Posts Tagged ‘world’

An automatic bread based in Paris

August 14, 2011 - 4:16 am Comments Off

In recent weeks, a new generation of vending machines first appeared in Paris. Located near the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the machine offers, 24 and 24 hours seven days a week, fresh bread, sold a euro baguette. One hundred and twenty rods craft, pre-cooked for ten minutes, are placed for maximum seventy-two hours in the refrigerated dispenser. The end of the cooking is done at the pace of demand for ten more minutes. They can then be kept for more than five hours, to ensure consumers of warm bread.

The origin of this world first, as original as vending machines swimwear and sunglasses located at the entrance to the pools, is Jean-Louis Hecht.The baker was able to marry fifties vending, mainly industrial and bakery.

"Small steps slowly"

It all began in 2001 when the contractor completed the first prototype of its distributor, together with a technical school in Moselle. He suggested "small steps small steps" toward a machine patented by the company and assembly of industrial equipment Mecondielle Portuguese. The investment is huge for this baker without the cost of the assembly, the machine comes already at 30,000 euros. Then you would need two hundred and fifty hours of assembly.

The machine, the first of which is in commercial service since January in Moselle, in the other bakery owned by Jean-Louis Hecht, naturally allows to inflate sales, thanks to its opening hours."It is also a strong vehicle for promoting that is not gray at the bakery, says Jean-Louis Hecht no fax needed payday loans. On the contrary, this innovation is a service that complements the baker's trade but do not replace. "

He said it will become indispensable in France and abroad, because of the quality of the product offered and the economic viability extraordinary profits are 30% higher than the store, according to the contractor.

A solution for villages without trade

In Paris, the distributor already sells 80 sticks a day, and Jean-Louis Hecht look forward to go further. The entrepreneur wants to "make the most of" his idea and does not sell his patent. He thinks big and would like to extend it by buying several bakeries and industrial equipment, backed by the facade.

The baker has other ambitions for his vending machine.A consulting firm located in Portugal working on a version independent of any trade, which would be installed in remote locations such as villages, tourist resorts or passage.

With the unmistakable design of his machine, Jean-Louis Hecht even considering creating a string, which spread in the desert regions of all trade, to allow each person to have its traditional fresh baguette every day. He finally claims that his invention has international potential, in Europe or the United States, where consumers are fond of "French baguette."

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The wand is new at McDonald's

July 28, 2011 - 10:00 pm Comments Off

Cocorico at McDonald's. The American chain, famous for its burgers, is preparing to lead a revolution in the world of fast food, introducing the baguette on the card! Later in September, its customers will experience the charm of a breakfast at the French, by having bread and butter and jam on fresh bread in the 130 McCafe chain (separate counters of coffee , cakes and pastries). In the first half of 2012, McDonald's go even further by launching the new sandwich-based wand. Formidable competition for all bakers, especially since McDonald's is decidedly very affordable price.

The bread will be supplied by the Holder Group (owner of Paul Bakeries and Ladurée), which already manufactures the supply of cakes and pastries of McCafe in France."During its first fifteen years in France, in 1980, McDonald's has primarily offered a small slice of America in important model, said Nawfal Trabelsi, senior vice president, McDonald's France and southern Europe. Today, we are part of everyday French. Our priority is to integrate local and tint of French culture history of our offer hamburgers and ice cream, while inventing new forms of sandwiches. The French are passionate about bread, crazy wand. We respond progressively to a natural demand. "According to the firm Gira Council, the French consume nine times as many sandwiches as hamburgers, and more than 60% of sandwiches sold in France are based on baguette.The most acclaimed is the classic: ham and butter (75% of sales of baguette sandwiches).

Success of the wheat cake

By baking fresh bread in the morning, McDonald's hopes to boost its offering of breakfast, while flattering image. "We feel the smell of warm bread at the entrance," says Isabelle Kuster, Vice President of Operations in France and Southern Europe at McDonald's check cash advance. Specifically, from the start, the McCafe offers small individual flutes, two sold with a portion of butter (provided by the cooperative of Isigny) and a small jar of jam (apricot, raspberry and orange), handmade by a producer the Pyrenees. "We are responding to a request, warrant Isabelle Kuster.Our breads are baked on the premises all day, the idea being to sell them warm at all times. "Already, 25% of transactions are McCafé the morning (usually open from 7 to 8 hours), but breakfast is less than 1% of sales of McDonald's. "It would be wonderful to double sales," says Isabelle Kuster.

