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Car manufacturers ultra-luxurious living on another planet. The downside risks, of concern to general groups, do not seem to disturb them. Concessions in the Ferrari, "consumers are not worried about a recession. The last I saw did not look desperate, "said Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Prancing Horse brand also provides for a new record this year by selling 7,000 cars, against 6,570 last year. Ferrari is also counting on a profit before tax "significant", following an increase of 23% in 2010 to 302 million euros. "I'm not worried because we have quality, exclusivity, a strong brand and innovative technology," said its president, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

It is the only one to be extremely confident.Rolls-Royce (BMW Group), whose boss, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, said he was "optimistic" about prospects for its niche, also wants to exceed its historical performance of last year (2711 cars). The luxury brand will invest 11.4 million euros to expand its plant in Goodwood English and plans to increase its network from 85 to 100 outlets.

Buyers richer

Sales of the major European luxury brands (Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin) are expected to jump 19% this year to 28,100 vehicles, and increase by 13% in 2012, according to a study by IHS Automotive. "The rich are becoming richer, and the number of millionaires in emerging and growing. It is a very positive trend "for specialists in this niche, says Erich Hauser, an analyst at Credit Suisse agency quoted Bloomberg.For him, "should things go really bad" for the champions of this market find themselves in difficulty.

The ultra-premium segment should be able to pass through an economic downturn better than in the previous crisis, which saw sales of certain brands to collapse, says the CEO of Rolls-Royce. "This market has been growing steadily since its low point in 2009" but "we are aware that there are risks," acknowledges, however, Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini's boss. But for now, the Italian brand of the Volkswagen group does not seem to fear a decline in the purchasing power of its wealthy clients. It will produce 20 Sesto Elemento for early 2013. Their price: 1.6 million euro.

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State budget pressure forces, the army is also looking for sources of savings. For example, by outsourcing certain activities through public-private partnerships (PPP), as authorized by an order of 2004. This solution, released Thursday, used by the Directorate General of armemement (DGA) for the renovation and operation of computer networks of the Air Force. It is the latter's second PPP, but the first in computer networks and communications. This task was assigned to a pool of companies, led by Alcatel-Lucent.One hundred sites will be to equip several hundred buildings and 36,000 wired "access points" (to connect a computer or system) in very high speed to install with the latest generation of optical fiber.

This contract runs on sixteen for a value of 350 million euros, the amount of the fee to be paid by the Air Force. The economy of the State is estimated at "tens of millions of euros" through the pooling of engineering resources with other projects that also piloting Alcatel-Lucent. The gain is not only economic: the rapid deployment of networks "will allow the bases of the Air Force to have the most advanced technologies." In addition, the provider has made commitments in terms of availability and reliability of networks, together with a penalty system.The contract also includes an obligation to "up-date" mid-life, so that the networks have the latest technology payday lenders.

The most basic to confidential defense

The project will begin in the coming weeks and deployment of the network will be completed in three years. The first "job" however the network will be operational by late 2012. In total 50,000 people are affected by the implementation of these networks that manage the flow of general computer air force, operational information – including monitoring the French airspace – as well as data for preparing missions and conduct operations. This, with a level and a degree of protection from the most basic information to the "secret NATO" or "confidential defense".In this regard, the staff of the state will retain control over the management of cryptographic hardware.

This is the second PPP signed by the Air Force. In 2008, the School of Dax, which trains helicopter pilots of the French Army, jumped on it. She chose the company as DCI external service provider, by entrusting its helicopter fleet, maintenance, and flight hours. All in under a current contract on twenty-two years to 400 million euros, 600 million less than if the school had continued to manage everything herself.

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Many observers believe that Kodak missed the turn of the digital. The giant of photography at the age of 130 years, could now take his revenge with his key weapon: a portfolio of 1100 patents for digital imaging. These inflame the lusts of the giants of the computing and telephony, Apple to Microsoft via Research in Motion (RIM) – Blackberry's parent company – and Google, which multiply purchases in this sector to enhance the functionality their phones.

