Video Games: in the master but disillusioned music - February 15, 2011

Prepare a disco ball, dance floor becomes your living room. The trend of video games is now at the dance. With already two million copies sold worldwide, Michael Jackson: The Experience is the box unchallenged in recent weeks.

The French group Ubisoft, publisher of the game of King of Pop, but also for Just Dance (5.4 million copies sold) and Just Dance 2 (5.6 million) which places it in pole position in dancing games and wishes to maintain its lead. April 14th, will be released on the console version KINECTS Michael Jackson: The Experience, "which has very little to do with his eldest," entrust jeuxactu.com journalists who went to Montreal, where the largest local society, and where the game is designed.

Through a proprietary technology Ubisoft (the Player Projections), the player himself who is on the screen.It's not like on the Wii to reproduce the best possible gloved hand of Michael Jackson. This time, each movement of the head, feet, hands and hips is projected onto the character. "If you're not a god of dance, it's going to see right away, especially since version enhances KINECTS a notch," it warns in jeuxactu.com. Suffice to say that the moonwalk risk of damage … Little extra special: it is also possible to sing Michael Jackson. Still a very difficult exercise.

KINECTS already on the game Dance Central Harmonix has already sold 1 Business Card Holders.7 million units.Real success for these artists signed authentic choreography pop, hip-hop and R & B like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and Nelly Furtado.

If Dance Central has sold three times less than Just Dance 2, it must be nuanced: now, worldwide, more than 8 million were sold KINECTS … cons nearly 85 million for the Wii.

However, for musicians, it's time to disillusionment as the famous guitar playing Guitar Hero hung up. The sauce was not taking and profits for the company crumbled Activision (Vivendi). Guitar Hero: Smash Hits or Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock have each sold less than 500,000 copies since its release in the United States.

This blow is the telltale sign of a decline in music games. But it benefits at least in Rock Band.The game, launched by Harmonix but also for Electronic Arts, recreates a real band, with guitarist and drummer, bassist and singer. "Harmonix and Rock Band will continue to innovate and invent new approaches in the genre of music game," Harmonix responded immediately after the announcement of the "death" of her baby, Guitar Hero.

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SICAV: a new European directive will change the rules - February 9, 2011

Done quickly. Bercy wants to transpose the new European directive on mutual funds (UCITS IV) well before the deadline of July 1, not to penalize French management companies. The preliminary stage of public consultation on the draft text, will end Feb. 11.

This directive must enhance competition among managers in Europe and bring down a few more boundaries. It should also widen the choice of funds offered to investors and improve their information.

One objective is to reduce the number of funds in Europe, now bloated. "In the U.S., funds are fewer and manage larger amounts. They benefit from economies of scale, "said Benoit Durand, director of customer service at Edmond de Rothschild AM. Mergers between funds from different countries, for example between a fund and a fund French Luxembourg, will therefore be permitted.Management companies can streamline their product lines. They will be encouraged because it will also become easier to market across Europe the same fund.

Simplified formalities

On Tuesday, they must deliver a complex issue to the regulator of each country, who often wait several months before giving its approval. "From 1 July, the governor of the country of origin (eg the AMF in France) will forward the request directly to the foreign regulator, and marketing approval will be given within ten days," adds Benoît Durand Low fee payday loans. A godsend for many French managers who, faced with a collection half-mast in France, to promote their dream of mutual funds in other countries.

But this is not enough.For, even today, some investors, for regulatory reasons or psychological prefer local funds, managed in their country. For example, some institutional funds that buy German German law, established by management companies located in Germany. The new directive will also drop this barrier by allowing management companies to launch European funds under German law, French, English … without being based in those countries. A British manager based in London and will offer French funds, or German, for example, investors in these countries.

Investors can more easily compare products.The document key information for investors (Dici), each of these investments will be staffed, will be established in the same format for all societies in all countries.

