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The hands of talented British singer and songwriter Eric Clapton, nicknamed "God" (God), she plays alone, the ultimate sound of blues and rock'n'roll. Renowned for its crystal clear sound, the American brand of Fender guitars now also shine on the market scene on Wall Street.

Founded in 1946 by Leo Fender, the legendary American manufacturer of electric guitars, acoustic amplifiers and a record filed Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enter "as soon as possible" on the Nasdaq. The date of the introduction, the number of shares offered and their prices have not yet been disclosed.

The company, which will appear on the Stock Exchange under the symbol "FNDR", hopes to raise up to $ 200 million. The inventor of the Stratocaster, the icon of the electric guitar and one of the most popular models in the world, with "use about $ 100 million of revenue raised through this IPO" to repay a portion of its debts, whose amount is close $ 250 million. "In 2011 we were number one in terms of market share in the U.S. in the field of electric guitars, acoustic, and bass amplifiers and electric guitars and basses," the company said.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, owned by the Weston Presidio investment fund, has made 700.6 million dollars in sales in 2011 to a net profit of 19 million. Some 45% of its sales generated outside the U.S., mainly on the European market.

Also Eric Clapton, Fender has among its faithful ambassadors Keith Richards, Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen or Jimi Hendrix in 1967 who sacrificed his Stratocaster on stage in setting them on fire before smashing against the ground guaranteed approval cash loans.

The inventor of the Stratocaster and Telecaster, Leo Fender, a creative force unmatched, gave his company to CBS in 1965. Fender grew considerably in the years that followed, before passing through an air hole associated with a lower quality instruments. In the 1980s, CBS will sell all its non-media related. A group of employees and investors led by William Schultz and his family and buy Fender to CBS in 1985.

Started from scratch

The new company had to start from scratch, including the sale or factory or machine. The emblem of the American guitar succeeds, however, his recovery, extending its grip on trademarks Guild, Gretsch, Jackson and Charvel excluding professional sound equipment. In 2008, Fender acquired Kaman Music Corporation (KMC), the largest U.S. independent distributor of musical instruments.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a production facility in Corona, California, Fender has continued to cross swords with Gibson, another giant of the electric guitar that Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, is one of the greatest followers. His fetish model, the Les Paul, was designed in the early 1950s. At its heavier and fatter than her rival Stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul ignites always also rock the world stage.

In Frankfurt as in Hollywood, blockbusters at the box office still have a following. With its new Governor Mario Draghi at the wand, the European Central Bank (ECB) had a box in rooms (market) on December 21, proposing to banks in the euro area loans to three years paid at the rate of favorable 1%: some 523 banks had then drew 489 billion euros to the general treasurer. The central bank on Wednesday repeated with a second offer of funding under the same conditions.

As in December, the operation on tap the ECB had passed almost unnoticed, as this new album monopolizes attention. Meanwhile, in effect, operators have discovered the virtues of this infusion of cash, which "played a crucial stabilizing effect on financial markets in the euro area," said the rating agency Fitch.

How? By reversing the downward spiral that led states and banks in the southern countries of Europe towards the precipice. In addition to the invoice Greek tensions on sovereign debt Italy and Spain have indeed weakened the banks of these countries throughout 2011, boomerang-feeding fears about these states, leaving the specter of a rescue banking. The risk that France has to support its banking system has also weighed in the loss of AAA inflicted mid-January by the rating agency Standard & Poor's.

By flooding the banking system liquidity in the medium term, the ECB has caused a twofold benefit: one, the risk of going off the road an Italian or Spanish bank has moved away and two, these institutions are now able to support States by buying their sovereign debt. Hence the almost universal relief: relaxation rates on sovereign debt Italian or Spanish, rising stock markets, banks' resumption of emission payday advance… No wonder investors want more. How many banks ask they this time? Estimates vary between 200 billion and 1000 billion. With the idea that the higher the amount, the higher the markets will appreciate, because these are all new cash should get involved.

Virility contest

This vision reflects the optimism that blows from the beginning of the year. Not long ago, a massive use of banks to the ECB could have been perceived as a sign of weakness. Joseph Ackermann, head of Deutsche Bank, had also launched the controversy earlier this month stating that he had not presented to the Frankfurt office, wanting to avoid wearing the marks of a "subsidy". Mario Draghi had then replied that it was not "a contest of manhood." For his part, Stuart Gulliver, head of the rich British HSBC, said Monday that he had participated in "solidarity with the euro area". This positive attitude could help widen the circle. According to Oddo Asset Management, the euro zone banks must repay 813 billion worth of loans between 2012 and 2013, of which 270 billion solely for the German banks that had shunned the first wave.

