Archive for the ‘economy’ Category

Zara accused of forced labor in Brazil

August 19, 2011 - 10:40 pm Comments Off

Inditex, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world is in the middle of a scandal in Latin America. The investigation by Brazilian authorities on two of its suppliers workshops clothing brand Zara in Sao Paulo showed 48 irregularities. Sixteen illegal workers from Bolivia and Peru were forced to work at 14 hours a day, said Wednesday a spokesman for the Labour Inspectorate of the State of Sao Paulo. They were paid between 274 and 460 Brazilian reals per month (120 and 200 euros), which is below the minimum wage of 545 reais (238 euros), as required by labor law in Brazil. Among the illegal working in the workshops, there was a girl of 14.

"This is the largest operation since the launch of the eradication of precarious working conditions in Sao Paolo," said in an interview with the NGO Reporter Brasil controller Guiliana Cassiano Orlandi. "The workshops were not inspected at all conform to standards. In addition to dirt, workers, working in rooms filled with tissue, increasing the risk of fire, "said a statement from the NGOs. The survey comes as Brasilia launched a crusade against slavery in the sectors of clothing, coal and industrial sugar cane.

According to the committee of inquiry, the illegal workers in two workshops sewed blouses for spring-summer collection of the brand Zara.These were bought to the owner of the workshop for 7 Real part (about 3 euros), while the same gowns, with labels "Made in Spain" were sold at 139 reais (61 euros) in the store mark west of Sao Paulo.

Suppliers stigmatized

The Ministry of Labour of Brazil said it had already imposed 52 fines on Zara "for various irregularities." Last May the Labour Inspectorate of the same Brazilian state has already discovered in the town of Americana, 130 km from the metropolis an illegal garment factory owned by another subcontractor to Zara. The government investigation, which focused on four garment factories last spring, showed that all the clothes in these workshops were made for the Spanish brand.

According Reporter Brasil investigation pointed the finger at one of the subcontractors of Zara, the company AHA, which would thus manufactured illegally for nearly 46,000 Spanish brand clothing guaranteed approval cash loans. This company would become the largest supplier of tissue of the Brazilian subsidiary of the Spanish group between July 2010 and May of this year. "At the same time, the company has significantly reduced the number of its employees. The number of employees hired legally would have come back from 100 to almost 20, "says the report of the investigation. As for the subsidiary of Zara in Brazil, she issued the authorization to affix the labels of its brand on these products only if "they were consistent with standards," without considering the conditions of manufacture.

Regulation "required"

In a statement, the Inditex Group requires that "the supplier responsible for the unauthorized subcontracting regulates the situation immediately," accusing him of "externalizing the information" which must remain secret in the name of the contract that binds him to Zara . Inditex has also clarified that the Brazilian Ministry of Labour is doing what is necessary to legalize the situation of illegal workers. Brazil has granted visas to some of them until they receive compensation, say some government sources.

Brazilian products represent just 1% of world production of Zara. Much of clothing is provided by Spain, where the company owns its own factories, and Portugal. According to the estimation of the group, by "illegal" production represents only 0.03% segment in Brazil."Brazil is the third largest American market after the United States and Mexico," says Spanish producer, which owned 30 stores in 2010 ennviron in the country. "We plan to open more stores in Brazil in the future."

This is not the first time, the Inditex group is accused of mistreating its employees in emerging countries. Earlier this year, one hundred workers of a textile factory in Cambodia have vanished because of difficult working conditions, exposure to chemicals and stifling heat in the premises. The plant manufactured garments for major global retailers, including H & M, Marks & Spencer and Inditex. According to the International Labor Organization, at least 12.3 million people are victims of forced labor in the world.

United States, the idea of ​​taxing "mégariches" made its way

August 18, 2011 - 8:04 am Comments Off

The lowest in the polls, criticized for running out of ways to boost employment, weakened by a largely sterile confrontation with the Republicans on the issue of reducing the rate of debt, Barack Obama sought to regain control. Anxious to win back centrist voters, the president also caress the idea of ​​taxing the rich more, while the middle class is suffering from the sluggish economy.

It has been this week to support weight, in the person of Warren Buffett, the second property of the United States. For the latter, the "mégariches" are under-taxed. Buffett regrets having paid less than $ 7 million in federal taxes last year. This represents only 17.4% of its taxable income. He noted that employees pay on average, and as a percentage of their income, far more than him.The billionaire said that in 1992 the 400 richest U.S. taxpayers paid 29.2% of their income in federal taxes. But in 2008, their effective tax rate decreased to 21.5%, while in sixteen wealth is gone.

