Netgem manages the challenge of internationalization - March 29, 2012

 

Netgem's story is that of a French SME which was dependent to 80% of a customer, in this case SFR, and in two years managed to change their business model. Netgem provides software and hardware solutions to Internet service providers. For the individual, it is neither more nor less than his TV decoder, when received by the ADSL.

In 2011, Netgem has achieved a turnover of 84.7 million euros and a net profit of 10.7 million euros, although still far from some 130 million euros in turnover in 2009. But for Christophe Aulnette, Netgem's boss, the real satisfaction is no longer dependent on SFR. "With the deployment of the brand and the rate of French household equipment, our prospects were reduced," said Christophe Aulnette, whose activity is linked almost exclusively to equipment levels.  

"We have crossed an important milestone: the diversification," said Christophe Aulnette. In Australia, the group signed a contract with the operator Telstra, and its products now equip 280,000 homes. It is also present in Mexico or Poland. "We had to structure our offer differently. We had a product for a customer. Now, we are present in different countries with different needs and different languages, "said Christophe Aulnette, who is pleased to have limited the increase in operating costs.

Netgem is also developing applications for TV connected adapted to local needs. "In Asia, it takes karaoke, Australia Formula V8-racing these cars than Australians love …," says the boss of Netgem, which aims to further increase its international presence going to win new customers. For this, Netgem set including the ability to offer user-friendly solutions for end users of online services. For example, the possibility to search for a VOD movie by typing the title.

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Henri Chenot spa implanted in Marrakech - March 28, 2012

 

The worldwide success of the Palace Merano awakens vocations. Set in the Italian Tyrol, this luxury hotel is always full. Its 95 rooms are occupied exclusively by spa guests, attracted by the Espace Henri Chenot. In the 1970s, Henri Chenot, had created a degree in biology lab phytocosmetics and herbal medicine, where he developed new techniques of thalassotherapy. His latest concept is the "Biontology", which studies the evolution of psychological aging.

At 4500 euros per week, the patients of the Merano Palace have access to a range of treatments tailored to fight against overweight and stress, or devoted to anti-aging and "health and prevention." Formerly mainly Italian clientele is now more balanced, with customers from the Eastern (25%) and the Middle East. Enough to give ideas to entrepreneurs. "We receive 90 to 100 requests per year for up branches," says Henri Chenot, who refuses almost all.

Of employees trained in Merano

His company was still eight years ago opened its first center of vitality in Moscow, in partnership with a local contractor. She now has three others in Greece, in Brescia (Italy) and Kenya, in a hotel owned by the former boss of F1 team Flavio Briatore. The latter also has a project center in London Henri Chenot. The fifth Henri Chenot spa will open in September near Marrakech, on the road to the Atlas, always in partnership with a local contractor cash advance loan no fax.

"Every time our employees spend in training academy Merano, insists Henri Chenot, who is above all to control the quality of service provision. And our quality control department visits them regularly. "

Cosmetic line

The businessman also multiplies diversification. It was created in 2008 an own research laboratory in Merano, particularly concerned with quality protein, where it has invested over $ 6 million. What started, a few months ago, a skin care line produced locally. For now, it is sold at Merano and inner vitality. But by summer, Henri Chenot could sign partnerships to distribute in perfumery chains.

Other ongoing diversification, a range of dietary supplements. Our researcher was able to freeze dry milk products without losing the effectiveness of active ingredients and without altering the taste. It is currently seeking partners for distribution in pharmacies or supermarkets.

No question, however, to sell his empire. If the Merano Palace belongs to an Italian property developer, Henri Chenot, who gets paid in royalties, has a right of redemption. Potential buyers must necessarily go through it

.

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Corsica cut in subsidies from SNCM - March 26, 2012

 

The National Society Corse Méditerranée (SNCM) lost Friday the benefit of much of the subsidies it enjoyed. The Corsican Assembly voted Friday because the new methods of shipping services to the island. As expected, the recommendations of the Executive were followed. The new public service delegation (PSD) – the former was denounced by the Administrative Court of Appeal of Marseilles in November – no longer subsidize the transport 410,000 passengers a year against more than one million currently, and in 1600 linear meters of cargo, with rotations of 23 weekly frequencies between Marseille and the five Corsican ports. A reduction of 60% compared to the old contract. An endowment called "complementary service" financing maritime connections during peak periods, especially with the summer influx of tourists, will also be more funded Territorial Community of Corsica (CTC).