Ultimately, the success of the program seems indisputable Draghi markets. This was an essential prerequisite to avoid chaos. The question is how these banks will inject money into the economy.

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Barracks, land, old prisons, offices, mansions, forest houses, homes: the state gives each year hundreds of properties it no longer use. These sales it earned 590 million last year. This policy will continue. The State expects to sell 1,870 properties in 2012, 2013 and 2014, for 2.2 billion euros. And everywhere in France (see map).

If sales have accelerated since 2007 (2.8 billion in revenue since then, against 1.8 billion from 2002 to 2006), this is a result of the restructuring of the state initiated by Nicolas Sarkozy. Especially at regional and departmental services of various departments were grouped into two or three entities. Enough free space over the years. The merger of Taxation and Treasury Bercy has the same effect, as the consolidation of the judicial and military maps.

However, over 85% of the gains from these sales were used to renovate or construct public buildings. Only the balance, under 15, reduced the state debt. Playing rules will change, however. Starting this year, 20% of sales (excluding Ministry of Defence in particular) will go to debt reduction. The proportion will reach 30% in 2014.

Another downside: it is often other public, and especially the municipalities, who acquire the assets transferred by the State. Of Commons that value then the operation. Example: the city of Versailles, through the establishment of public land Yvelines, bought at the army barracks in 2011 Pawn in Versailles. The city will create on the site of activity areas and housing. The subject has also become political, presidential forces. Francois Hollande suggested that the state sells its land free of charge to municipalities so that they will develop social housing. Nicolas Sarkozy denies the charge assignment and advocates an acceleration of land sales.

Foreign investors

In Paris, foreign investors are also part. Thus, the former headquarters of Météo France, near the Eiffel Tower, was sold for sixty million to the Russian state, which will build an Orthodox cathedral. Yves Deniaud, UMP deputy chairman of the Real Estate Council of State, has openly on the Qataris, the Russians and Chinese to buy four mansions for sale in the seventh arrondissement. Individuals who are interested in goods, cheaper, in the province can learn about the site of France Field (www2.budget.gouv.fr/cessions) listing properties for sale.  

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It is a repudiation for the Competition Authority. The institution, which had inflicted 385 million euro fine in September 2010 with the main banks operating in France on their pricing of check processing, has seen its decision questioned by the Court of Appeal of Paris. In a ruling Thursday, the latter took the view that in this case, "the grievances of Understanding (…) can not be accepted" and that the banks concerned "should therefore be exonerated ".

The case dates back to the early 2000s, when banks have embarked on the computerization of processing checks. They are then granted to establish interchange fees, naturally passed on to end customers.

Fines must be repaid to banks

Banks have justified the introduction of these fees, which were abolished in 2007, the cost that they accounted for the modernization effort of check processing. One argument considered to be unfounded by corporate treasurers, who saw the impact fees.

In September 2010, the Competition Authority found in favor of the latter, and denounced an agreement on final prices payday loans in one hour. A vision not shared by the Court of Appeal of Paris, sought by banks complained, BPCE, Post Bank, BNP-Paribas, the National Confederation of Credit Mutuel, Crédit Agricole, Crédit du Nord, CIC, LCL HSBC France, Societe Generale.

In its reasoning, it considers that the commissions were "directly related to the new system paperless exchange of checks, public interest project neutral in terms of competition law …". It also believes that the Bank Agreement does not constitute "an agreement on final prices."

The Competition Authority may lodge an appeal. When asked, a spokesman said the institution consider what action would give the matter. Fines paid to the Treasury must be repaid to the banks.  

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From our correspondent in London.

Welcome to the UK! Passengers arriving today in the country's airports may have to wait until noon to cross the border, prevent the authorities, because of a strike of public service followed by immigration officials. In an attempt to avoid chaos, the government has asked airlines to cancel or divert flights. For several days, in the form of disaster volunteers and employees of departments of the military at passport control to take over the strikers.