The two men do not speak yet not the same. The President wants to raise taxes for taxpayers earning more than $ 250,000 a year. Buffett, however, advocates the creation of new tax bands for income above one million dollars from all sources.The investor philanthropist also suggests an upper tax beyond $ 10 million, but fails to specify the desired level for these new units.

Impose more gains

Still, according to the Tax Policy Center, even 50% by taxing all income above one million, one that would release $ 48 billion in tax revenue over ten years, under very inadequate amount of resources to reduce the budget deficit. However, up to 15% to 20% maximum tax rate on capital gains as under Bill Clinton, would generate approximately $ 340 billion over ten years.

Warren Buffett's plea addressed especially to the twelve in fact members of Congress belonging to the commission that must by the end of November to $ 1.5 trillion proposed budget savings over ten years."It is vital that they manage to go beyond. Americans are rapidly losing their faith in the ability of Congress to address the fiscal problems of our country, "said Buffett, himself the son of an elected Republican Nebraska.

It is supported by another millionaire, Alan "Ace" Greenberg, former head of Bear Stearns: "To believe that, by raising taxes Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, they will begin to lay off staff is totally ridiculous … I'm not saying that tax increases should begin to 250,000 dollars in revenue. But they must start somewhere. At one million to two million, at least they should start, "says the bridge partner of the two richest people in the United States.

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The acquisitions bring Wall Street

August 15, 2011 - 7:32 pm Comments Off

Wall Street is on track to continue the rally that started in last weekend. After opening up 0.48% to 11,323.44 points, the Dow Jones continues to grow: to 5:20 p.m., it gains 0.90% to 11,371.80 points. The Nasdaq index gained 0.51% to 2520.82 points.

As in Asia, the U.S. markets should react positively to the announcement of a contraction much weaker than expected Japanese GDP in the second quarter. But as in Europe, they should remain cautious on the eve of an important meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the reform of the governance of the euro area. They should discuss ways to implement to prevent contagion problems of sovereign debt to the rest of the region.

But Germany has already warned investors: this meeting will lead to "nothing spectacular". "It will be a working meeting on the governance of the euro area in line with European decisions taken in late July," said the spokesman of the Ministry of Finance. The latter also confirmed the skepticism against German Eurobonds solution yet desired by many investors. "The Euro-bonds are not an option," ruled the spokesman. These ads have already resulted in demoralizing the European investors.

Morale builders stable

Until the final conclusions of the meeting, U.S. investors are learning that manufacturing activity in the New York area declined for the third consecutive month at -7.7, 3.9 points lower than July .

In real estate, the NAHB index released on Monday shows that the morale of the manufacturers was unchanged in August, close to its lowest historical levels.

Note that the currency market, the Euro rises slightly against the greenback at 1.4287 dollar. Oil markets, oil prices opened up on Monday in New York. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery was trading at 86.13 dollars, up 75 cents.Prices were down during the European trading, erasing their gains made in Asian trade in a market nervous and still haunted by persistent concerns about global growth and the debt crisis in the eurozone. A barrel of Brent North Sea crude for September delivery was trading at 107.56 dollars on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in London, down 47 cents from Friday's close.

Google swallows Motorola Mobility

On the corporate side, Sysco is expected to release its results on Monday.

Estee Lauder drop 9.18% to 91.58 dollars.Despite the publication of a net income group share record of $ 700.8 million, up 46.5%, the cosmetics group announced its annual results would be below Wall Street expectations.

Lowe (-0.27% to 19.37 dollars) has already reported sales below expectations in the second quarter of its fiscal year and lowered its annual targets for the second time in three months, consumers pushing their development projects until later because of sluggish growth.

Google (-0.88% to 558.94 dollars) will buy the mobile phone manufacturer Motorola Mobility (56.15% to 38.21 dollars) to $ 12.5 billion in cash.

Time Warner (-0.43% to 65.25 dollars) has reached an agreement to buy the cable operator Insight Communications to Carlyle for three billion dollars in cash.

Bank of America (3.20% to 7.42 dollars) has announced the sale of its activities in the international credit cards in Britain, Ireland or Canada.

Boeing (0.16% to 61.84 dollars) announced it had completed with Air Lease Corp. an order valued at $ 2.5 billion on 14 737-800 aircraft and five 777-300ER.