To justify its decision, the CTC relies on the argument selected by the judges that the DSP can step in to fill gaps in the competitive sector, and therefore should not subsidize the boats during peak periods, especially in summer when no shortage of passengers. A so-called "welfare", denounced as a form of disguised subsidy to reduce the ticket prices, has finally been removed. The CTC also rejected the principle of territorial continuity Toulon harbor, stronghold of the private company Corsica Ferries, whose vessels fly the Italian flag and holds the key market share in passenger traffic, but where SNCM restored for several month rotations to develop its business in the transport of goods no teletrek payday advance.

A study commission

These decisions may seal the fate of the shipping company. She will have to separate at least two car ferries (which carried 540,000 passengers last year) and 800 employees in 2000, warned Marc Dufour, chief executive. Above all, he feared not being able to compete with its competitor. He tells the Sunday newspaper as Corsica Ferries employs half as many employees it pays three to four times cheaper because it hires mostly foreign sailors in CSD.

Given the risk of new social plan, 400 jobs have already been abolished in 2008, unions are mobilizing. The CGT has filed a strike notice from Tuesday, March 27. Its manager, Frederic Alpozzo, called competitors to comply with the rules of French labor law and owners of SNCM, the Transdev group Veolia (66%) and state (25%) to bail out the company. If the state remains silent, Veolia, which began its withdrawal from the transport sector, has already proposed to the community of Corsica to regain its majority stake in the company privatized in 2005 for a symbolic euro. A proposal described as grotesque by the Transportation Agency of Corsica. Veolia representatives must meet the elected this week. CTC in turn did not close all doors. The proposal for a study commission to create a regional shipping company was also adopted by the Assembly on Friday.

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Formula 1 has advantages to attract the Exchange - March 25, 2012

 

Sport could finally do the happiness of stock? The question then arises as Formula One, which manages the commercial rights of the discipline, study according to the Anglo-Saxon media, an IPO. This is not the first time that the idea is gaining ground. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of the company, has already mentioned this possibility last year. But never as many details had been revealed about this operation, which would value the company $ 10 billion according to Bloomberg. Earlier in the week, Sky News had also expressed intentions to CVC Capital Partners, which controls 63.5% of Formula 1. According to the website of the television, the shareholder would indeed hired investment bank Goldman Sachs to forge ahead on the future of the world circuit most important motorsport.

Sport and Stock Exchange, a complicated marriage

This is also on the leadership that rely owners of Formula One Management (FOM), to make a successful entry into markets. For sports and stock market do not always mix. For example, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has seen its market capitalization divided by six since his arrival in the financial center there are just five years. Last year, Manchester United, who had wanted to try the adventure market in Singapore and raise a billion dollars, for its part has suspended its project in a context of excessive market volatility.

But nervousness is not the whole market. Penalized by poor financial performance and balance sheets generally very degraded, sports clubs, particularly football, are struggling to attract investors. If in France, the situation has improved, English clubs can not be said. Despite his efforts, Manchester United still showed impressive end of 2011 a debt of 523.84 million euros, the largest European professional clubs.

A strong brand

What is not, in the opinion of the brokers, the case of Formula 1. "FOM has a strong brand and a significant market share, said one analyst told Reuters. This is probably one of the few players in the world to know host races of this caliber direct payday lenders. This puts them in a better position than Manchester United to win the financial markets. " This bonus increases indeed the leading attraction for sponsors for the company, and enhances its flexibility in negotiating rights TVs.

However not enough to persuade management teams to subscribe to the possible operation. Two days before the Malaysian Grand Prix, they explained they were not interested in buying shares. The priority is to "reduce costs, since many teams are now struggling to survive", explained Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren boss, during a press conference in Malaysia.