The arrival of the baton at McDonalds, so symbolic, is a step in the strategy of teaching to meet specific dietary habits if the French, while working with local suppliers. In 2009, the chain broke new ground with a Big Mac in the bread. In January, it launched a McCantal and in late February, Charolais, Charolais burger with French origin."At McDonald's, we strive to continuously reinvent ourselves," insists Nawfal Trabelsi, stressing that "diversifying the supply of bread is at the heart of our strategy of product development." Since May, McDonald's markets and the McWrap, cooked to order in a large cake topped wheat. France is the second country after Austria to build on this new generation of sandwiches to supplement the supply of burgers and salads. The first results are above expectations. In two months, over 50% of customers have tasted and three quarters have already renewed the experiment.

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Balances to thwart price increases

June 22, 2011 - 1:36 pm Comments Off

Just arrived in the summer, here are the summer sales. From Wednesday, the clothing retailers will offer discounts of 30 to 50% of their collections. This is for them to attract consumers who shun fashion for nearly two years. If an improvement was seen in the spring, it could be threatened by an inevitable increase in prices of clothing, the impact of rising costs of raw materials, labor and transportation.

"We are all faced with rising production costs that we have at least partly reflected in our prices, and this will be even bigger in the fall and winter," says Antoine Brieu, director of C & A France. Its sign, high image discount, is not doing too badly at the moment, because in inflationary times, consumers fall back on cheap brands.C & A has found "a significant increase in its turnover and sales volumes" in March, April and May

"Buy smart"

In general, the industry experienced a beautiful spring, after a bad first quarter. Sales in April and May were supported by good weather, before a lull since early June due to weather and to wait before a traditional balances. "We have no signs of a recovery in the consumption of textiles in France, contrary to what one can see in some countries of northern Europe, says Gildas Minvielle, head of the center of economic French Institute of fashion. And in times of crisis, it is difficult to raise prices too much.The increases will be applied in a differentiated way for this to be as painless as possible. "

Aware of the issue, the French will then engage in a hunt for "buying smart", as they have done since the beginning of the economic downturn. This time, the scope is relatively narrow. As traders have sold quite well in early spring, the stocks available for sales are less important than the past seasons.

Distinguish the goods to the risk of missing

In addition, professionals, stung by the decline in demand were far more modest in their orders. "Companies have become very conservative for two years.They would rather miss sales than remain with unsold inventory, "said Jean-Marc Genis, president of the National Federation of brands of clothing.

If, as always, a rush is expected at the start of the period, the effect balances the risk of falling fast enough. "We usually sell 50% of our total sales the first week and then is divided by two every week," said Antoine Brieu C & A.

So, after two to three weeks, the goods to stand out may be missed. This will allow retailers to quickly implement the fall-winter season.With price increases all the more important that the parts are more "heavy" coat material includes more than a T-shirt.

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U.S. debt has reached its statutory limit

May 16, 2011 - 10:24 pm Comments Off

For several months, the G20 and the IMF, but also Europe, Brazil, China, and rating agencies are urging the U.S. to clean up their deficit and debt dementia. Today, the U.S. federal government has the knife to her throat on Monday, the U.S. debt ceiling should touch her – already noted in January – set at 14.294 billion dollars, from which the U.S. can not borrow more.

In other words, the United States are on the verge of bankruptcy. Given the urgency of the situation, the Treasury secretary, Tim Geithner, has given a stay of 30 days to allow Congress to reach agreement with the White House. They have until August 2nd to negotiate a compromise, Republicans in Congress will not agree to vote on raising the debt ceiling until the government has not implemented an austerity budget.The United States shackle in effect three years of deficit exceeding 10% and no concrete and credible program of spending cuts are envisaged. Olivier Blanchard, chief economist of the IMF, the savings plan of 39 billion delivered on April 8 is "insufficient".