The phenomenon was illustrated recently by the acquisition for $ 12.5 billion, Motorola's Mobility by Google. An operation that allows the Internet giant to hand over a lucrative portfolio of nearly 17,000 patents telephone.In early July, a consortium led by Apple and Microsoft spent $ 4.5 billion to acquire the patents of the Canadian telecom equipment supplier Nortel for bankruptcy.

"Clearly, the ability to take pictures and send them to mobile devices is critical for manufacturers of smartphones, and Kodak may hold the key technologies that provide these services," said Paul Ausick, the financial website 24 / 7 Wall Street.

Kodak ready to sell

More operations and acquisitions are increasing the portfolio of Kodak takes the value. The financial firm MDB Capital, in an interview with the Bloomberg financial agency, has said the group's 1100 patents were worth, in today, nearly three billion dollars. All of Kodak's intellectual property would be five times the value of the company itself.The news panicked investors rushed to the title at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. The action Eastman Kodak jumped 25.70% to 2.69 dollars.

Kodak, no question of missing the boat. According to the Wall Street Journal, the manufacturer of cameras "began promoting its portfolio this week, contacting companies that might be interested." Kodak said currently "explore strategic alternatives" for its patents.

When it is launched, the battle for the acquisition of these technologies will be tough. Kodak could play the card by removing the grudge he accuses Apple and RIM already violating its patents on technology for viewing photos on their iPhone and BlackBerry.

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A return express. Nicolas Sarkozy called Wednesday morning at the Elysee a "working meeting" surprise, to "take stock" (and know) market in crisis, amid concern for the euro area. Since the worsening financial situation, the head of state was managing the crisis from its resort on the Var coast, so you do not send alarming signals to markets. "There, it was easier to gather everyone in Paris, says it at the Elysee. But the sine qua non, there was not too brutal market drop, that morning. Otherwise, the meeting would have made things worse. "

The secret had been carefully guarded.And the Elysee waited for the reopening of markets on Wednesday morning to publish (at 9:22) the press release announcing the meeting, held in the green room, in the presence of Prime Minister François Fillon – back to Tuscany, he left in the aftermath – and the Governor of the Banque de France, Christian Noyer. Ministers Baroin (Economics), Valerie Pécresse (Budget), Alain Juppe (Foreign Affairs) and John Leonetti (European Affairs) had been asked the day before returning to Paris for the occasion.

Anxious to reassure the markets in a context of "excitement," Nicolas Sarkozy wanted to remember with great fanfare that France was determined to achieve its goals in reducing deficits (5.7% of GDP in 2011, 4.6% l Next year, 3% in 2013).Trajectory necessary to preserve the precious "AAA" rating (see below).

Unpopular decisions

In a statement, the Elysee reiterated Wednesday that those commitments are "bound regardless of changing economic conditions." Sarkozy asked Baroin Pécresse and make proposals for further savings, as part of preparing the draft budget law for 2012. The budget minister said that the Figaro tax loopholes – but not those in the service of employment – will be far removed. "The employment protection is a barrier," nuance Pécresse, who wants loop "a budget of fiscal justice" with "effort shared by all."Sarkozy and Fillon will be August 17 to prepare the trade-offs which will be made Aug. 24 before being endorsed by the Cabinet next week.

The head of state wants to take advantage of the worsening situation to prepare public opinion for unpopular decisions fast cash. But he also wants to show the French that the policy since 2007 (non-replacement of a staff of two, pension reform, etc.). Is one of the reasons why France would keep its credibility on the market. "Current developments validate the economic strategy led by the government," insists the Elysée in a statement. During yesterday's meeting, which lasted over two hours, Sarkozy further held that the measures taken by France and its partners since the beginning of the crisis had begun to bear fruit."There was a relaxation on the market for sovereign debt, we must keep a cool head," said Baroin to the output, hours before a new European stock markets dive. Reportedly, Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the coming days. The date has not been set.