Asian craze for Formula 1

The stock market will also play on the success of the operation. Several sources said the leaders would consider an introduction to Singapore, which aims to become a place of major Asia-Pacific. The option is more plausible that Bernie Ecclestone has repeatedly explained that the number of Grand Prix raced in Europe would be decreasing in favor of Asia, Russia or South Africa. Sign of the popularity of these areas for motorsport, nine of 20 races of the 2012 season will take place in Asia or the Far East. Since 2008, Singapore also hosts his own F1 Grand Prix.

Beyond the successful introduction, the company must demonstrate its ability to create value for its shareholders. From this point of view, the available data are still insufficient. However, according to CVC, annual revenues of Formula One would reach 1.17 billion euros in 2011 and could surpass the two billion dollars (1.52 billion euros) this year according to Formula Money. With the arrival of new GP in Russia or the United States, the magazine estimates that the commercial rights of F1 will increase 50% by 2015, reaching $ 2.9 billion (2.21 billion euros).

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Employees of Sernam sequester their leaders - March 22, 2012

 

The conflict became more radical in Sernam. Employees of Miramas, in the Bouches-du-Rhone, sequester since Wednesday afternoon their director and director of human resources (HR), confirmed on Thursday the group management messaging and express transportation.

Twenty employees of the carrier in bankruptcy protest in this way against their future lay. "We are 48 employees on site, not including temporary workers and subcontractors, and we will all lose our jobs. Nobody listens to us, this action is a cry for help, a last stand ", told AFP Boborykine Nicolas, one of the employees concerned.

According to Maxime Dumont, secretary general of CFDT, a third person, the head of the agency Miramas, would also be sequestered. "These three leaders were present last week at the demonstration outside the Ministry of Transport", is surprised the union, which states that this initiative was taken by employees only, regardless of any union.

Fine

Under bankruptcy protection since the end of January, the group Sernam, a former subsidiary of SNCF privatized in 2005, hopes to be back. Only Geodis, a subsidiary of SNCF specialized in logistics, has so far made an offer of partial recovery of the group, together with BMV. This offer provides for the retention of 820 jobs over the current 1,600. Employees of Miramas would do no such party.

This offer is however weakened by a conflict between Sernam and the European regulator fast payday loan. European Commission demands repayment of 642 million illegal aid paid by the French shortly before the privatization of the group. Geodis an invoice does not wish to pay: the logistics company made it clear that the implementation of its proposed takeover was conditional "on condition that it can be a substitution of debtor." Clearly, Geodis will not resume Sernam if it involves the payment of 642 million euros.

Reclassification

The government said Tuesday he would introduce in the coming days to appeal against the decision of the Commission. He hopes to obtain the required fine is not automatically transferred to the potential buyer.

Let there be recovery or not, the future of employees made redundant Sernam been negotiating with companies, for possible reclassification. "Monday we hold a roundtable with business messaging," said Maxime Dumont. If a reclassification within the station is currently not on the agenda, the public company no longer owns the Sernam over twelve years, several of his filales would instead volunteer.

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Franchises: 92 networks created in 2011 - March 21, 2012

 

With over 62,000 franchised units recorded at the end of 2011, for a turnover of 49 billion euros, the franchise remains a dynamic sector in the economic universe French. According to statistics from the French Franchise Federation (FFF), which holds up to Wednesday night's annual meeting at the Porte de Versailles, 92 new franchise networks were launched last year (for a total of 1569 ). However, some areas are most promising and lucrative than others. Especially, new areas, some surfing very clearly on the crisis, appear and arouse vocations, especially since in their general admission tickets are more affordable.

Overall winner, the 7313 claim services auto franchises across 61 networks. Midas (315 service centers, fast), for example, announces the hiring of 50 franchises this year (either by creation or by recovery sites). Candidates must, however, an investment fund of between 160,000 and 250,000 euros, with 30% minimum down payment. Short-term rental is also dynamic with Rent a Car (480 stores including 200 franchisees) which expects 10 new franchises this year, while Ada is a net balance of 20 openings (for a total network of 480 agencies) .

