Posts Tagged ‘top news’

Women's football, booster audience for Direct 8

October 23, 2011 - 2:40 pm Comments Off

It is a strange fate that women's football. Originally included in the most prestigious prizes for men and hopes, the TV rights specialists on women's football is becoming the subject of a separate market. Direct 8, the DTT channel created by the Bolloré Group and is currently being acquired by Canal +, made the nice observation. "In 2007, Yannick Bolloré has decided to change our schedule to that of a general channel, explains Thierry Cheleman, Director of Sports Direct 8. Implying sports programs. " Although too small to address the sporting rights of the men's national team, then put Direct 8 on the lower category. "At the time, the French Football Federation (FFF) launched a tender for the national championship and hopes, the director continues.This lot also included the TV rights of the Women's Team France until 2014, for which we are therefore committed to broadcast three games a year. "

Public expectations for the beautiful game

Bingo. More than blueberries (or hopes), the girls create the surprise sport in 2009 and 2010 during the qualifying matches in the Women's World Cup 2011. Helping performance, each game attracts between 300,000 and 400,000 viewers on TNT channel, reaching over 700,000 fans August 25, 2009, for the first prime-time (France / Serbia).

Rebelote in 2011. Building on this success for the Hearing, Direct 8 means in effect in 2010 with Eurosport, a subsidiary of TF1, the rights of the Women's World Cup 2011, acquired at the same time as the Men's World Cup 2010. Coproducts and codiffusés by both channels, games are a success hearings.Especially since the disappointment surrounding the men's team at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 frustrated football fans. "After the episode of Knysna, there was a latent expectation of the French for the beautiful game and a fighting team, Fabrice Lorvo analysis, a sports marketing specialist at FTPA. The public was ready to ignite their national team. The spark, it is the girls who brought them. "

To date, the semi-final France / USA Women's World Cup represents the historical record of the chain … and all channels TNT (2.43 million viewers, 17.4% audience share). Normally, the average audience of Direct 8 between 2 and 2.5% market share. Since then, the magic continues.Since the start of the qualifying matches for Euro 2013 Blue to seduce between 720,000 and 940,000 fans.

The appetite of the major broadcasters would raise prices

Given this popularity, the chain does not stop there, and is now attacking the European and national. "If a French club in 2012 reached the final of the Champions League Women, we might be candidates to UEFA to broadcast the match," said Thierry Cheleman. Last year, the epic European Lyonnaises, who had won the competition against Potsdam, had already resulted in an audience of 1.2 million viewers (4.9% market share), peaking 1.9 million. Meanwhile, the management of Direct 8 has made an offer to FFF for TV rights of the first women's division (D1) over the period 2012-2014.Insufficient supply, Eurosport and France Television has won the set in August.

It is the flip side: the structuring of the market for women's football TV rights could eventually crowd out smaller players. "For the TV rights are the subject of a market requires that the images are produced and disseminated. Two years ago, it was not the case for women's football. Direct 8 that produces the games itself, has allowed the emergence of women's football on television in the clear, "Fabrice Lorvo analysis. On average, the chain said spend between 40,000 and 50,000 euros per game. The emergence of such a market whets the appetites and proposals for new broadcasters.

For the giants of the sport are Eurosport and Canal + could well participate in the cost inflation of rights, if performance women are superior to those of men.Inflation that is already seeing Thierry Cheleman, even if they are about 100 times lower than those of men. From this point of view, the acquisition by the pay channel Direct 8 could be an asset, "even if it is too early to draw clear ambitions to Canal + for Direct 8 on women's football," he concludes .

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French debt ever more risky than the German

October 18, 2011 - 4:16 pm Comments Off

French bond yields increasingly deviates from the reference German. And if the price that France has to pay its creditors rises relative to that payable by the neighbor across the Rhine, is that the repayment capacity is considered less French.

This distrust on observed past few days has increased further this Tuesday morning, after a warning from the rating agency Moody's. The French rate to ten years and have removed more than 1% (100 basis points) German rates, which are the reference unwavering in terms of sovereign bonds in Europe.

A disturbing record since the introduction of the single currency. On the London market, the French rate to ten years in the early morning reached 3.04%, while its German equivalent, the "Bund", down 9 basis points (-0.09%) to 2%.

At the same time, insurance (CDS) against a default on the obligations of the French state have seen their costs rise significantly. CDS to five years in France and were up 10 basis points shortly after 9:40, to 194 basis points according to Markit data. In other words, it costs 194,000 euros to insure against exposure to 10 million euros of bonds.

