All World

Tricoire: "Schneider is growing around the world"

The chief executive of industry group, explains how the deployment of its strategy has helped revive growth.

LE FIGARO. – How was the beginning of the year for Schneider?

JEAN-PASCAL TRICOIRE. – We returned to growth of our business in the first quarter and the trend has accelerated sharply in the second with an increase of over 10%. Our total revenues grew 6.4% in the first half. The acceleration is even stronger in terms of profitability. Our operating income represents 15.2% of sales is up 3.6 percentage points a year. Our net income has more than doubled.We note therefore significantly our growth objectives and margin for 2010.

What were the factors driving this growth?

This performance is clearly the implementation of our strategy and deployment of our program One Schneider. First, we are reaping the benefits of diversifying our end markets and the strong rebound of two growth markets on which we have been able to take strong positions. It is the automation of machines and processes, very strong recovery with growth of over 20%, and the computer. The building and electrical distribution later in the cycle, are now beginning their recovery.

Secondly, our growth is driven by our strong presence in emerging economies.Thirdly, our growth in the smart grid (electricity distribution networks intelligent, Ed) is a strong accelerator solutions in renewable energy, including solar, intelligent management of energy in buildings, factories, homes, power grids, which we will soon add support infrastructure for electric cars. We propose new technologies and new services to our clients to improve their energy efficiency.

What has really changed in Schneider?

In summary, I would say we've turned a group of several brands, structured products, a Schneider Electric, which provides complete solutions to its customers. This change is radical.The teams work together more closely and we respond to the expectations of our customers.

This recovery is also strong in all markets?

We are growing all over the world, but in emerging countries the trend is most pronounced. The growth of new economies is 12 points higher than those of countries "ripe". These countries now represent over 35% of our business.

The momentum will he continue in the second half of the year?

I am counting on a similar dynamic in the second half thanks to the continued deployment of our strategy.

So you dismiss the risk of a relapse of the economy?

I remain cautious of course, but we are calm. We learned and demonstrated during the crisis of 2009 that he had to be flexible and very demanding on the costs. Besides, we not relax our efforts to reduce costs.We are committed to reducing our costs by 1.6 billion euros in three years. Halfway through, we have already achieved more than half of the effort announced.

Will you increase your efforts to research and development?

We did not hit our investment in R & D during the crisis. They still represent about 5% of our turnover. Our business is growing, we will be able to invest even more.

Where are you from the integration of the distribution business of Areva T & D?

The transaction was formally completed last June 7. Nearly 11,000 people have joined us and the teams work together with great enthusiasm. This acquisition will bring about one billion euros in additional revenue in the second half, although with today's level of profitability below that of the group.Our challenge is to move up quickly.

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Pensions: unions still oppose the reform

J-1. That Tuesday morning Eric Woerth will present his Cabinet bill on pension reform. This text provides for the postponement by 2018 the legal age of retirement at age 62 (as against 60 now) and increase by 2020 the contribution period for a full pension at 41 5 installments. It also proposes to raise over 10 years to 10.55% of gross salary pension contribution rate of employees.Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce draft consideration – unprecedented – the strain at work to enable employees who have had a difficult career to continue to retire at age 60 but also extend the system "long careers "which allows people who started working early to liquidate their retirement before age 60.

"Unjust and unacceptable"

Trade unions, traditionally opposed the reforms they consider "unfair and unacceptable" because it would further inequalities have already planned to protest during the presentation of the Council of Ministers."The proposed reform does not respond to questions of employment, particularly youth and seniors, or the reversal of gender inequalities, or to the recognition of the hardship … It refers to the uncertainty of future generations sustainability of pension secured by the division, they were justified in a statement.They also criticized the closure of financial reform that puts "more than 85% of efforts" to employees only and require "a different distribution of wealth produced, particularly through higher taxes than expected capital income and senior income 100% free credit report.

Eric Woerth's proposal to improve the bill at the time of the examination to the National Assembly from September 7 on three aspects of the text (strain at work, and long careers polypensionnés) has yet not had the desired effect. Even the beginnings of a better consideration of the prevention of the hardship brought up by the entourage of the Minister of Labour at a meeting with labor, has left them unmoved. "We want a broader discussion, said Friday Eric Aubin, the negotiator of the CGT, after an interview Rue de Grenelle.The position of the government that it seeks to show a continued dialogue. But we ride seriously and it confirms our intention to build a strong mobilization on September 7. "

On this day, the unions have scheduled a new day of strikes and unit mobilization, hoping to do better than June 24 when 800 000 people (and by 1.9 million CGT) had beaten the streets across France to protest against the postponement of 60 years. And thus weigh more on debates in Parliament. They do not despair, no longer convinced by that number of MPs to amend by Social Affairs Committee – where the text will be examined from July 20 to 22 – the bill. The CFDT has also planned to "harass" the summer MPs in their constituency.Act II of the 2010 pension reform does so may just be beginning.

"SPECIAL – The challenges of pension reform

This increases from today

• Transport

– Station: Ticket prices for trains Coral, Intercity and TER (Regional Express Train) will increase an average of 2.5%. This will result in higher ticket from 10 cents to 2.30 euros depending on distance traveled during the trip.