Ten franchises for over Legendre

Another promising sector, fast food, where we no longer launches, which counted at the end of last year franchises for 3740 123 networks (20 more in a year). One example, Subway, the specialist sandwich and salads, has announced no fewer than 90 new restaurants in 2011, crossing at the same time the 300 units operated under franchise in France instant credit report. Among the newest signs, Basil & Co, a concept of takeaway pizzas (entrance fee to 60,000 euros). In catering to themes (1101 deductibles and 79 networks), the time is in development with Memphis Coffee, which provides a dozen openings this year with a target turnover of 20 million euros. As for La Boucherie, it plans 20 new restaurants this year (including 10 free) and will recruit 350 people. In total, the company has 83 restaurants for a turnover of 83 million euros.

In the services sector, the academic support stand. During the Legendre who launched the franchise last year with a target network of 50 agencies in 2015, currently has ten franchises (including Toulouse, Pau, Bordeaux, Lyon, Annecy or Saint-Etienne). "For the first year of operation, the agency is a forecast of around 200,000 euros in business volume on average, for the only activity being at home," said Olivier Gresse, marketing director. During the Legendre in 2011 showed a turnover up 13 million euros (+10%) and this year expect a growth of 10%. For its part, Anacours (4.9 million euros of turnover) announces ten new franchises in 2012, while during Ado (23 agencies, including 3 branches), provides eight openings free.

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Adriana Karembeu invests campsites - March 19, 2012

 

The former model, founder and vice president of her cosmetics company AKD, more frequent luxury hotels as campsites. SME's, registered nearly a year since the free market to the Paris Stock Exchange, sells creams, perfumes and manages seven spas in posh hotels, France, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. Others will hatch in Morocco and Tunisia, where Arab Spring did take a little delay in his plans.

AKD spas (1.6 million euros of turnover) are to exhibit at the franchise to accelerate their development. And the young woman has also decided to "democratize the use of the spa." To initiate the largest number of women relaxing virtues of these Care, AKD has partnered with Sunelia, which manages high quality campsites compounds, quaint wooden mobile homes easy payday loans. Announced these days at the World Tourism Fair, these spas are composed of three mobile homes and an outdoor Jacuzzi. They offer from this spring packages discovery from 30 euros for two days with campers looking for a wellness break.

And try to win over families staying in summer within 30 campsites Sunelia. Adriana Karembeu is set to make a short tour of these places to stay four or five stars, in Ardèche, in Gironde, in the Eastern Pyrenees, Corsica or in Loire-Atlantique

.

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"NRJ has the ambition to surpass RTL" - March 17, 2012

 

Four years after the return at the helm of Jean-Paul Baudecroux, indicators of the NRJ Group are green. The station NRJ has returned to the second radio station in France and the pole made of TV NRJ 12, NRJ Paris, NRJ Hits has reached equilibrium. In 2011, NRJ Group posted a turnover of 377.5 million euros (+9.9%) and net profit of EUR 45.6 million (41.2%).

LE FIGARO. – In 2011, the results of NRJ Group rebounded. The dark years are erased?

John Paul BAUDECROUX. – This is the result of hard work on our four radio stations and our television. The sales grew faster than the market thanks to the work of our national and local advertising. Finally, careful management has allowed the net to rebound by 41%.

NRJ can it become the first radio station in France?

We aim to exceed legitimate RTL. I dream that the first radio station in France is French. NRJ collects 6 million listeners a day and all of our stations cumulative 12.13 million listeners per day. The bulk of the work of registration stations has been done and now there are some settings that will bear fruit in one year. On the station NRJ, all our slots have grown and Cauet, in the second season, capitalizing on its success. The morning of Manu made good scores and produce its full effect next season. He signed a contract for two seasons.

After seven years, the television division is finally balanced?

If the end of the year was better, the television division would have made money instead of just at equilibrium. Our channel NRJ Hits became the first music channel on cable and satellite and NRJ 12 is now the third TNT channel, behind TMC and W9 with an audience share of 3.8% on the target of 15-34 years.

Finally, you win money, why would reinvest in a new DTT channel?

Because I like to develop projects and we are not here to make financial transactions on the frequencies. As entrepreneurs, we prefer to construct heritage assets. If the Higher Audiovisual Council gives us an additional string, we will invest 110 million euros over five years. But that will strengthen our position in the advertising market. And, more importantly, it will devote our role as the fourth operator private broadcasting French. NRJ 12 already, we just launched the production of a daily French fiction whose 1st release is planned in September. The CSA has the option, giving us a new DTT channel, to rebalance the French media landscape in terms of advertising support for audiovisual production and pluralism around four main actors sound and sustainable.

