the etymological sense: krino, reinte? Prevention.

How have you adapted to the CDC this time of crisis?

In 2007, it was obvious that the economy of debt had reached its limits. We have defined ourselves as a long term investor, a term that might seem strange. It was taken by the Act of August 4, 2008 and came into common parlance. The mission of the Deposit is one that expresses its social utility, the provider of capital to long term, the first in the country through its various tools. We also have modernized the governance of the institution for its action is no longer subject to suspicion.

The bailouts of Dexia, the down payment in the Post, the interventions of the Strategic Investment Fund (ISF)? CDC does she not done too much, at the expense of financial security?

No. The Deposit is not weakened. Its capital is now greater than 2 billion euros to what it was in 2006. However, they are now just below the level set by the supervisory model, which has just been arrested. This means that the CDC must make choices. Through the savings fund, it is the largest financer of social housing. It will become a major player in financing local government, with the Post Bank. It is the largest investor in the territories, the majority shareholder of ISP and 26% shareholder in the La Poste group and 27% of OSEO. It will be a key player in the Greater Paris, through Icade and Egis. She manages on behalf of the State 8 programs of large loan? It is not a vision that eluded him.

Does the ISP also been at full strength? The state or parliamentarians might have wished that more intervention. Did you have to refuse certain files?

The debates were sometimes harsh. But at no time, as chairman of the board of the ISP, I had to put the state in the minority. We always found a consensus. The interest of companies brought together the State and the CDC in this tool is an outstanding success.

Beyond the ISP, what were your relations with the state?

They are reminiscent of rugby: it's not because the contacts are honest and manly that it is not a sport of gentlemen fast cash advance. That the Deposit respects the State, it is natural, but the state also met the Deposit during these five years.

The CDC will announce she losses for 2011?

No. It will be beneficial, probably close to 200 million euros, despite the loss of Dexia. This is good news. I add that no longer exists on the balance sheet of the institution any impairment that would have been deferred.

How Dexia Will it cost in total to the CDC? Do you have any regrets about the management of this file?

The Taking-is not coming. Dexia maintains a value, and I will not speculate on his future today. Regarding the past, even if mistakes were made, I refuse to take the easy way of anachronism, to rewrite the history of Dexia before his first save of 2008. And I assume, for having sustained the strategy? CARRYING since.

You were a candidate for a second term. How did you feel the decision of Nicolas Sarkozy not to renew?

Probably because I am attached to this institution, I felt this moment with surprising emotion, as I had convinced myself that I did not own my post. The decision, I always say, is the President of the Republic. So I did not comment on it. I leave calm, and proud of the work.

CEO of the Caisse des Depots is a political post?

Yes, of course! In the best sense. The policy, it is the duty of the synthesis of opposing views in search of general interest. It is also the action. At the Deposit, which combine the financial strength, the diversity of stakeholders and quality of staff, the task is exhilarating.

Are you running for the leadership of CNP Assurances?

I have personally expressed to each member of the Appointments Committee.

As a director of Veolia Environnement, were you in favor of the appointment of Jean-Louis Borloo at the head of this business? Have you supported the approach of Proglio who also chairs the Nominating Committee of NPC?

I resigned from the Board of Veolia on February 29. The suspicion that some sort of Faustian pact with Proglio is unfounded and insulting to him and for me.

What recommendation would you give to your successor?

Research of general interest means being responsive to all stakeholders of the company, the actors of the social economy to the leaders of the CAC 40, the elected leaders of rural communities to SWFs the planet, it should be remembered that they manage resources to invest in our country.

ALSO READ:

"Deposit: number two provide the acting

Lefigaro.fr sign a record 8.8 million visitors

 

Lefigaro.fr is the first news site in France in January. The study Médiamétrie / NetRatings, it was viewed by over 8.8 million unique visitors a month. A hearing is always the historic site of Figaro to a million users of the follower.

Development, the second place, occupied by Orange in December, was conquered by the Nouvel Observateur. High of 7.7 million unique monthly visitors, the site of the weekly benefits from the integration of "pure player" Rue89, bought in December.

Launched in late January, the site of the Huffington Post has also brought new visitors to the World, which brought together a total of 7.3 million Internet users in January. The web offers daily evening was nevertheless made the steal third place from the site of Le Parisien / Today in France, with nearly 7.5 million unique visitors.

January has generally drawn the hearings of the press line up. Portals and aggregators of articles edited by tech giants have, themselves, not take advantage of the French appetite for news. Orange News was relegated to sixth place in the ranking with 6.7 million unique visitors, Yahoo! News is eighth with 5.4 million visitors, MSN News and Google News are respectively the 11th and 13th.

ALSO READ:

"The press wants to capture a share of the increased number

"The Tribune picked up by the duo-PAR Hi-Media

Halal industry to meet Le Pen

 

Saturday accused by Marine Le Pen to slaughter according to halal "all meat" distributed in the Ile-de-France, industrialists defend themselves. President of the National Association of interprofessional Livestock and Meat (Interbev), interviewed by France Info, the judge charged the president of the National Front "absolutely false".

"In the Ile-de-France, a vast majority of meat is not slaughtered according to halal or kosher," which involves killing animals without stunning, ensures Dominique Langlois. "It may be that parts or pieces of meat from carcasses are slaughtered according to these rites, but that does not change the quality of meat and it does not change at all the qualities of the product," adds Will it.

For professionals in the meat, the charge of Marine Le Pen "is meant strictly political and did not match the reality of things." "It's a debate that can only be detrimental to both the meat industry to French and French production that does not need it," warned the president of Interbev.

The animal rights groups mobilized

This debate is not new. Last year, six associations have denounced the increasing proportion of animals slaughtered according to Jewish or Muslim rites. According to the Foundation Brigitte Bardot, who had made an investigation in slaughterhouses, more than 60% of sheep and goats, 28% of adult cattle and 43% of calves were then killed without stunning, but that consumers are warned.