Pfizer (2.41% to 18.29 dollars) announced Monday it had won before a U.S. court case against Teva Pharmaceutical Industries of Israel, preventing the global generics to produce a copy of Viagra before 2019 .

Transocean (2.15% to 56.81 dollars), listed in New York, wants to buy the Norwegian group Aker Drilling, for a total of 1.1 billion Swiss francs (1 billion), according to a statement Monday.Several large shareholders, representing 65% of the capital, have agreed to the deal, said the Swiss.

The American specialist craft materials Grainger (2.12% to 138.72 dollars) on Monday announced the acquisition of the Dutch distributor of fasteners Fabory Group for $ 344 million (242 million).

Slight decline for Wall Street

August 13, 2011 - 12:20 pm Comments Off

Shortly before opening, chewing Americans were expected small decline, but volatility remains very high, the index futures may return at any moment, like the indices themselves. Shortly before noon Paris time, the index futures Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 yielded respectively 0.3% to 1165 points, and 0.37% at 2150 points.

On Thursday evening, U.S. markets have rebounded sharply, welcoming new listings weekly fewer than expected. European markets had also enjoyed the news, closing up vigorously.

The pressure remains strong this weekend

Other statistics on the agenda for this Friday, may well generate a few responses. Retail sales for the month of July will be unveiled at 2:30 p.m., in fact, before the start of the session Eats United.Investors await with interest the first estimate of consumer confidence from the University of Michigan for the month of August, from 3:55 p.m..

Pressure remains high on world markets. Lack of macroeconomic and really good news in the absence of major business publications Friday, this weekend is likely to be overshadowed by even more obvious signs of a weakening of growth. The sovereign debt crisis, and severe drops in banking stocks recorded this week, amid rumors of bankruptcy, particularly in France, will affect the trend.Asian stock markets have already finished down on Friday morning.

In this context agrave exacerbated by a volatile market, investors are going to look at publications such as retail sales, which should also benefit from a slight rebound in auto sales?

Difficult to answer this question. For analysts Aurel BGC, "while" so far the timing of publications of macroeconomic indicators has been poor, a reaction, positive or negative, this indicator would in any case an early normalization "of market behavior. Excluding cars, the indicators are still available for now more mixed.

On the corporate side, the U.S. airline AMR, parent of American Airlines, announced plans to separate its regional affiliate American Eagle.A document filed with the stock market regulator described a "possible separation" with the American Eagle to introduce the stock market separately. American Airlines is still bound for nine years in its subsidiary. American Eagle will continue initially to operate 281 aircraft for American Airlines, which will wind down its cooperation in 2012.

Wall Street ends down despite the agreement

August 2, 2011 - 2:48 pm Comments Off

Wall Street hesitates. As in Europe, investors do not seem entirely convinced by the agreement reached in the night between Democrats and Republicans on the debt. At the close, the Dow drops 0.09% to 12,132 points, the Nasdaq lost 0.43% to 2745 points and the S & P loose 0.41% to 1287 points.

It is in extremis, on the night of Sunday, which is reached an agreement on raising the ceiling of U.S. debt, after a speech critical of President Barack Obama. Two days before the deadline set by the U.S. Treasury, the stakes were high: without this increase, at least 2.1 trillion dollars, the United States, on the edge of default, could sow the wind panic on financial markets.

Barack Obama has managed to generate compelling reconciliation of Democrats and Republicans on this agreement, investors now hope to see a bill passed in the coming days. But that will depend on the Congress which has yet to give the green light, no later than Tuesday night. Similarly, no one knows how to react, however, the rating agencies. Despite the compromise finally reached on the debt, the loss by the United States, their AAA rating is not excluded and would have severe repercussions on the economy and markets.

After selling more than 4% last week, which will remain the worst of the year, the Dow had yet started the day up 1.10% at 12,277 points.Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 progressed to their respective share of 0.86% to 1303 points and 2785 points to 1.05%.

The manufacturing sector to the death

At the macroeconomic agenda, a bad surprise helped to fill the atmosphere: the growth in manufacturing in the United States slowed in July against all expectations, according to the purchasing managers' index released Monday by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which fell to its lowest level in two years. The index of manufacturing activity of this organization stood at 50.9 last month, its lowest level since July 2009, against 55.3 in June. The market economists polled by Reuters on average expected 54.9.

Construction spending in the U.S. have also increased by 0.2% in June, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce published Monday.These expenditures reached 772.3 billion dollars, while analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a rate unchanged Same day payday loans.