You have submitted three projects announced chains but you have a preference for Darling HD. Why?

The President of the CSA and a counselor I have questioned my preference and I answered with complete transparency. But if the CSA gives us another channel, we will accept it as our three projects-My NRJ, Chérie Nosta TV and HD are all worthy projects. However, Cherie HD, feminine chain, a target audience of 25 to 49, which corresponds to that already addressed by our advertising. This will allow then to consolidate his power. Above all, we believe that our chain is the female who best meets the public expectations on TNT.

Your broadcasting subsidiary Towercast is it still for sale?

Towercast, which ensures the broadcasting of digital radio and television, thrives, conquered about 20% market share and posted strong profitability. And with the arrival of six new DTT channels in high definition, the broadcast market will continue to rise. We hope to enjoy. However, this asset is not in our heart of business and if an investor offers us a good price, I will examine the proposal.

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The IMF announces the end of the recession in Greece in 2013 - March 16, 2012

 

Greece will emerge from recession in 2013. This is the International Monetary Fund that the announcement. But the institution is forecasting growth of Greek GDP globally zero throughout this year. The IMF estimates that the Greek gross domestic product to fall by 4.8% in 2012 after falling 6.9% in 2011. In December, he estimated that GDP would fall by 3.0% in 2012 after falling 6.0% in 2011 and that growth would reach 0.3% in 2013.

The new forecast of the Fund are contained in a statement issued after the green light by its board of directors to a new program of financial assistance to Greece for a period of four years and $ 28 billion . The IMF said the new facility was designed to "support the economic adjustment program of the authorities" Greek.

After the explosions of popular anger that accompanied the introduction of austerity in Greece, the Fund notes that the new economic program agreed between Athens and creditors of the country aims "to restore competitiveness and growth, restore sustainable public finances and return to financial stability. "

"The authorities have readjusted the strategy of their program to put more emphasis on the implementation of structural reforms to accelerate economic growth and employment," the statement added.

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The majority of U.S. banks judged strong - March 14, 2012

 

Most large U.S. banks is able to overcome a financial crisis. This is certainly the conclusion of the results of resistance testing revealed last night by the Federal Reserve. Of the 19 institutions subjected to these "stress tests", 15 would indeed sufficient liquidity in case of extreme shock such as a new unemployment rate rose to 13% of the workforce, a 50% drop in stock markets or a 21% drop in housing prices.

Bank of New York Mellon is well regarded by the U.S. central bank as the most solid ratio with a "tier one" capital of 13.1%. It is followed by State Street with 12.5% ​​and 10.8% with American Express. JP Morgan, Wells Fargo or US Bancorp have also successfully passed the tests with the ratio of "tier one" above 6%, threshold set by the Fed to pass the stress tests. The results of these tests are also used by the Fed or not to give the green light to increased dividends and share repurchase programs.

Citigroup needs to review its plans

And even before the results are announced, JPMorgan had surprised the markets yesterday by announcing in the afternoon that the Fed had the authority to raise its dividend and buy back its own shares guaranteed approval cash loans. Wells Fargo has followed suit by announcing it would double its dividend. Results, the shares have soared on the stock market: JPMorgan was up 7.03% to 43.40 dollars, Wells Fargo soared 5.8% to 33.30 dollars and Bank of America has won 6, 3% to $ 8.50. The benchmark index of financial stocks gained nearly 4% yesterday on Wall Street.

In contrast, Citigroup has collapsed by more than 4% in after market trading, after finishing the session up 6.3%. Markets have indeed sanctioned the bank is one of four institutions recalibrated to stress tests. With a ratio of "Tier" of 4.9%, the third largest bank does not meet the strength requirements set by the Fed. Similarly, Ally Financial, SunTrust and MetLife have not passed the tests and are considered too little capital. These four institutions will therefore have to increase their capital and they will not distribute any dividend. Citigroup announced it would present a new financing plan from the Fed.

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