Barack Obama has set a goal of reducing the U.S. budget deficit of 4000 billion dollars over the next twelve years. It sets the fiscal deficit to 2.5% of GDP in 2015, and wants it to be achieved by three-quarters of declines in spending.Objectives, but no clear way to reach them: during a visit to Facebook, the president spoke reform fiscalité payday lenders.Sans give too many details, he has to attack the tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, plans to limit military spending and aid to agriculture, and cutting in the health program, yet very popular Medicare.

"The financial equivalent of a nuclear bomb"

What would happen if the U.S. could no longer meet their debt, as was the case for Greece, Ireland, or Portugal? It would be "the financial equivalent of a nuclear bomb ', warns Aaron Kohli, a specialist in Treasury bills at Nomura Securities. The global cataclysm is such that people do not."They must find a solution, they can not leave the financial world explode," he reassured one analyst, who notes that the financial markets show no signs of concern about the ability of U.S. authorities to agree.

David Wyss, chief economist at ratings agency Standard and Poor's, which recently threatened the U.S. triple-A, not only the Treasury "may continue to operate until August (through accounting manipulations, Ed), leaving the time in Congress to agree, but again, in case of emergency, the government "will pass the debt service as a priority."

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The war began in savings

May 2, 2011 - 7:32 am Comments Off

"Frankly, I am interested in your money": this clash of the BNP did not last long in the 1970 No bank would dare today to show his frontispiece, yet it has never been so relevant. Whether at the counter or on the home pages of online banks, retailers are currently struggling to raise cash from businesses and some 200 billion saved every year by French households. All opportunities are good. A mortgage? Some lenders offer more attractive rates if the borrower is guaranteed to leave a cushion of deposits.

The Paris Bourse resumes from the front

April 28, 2011 - 10:00 am Comments Off

The Paris Bourse, which closed yesterday up 0.58%, is trying to take another step forward Wednesday. Halfway through, the CAC 40 advances from 0.49% to 4065.18 points. The good humor that has helped U.S. markets finish the day on Tuesday to their highest level in three years boosts the morale of investors. Asian stock exchanges have also sent a positive signal in spite of bad news in Japan, including the threat of degradation of the country's sovereign rating by rating agency Standard & Poor's.

The atmosphere was more mixed in the rest of Europe: Dax index featuring the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ahead of 0.59% to 7399.77 points, but the London Stock Exchange was down 0.16% to 6059, 67 points.

In anticipation of the Fed

At the Paris Bourse, the attention is focused on the battery of statistics expected from both sides of the Atlantic.In the euro area, new industrial orders rose less than expected in February by 0.9%. In one year, the figure is higher by 21.3%.

In France, unemployment figures will be announced after the stock market (18 hours). Moreover, the morale of French households remained stable in April compared to March. The indicator of French consumer confidence remains at 83 points, well below its long-term average set at 100 points, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Britain has in turn reported a GDP growth of 0.5% in the first quarter (first official estimate).

United States, orders for durable goods and stocks of crude will fall in early afternoon. But it is mainly the outcome of the monetary policy committee meeting of the Central Bank (Fed) will be eagerly awaited.The Fed will announce its decision on interest rates and monetary policy should reaffirm its ultra-accommodative.

As for currencies, the euro rose against the dollar in a market without high volume, cautious monetary policy decision by the Fed. Around 11:00 am in Paris, the European currency was worth 1.4682 dollars against 1.4636 dollars on the previous evening.On oil markets, a barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery lost 19 cents to 112.02 dollars and that of Brent North Sea also June delivery yielded 22 cents to 123.93 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

Nexans: + 0.90% to 73.76 euros

The specialist cables, which in February 2011 was a return to a growth of over 5% of its sales and a continued recovery in its operating margin to 5.5%, achieved on the first three months of year a turnover of 1.754 billion euros (+13%).

STMicroelectronics: -3.74% to 8.10 euros (largest decline of ACC)

The Franco-Italian manufacturer of semiconductors said Tuesday net income group share tripled on a year in the first quarter, but below analysts' expectations, to 170 million.Earnings per share were 19 cents, as investors had forecast 20 cents. Turnover increased by 9%.

Dassault Systemes: + 2.76% to 57.75 euros

The French software developer has registered an increase of 31% of its turnover in the first quarter of 2011 to 409,500,000 euros.