This week, analysts said Aurel BGC, "investors will focus on indicators confirming whether a rebound in growth. In view of the latest indicators movement is far from certain. Auto sales (Tuesday) and retail sales side on Wall Street for the month of July will be eagerly awaited. This weekend, the employment figures will be released by the BLS.They will be very affected by the lay-off of 20,000 staff in the State of Minnesota. "

73% of companies did better than expected

The European steelmaker ArcelorMittal and U.S. mining company Peabody Energy (-1.48% to 56.62 dollars) on Monday made a hostile bid on the Australian Macarthur about 4.7 billion Australian (about 3, 6 billion euros), after the failure of talks to reach an amicable agreement. The board of Australian mining group declined Monday to support the joint bid from ArcelorMittal and Peabody to 15.50 dollars per share.

The title of the American manufacturer Ford (1.23% to 12.36 dollars) could take 25% as the group reduced its debt, is launching new models and trying to expand in China and India where he remained late over its competitors, said Monday the magazine Barron's.

Shares of online retail Amazon.com (-0.54% to 221.32 dollars), which is just below its record high, could earn 10% to 25% if the investment result rapid growth of its retail operations, cloud-computing and Kindle reading light, said Monday the magazine Barron's.

The railway company of the UAE, Etihad Rail, said Monday it has ordered seven locomotives Electro-Motive Diesel, a subsidiary of U.S. manufacturer of construction equipment Caterpillar (1.95% to 100.72 dollars).

On the corporate side, after Merck (-2.05% to 33.43 dollars) and Chevron (1.32% to 105.39 dollars), which published its quarterly results Friday, the ball of publications in the U.S. coming to an end.Nearly 65% ​​of companies have indeed published their findings in the U.S. and 73% reported earnings above expectations.

Among the publications planned the first week of August, include those closely watched CBS, Cephalon, and Pfizer (Tuesday). Will be followed by Comcast, Time Warner and Mastercard (Wednesday). Then, Kraft Foods (Thursday), Procter & Gamble and Viacom (Friday).

Nuclear power is likely to grow

July 26, 2011 - 4:32 pm Comments Off

Nuclear power still has a bright future ahead. Yukiya Amano, head of the Agency for International Energy Agency (IAEA), is convinced. This is also in Japan, Fukushima, the scene of the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl, he recalled. "It is certain that the number of nuclear reactors will continue to rise, although the pace will not be as fast as before," he said.

After the catastrophe of Fukushima, Germany and several European countries, including Italy, Austria, Belgium or Switzerland, opened a debate on whether to continue or not to develop nuclear power, some of them have even set dates for the cessation of construction of new plants. But across the world, the challenge of nuclear power is not dominant.According Yukiya Amano in fact, "many others think they need nuclear power reactors, including the fight against the emission of greenhouse gases and global warming." Remarks which echo those of the French Minister of Economy, Eric Besson, who said in late May that "our world can not do without nuclear energy in the XXI century". And list: "Barack Obama has reaffirmed that there will be no suspension of nuclear power in the United States. China and India are launching major programs to meet their energy needs. And Europe, Great Britain, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria are continuing their efforts. "

Banking on security

If the development of this energy must continue, it will not happen without conditions, however, said Yukiya Amano."It is important above all to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities," he insists.

In Japan, nearly 36 of the 54 reactors that account Archipelago are currently halted because of the destruction caused by natural disasters or because they have not been reactivated after a routine maintenance, as a precaution. Favor a gradual reduction of nuclear, Prime Minister Naoto Kan has imposed tests of resistance to natural disasters and other risks before any recovery paydayloans. "I think it is wise that the country satisfies the safety of its nuclear plants after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi," acknowledged Yukiya Amano.

In Fukushima, "the prospects are good"

The head of the IAEA, wearing protective clothing against radiation, had also made Monday at the site of Fukushima for the first time since March 11, the day the plant was heavily damaged by the earthquake and tsunami. "Looking at the site, work is progressing in a very regular basis," he was glad. "So many people work with passion that I feel that the prospects are good," he added.

The Japanese authorities said last week be on track to regain control of the plant heavily damaged. However, they warned that full remediation of the site would take more than a decade. The operator of the plant rugged, Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), already expects to achieve cool the reactors and fuel to keep the temperature below 100 degrees Celsius by January."I told the Prime Minister that the IAEA can help Japan because we have the knowledge and experience required for decontamination and management of nuclear fuel melted or worn out," said the head of the agency.