The gap could widen further

"We must relativize the gap (called the" spread ") bond rates between France and Germany: the level of French is extremely low rates, grade Cyril Regnat, strategist at Natixis. The ten-year French course is slightly above 3%, but the last five years, it stood at an average of 3.75%.In these circumstances, the spread can still dig a little. "The analyst believes, however, that the cost of debt already includes a breakdown of the French note one notch to AA +.

On this point, however, opinions differ. "The decline of the note is not yet in the curves: the rate could still rise from 30 to 50 basis points, that is to say 0.3 to 0.5% in the worst case, and reach a rate differential with Germany of 150 basis points, or 1 guaranteed cash advance.5%, "calculates Norbert Gaillard *, consultant to the World Bank and specialist rating agencies.

Why the interest rate differential between France and Germany increases

The rising cost of the French debt occurs observed Tuesday morning despite the fact that Moody's has taken more precautions than ever to launch his warning."She chose a time when the stress in the markets was relatively peaceful and has added a step ahead of the traditional reporting system in three stages," Norbert Gaillard analysis. Usually, the agency established the first note of the country "negative outlook" and then put the note "under review" before degrading it if necessary.

"It is very likely that the next move by Moody's, provided in three months, or to place a negative outlook on the rating of France," said Norbert Gaillard."How the country can indeed solve the three problems it faces: slow growth, deficit reduction and the difficulties of Greece and its banking system?"

In this context, "the Moody's decision means that the French can not help itself with its banks without risking his note: it has more room for maneuver necessary," Judge Cyril Regnat. "If the banks recapitalize without the state, then the fears will be evacuated on the AAA market and we should see an easing of interest rates." Investors have already understood: after the warning from Moody's, French banks have dropped the stock market.

* Author of "A Century of Sovereign Ratings", ed.Springer (USA), 2012

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Shale Gas: Total wants explanation

October 4, 2011 - 5:24 pm Comments Off

The hatchet between opponents of the exploitation of shale gas and industry is far from buried. Following the withdrawal of operating licenses for three shale announced yesterday by the Government, José Bové, leader of the anti-shale has expressed its "satisfaction". Overall, however, said he was "very surprised by this decision." The group has indeed been canceled the license of Montelimar in the Drome and is seeking clarification from the government "to understand what legal grounds" takes place this cancellation. Two other permits, assigned to the U.S. Schuepbach, were also removed, one in the Ardèche and the other in the Larzac.

And if the state backed down on these permits is due to law of 13 July.After a major mobilization led by José Bové and the Greens, elected officials voted this summer a law banning the use of controversial mining technique called hydraulic fracturing. The government had thus given two months to holders of operating licenses for shale gas to specify what operating techniques they planned to use.

In both reports, Schuepbach had clearly stated its intention to use hydraulic fracturing, however, prohibited, said Minister of Ecology. In the report of Total, "it was not the case but I made the point that the report was not credible," said Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet. According to the minister, "Total announces to continue to search for shale gas with techniques that are not hydraulic fracturing, or we now know that these techniques are not operational no fax cash loans."

Decision on 13 octobreTotal not digest these ads. "We are very surprised to learn through the press that the government has decided to revoke the exploration permit without Montelimar Total whom the license was awarded in itself has been informed." The State must publish the full effect of those decisions and those on other 61 operating permit on October 13 in the Official Gazette. Thus remains to be seen what will be the decision of the State concerning the 61 other permits still in progress for which the industry had mentioned the use of a hydraulic fracturing technique. If the majority of these licenses relate to the operation of conventional hydrocarbons, twelve are for non-conventional hydrocarbons and potentially gas from coal or oil shale, especially in the Paris basin.

José Bové is awaiting the decision of the state.Already, the Green MEP which combined movement against the gas and oil shale warns that "continued engagement on the ground and before administrative tribunals" in case of maintenance allowed the industrial explicit mention of an appeal to the technique of hydraulic fracturing or operation of these products shale.

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Budget 2012: what changes for businesses and individuals

September 28, 2011 - 6:04 pm Comments Off

• Individuals involved to the tune of 5.6 billion euros

– Removal of exemptions for allowances holding period on capital gains property, excluding exempt principal residence (2200000000)

– Increase of 12.3% to 13.5% payroll taxes on capital income (1.3 billion)

– Removal or reduction of exemptions from the CSG (800,000,000)

– Increase in tobacco prices by 6% (600,000,000)

– Increase the tax and social taxes on liquor (300,000,000)

– Introduction of an outstanding contribution of 3% on very high incomes, above 500,000 euros.Some 10,000 homes were affected (200,000,000)

– Creation of a tax on sugary drinks (100 million)

– Device Scellier: decrease of 22% to 14% rate of tax reduction for investors buying new low-energy housing for rental (about 100 million euros)