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LVMH and Hermes seem open to dialogue - February 5, 2011

The euphoria of the excellent results posted by Hermes and LVMH seems to have appeased the spirits. Both groups are waging a war of trenches since Oct. 23, when LVMH reported holding more than 17% stake in Hermes, a stake raised to 20.21% since.

"I think we must stop this war," confided Thursday Patrick Thomas, the manager of Hermes, in Challenges. "Our investment is very peaceful and aims to be a movement of family support and strategy," insisted Friday Bernard Arnault, boss of LVMH. The latter is certainly still make its voice heard. "We are a shareholder peaceful but not passive, he warns.We want to be an active shareholder, but we will not be a shareholder activist. "The tone is less virulent than early November, when Thomas and Patrick Bertrand Puech summoned Bernard Arnault to" withdraw "and that it involved the management Patrick Thomas.

In recent weeks, the highest state authorities, concerned about the image of the Paris, had recommended the two parties to stop s'invectiver, until the courts decide their disputes. First, the AMF investigation for several more months, the conditions of the rise of LVMH capital of Hermes.On the other hand, the Court of Appeal of Paris will decide, earlier this summer, the exemption granted by the AMF to the heirs of the family Hermes, who want to establish a holding company owning more than 50% stake in saddle without launching a takeover bid on all the securities thereof.

In the meantime, both parties might have an interest to enter into discussions to find a modus vivendi. " Especially as the heirs Hermes and LVMH ensure all be present in the capital of Hermes for "the very long term electronic check payday advance." Officially, no negotiation is involved. But according to our information, contacts were made between LVMH and Hermes for ten days, bankers and lawyers interposed boards. And slopes are emerging, which could foreshadow a possible common ground.

Possible partnerships

Hermes side, Patrick Thomas is concerned about the narrowness of the floating action of cowhide.LVMH has acquired 20% stake, the family controlling 73%, the balance of securities on the market is too small for the other shareholders receive a quality market. He gave an indication Thursday that he believed "would float of 15%."

This certainly implies that LVMH reduces by 20% to 15% its stake. But nothing would prevent the group to stand next purchaser of the securities that the heirs would eventually Hermes in the market. Each year, there may be an "erosion" of a few tenths of a percentage point of their participation, according to individual needs. For his part, Bernard Arnault LVMH proposed yesterday that could "make a number of benefits at strategic and operational, without further consideration that our current involvement."Hermes and LVMH could therefore build partnerships that would not touch the heart of their identities, such as real estate or buying advertising space. The views are far apart, but the groundwork for a possible dialogue are asked.

Hermes reorganizes its executive committee

The luxury group Hermes announced Friday in a statement a reorganization of its executive committee from May 2 to "strengthen" its operational efficiency and to "support its strong growth."

CGT: premature departure of Bernard Thibault for - January 27, 2011

The leader of the CGT would be "tired". According to reports on Thursday morning Parisien – Aujourd'hui en France, Bernard Thibault, head of the union confederation since 1999, decided to leave the ship. He had already informed, on 21 and December 22, his closest aides of his decision not to overcome the three-year term which was given in 2009. "I'm leaving at the end of the year, so that my successor is in place before the presidential elections," reports the newspaper a part of the CGT.

Since his re-election to Congress in Nantes comfortable, the difficulties faced union leader have indeed multiplied.The failure of the battle of the CGT against the pension reform, the union's internal difficulties, the decline in weight in the union strongholds such as RATP, EDF or My Computer, the difficulty to position itself politically before the 2012 election , not to mention personal problems: Many factors seem to have converged to decide Bernard Thibault to leave office prematurely cheap credit report.

To succeed him, it is decided to promote the candidacy of a woman. "He always said," confirms a close in the "Parisien, Aujourd'hui en France". His choice would have finally settled on Nadine Prigent, nurse and secretary general of the CGT Health. Other possible contenders remain, however, as Frederic Imbrecht, head of the federation mines and energy.