The head of state also discussed Wednesday the famous "golden rule", he wishes to include in the Constitution. "He called everyone's responsibility, beyond the partisan divide." Again, Sarkozy wants to use the crisis to push its advantage, and put the opposition – who refuses to vote – to the wall. The president spoke at length on the telephone Tuesday with Jean-Pierre Chevenement about it.Reportedly, François Fillon could end of August to stage a number of meetings with opposition figures had proved "constructive" on the subject, as Jean-Pierre Chevenement, Manuel Valls, François Dominique de Villepin or Bayrou. Interviews that aimed to isolate a little PS. "We can not build with those who want to destroy," says a close associate of President.

After the meeting, held in an Elysium in full work, the walls completely covered in scaffolding, Sarkozy thanked the ministers for their presence: "You can return your vacation spots," Has he said. "Oh? We have the right to say the word now? It is no longer taboo? "Ministers had fun. For Baroin and Pécresse, "the work continues."The two "musketeers" of the right must be found this weekend with the Minister of Economy in the Creuse, to work on measures they present earlier this week to the president. As for the head of state, he took over the road from Cape Negro on Wednesday, late afternoon.

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Thirty years and not a wrinkle. MTV has reached a venerable age but decided not to grow old with those who, on 1 August 1981, discovered amazed the first television channel dedicated to music. A pioneer, she said that day, not only by imposing as a signature image of an astronaut planting a flag alum and weapons of MTV but also by spreading the first music video in the history of television, Video Killed the Radio Star of Bugglers. Created by Warner and American Express, American chain invented at the time, "the first form of synchronization between picture and sound," but also popularized "the phenomenon of DJs who will push to the extreme contextualization of the music. "In short, MTV is a string subversive.

"Music has long been a huge factor for personalization and identification of the artists," says Thierry Camas, president of MTV Networks France. "We got dressed, and adopted the lifestyle of our stars." With MTV, fans no longer confined to the glossy magazines but follow the escapades and the hits of their heroes on TV and live … historical moments. And Michael Jackson invented the moonwalk, virtually live on the chain-y launched its exclusive clip Thriller. A real event that had nothing to envy to the cinema with his unique format of 14 minutes.This video has forever changed the art of music video and assured the heyday of the chain.

Sensor trend and unparalleled observer of the youth which is the heart of business, MTV is probably the first to feel the mid-1990s that music is becoming commonplace in the extreme. Developed in 2010, the words "Music Television" logo. "The accessibility of music on all platforms, sharing it via social networks has introduced a twist that few industries have known," said Thierry Camas.

Teen in all its formats

The chain is reinventing its original format and media proclaims generational and transgressive. In those years, the musical chain accounts for only 50% of the grid. But to counteract this movement, the group creates variations 100% music.MTV puts adolescents at the center of its innovative all-out in terms of formats. It in the headlines by inventing the first two reality shows with "The Real World" in 1992 and later, the controversial "Jackass." The chain has also exported its "Pimp My Ride," the reality show with crazy cars. Bought in 1986 by Viacom, MTV is developing an international and binding on all distribution platforms. It now operates in 160 countries and has 170 variations. For the group, only one word: "preserve the value of content" on all modes of broadcasting, including video on demand.

"We're agnostic in terms of distribution provided that we are paying," insists Thierry Camas.Today, the group derives its income to 60% of the royalties from operators and 40% advertising.

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American financier Guy Wyser-Pratte does not disarm in the folder Lagardère. Almost eighteen months after the general meeting of 27 April 2010 during which the two resolutions he had proposed were rejected at 76% and 78%, Guy Wyser-Pratte against attack. Wednesday, August 3, he sent a letter to the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), in which he contested the vote count at the meeting of shareholders of the group.

The American activist took some time to gather evidence to support its contention. Today, it provides the AMF documents showing that the ten funds managed by AllianceBernstein (a subsidiary of AXA Group), a leading shareholder group Lagardere with 10% of the shares, would have voted for he had presented two resolutions.