The strike of civil servants to the call of 30 trade unions against the pension reform is already billed as the largest since the 1970s. More than 2 million people could stop work and attend one of the 1000 events in the country. Nine out of ten schools should remain closed payday lenders.Thousands of canceled operations in the hospital for lack of nurses. Garbage will not be collected. After a day walkout in June to the call of four unions, today is the biggest challenge faced by David Cameron since he arrived in Downing Street there eighteen months.

The Prime Minister described the strike as "irresponsible." "I call, even at the last minute, the union leaders to give it up. This does not solve anything and it's going to hurt our economy, "said Cameron, whose government Tuesday announced measures to counter the worsening crisis. After months of fruitless negotiations, the unions are protesting against pension reform officials that provides increased contributions and lower pensions.

From our special correspondent in Dahlewitz (Germany)

Aircraft on the planet, the battle between commercial Airbus Boeing often obscures another fight just as fiercely, that of the engine, without which the new aircraft more fuel efficient and quieter, could not have been launched.

This is the case of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 NEO MAX remotorisées versions of the two best-selling Europe and America, or the Chinese Comac C 919 and Bombardier CSeries of Canada on medium-haul market.

Rolls-Royce, the world of civilian reactors, did not take the train re-engined aircraft that are selling like hotcakes, however due to their promise to make gains in fuel consumption by 15% on average.

The virtues of rental real estate are well known. This is one of the only investments that can make on credit to build wealth. It is also a good way to prepare additional income for retirement. Finally, it is a way to accommodate her children or send them a valuable asset to start in life. However, the life of landlords is not a bed of roses! Some trace their route on this road winding and sometimes treacherous.

This is the case of Vivian B., 57, teacher. This Lyonnaise conducted between 1991 and 2010, three rental investments in his city. "I spaced each acquisition a decade, the time each time to pay off my credit. I always chose the studios in the IVth arrondissement of Lyon, an area popular.The lease payments used to pay me a portion of the loans, but each time I had to add 100 to 150 euros a month, "she says. Handyman, Viviane never hesitates to restore its apartments, it manages solo. Another "trick" by Viviane: the choice of holiday rental. "This formula provides short leases, or a year. Thus, it is easier to separate from a deadbeat tenant. "

1500 euros of additional income per month

For her, the acquisitions will stop, "because this investment is not worth the shot," given the rise in property prices in particular. "Every studio brings me 6%. But if I bought the same day, the yield would fall to 2.5 or 3%. "Soon to retire, Viviane Heritage is satisfied that it has formed. "My pension should be around 1.300euros month.

The escalation of tensions on the Italian and Spanish debt complicates the crisis in the euro zone and precipitates the search for new solutions. Thus, the Minister of European Affairs in Finland would defend today the creation of a two-speed Europe, guided by the inner circle of six European countries rated AAA. Alex Stubb does not want "out of some countries in the euro area, but the loss of influence in some countries," reports the Financial Times quick payday loan. He concluded: "a country that is not rated triple-A is not in the best position to advise management of public finances."

These proposals are the Finnish Minister echoes those of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who argues for the establishment of programs of fiscal consolidation and strengthening of the integration of the euro area.

The trust is expected to dominate the opening of Wall Street on Wednesday. After closing in the red yesterday, the Dow Jones dropping 1.74% to 11,913.62 points, Wall Street is expected to rebound Wednesday. Future contracts are indeed higher state of around 0.50% on the main index at the opening. Once again, U.S. investors have their eyes on the Old Continent, where an EU summit must deliver in the evening a plan to end the debt crisis in the euro area. With four objectives: helping Greece to boost the capacity of the EFSF, recapitalize banks and improve governance.

This battery is able to prevent contagion of the crisis, while fears now focus on Italy.And even if the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, seems to have succeeded in extremis to persuade its ally the Northern League to accept a pension reform demanded by its European partners in exchange for their solidarity. Thus, the Heads of State and Government of the euro area may call Wednesday the European Central Bank (ECB) to continue its purchases of bonds to support Italy and Spain, according to a draft of their summit conclusions which Germany said, however, disagree for now.

Oil prices down

In fact, German Chancellor Angela Merkel for now ensures that no scenario involving the European Central Bank (ECB) to strengthen the rescue mechanism, the European Stability is the agenda of the summit Payday advance.

On the macroeconomic front, the durable goods orders will be published early in the afternoon.Follow the new home sales in September and weekly crude oil stocks.