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Brussels objects to Paris and Berlin on European aid fund - January 12, 2011

The hit show Portugal's hardly over, Europe is torn again saving the eurozone, which could weigh on markets in the coming hours, while Spain and Italy back on bond markets, tomorrow, Thursday.

Fed by a forum of European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Olli Rehn, who made the headlines in the Financial Times today, about a possible increase in the European Financial Stability Fund (FESF), have excited the good Traders' mood at the time when Portugal launched its test broadcast markets.

On to Ireland, FESF today with a lending capacity of 440 billion euros, an amount considered sufficient to rescue Portugal, but falls far short of needs if Spain, and especially the Italy had to be rescued.The IMF had called for the end of 2010 a doubling of funds to reassure the markets.

The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, for the first time, today called for strengthening the lending capacity of the Fund, by requiring Member States to take a decision by February 4, dated next European Council.

"The Commission made clear that we consider the actual capacity of the loan must be strengthened and that the scope of its activities should be expanded," said Jose Manuel Barroso during a news conference in Brussels. "It is quite possible to make these decisions not later than the next European Council in February," he added.

Enlargement "not necessary"

Germany has sharply reacted to the coup of the EU executive, made "without consultation with capitals," according to European diplomats."It is not sensible nor necessary to discuss an enlargement of this fund," said Steffen Seibert, spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Aligned with Germany, France made a statement offended. "France considers that the current capacity of the Fund are large enough to meet the demands" of any country in difficulty, "said government spokesman Baroin. "The position of Commissioner is a contribution to the debate. This is not the agenda of the next European council of ministers, "he added.

Commissioner Olli Rehn ensures that increasing the Fund was raised in Brussels, during preparatory meetings for the next Ecofin of 17 and 18 January.

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Accor and discuss on Fimalac Barrier - January 9, 2011

Fimalac wants afford Accor Casinos. Accor, which still holds 49% share of Casino Lucien Barriere, came under discussion with the holding company Fimalac, announced the holding company and the giant hotel, confirming information Wansquare. "If the talks succeed, Fimalac inform the market with a new release," said the holding company of French businessman Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere.

Neither group has characterized these negotiations exclusive.

Accor thus remained in the process, begun there On several months of separating from its casinos Lucien Barriere. Last October, there was talk that the casino operator is introduced in Exchange, but Accor has canceled the operation less than 48 hours before the first quotations. Explanation: The lack of investor interest.The number one casino in France, also owns luxury hotels like Le Fouquet's in Paris, would indeed have been valued below the proposed price range (from 575 to 702,000,000 euros), which was too little for Accor.

Following this failure, the casino operator did not document-Accor maintained that all options were "reopened", including finding investors. However, management prefers Barrier IPO (IPO). This could suggest a new attempt in 2011.

A price around 550 million euros

According to our information, "it would seem reasonable that it is fastened below the price the IPO at around 550 million euros No teletrak payday loan." Even if the purchase price is modest for Accor, "is clearly positive in terms of perception management," said one trader in Paris.

Fimalac, which include 60% owner of the rating agency Fitch, could then finance the acquisition entirely on equity, because it currently has net cash of 261 million euros.

In the 2009/2010 financial year ended September 30, Fimalac has reported a net profit of 30 million euros (+36.4%) for a turnover of 608.9 million euros ( +8.8%).

The group recently acquired the company Vega, French leader operating rooms dedicated to entertainment, sports and events and economic events. The company has notably orchestrated the return of Michel Polnareff in 2007 and is particularly associated with the operation of the Zenith of Rouen. He also holds 40% of Gilbert Coullier Productions, the leading French organization of shows for singers and comedians speaking.

Nothing works for casinos

The casino market has suffered tremendously, both from an economic crisis that has sealed the "entertainment budget" of the French and regulations become more stringent over time.

France, borrowing 8.9 billion safely - January 8, 2011

In the current context of strong concern about the debt of the euro area, the first issue of France for 2011 was expected by financial markets. It has generally gone well, although conditions have tightened for European states, including top rated (AAA). The Agence France Trésor (AFT), which manages the French debt, has received a request about two times greater than the supply. Which is slightly less than average, usually between 2 and 2.3 times.