In France, however, requires the slaughter, since a decree of 1964, the stunning of animals before killing, thereby mitigating their suffering. But European legislation provides an exemption, "when stunning is not compatible with the ritual prescriptions under the free exercise of religion same day payday loans."

Approval before waive stunning

Two bills were filed in late 2010, the Senate to the Assembly, without success, to obtain a specific labeling of meat slaughtered without stunning. "The consumer has the right to know what he eats. He has the right not to eat meat slaughtered in a ritual which does not believe him, "argued the UMP deputy Nicolas Dhuicq. A new amendment, introduced in September 2011, was also rejected.

On 29 December, a decree was published in the Official Journal, however, requiring 275 French slaughterhouses to obtain, on or after 1 July 2012, before an official authorization from the rule of stunning. "It does [may] be granted only to slaughterhouses in favor [...] of a registration system to verify that it is used to slaughter without stunning as a result of justifying the commercial orders, "said the Ministry of Culture.

Marine Le Pen wants to complain

The animal rights groups have expressed quite satisfied with this text. "Being able to justify a ritual slaughter is a specific order is important because, currently, most of the meat of this kind of slaughter is found in conventional circuits without any indication to consumers," recalled Christophe Marie, spokeswoman Brigitte Bardot Foundation.

Marine Le Pen was not in favor waiting for the entry into force of the decree. On the sidelines of the convention of his party, being held this weekend in Lille, it announced its intention to attack "a few major retail supermarkets in Ile-de-France for misrepresentation of the product." She said wanting to file a complaint with a civil order for a judge to be seized, which could lead to an investigation of several months.

ALSO READ:

"The candidacy of Le Pen is slowing

Air France had played down the incident last week. Its CEO, Alexander Juniac, changed his tune on Thursday by announcing that the airline had suspended the maintenance of its aircraft by China Taeco. Mid-November, an Airbus A340 that had just been completely revised in China had to be immobilized in Boston after the discovery of thirty missing screws on a panel fairing. "We stopped sending our aircraft at the moment," said the boss of Air France on a visit to Beijing quick payday loan. An internal investigation into the incident of the A340 is in progress, and should last "a few days," he said.

Taeco, headquartered in Xiamen, southeast China, has also opened an investigation into the incident Tuesday. The Chinese maintenance company is a leader in the maintenance of large aircraft and works including Lufthansa, British Airways, American Airlines, JAL and Emirates.

A little paradise, and it likes to describe Mauritius. It is true that between its climate, turquoise blue lagoons and white sandy beaches, this state of the Indian Ocean is not without assets. Qualities that appeal to the French, the latter also attracted a lively French-speaking and low time difference (2 or 3 hours), representing one third of a million annual visitors to the island. Wealthy retirees enjoy, in turn, to reside in a country with attractive tax: no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, flat tax on income of 15% …

Yet in times of crisis, these arguments are not enough in attracting investors in local real estate projects. So far, a number of programs involved imposing villas sold between 1 and 2 million, but now struggling to find buyers.This is the only marina project on the island, a must for lovers of water sports. There are also a shopping center, a wellness area and large villas whose prices exceed $ 2.5 million and apartments more affordable, starting at $ 800,000.

The coming months will determine whether those efforts are paying off Mauritius with senior French.

A specific legal framework

In Mauritius, the real estate purchases by foreigners are governed by three tax schemes .- The IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme) for the freehold property of a minimum of 500.000dollars. It immediately gives purchasers the right to a permanent residence permit. They are free to then perform the steps to take up residence on site tax .- The RES (Real Estate Scheme) has, in turn, subject to any minimum price.

Xavier Niel interested in taking over Orange in Switzerland

The applications are increasing in the resumption of Swiss France Telecom. In any case, think they know what the Echoes, which announced Friday the opening match of Xavier Niel in the race for the resumption of the Helvetic subsidiary of the French operator. According to the newspaper, the co-buyer of the World with Pierre Bergé and Matthew Pigasse, have filed an application for the acquisition of the asset, the group wants to get rid Stéphane Richard since late July. Announced during half-year results, this operation should yield between 1.5 and 2 billion euros to France Telecom. Or so hopes in the group.

Despite the difficult conditions of funding and the increased reluctance of banks, the French operator has not given up the sale. The facts seem to prove him right, a dozen candidates who have passed the process of selling the asset.But the arrival of Xavier Niel somewhat diversified profile of potential buyers. So far, the majority of applications related investment funds: Apax, Providence, EQT, Bain Capital, Liberty Global, Doughty Hanson and Carlyle separately and Altice, Numéricable shareholders.

Support of Goldman Sachs

Xavier Niel, the head of the Iliad, the 297th ranked Fortune Global Forbes, meanwhile intervene personally. The Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris politician, former CEO of the operator Orascom is also in the race. Faced with these heavyweights of finance, the French entrepreneur has joined forces with the U.S. bank Goldman Sachs, report echoes.

"At 2 billion Swiss francs (1.6 billion euros, Ed), Orange Switzerland is valued six times its gross operating profit on the stock exchange more than 3.8 times that of France Telecom," the daily explains.A premium is explained by the fact that the sale of Orange Switzerland is the only major operation in progress on the Old Continent now, and that France Telecom has commissioned ahead of banks, including Credit Suisse, HSBC, JP Morgan, to prepare a financing plan ahead in order to facilitate the implementation of the operation.

At the second round of bidding, all filings seem to hold the interest of the French operator, since no application has yet been ruled out.

ALSO READ:

"France Telecom will sell its Swiss subsidiary

"The merger between Orange and Sunrise in Switzerland compromised

←Older