For investigation

A resolution was to appoint him to the Supervisory Board of Lagardère.Resolution B was to amend the prerogatives of-stock by requesting that the general partners do not vote more consistently before the sponsors. Guy Wyser-Pratte also produces documents from two firms specializing in proxy voting investors (ISS and Broadridge). They would have gathered the voices of various U.S. institutional investors in favor of two resolutions A and B. Finally, he instructed the firm McKenzie to a total of U.S. investors vote in favor.

"In total, we can demonstrate that counting only the votes of shareholders represented by American myself, AllianceBernstein, Broadbridge and ISS, my application to the supervisory board received 44% of the vote of the quorum present at the meeting. In addition, it is likely that other European shareholders have also voted in my favor.I therefore request the AMF to conduct an investigation to understand the origin of the discrepancy between the results of the AG and the counting done by us, "said Guy Wyser-Pratte no faxing 1 hour payday loans. In 2010, the AMF had already audited BNP Paribas, which had been in charge of counting votes at the annual meeting of shareholders.

Returning to the issue today, Guy Wyser-Pratte hopes remobilize American and European shareholders for the next general meeting of 2012.

In March 2010, Guy Wyser-Pratte had burst into the capital of Lagardère by buying up 0.53% of the shares. He then publicly criticized the governance of the group protesting against the existence of a partnership limited by shares and had criticized the lack of strategy of management.The tone was mounted and Philippe Camus, a member of the sponsorship of the Lagardère group, the AMF had seized a few days before the general meeting, marveling at the distortion between saber rattling by Guy Wyser-Pratte and the reality of the impact of the two draft resolutions.

Strategy of focusing

Arnaud Lagardère had benefited from the rostrum of the General Assembly to address the critical Guy Wyser-Pratte. Some time after the general meeting, it had sold substantially all of its shares, pocketing a nice way to gain. Today, he is left only about 100,000 titles.

The tension had fallen, but after this episode heated, the Lagardère Group has implemented a strategy of refocusing on its core businesses – publishing, distribution, media and sport – and the country where he holds a position leadership.Suddenly, the group undertook to sell all of its minority, especially in Canal + France, the Amaury group and the group Marie-Claire. For now, these sales have stalled. However, Lagardère Active has led to the charge of selling most of its international press center to the American group Hearst, to 654 million euros. This represents a hundred titles in a dozen countries.

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Much bagaille should be avoided. While seven union stewards and hostesses of Air France had filed a strike notice for the next weekend (July 29 to August 1), the airline has come this Saturday morning to sign the minutes of end of conflict with union representatives. What not to many flight cancellations in the great cross-driven summer from July to August, and escape the nightmare scenario met in mid-July by the customers of Air Algeria. The Algerian company was also affected by a strike of its crews, resulting in the virtual paralysis of European flights to the country.

Whereas yesterday, the agreement has been finally found Saturday afternoon between the airline and the Inter (CGT, CFDT, CFTC, Unac, NPNC and UNSA), resulting in the lifting of the strike notice filed Monday.Only Southern Air has so far not given its approval. The seven organizations representing the commercial crews (PNC) called for the opening of negotiations on the organization of work, especially in the bases in the provinces, but also the medium-haul and long haul. This is now done, the group of Pierre-Henri Gourgeon has agreed to reopen discussions on the new rules of work (rest, compensation) provided to counter competition from low cost carriers.

Reopen negotiations next week

On this point, the flight attendants are opposed to such requirements in the new provincial bases (Marseille and Nice, Toulouse and Bordeaux) and denounce the proposed removal of a sailing aboard the Airbus A319 payday advance.They are supported in their claims by two minority unions of pilots (SPAF and Alter) who in turn refused to lift their notice for the next weekend. "The company has agreed to supply four A319 in the PNC until September 15," said Philippe Sport at UNSA. If it is impossible to have this number, the flight attendants should receive compensation (rest or premium). For its part, Air France said that the continuation of strike notice SPAF and Alter would have no significant impact on traffic. The reopening of negotiations with the flight crew should take place in the course of next week.