Last June, the IAEA has criticized Japan's reaction after the accident, especially not for having implemented the agreement to give assistance provided by the agency in case of nuclear accident. It provides for cooperation between States and the IAEA to organize aid, safety and communication as appropriate.

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The business leaders have the moral middle

July 20, 2011 - 3:52 pm Comments Off

Business leaders employing between 250 and 5,000 employees and producing between 50 million and EUR 1.5 billion in revenue, also called medium-sized companies (ETI), are confident. According to the first barometer of medium-sized companies conducted by Ifop on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), 84% of managers are particularly optimistic about their companies.

They are, however, that 56% said that their morale is good when they are asked about the international situation. And 48% share this view when they consider the French economy. "More companies are international, they are more present in Europe and Asia, their leaders are more optimistic," says Bernard Gainnier, partner in charge of developing the audit firm and PwC Consulting.

Sign of good health, the main activity indicators are rising.Whether it's sales (62%), investments (44%) or the order book (43%). Nearly two-thirds of companies plan to hire in the next four months. Those employing more than 800 employees plan to hire 26 people. And over a third of its capacity will increase recruitment.

For control of the tax shield

Despite these positive signs, one in two managers said that his company's growth is constrained by taxes, either in the form of payroll taxes or taxes. 48% guarantee to be disabled by the price of raw materials. More than a third lack of visibility on its business. This figure reached 50% in the financial, technology and entertainment.

Nearly four in five managers believe that governments do not realize enough effort to promote the development of their businesses.They are calling for a legal and fiscal stability. But they are supportive of the measures on the taxation of wealth proposed by the government in May: 62% say that the possibility of being exempt from the TFR is a good idea. 56% say that removing the tax shield is a good measure. In contrast, 78% condemned the increase in transmission costs. Logic, as members of the founding families and leaders often hold the capital of such company.

Lidl accused of discrimination in hiring

July 16, 2011 - 9:28 pm Comments Off

Two regional leaders of Lidl Ile-de-France – Nord were placed under judicial supervision. They are suspected of discrimination in hiring, reports Le Parisien. They have ordered the makers of their 70 stores not to recruit persons of foreign origin in residence with "privacy and family life." A woman dismissed on this ground a complaint. The trial will be held August 18. The accused may three years in prison and 45,000 euros fine.

Refuse these cards have been living as a principle in the network Ile-de-France – Nord "at least six store managers will spread to the investigators," said Le Parisien. The staff representative UNSA, Fatiha Iraki, would have met "some thirty CV repressed," she told the newspaper.Lidl Why would he conducted such a wage policy? Residence cards "cost several hundred dollars per year per employee," said the steward.

Lidl's lawyer denies the charges: no guidance was given. There are many foreign candidates in the regional management, it is normal that some owners do not see themselves hired, he explains.

The largest group of nursing homes will close

July 11, 2011 - 11:44 pm Comments Off

From our correspondent in London

Despite a series of desperate measures taken last month to try to save the company, Southern Cross, the largest group of nursing homes in Britain, will have to end its activities. The company is in a position of near bankruptcy and will have to transfer all of the 752 homes it had to other management structures. Agreements are already being negotiated for a third of them. The listing of the group Southern Cross was suspended Monday for the London Stock Exchange.

An announcement has angered unions and associations for the protection of older people, worried about the future of 31,000 residents and 43,000 employees of the group.The bankruptcy of a private operator managed by investment funds of the City is also very bad news for the government to David Cameron, the reform of public health plans to provide a much greater role to the private sector.

Southern Cross tried last month to set up a restructuring plan which included the sale of hundreds of homes and the deferred payment of a quarter of rents for 752 homes, but these efforts have not been sufficient.

The magnitude of the crisis had forced the Prime Minister to take a stand last month. David Cameron was first started by saying that the state did not intervene in a private matter, but ended promise that he would do everything to ensure the situation of pensioners affected.A spokesman for Downing Street said Monday that no retiree "does homeless" because "there are currently about 50,000 places in the country" in nursing homes.

Reduced spending

The fate of Southern Cross also challenges the rapid privatization of the medical sector and assistance for the elderly in Britain for twenty years, a trend initiated by the Conservatives but pursued by Tony Blair. More than two thirds of homes in the country, many of which provide a public service, are now managed by private companies. The quality of their service is also criticism since private retirement residence with seven scored "poor" or "inadequate" in the inspections, said the Financial Times.

