A wall that moves, it is rare enough to report it. Vivarte creditors have agreed to postpone for three years the debt wall that blocked the horizon of the owner of Andre, La Halle and other Kookai. The group will dress and most of its 2.5 billion euros of net debt to mature in 2018. "We are very satisfied with this agreement. Having set new priorities, we have before us six years to develop the group's strategy, "says Le Figaro Antoine Metzger's new boss Vivarte.

It took three weeks to get this agreement finalized Friday. Over two thirds of lenders agreed to extend the maturities but also to allow more flexibility in terms of framing the balance sheet management. This financing, in any case should end questions and multiple rumors that followed the departure of George Plassat Carrefour in February. Many predicted then a burst group in the 24 signs, penalized by an unfavorable situation on the textile and weakened by its high debt.

But Charterhouse, the British fund LBO (leveraged buyout) and 64% shareholder, has decided to renegotiate with the bank syndicate, as he did in fact just prior to Elior, the specialist catering. "Charterhouse and Chequers Capital co-shareholders and support the strategy of Sagard Vivarte and do not plan to release shortly on their investment or group level or at particular industries or brands," says Charterhouse-on. For his part, George Plassat, who is no longer any role in Vivarte, retains its approximately 10% of capital, management holding 19% in total.

In the end, leaving the historic leader of the ex-André Groupe will have been a chance for Antoine Metzger to overhaul the strategy. The new "business plan" aims to boost sales of 3.2 billion euros in 2011 to some 4 billion in 2017. At this date, the distributor, which controls 4,700 stores, expects to have opened – in or franchises – 1,000 more. No question of challenging the four motors clothing / footwear and centre-ville/périphérie which enabled the group employing 22,000 people to resist the storm of 2008-2009 and to include an EBITDA of € 476 million the Last year, despite awful weather.

Accelerate the Internet

However, the priorities are about to be refined. "We want to continue our efforts to take market share in France and Europe, through internal growth and acquisitions: the crisis will open opportunities," said Antoine Metzger. Another area of ​​growth, the international history to accelerate the success of brands like Naf-Naf, very present in Colombia, or Chevignon, hyperactive in China. Last part must: Internet. Vivarte has captured only 20 million in sales through this channel but expects steady rise very quickly. "Ultimately, we hope that 5% of our turnover is realized on the Internet", provides the leader.

What make the beautiful bride one day? Bought 3.5 billion euros at end 2006 – including debt – by its current shareholders, Vivarte is looking like a too big piece for the money, who can no longer pile up debts. Specialist clothing is rather a return on the coast. "We are well positioned to go public in three to five years," says Antoine Metzger.

A thousand people attend the Insead MBA each year. The program comes in sixth position in the world rankings from the Financial Times, and is ranked 2nd among European MBA full time. There is no exception to the rule of international with over 80 different nationalities on its campuses in Fontainebleau and Singapore, none of which exceeds 10% of the workforce. Indispensable factor in the passport to success at world level, participants have the opportunity to study on three continents, in its schools and via exchanges with partner universities in America.

Over the years, MBA has developed many general elective courses – 70 to this day, to deepen the core courses. 5 years since the dimension of entrepreneurship has risen sharply among students. "80% choose at least one of the courses in the department and they are increasingly likely to start their own business," says Caroline Diarte Edwards, Director of Admissions, Marketing and Financial Aid.

In 20 years, the MBA has grown from a course on entrepreneurship at about twenty. "The students understand that a lifetime career in business is interesting, but if they want to express themselves and increase their earnings, it is better to be a shareholder, and in this case, create or buy a company is a excellent solution, "says Timothy Bovard, Professor of the program.

Priority scenarios

The highlight of course, the emphasis on the scenarios. "Our students have 3-6 years of professional experience, they come to test their ability to undertake, discover new opportunities. Beyond the academic part, their question is: what can I draw from my knowledge? "Says Timothy Bovard.

Some modules are the stars and a magnet for future graduates. The "bootcamps" (training camps) launched five years ago, were first paired in courses on business creation. The principle: in 48 hours, this is for a team of 2 to 3 people, to find an idea which will create a company and construct a business plan and develop arguments for presentation to real investors at the end of the weekend. The methodology has been applied to subjects on the buyout, technology deployment

.

Courses on the first 100 days as President of a company placed in groups of 4 persons in leadership positions. They live for 15 days recovery period, meet journalists, trade unionists, bankers, customers, etc.. "We can do more real by being outside the company," said Timothy Bovard. Co-creator of the module, it is preparing a course on the first 500 days in the world of startups.

Can we go further and break down the barriers of the classroom? The department has launched a web platform that allows participants to "buyout" to evaluate the companies that submit their MBA Alumni wishing to acquire a business.

In total at least two students make a bid for their MBA and 20 to 25 new businesses are created by graduates each year. Witness this former student who started a year after its release from Insead a drug discovery company today listed on the London Stock Exchange, or the graduate who took over in 1996 a small company in southern France. It releases more than 600 million euros in turnover and is called L'Occitane

.