– Introduction of a progressive tax (from 10 to 40%) for owners of "good rooms" applying the rents to be too expensive (over 40 euros/m2), mainly in Paris (1 million)

– Decrease of 18% to 12% rate of tax reduction for purchases in retirement homes, tourist and student (nearly 10 million)

• The companies affected to the tune of 4.8 billion euros

– Reduction of deferred losses for a harmonization of corporate taxation with Germany.- Revision of scale of the tax on company cars (100 million)

– Creation of a 2% tax on hotel stays at or above 200 euros (90 million)

– Creation of an exceptional tax next year on sales of large industrial duty subject to quotas of CO2 (200 million)

– The draft budget provides for operators to bear the costs of a possible interference of DTT with the new 4G mobile radio frequencies that will be awarded in early 2012.

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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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Total waive a tax benefit

July 13, 2011 - 4:24 pm Comments Off

Ten billion profit in 2010 and no corporate tax. For two years, Total aroused much criticism for failing to pay taxes despite the huge annual profits. What the leadership said that the group does not pay corporate taxes since 2008 because its activities in France are in deficit since 2008. "The BMC (worldwide profits) can be charged in France for losses incurred abroad, says chief financial officer, Patrick of Chevardière in an interview for Echoes. But insofar as we record losses in France, we do not pay corporate taxes in France. The last time the regime of worldwide profits had a positive impact on our taxes, it was in 2001! ".And Christophe de Margerie, CEO of Total, recalled: "Total paid 800 million euros in taxes in France each year, 500 million on dividends paid abroad."

"We chose to (tax benefit) give of ourselves"

Whatever the controversy will no longer be held since the group has abandoned this tax benefit. Simply because it would bring him nothing. "Rather than continue to hear all day long that the company enjoys a preferential treatment, we decided to give it up ourselves," said Chief Financial Officer of Total.Now only NRJ Media Group and use this system, which allows them to include in taxable income in France, the results of foreign subsidiaries under their control.

The boss of Total, Christophe de Margerie, hinted Monday that his group was planning to abandon this system, after questioning last week in a report by the National Assembly, pointing to the differences between the tax paid by the groups the CAC 40 and paid by the SMEs. MP Gilles Carrez, author of the report, said that more companies are large and they carry less of the corporate tax.

The decision comes as Total Christophe de Margerie was to meet Tuesday on the phone with the Minister of Economy, Baroin, having said this weekend that the oil company would pass to the recent increases in pump prices crude oil.

Donations tax-authorized every ten years

June 11, 2011 - 10:16 pm Comments Off

The deputies continued Friday to review the draft budget law amendment removing the tax shield and reducing the ISF. As expected, they voted in Article 1 of the bill abolishing the wealth tax for estates of less than EUR 1.3 million and revised the scale for the highest wealth. Now between 1.3 and 3 million of assets, the rate of TFR will be 0.25% from the first euro over 3 million, it will be 0.5%.A discount mechanism will correct the effects of threshold to prevent the wealth around these new terminals are losers compared to the previous situation.

During the final debate, which were to continue late into the night or Saturday, the members have changed two important points of the original text of the government, which will have a direct impact on taxpayers.

30,000 euros per decade

Proposed by the Rapporteur-General Budget, Gilles Carrez, the shield will reverse charge from 2011. Specifically, beneficiaries under the shield of their 2010 income will be imputed directly to their ISF, payable before September 30. Until now, the reverse charge was voluntary, and beneficiaries of the shield receiving a refund check from the treasury for several months after paying all their taxes.By forcing taxpayers to deduct that amount directly from their ISF, the government is spared thus a new controversy over the amount of refund checks that were received by a few large fortunes during the spring 2012 presidential election in full.

In addition, Members noted the reduction in ISF for each dependent child (including the majors pursuing studies), raising it to 300 euros against 150 euros previously.

The second set of changes to the law on donations of money. On the proposal of the Government, members agreed to authorize the renewal every ten years of the exemption from transfer taxes on gifts less than 30,000 euros.Since the law Tepa the summer of 2007, it is possible to donate money to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or failure of issue to his nephews and nieces, without incurring tax (ie, without paying gift tax). And that, provided the donation does not exceed 31 865 euros and that certain rules are respected age. It's sort of a particular form of donation.

The government amendment relaxes the system. Thus, in case of gift to a child, the parent must have less than 80 years, and not, as now, less than 65 years. This threshold of 80 years is also one that is already applied to gifts to grandchildren or great-grandchildren. In addition, the amendment authorizes such gifts of money tax-free every ten years, whereas previously this could only be done once.The cost of this measure is estimated by the government between 20 and 30 million euros from 2017. It is in effect from that date that the first donors who benefited from this measure in 2007 will give back to their descendants. Good news however for holders of life insurance. Gilles Carrez's proposal to raise 20 to 25% taxation of life insurance in case of death, to the heritage of over 903 000 euros, was rejected.