Still, the difficulties are not entirely discarded the French company, far from it. Management must also deal with Algeria-leAir SNPL resumption of talks, the union super majority in pilots.While the SNPL signed to 54% the proposed new work organization. But this time, the battle moves to the front of pensions. The powerful union remains opposed to the proposed reform of the pension fund additional pilots. Where a notice of strike filed this time from August 5 to 8, another busy weekend on the front of air traffic and going on holiday.

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The richest of Spaniards loose the reins of his empire. Amancio Ortega, founder of the Zara stores, transfers Tuesday's CEO to his current vice-president, Pablo Isla. At 75, Ortega also embodies a decision announced six months ago with a simple letter to staff. He leaves to his successor an empire, Inditex, built in thirty-six out of nothing. A juggernaut of ready-to-wear boutiques strong 5000 installed in 77 countries, employing over 100,000 people, realizing 12.5 billion euro of revenue.

For the Spanish, Amancio Ortega is the archetype of the autodidact. A mismo hombre hecho a if. The son of a railroad fortune became the seventh world.The teenager who was scraping by delivering luxury liners became a billionaire by making clothes … cheap!

Born in the province of Leon in 1936, at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, the young Amancio has experienced the dark years of the postwar period. In his authorized biography, it evokes a memory which has profoundly affected. When he was 12, he intends to apologize to the shopkeeper his mother not being able to give him credit. Amancio then promises to never know hunger. He left school to accept a job as a deliveryman in a store of men's shirts in La Coruna.

A workhorse

Ortega never left textiles. He designed his first model and offers its employers. He was then assisted by his sister, brother, sister-and that would become his wife Rosalia Mera.The first article is a dressing gown, sold – already! – Half the price than the competition … Little by little, the small group up a workshop and a shop, Goa in 1963.

In 1975, was born in La Coruña the first Zara store. Then everything is accelerating proliferation of shops in the 1970s, internationalization in the years 1980 and 1990, IPO in 2001, opening in 2010 of the online store payday advance… Each time, Ortega is in charge. His method: "I always thought that to be successful, we needed each day to the organization upside down."

A workhorse in shirtsleeves and with a revolutionary grounded. This is at least the image he projects. For the richest man in Spain is also one of the most discreet.It was not until 1998 and agrees that Ortega is disseminated a picture of him! He shuns interviews like the plague. We know that the billionaire just enjoy the simple pleasures, such as scrambled eggs with chorizo ​​and potatoes …

The discretion surrounding his private life also. Twice married, Ortega is the father of three children. His first wife Rosalia Mera, is co-founder of Inditex and occupies the 258th place on the Forbes list of richest people in the world. His current wife, Flora Pérez, was the employee of a Zara store, she became one of his key advisers.She gave him a daughter and, say, a possible heir, Marta Ortega.

The captain, however, given the helm to his right arm, Pablo Isla, who has already indicated he intended to follow the course: "2011 will be another year of significant investments to grow the company and create jobs." The conquest of new markets, particularly in Asia, and the acceleration of Internet sales are part of its priorities.

Marta Ortega, too, has been heavily involved in the family firm. However, at age 27, she was probably not ready to take the helm. Not yet, some analysts nuance. The war chest, at least, it deserves. Amancio Inditex owns 60%, through the foundation Amancio Ortega. And, while he yielded to Isla management of the company, Ortega has offered his daughter as President of the foundation.In Madrid and La Coruna, speculation is rife about the future and ambitions of each of the supposed heirs.

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Publicis, the French media group, acquired 51% of the New York agency Big Fuel, specialized in communication on social networks. The agreement gives the public an opportunity to increase its stake to 100% from 2014, said the French communications giant. Big Fuel will join other agencies digital (Digitas, Razorfish …) Publicis in VivaKi.