"In the last quarter of 2010, the bond market has tended to fall just before or after auctions. It was a sign of difficulty to absorb the supply. Nothing like this has been observed this time, "said Patrick Jacq, bond strategist at BNP Paribas. The weighted average rate (TMP) which Paris has borrowed Thursday rose between 3.36% (for 10-year OATs) and 3.84% for the OAT due 2029."This reflects the increase in rates in the markets in recent months," said Rene Defossez, strategist at Natixis. A significant recovery in 2010, France had borrowed an average of 2.53% at ten years. Over the long term, however, the show took place yesterday at a price still very low by historical average, France borrows at a rate of 4.15% at ten years. "The fact that the rates back is not necessarily bad news because it also illustrates the improvement in economic conditions, it is argued in Bercy. Only problem: the draft budget for 2011 includes a charge of 45 billion euros of debt interest based on a rate of 3%. It is very clear over early this year, which could burden on public finances.

The gloomy economic forecast, "Mr. Disaster" - January 4, 2011

For the economist Nouriel Roubini, nicknamed "Mr. Disaster" by the Anglo-Saxon, there is nothing good to wait for 2011. He had anticipated the subprime crisis in The Tribune lists the reasons for despair in the next twelve months.

United States, even if the assumption of a return to recession now seems excluded, do not rejoice so far. "The property prices relapse, the credit crunch continues, unemployment will remain at a high-level significantly beyond 9%, local authorities face funding problems and the process of reducing the federal debt is constantly delayed, "wrote Nouriel Roubini. Result of this last point, interest rates could rise again, lead the recovery.

In the eurozone, the economist Assen that "the current approach of European leaders, which is to take and hopefully it is only a problem of liquidity and not solvency, does not work." Finding Mr. Catastrophe: the eventual release of one or more countries in the euro area. In this context, the growth of developed countries should not exceed 2.1%. Emerging countries, they may instead overheating and therefore hyperinflation coupled with speculative bubble paperless payday loans. With the risk that policies will lead to cooling of a hard landing.

"War of currencies"

With such differences in growth, "all the ingredients for a war of currencies, trade disputes and increasing protectionism," Nouriel Roubini predicts.The commodity prices could also fly over the next six months of the year because of excess liquidity in the markets. If the world manages to cope with these challenges in the first half, lets hope the economist, the last six months of 2011 could mark a return to "the virtuous circle of growth."

Before alarm, remind that all predictions of Nouriel Roubini does not come true in 2010. The economist was counting on such growth "near zero" in the eurozone. It leans more likely between 1.5 and 1.7% on the strength of the German economy.

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An agreement reached on climate in Cancun - December 12, 2010

The UN Conference on Climate Change, which met from 29 November 193 countries in Cancun (Mexico) ended Saturday with agreement on a series of mechanisms to fight against global warming, including a Green Fund to help developing countries.

This positive outcome in the Mexican resort after a visit to the otherwise modest goals, saves the UN negotiating process badly shaken by the huge disappointment with a year ago the Copenhagen summit.

After 12 days of intense and sometimes tense negotiations, the Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa, who chaired the discussions, presented a compromise text that was supported very supported by the overwhelming majority of about 190 countries in the UN convention. Decisions are usually made by consensus but the text has nevertheless been adopted.Consensus "does not mean that a country has a veto," said Patricia Espinosa.

Implementing the Copenhagen

The main virtue of the proposed text to include in the marble of many points of political agreement in Copenhagen, which was never adopted by the 194 member countries of the UN Convention, and the decline so more specific and concrete.

This is particularly the case with the objective of limiting the rise in average global temperature to 2 ° C above pre-industrial levels."The parties must act urgently to achieve this long term," says the draft.

The text also helps to defuse, at least temporarily, in favor of an ambiguous formula, the "bomb" the future of the Kyoto Protocol, the only legally binding treaty on climate that exists today that threatened the outcome of discussions in the Mexican resort bad credit personal loan lenders.