The solemn vote of the Act is expected Tuesday.

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Italy prepared an austerity plan of 40 billion

May 24, 2011 - 12:32 pm Comments Off

Rome will soon respond to the warning of the rating agency Standard & Poor's. After that it has threatened Friday night to degrade the note from the Italian debt, the government hinted Monday that he would introduce an austerity plan 35 to 40 billion euros in June, the agency Reuters quoted a government source. If you believe the latter, the date of submission of the measure was advanced to make "a signal to markets", namely that Italy holds the cords securely in its budget.

The Berlusconi government, weakened by recent electoral setbacks, has sought to defy Standard & Poor's. The latter said Friday that, "according to [his] point of view, the current growth prospects for Italy are low, and political commitment to reforms improving productivity seems faulty."Accordingly, the agency changed its outlook on the rating of Italy from stable to negative. There is one chance in three that this warning is followed by a deterioration in the Italian note, currently located at "A +", the 5th best possible. Italy is still far notches -6-category called "speculative".

Low growth

In response, the cost of insuring against a default of the Italian debt, very sensitive thermometer of the market sentiment has surged 15 points Monday, to 176 basis points. "Italy is in the viewfinder of the rating because its growth was disappointing," says Jean-Francois Robin, strategist at Natixis. In the first quarter, the economy has virtually stalled, its gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 0.1% against 0.8% in Greece, or +1% in France.Italian growth was the lowest in the euro area between 2001 and 2010, also said Monday the National Institute of Statistics of Italy, Istat.

So far, Italy has escaped the wrath of the markets. Its deficit was limited to 4.5% in 2010, one of the lowest in the euro area. "The Italian deficit is supplied mainly by the debt service, which reaches 119% of its GDP," said Jean-Francois Robin. "This level can not satisfy the government, it must still reduce its deficit." Rome wants to reduce the gap between revenue and expenditure to 3% of GDP in 2012 and reach equilibrium in 2014.

Standard & Poor's is the only agency to express reservations about the trajectory of Italian public finances.Her colleague Fitch said Monday morning that Rome had been better than expected its 2010 goals and the country is on track to achieve those he has set for 2011. Moody's has for its part, reiterated that it has no plans to lower the Italian touch.

Procter & Gamble sells Pringles crisps

April 6, 2011 - 4:52 pm Comments Off

What was even Pringles Procter & Gamble, one might ask? The famous canned chips, which can be enjoyed in over 140 countries, were the last food brand – apart from the dog food – including shampoos, detergents, batteries and other razors marketed by P & G.

Pringles has found its place in the U.S. food group Diamond Foods, which will triple its snacks segment with the operation. This specialist snacks spends $ 2 saving account pay day loan.35 billion, including $ 1.5 billion in shares, and also takes over a debt of 850 million. Diamond Foods has made several acquisitions in recent years, especially from General Mills, who comes to him, to enter the capital of Yoplait.

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Hermes wants to sell its shares in the Jean-Paul Gaultier

April 2, 2011 - 4:56 pm Comments Off

Changes to the capital in the Jean-Paul Gaultier. Hermes acknowledged Friday in a terse statement, it was in talks to sell its 45% stake in fashion house, without naming names. In addition, the group does not specify whether this item is a part or all of its shares.

Entered the capital of Jean-Paul Gaultier in 1989, Hermes has recently distanced himself from the fashion house. A few months after the death of Jean-Louis Dumas, Jean-Paul Gaultier has indeed been replaced by Christophe Lemaire at the head of the Hermes collection ready-Wear he drew for seven years. "No synergy has been cleared between the two companies," says Les Echos published on Friday.

The house Jean-Paul Gauthier seeks to raise funds to finance its development, also understands Les Echos.The lighthouse designer, owner of the remaining 55% stake, has a mandate to store consultancy M & Finance Aforge for "a mission of reflection on strategic developments of the group.

Hermes, PPR and foreign groups in the breach

Among the options considered, the designer might also, lowering its stake but it should keep the artistic direction of the house he founded in 1982. French houses as PPR might be interested, according to Les Echos, but also foreign groups that would facilitate the strengthening of the brand internationally, particularly in Asia.

Recovery discussed

The valuation of the house Gauthier is discussed: from tens of millions and hundreds of millions.The house would have recorded a total turnover of 22.5 million euros in 2009, a fall of 19% over the previous year. The decline was particularly strong internationally (-31%). The house has recorded an operating loss of 3.6 million euros, against a weak positive result of EUR 271 645 in 2008.

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