As for commodities, oil prices are falling: a barrel of "light sweet crude" for December delivery ceded 0.61% to 92.60 dollars. For its part, the euro appears to balance against the U.S. dollar, rising 0.08% to 1.3921 dollars.

Values ​​to follow:

• Lockheed Martin has seen its profits grow by 25% in the third quarter to $ 700 million. The group also raised its targets for 2011.

• Ford: U.S. carmaker Ford on Wednesday released a profit for the third quarter down 2% but slightly above expectations, together with a turnover up 14%. The Group posted a profit of $ 1.65 billion.Based on the number of shares and excluding exceptional items, it amounted to 46 cents a share, where analysts had forecast 45 cents.

• Boeing released on Wednesday a net profit up 31% to $ 1.1 billion for the third quarter, exceeding expectations, but it has revised down its forecast for commercial deliveries for the year.

• ConocoPhillips is required to publish at the beginning of the afternoon's results for the third quarter.

Traffic in the transport is disrupted Tuesday, following the call for mobilization of CGT-CFDT, UNSA, FSU-Solidarity, who report an austerity program "inadmissible" the government and require "a different distribution of wealth. "

With the exception of SUD-RATP, who filed a notice of indefinite strike on July 31, no organization has called to stop work in transport.However federations CGT filed a notice with the RATP and SNCF, as well as SUD-Rail, to enable staff who wish to go forward.

Here are the latest traffic forecasts:

• At the SNCF

Tuesday, more than 4 of 5 TGV move on departure or arrival in Paris, except for the Atlantic TGV trains close to 3 to 5, and more than 2 runs a train on the TGV on average province-province.

For Transilien, traffic during rush hour is on average close to 2 trains of 3, and the TER, the traffic is close to 2 of 3 services at the national level. Locally, the traffic is 4 trains of 10 to a near-normal movement between regions.

For Intercités day (including Teoz), traffic is on average a train 2.

No Lunea (national traffic at night) will flow, however the nights of Tuesday to Wednesday.On international routes to night, no disturbance is expected to Germany and Italy. Traffic will also be normal day on the Eurostar (England) and Thalys (Belgium, Germany) and near normal on Lyria (Switzerland).

The other lines of Paris and Paris-Nord-Est have a service close to two out of three trains, and those of Paris-Saint Lazare, Paris-Montparnasse and Paris-Lyon train in two.

• In the RER RATP zone

Traffic is normal on the line A and the interconnection is maintained at Nanterre Prefecture. A train runs on two rush hour on the line B, and a train of four off-peak payday advance lender. Interconnection is suspended from Gare du Nord, but maintained at Nanterre Prefecture.

For portions of RER managed by SNCF, the traffic is normal on the line A (from Nanterre Prefecture in Cergy and Poissy) and Line E.There is a train of two outstanding on lines B and C of the RER, without interconnection to Paris Nord. On line D, it takes two to three trains with an average interconnection between Paris-Lyon and Paris Nord.

• In the metro and bus in Paris

In the metro, the traffic is normal on all lines except line 5, where it takes with two trains of 3.

Traffic is normal on lines 2 and 3 of the tramway. For T1, a train of 2 is outstanding.

• In the province

Strike notices were filed in 39 urban transit systems, including Lille, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Strasbourg.Such notice having been filed in most cases by a single union, the traffic should be only slightly affected.

The notice concerning the networks of the following cities: Amiens, Angers, Angouleme, Belfort, Besançon, Bordeaux, Bourges, Caen, Cannes, Chambery, Dijon, Douai, Lille, Limoges, Lorient (strike 55 minutes), Lyon, Le Mans, Marseille (strike 3:30), Maubeuge, Metz, Montluçon, Montpellier, Moulins Mulhouse, Nantes, Nice (strike from 9 to 12), Nîmes (strike 9:30 to 10:30), Pau, Poitiers, Reims, Rennes, La Rochelle, Rouen, Royan, Saint-Nazaire (strike from 10:30 to 14h), Strasbourg, Toulouse, Tours, Vichy.

• To monitor traffic

Hotlines are available to travelers by SNCF: 0805.90.36.35 for the Outline, TER, Téoz and Intercity, and 0805.70.08.05 for Transilien.

For traffic forecasts, two websites are available: www.sncf.com and www.infolignes.com for all traffic forecasts.

For the RATP, the number is 0800.15.11.11.