The cause of the collapse of Southern Cross is quite simple.The group had signed leases with annual increases of 2.5% guarantees but finds himself in is at odds because its major customers, municipalities and communities, reduce average spending of welfare benefits by 10% year, due to the combined effects of losses due to bad investments during the financial crisis and the massive budget reduction plan launched by the government Cameron.

This is the unfortunate consequence of a strategy set up by Blackstone, the investment fund that took control of the group in 2004. The fund wanted to increase the financial profitability of the group by selling its stock of homes, at a time when the UK property market was in a bubble.

The Cac 40 in a small increase before the end Greek

June 30, 2011 - 5:44 pm Comments Off

The Cac 40 could string together a fourth consecutive session bullish. When a new day begins crucial for Greece, the Paris Bourse continued its prudent mini-rally started Monday – the last three meetings, the Cac 40 gained almost 4%. The index featuring Paris, ironed the day above 3900 points, opened on Thursday, up 0.33% to 3937.26 points. It has long hovered around 3930 points this morning, and won and 0.19% to 3931.70 points in mid-session.

At the London Stock Exchange, the FTSE-100 gained 0.68% to 5895.84 points and the Stock Exchange Frankfurt, the DAX 30 in advance from 0.07% to 7299.52 points.

Yesterday, the Greek Parliament adopted the first two parts of the austerity plan intended to avoid the financial ruin of Greece. This had the effect of propelling the Cac 40 in excess of 3900 points.This afternoon, members of Greek determine in detail the cost-saving measures and privatization to engage in Greece for the next four years. But on Thursday, the progression of CAC 40 may be more limited than ever, after the IMF expressed concern about a failure of the United States.

On the macroeconomic front, several indicators punctuate the trading session:

– After declining 1.4% in April, consumer spending fell again in May by 0.8%.

– The public debt increased by 54.9 billion euros in the first quarter from the end of last year, to $ 1.6461 trillion, or "approximately" 84.5% of GDP (GDP).

For the euro area, a first estimate of inflation in June was announced at 11 am: it has displayed steady at 2.7%.For June, analysts polled by Reuters on average expected a slight acceleration to 2.8%.

Finally, the United States, two statistics will be released today: requests for weekly unemployment benefits (1430) and industrial activity in the Chicago area in June (15.45).

On the corporate side, as since the beginning of the week, bank stocks react positively to approval by the Greek Parliament's austerity plan. BNP Paribas takes 1.21% to 52.63 euros, gaining Natixis 1.82% to 3.41 euros, Societe Generale advance of 1 no faxing pay day loans.03% to 40.23 euros and Credit Agricole rose 0.44% to 10, 21 euros.Yesterday, they gained 1% to 2%.

Carrefour: -1.26% to 27.75 euros; Casino: + 0.03% to 64.62 euros

In the struggle that pitted him against Carrefour in Brazil, Casino raised its stake in the Brazilian distributor Grupo Pao de Acucar by 37% to 43.1%.

In addition, the Colombian subsidiary of Casino, Exito, will conduct a capital increase of $ 1.4 billion to buy the Uruguayan subsidiary of Casino for $ 746 million.

LVMH yielded 0.49% to 121.90 euros shortly after noon.The European Commission approved Thursday the French luxury group LVMH, headed by businessman Bernard Arnault, to take control of the Italian jeweler Bulgari-watch, considering that the transaction would not raise competition concerns in Europe.

Pernod Ricard: -0.29% to 67.96 euros

The world number two wine and spirits sells its shares in Georgian society Georgian Wine and Spirits, an operation that involves small amounts according to a spokesman for the world's second largest wine and spirits.

EADS: -0.33% to 22.9 euros

The airline American Airlines is negotiating with the European aerospace group Airbus and Boeing to purchase at least 250 aircraft, an order worth approximately $ 15 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Axa: + 1.05% to 15.42 euros

The insurer will invest 500 million euros in its partnership with the Chinese bank ICBC over the next 5 years.

Gecina: + 0.02% to 95.54 euros

The land was made yesterday two new asset sales, with the amount of its trade-offs to 559 million euros at end June

EuropaCorp: + 2.85% to 3.97 euros

The company production and distribution film Luc Besson has suffered a net loss of 30.2% million for the year ending March 2010 to 2011.

Groupe Partouche (0.75% to 2.67 euros) recorded in the first half of its 2010/2011 financial year lagged net income down more than 30%.

Beneteau (2.27% to 14.87 euros) will publish its revenue for the third quarter after the close of trading.