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SRI is an investment made in companies that meet the criteria of respect for people, environment, values ​​… Socially responsible investment thus favors companies actively engaged in an ecological approach and those who have good social and ethical practices.

Conversely, it excludes those:

-Of which the activity is considered dangerous, as the tobacco, alcohol or weapons,

Who does not respect the environment,

Who does not respect human rights,

Who give undue importance to performance, to the detriment of the overall balance of the company.

An investment in life insurance attached?

Solidarity investment is present in companies that develop an approach for assistance. This is, for example, companies that have employees in situations of exclusion or disability.

All these companies have not necessarily an activity-oriented integration and assistance to people in difficulties. Some are subject to competition, but are choosing to include these employees as part of their general social policy.

Note: These criteria also include the financial profitability.

An investment in life insurance attached?

It is twofold. On the one hand, the investor contributes to the development of an economic base more respectful of people and the environment low interest rate personal loans. Moreover, these areas are probably more long-term carriers.

Indeed, socially responsible companies or mutual aid are not looking for immediate profit. Their approach is a vision where a company is strong because its development is sustainable. In 2010, business leaders have used two times less energy than others and have created twice as many jobs.

Can we invest in these sectors through the life insurance?

Life insurance is particularly suited to this type of investment. In addition, these funds were not to be ashamed of their performances against the euro fund or stock standard. They are especially less sensitive to economic equity, many companies in which they invest are not listed.

As part of a diversified life insurance, investment responsibility and solidarity is one way to go. There are still few in the market, but the comparative life insurance contracts reported providing access thereto.

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"You want to invest in savings responsibility and solidarity? Seek advice from a broker life insurance. It will select for you Companies that offer these funds.

Traders are torn between fatalism and resignation. According to the ninth wave of the observatory shops conducted by Ifop for the retirement of independent mutual Medicis, 86% of traders are worried about the French economy. 70% are for the future of their trade. These figures are up sharply over 2009 and 2008.

Many find that a very real way the economic downturn. Observe a 43% drop in attendance of their stores. An increase of 9 percentage points compared to May 2011. Two out of five professionals interviewed explained that their revenue has fallen since January. 46% expect their turnover is stable.

Traders have a positive on various measures taken by Nicolas Sarkozy since the beginning of his term in April 2007. 77% qualify as "good" tax exemption for overtime, the 67% increase in the age of retirement. 61% favor the elimination of business tax. But they are only 51% to defend the introduction of VAT at 7% in restaurants. They are hostile against the increase of 1.6 percentage points of VAT. 62% feel it is a "bad thing".

Reduction of charges

Concerned about the future of small shops they fear of losing, traders are worried about their retirement and for their welfare. Little interest in the presidential election, they condemn the indifference of political leaders towards them. 81% feel that the candidates for president do not understand their professional concerns.

Almost one in three believes that candidates are not aware of the weight they represent in the French economy: France has 750,000 merchants employing 2 million people and generating 343 billion euros in turnover. Asked about their expectations, 73% required a reduction of charges. Specifically, almost one in two merchant would be they who lower employer costs. More than one in three plead for a lower wage costs. But they are only 23% want trade to be protected and promoted by measures. A minority (8%) asked for more financial aid from the government and banks to hire or grow. Only 4% consider it a priority the defense of "Made in France" or the taxation of imports in favor of French products.

Not surprisingly, Nicolas Sarkozy remains their preferred candidate. 37% say they would vote for him in the first round of the presidential election when they were 44% in the first round in 2007. Francois Hollande is second with 19%. It is followed by Marine Le Pen (18%) and Francois Bayrou (16%).

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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.

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After a week of rumors, the announcement is, this time, official: the General Motors made its entry into the capital of the French group PSA Peugeot Citroen, according to an official. GM takes and 7% stake in PSA, which carries a massive increase in capital of around one billion euros. GM is now the second largest shareholder of the French group behind the Peugeot family.

The alliance will focus on platforms and components and provides a joint venture in purchasing. The first vehicles from a common platform GM-PSA will be marketed from 2016. Expected synergies from the two manufacturers totaled $ 2 billion annually within five years.  

This alliance gives rise to a powerful global industry leader with over 11 million vehicles sold per year worldwide.

First French carmaker, PSA is currently experiencing serious financial difficulties. Its net debt rose in 2011 from 1.2 billion to 3.4 billion euros. Leaded by Europe, sales of Peugeot and Citroen fell 1.5% last year while the global market progressed by 3%. The group announced last October a comprehensive plan of saving 800 million euros that could cause the elimination of 4,000 positions this year saving account pay day loan.

With his new partner, the Lion brand will achieve greater flexibility for financial resume investment as an upmarket in Europe and the creation of a new plant in India.

GM weighed down by its European subsidiary Opel

For his part, General Motors has certainly taken over in 2011 the title of world number one Automotive Japanese automaker Toyota. But the American could benefit from expertise of PSA to finally leave the red Opel, its European subsidiary. It announced in mid-February to have lost $ 747 million in 2011.