Renault: + 4.72% to 41.30 euros (largest increase in the ACC)

The manufacturer has maintained its goals Tuesday 2011 saw a strong first quarter by sales and despite the prospect of a temporary slowdown in production due to the earthquake that hit Japan in March.The designer, who speaks of "record results", also confirmed its objectives of growth, margin and earnings per share for 2011.

In its wake, Peugeot won 1.58% to 30.82 euros.

EADS: -0.07% to 21.42 euros

ILFC announced finalize an order for Airbus aircraft family A320neo, available from 2015.The final agreement is initially on a total of 100 aircraft, split between A320neo and A321neo.

Publicis: -0.82% to 37.10 euros

The group announced the acquisition of advertising agency GP7, based in Sao Paulo specializing in the tourism sector, continuing its development in Brazil.

Unibail-Rodamco: 0.10% to 155 euros

The group reported a growth of 3.3% of its turnover in the first quarter 2011 to 426.6 million euros, and announced it had sold assets during the first three months of the year for a total net 422.5 million euros.

Seb: + 3% at 75.55 euros

The group reported a net revenue growth in the first quarter despite a sluggish macroeconomic environment, and saw its operating margin reached a record level for this time of year.

Sopra: -0.23% to 79.30 euros

The group announced an increase of over 10% of its turnover in the first quarter, driven by growth in all its activities, and confirmed the timing of the proposed demerger of its software division of Axway.

After market, PPR, Klépierre NextRadioTV, Ipsos, Ingenico and Gameloft will publish their turnover for the first quarter.

Libya: 8 billion in French banks

April 2, 2011 - 12:03 am Comments Off

Where are the Libyan petrodollars? The financial sleuths American, British or French, are trying to trace more than a month. According to statistics buried at the site of the Banque de France (BDF), banks and financial institutions owned Libyan 8.233 billion dollars (5.84 billion euros) in deposits and loans from French banks to September 31 2010. The latter also held $ 298 million (210.7 million euros) placed by customers Libyan individuals, according to the BoF.

Since this is anonymous data sent by the French banks to BoF, it is impossible to know which part of the state 8.233 billion is controlled directly or indirectly by the Gaddafi regime.Two local financial institutions, the Central Bank of Libya and the national sovereign wealth fund, the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) are under fire from international sanctions cash advance today. The European Union froze their assets during February. These could they be included in the figures of the Bank of France?

If the Central Bank of Libya has made investments in France, they should be included in this envelope, Olena Havrylchyk advance, a specialist in international banking, Cepii economy. But it is difficult to determine if other money LIA therein. The sovereign fund is certainly not a bank per se, but its links with the central bank are very close.

500,000 employees left "friendly" employer

March 24, 2011 - 6:20 pm Comments Off

Half a million! At last count conducted in late January, the number of broken treaty approved by the Ministry of Labour was 498,675. After three months of existence, the success of these amicable separation, introduced in the Labour Code in August 2008 following an agreement between the social partners (with the exception of the CGT), does not therefore be denied. The slight decrease of 17% in January compared to December 2010 is identical to that recorded a year earlier. "There is no reason to worry, an adviser confirms Xavier Bertrand, Minister of Labour. We are always on a rise of the device, according to a seasonality similar to that of previous years. " Without knowing why, the number of breaks conventional effect fluctuates during the year, giving the impression of playing with a yo-yo over the months. But the trend remains upward.In one year, separation amicably approved by the administration – which now represent 11% of the grounds of breach of CDI – still up 11.5% in 2010 and the refusal rate has dropped 2 points, stabilize at 7% of applications received.

None of the unions signatory to the January 2008 agreement does not deny his actions today. "The break helped secure conventional separations concluded an agreement which were not legally framed," says Gabrielle Simon, of the CFTC. Many of them were in fact disguised as dismissal for failure to allow the imaginary future ex-employee to receive unemployment benefits. "The best proof of this need for security is the low number of current use of industrial tribunals," considers Lawrence Berger, the CFDT on line pay day loans.Another way to approach is the decrease of 5000 in three years the number of entries monthly employment center following a resignation, a ground breaking CDI are not eligible for unemployment insurance. At least in the early months.