Developed countries promised to Copenhagen to mobilize U.S. $ 100 billion per year from 2020. The Green Fund, which will pass a significant portion of these funds will have a board with equal representation between developed and developing countries. The Cancun text states that the World Bank will serve as interim director for three years.

Targets on CO2 unchanged

The many questions about how this fund will, however, remain unanswered.A panel set up by the UN has suggested the establishment of alternative funding, such as transport taxes and financial transactions, which are now at the stage of suggestions.

The text also raises the foundations of a mechanism for reducing deforestation accounts for about 15% to 20% of global GHG emissions. The possibility of using the carbon market to finance this costly mechanism, discussed at length, does not appear in the text.

If a draft architecture on many issues, the Cancun text makes no novelty on the level of ambition of reductions of CO2 emissions – unanimously judged too low to achieve the objective of limiting the increase in the average temperature the planet to two degrees.

(With agencies)

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Kerviel: employees want to attack the Societe Generale - December 10, 2010

The Kerviel case takes a new turn. If the Societe Generale and Paris Criminal Court found the young trader as the only responsible for loss of 5 billion euros, the bank employees believe the fault lies with the institution. Consequently, according to information from the newspaper Le Parisien on Thursday, four officers are preparing to seize the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Nanterre and ask their employers for damages under a double jeopardy: the moral and financial support.

The plaintiffs claim 15,000 euros per employee. Societe Generale has 157,000 employees worldwide in 2010, nearly 60,000 employees in France.At Societe Generale, one "no comment".

Trauma for employees

"Employees, especially those who are in contact with customers, have experienced very difficult times in 2008 when the Kerviel affair erupted, and the following months. They have been subjected to ridicule, jeers or threats because we had to refuse them credit or account of premiums, "report Richard Masters and Valeanu, lawyers for employees who intend to run this procedure.

But even those who are not dealing with customers still feel embarrassed by this affair, which comes up regularly in the spotlight of world media. "Even before Kerviel, opinion considered the banks as the major cause of the crisis, and work in finance was a blemish.Then this affair blows up, and it is suddenly attacked by a mob of reporters hungry for comment at the bottom of the tower at La Defense, the criticism comes, the fear of Societe Generale sink or redeemed, lost her employment, etc.. And nearly two years later, the court condemns Kerviel to pay 4.9 billion, sparking strong reactions even from all sides, "responds a former Societe Generale, who worked a few floors of the trading floor.

"Daily life was punctuated by spikes.If, in introducing me, I said that I worked at Societe Generale, the discussion turned directly to the Kerviel case: "Is what you saw? You know? Do not you think that the decision to pay the equivalent of 150,000 years of wages Kerviel is shameful?, Management necessarily was aware, How can you work in a group, etc. "." Says this ex- employee, moved to London for another bank, and thus escape the climate became too heavy in the bank as it considers, at least in large part responsible for this loss.

Financial losses from the Kerviel affair

As for the financial loss, it seems obvious: when the scandal broke, the share fall from 87 to 63 euros in less than a fortnight. Either a 28% drop. Then the descent continued to receive 50 euros in July.

This directly impacts the stock market down a lot of employees who are offered regularly shares at preferential prices. With approval, they become shareholders of Societe Generale.

Then the stock price of Societe Generale suffered, as the entire banking industry in the world, the collapse of U.S. bank Lehman Brothers in September 2008. A few months later, in March 2009, the title is the lowest since 1998, to 18 euros. Having taken over more than 50 euros in early 2010, he tumbles again amid fears of bankruptcies of State, whose banks are creditors in Europe. Since then, Greece and Ireland have been saved. But Portugal and Spain are next on the list, and should they fail, the bank would inevitably be impacted.The firm KBW figure indeed exposure to 21% of Societe Generale debt PIGS, that is to say, Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain.

Evolution of Societe Generale shares since January 2008.