Peugeot confirmed Feb. 21 that he "consider [ed] the cooperation projects and alliances (…) as part of its globalization strategy and performance improvement." Without specifying with whom, but rumors already evoked release of GM. Last night, the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) had called PSA to communicate "as soon as possible" on the alliance, while multiplied rumors of a capital increase.

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"The King of good times," the king of good times, has become "The King of bad times," joked Monday the Indian press, referring to Vijay Mallya, the baron of Indian beer and whiskey. This is the slogan of an unfailing optimism that the flamboyant businessman was created in 2005, Kingfisher Airlines. The company is based in Bangalore, in southern India, which is native Vijay Mallya.

Today, Kingfisher through an unprecedented financial crisis. A nightmare, even for users. Saturday, the company has canceled 32 flights on the 240 it is supposed to operate daily. Same, or almost, Sunday and Monday. And the situation is not likely to improve, analysts believe.

Last week, Kingfisher announced a loss of $ 88 million in the third quarter of its fiscal year, almost double the deficit in the previous quarter.  

Earlier last year, the airline was forced to restructure its debt, and 25% of its capital is now 18 banks, led by National Bank State Bank of India (SBI). It refuses to bail Kingfisher as its CEO will not bring new money. Experts believe that to break the deadlock, Vijay Mallya is to find faster 400 to $ 500 million of capital.

Monday, Branch of Indian Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned officials of Kingfisher Airlines to demand an explanation of these untimely cancellations. "We received information on a large scale cancellations. They are obliged to inform us when they cut their flight plans. But they have not done, "said K. E. Bharat Bhushan, the head of the DGCA.

Unpaid wages

Passengers expressed their anger on social networks, including complaining of having been warned of flight cancellations at the last minute. A habit which Kingfisher has no exclusivity. State-owned Air India does not hesitate, it no longer, to bring its customers with a fait accompli

.

Saturday, some employees walked out of Kingfisher, furious at not having received their salaries. The flight cancellations were even worse. Mallya sent an email to all staff. A message in which he expressed his "regret" and said "understand the implications of these back wages privacy" of its employees and said it would not close his company. Kingfisher is mostly losing all credibility with its most loyal customers. A vicious circle from which the company may not get out.

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The streets of Athens and Thessaloniki were ablaze in the night, when MPs voted in favor of a new austerity plan. After heated debates within the precincts of Parliament, the austerity measures imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund was adopted by a majority of 199 votes out of 300 MPs, including 278 in attendance. The pressure weighed heavily on the members. In fact, the leaders of the Socialist Party and the rightist New Democracy, meeting within the ruling coalition, have warned that they radieraient members of their camps who would vote against the text. Of the 236 deputies concerned, a score of 21 members of socialist and right were therefore excluded from the ranks after the parliamentary vote.

Before the vote, the Greek prime minister, Lucas Papademos, had also hammered the Greek deputies "will take responsibility" and "define the most important choice" for Greece, "move to Europe and the single currency" . Government members have indeed hammered if the austerity plan was not passed, the country would be forced to declare themselves insolvent and out in the longer term the euro. Athens must indeed pay 14.5 billion euros in March, but its coffers are empty. Troika has called for new austerity measures in exchange for the release of its indispensable assistance of 130 billion. After the vote tonight, the Eurogroup could meet on Wednesday to give the green light to disburse it. Also requested consideration by private creditors, which should reduce the 100 billion euro debt.

Specifically, the measures include the reduction of health spending (1.06 billion), military (300 million) and reduced wages for young and pensions. A cocktail that does not pass to the people, who began hitting the streets in the afternoon yesterday. By late evening, scenes of chaos were observed in Athens on the sidelines of the anti-austerity, which gathered 80,000 people according to police, during which 54 participants were injured and buildings and shops burned. In Salonika, 20,000 demonstrators were reported damaged and six banks. Greek Prime Minister condemned these events, noting that "violence and destruction that have no place in democracy."

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American giants distribution keep their cool. The absolute record of purchases in one day is certainly to be beaten after the national holiday of Thanksgiving.

This Friday, malls and independent stores in the United States sold more than 11.4 billion worth of goods. But up from last year about 7% of purchases this Black Friday (known since the 1960 Black Friday in the sense of "black people") does not necessarily mean that the holiday season, crucial for annual profits of distributors, will be memorable. The purchasing power of Americans do not progressing. Only by drawing on their modest savings that households increased their spending in the fall.

To draw in their paths some 152 million Americans, most major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy have dared to open their doors in the middle of the night from Thursday to Friday. Offering discounts up to 60%, they mobilized a group of customers eager to use after months of deprivation. Commerce online has participated in the movement also offering exceptional discounts. Friday and for 24 hours, Apple has reduced by 10% and the prices of its popular digital tablets. The net impact of these promotions on margins in the industry to be determined. Monday is called Cyber ​​Monday.

The current political developments in key countries of the South do not seem to reassure markets. The departure of Silvio Berlusconi and his replacement as head of government by Mario Monti has not calmed the markets doubt the ability of the new chief executive to impose Italian program of deficit reduction required by the European Commission .