Preretirement disguised

Only drawback: separation amicably seem to be used by companies as an early retirement financed by collective Unedic. According to recent statistics, one in five unemployed entering employment center after a break treaty has over 50 years. Doubling of their other reasons for listing. But the fifties unemployed are entitled to compensation for three years if they have paid 36 months. And therefore receive an allowance until their retirement if they are over 58 years of age, at which the number of breaks conventional wings. The impact on the accounts would Unedic however minimal."Unemployment insurance has always been considered a case of early retirement for some companies," Lawrence Berger shade.

Some windfalls are not excluded. "Some companies multiply small packets of broken treaty to avoid having to implement a social plan," denounces Stéphane Lardy, FOR, which therefore calls for more guidance on approval procedures by the administration.

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Airbus being evaluated in Japan

March 17, 2011 - 5:28 am Comments Off

Airbus is closely monitoring the developments in Japan. The European aircraft manufacturer employs 25 people locally, including 5 expatriates employed in support functions to customer airlines. Airbus has decided to move its expatriates in the south, while 20 Japanese installed at the headquarters in Tokyo were invited to stay home this week. "We have a team that is studying the situation in real time and the decisions of the Japanese government. Our priority is our employees, "said a spokeswoman for Airbus. C hez same speech that Boeing has allocated 2 million dollars to help the Japanese. The U.S. giant has – for now – not decided to withdraw its 200 employees. "We work with our partners and customers to see what assistance we could provide," said a spokesman. He added: "We remain in constant contact with all our employees."

Airbus currently refuses to talk about any economic impact because of the seriousness of the situation. Commercial presence is modest. F the monkfish Airbus A320 in service with 5 StartFlyer, 18 A300 and 29 at Japan Airlines All Nippon Airlines A320 at. Recently, Boeing has signed two contracts with Skymark for 4 A380s and with A & M Aviation, a subsidiary of ANA, for 10 A320s. Nothing comparable to the ultra dominance of Boeing, which controls 98% of the Japanese market and has forged a partnership with the country strategically in the aftermath of World War II.

On the industrial side, again the two groups are not in the same position. Airbus has gradually built Japanese subcontractors in its worldwide network of suppliers. Today, 12 of them work for the A320, 15 for A ranges 330-340 and 20 for the A380.For its part, Boeing has made the Japanese aviation industry a leading partner that shares the financial risks and technological programs. Mitsubishi Heavy, Kawasaki Heavy and Fuji Heavy provide 15% of the 767 fuselage components, 20% and 35% B777 B787 Dreamliner.

For now, Boeing has not suspended any of its business in Japan and, according to preliminary reports sent to industry partners Boeing, their factories south and south central (Nagoya, Kobe particular) have not suffered so significant earthquake.

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The Italian projects Groupama Blocked

March 5, 2011 - 9:57 am Comments Off

Back to square one for the mutual insurer Groupama. His plan of conquest of Italy was thwarted Friday by Consob, the Milan stock market watchdog. This is a new blow to the French who dreams of European expansion for years. To this end, Groupama in 2003 had offered an observation post of first choice in Italy. With the help of Vincent Bollore, the insurer had entered the capital and the board of directors of the powerful Milanese merchant bank, Mediobanca.

After years of observation, this investment was to finally pay. A beautiful operation, acquisition-Sai Fon, the first Italian car insurer, crippled by disastrous financial results, was in sight. To achieve this goal, a long-term plan had been mounted.The direction of Groupama had close family Ligresti, the majority shareholder of a financial holding, Premafin, which owns 41% of Sai Fon.

In financial difficulty, the Ligresti had agreed to sell 17% of their company Groupama for 145 million euros. Once in place, the French hoped of course gradually take control of Fon-Sai creditreport. Despite plans IPO of Groupama, the financing of such acquisition, estimated at between 2 and 3 billion euros, however, seemed complex.

Political reading

To achieve his ends, Groupama wanted to remain a minority in the capital of Premafin. The mutual had therefore conditioned its investment to the lack of obligation to Consob to launch a takeover bid for the entire holding. The authority has no doubt considered that Groupama Ligresti and acted in concert. Permission has been refused.Groupama said it would "examine the situation created when it is properly informed" by Consob of "motives of his decision."

The decision of the Milanese can also lead to a political reading. The prospect of a French acquire a large insurance company had caused an outcry in Milan. "We will keep the Italian spirit of our company" and had promised Ligresti at the last general meeting of their society.

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