Armed with 170 employees, Big Fuel shares many customers with Publicis, including General Motors, McDonald's, Microsoft or T-Mobile. The agency has grown 500% in 2010 and generated $ 10 million in sales. In 2011, its turnover is expected to reach $ 30 million.

For several months, multiple audiences, he, acquisitions, aiming to take 35% of its revenue from digital by 2013.He has already approached 30%, since the purchase in May, the U.S. interactive marketing group Rosetta.

According to research firm eMarketer, worldwide spending on social networks will reach nearly $ 6 billion this year, with $ 3.1 billion expected in the United States and 2.9 billion in the world.

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In this July 14, time is not at the party to the Paris Bourse. While markets were able to recover, both in Europe and the United States, the problems of sovereign debt are the plunge again. The CAC 40, which started on a steep decline of 1.05% to 3754.57 points, stagnating at this level. At mid-session, it loses 1.21% to 3747.23 points. Same movement in the rest of Europe: the London Stock Exchange was down 1.07% to 5843.50 points and the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange lost 0.89% to 7203.33 points.

Last night, the rating agency Moody's has attacked the United States. She threatens to lose its triple A country in the coming weeks if Congress fails to reach an agreement to raise the ceiling on the national debt. Failing such agreement, the U.S. could miss some payments on government bonds in circulation, she says.Moody's became the first of the three major rating agencies to place the note under review with the U.S. risk of a downgrade. Before that, the Fed chairman Ben Bernanke had been very concerned about. He reiterated Wednesday that "a failure of the United States on its debts, or its commitments to its own citizens, would create a major crisis."

This warning shot accentuates Moody's concerns over debt problems in Europe. Last night also, Fitch downgraded the sovereign rating three notches to Greece, CCC, B + cons before, dangerously close to the category of issuers insolvent. The euro zone continued for its part to be divided on the question of a possible failure of Greece, which should ultimately be decided next week at a summit of heads of state and gouvernemnet the 17 countries of the euro.

Proof of the strong market stress, Italy on Thursday issued nearly 3 billion euros of bonds maturing in 2016 and 2026 interest rates have reached record levels (4.93% for securities due 2016 and 5.90% for those maturing in 2026).

Inflation has stabilized in the euro area

In this turbulent macroeconomic environment, the indicators of the day should not influence investors. Inflation remained stable in June in the euro area to 2.7% year on year, as in May, said Thursday the EU statistics office Eurostat confirmed its preliminary estimate. Overseas are expected retail sales, the weekly jobless claims and business inventories.

On the currency side, the euro gained ground against a dollar under pressure after a warning from the rating agency Moody's. The single European currency is worth 1.4224 dollars against 1.4153 dollars last night.Oil prices are without direction, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August lost a cent to 98.04 dollars while that of Brent North Sea crude for delivery the same takes 14 cents to 118.92 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

Banking

Degradation of Greece and the threat to the United States stirred sector. Societe Generale (-2.35% to 35.14 euros), Credit Agricole (-2.20% to 8.76 euros), Natixis (-2.02% to 3.20 euros), AXA (-1.53 % to 13.80 euros) and BNP Paribas (-1.51% to 45.81 euros) are all in dark red.

Stallergènes: 2.73% to 53 euros

The laboratory has revised upward Wednesday its annual target of revenue after a first half marked by a growth of 10% despite a disturbed environment.

BioAlliance Pharma: 1.68% to 5.45 euros

The group announced Wednesday that two of its drugs in development each had entered a new phase with the regulator allowing the biotechnology company to confirm the schedule announced for these two products.

Air France: -1.39% to 9.45 euros

Two minority unions of pilots, SPAF and Alter, called for a strike from 29 July to 1 August to express their disagreement with the draft "bases province" of the company.

Lafarge: 0.25% to 39.73 euros

The group announced Thursday a plan for disposal of plaster activities in Europe and South America for 1 billion euros.Lafarge says is in exclusive talks with the group Etex, based in Belgium.

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