As for the discount cards (cards 12-25, Senior, and Child Escapes +), their prices remain unchanged.

– RATP: The price of individual tickets will go from 1.60 euro to 1.70 euro.

Subscriptions Navigo will also increase, except for packages zone 1-5 and 1-6.The monthly Zones 1 and 2 (Paris and suburbs) rises from 56.60 to 60.40 euros (+6.7%), the zones 1-3 of 74.40 to 78.20 euros (+ 5.1%) and the zones 1 to 4 from 91.70 to 95.50 euros (+4.1%).

• Energy

– Gas: After an initial increase in April, prices will increase again by 2% to 4.7% (about 8 euros per year for those who use gas for hot water and cooking 45 per year for those who use it also for heating)

– Bulbs: As part of the scheduled end of incandescents in the EU to promote energy saving, incandescent lamps of 60 watts are removed from store shelves.Those whose power was 100 watts or more have disappeared from shelves in 2009.

• Bonus for scrap

The premium case is lowered to 500 euros instead of 700 for any car ordered until December 31.

• Stamps

The price of postage for mailings of letters under 20 grams, will increase by two cents from 56-58 cents, an increase of 3.5%.

• Retirement

The index points which is the basis for calculating salary in three public (state, territorial and hospital) must be revalued by 0.5%.

• Unemployment benefits

Allowances of approximately two million unemployed by unemployment insurance compensation will be revalued by 1.2%.

• Communication

– Hadopi: It is from this Thursday that the first warnings will be mailed to users in violation of the law on downloading.

– Phone: The price of calls made and received from another EU country (roaming within Europe) will be reduced to 39 cents per minute excluding VAT cons 43 cent today. Receiving a call will be charged € 0.15 per minute instead of EUR 0.19.The SMS tariff remains unchanged for its 11 cents per message.

• Business and Disability

Firms with more than 20 employees employ any disabled person and took no action to promote employment of disabled people will have their penalties tripled to about 13,000 euros per person missing.

• Livret A

Currently at its lowest level since its inception to 1.25% – Return of the booklet A should move to 1.50% or 1.75% from 1 August by Budget Minister Francois Baroin.

The World: key week for the recapitalization

A new twist to a week of the due date of the recapitalization of the World. Faced with the trio led by the investment banker, Matthew Pigasse with Pierre Bergé and Xavier Niel, a second trio was organized on Sunday afternoon, around the group BY SFA (holding the New Observer, owned by Claude Perdriel) of Spanish media group Prisa (El Pais) and France Telecom operator. In an interview with Journal du Dimanche (JDD) Sunday, the CEO of France Telecom, Stéphane Richard, proves to have "thrown, with Claude Perdriel and Prisa, the basis of an agreement."

15.01% shareholder of Le Monde group, Prisa was reticent after the refusal of the Executive to grant an extension until September to participate in the recapitalization of its ailing partner.The panel chaired by Juan Luis Cebrian put forward its own recapitalization involved with the U.S. Fund Liberty to justify such a postponement of the calendar. Last week, he emphasized its commitment to, inter alia, not to see its share diluted after World recapitalized.

Negotiations on all fronts

The new trio should table this afternoon deadline, a firm offer to provide a contribution of 80 to 120 million euros, against 67% stake in Le Monde group, the balance remaining in the hands of associations of employees, alumni and readers. If the trio is selected, two thirds of the capital would be divided between France Telecom (20%), ACS PAR (40%) and Prisa (40%). Claude Perdriel assumed the presidency of the Executive, Denis Olivennes merely a seat on the supervisory board of the World, which would be chaired by Louis Schweitzer. It remains to see who would hold operational control.The question does not seem to cut Sunday night "even though we reassured on good authority, we are heading towards a cocontrôle between groups Prisa and Le Nouvel Observateur No faxing 1 hour payday loans.

For its part, the boss of France Telecom has consistently received on Sunday evening, the approval of its board of directors to invest the "50 to 60 million euros" in Le Monde. This amount is primarily intended to buy "the participation of 34% of Lagardère in Le Monde Interactive (lemonde.fr …), estimated at between 30 and 40 million euros (the remainder, nearly 20 million euros, being invested in the holding head).

France Telecom is already in discussion with the group Lagardere, which would yield the same time its trademark rights The World.With this operation, the operator expects to realize significant synergies in terms of content and advertising revenue between its sites, those of the World and the Nouvel Observateur. On an investment after all, pleaded Sunday Stéphane Richard, in comparison with the "6 billion that the group invests every year." Especially since Claude Perdriel was anxious to negotiate an option to buy within five years 34% of France Telecom in Le Monde Interactive.

For its part, the trio Pigasse-Bergé-Niel Sunday still pursuing its discussions with various companies in the group's employees to enter into a governance agreement. This would include maintaining their right of veto over the appointment of a newspaper editor, a right to consultation regarding the group's director, and a right to scrutinize the use of the mark World. This agreement should be attached to the tenders submitted this afternoon.The employees will vote Friday before a supervisory board next Monday.

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The Paris Bourse is expected to remain down

New session of decline in perspective the Paris Stock Exchange on Wednesday. If investors follow the Parisian trend driven by Asia this morning, there is little chance to see the CAC 40 bounced in the opening. On Tuesday, the key index in Paris had a meeting very heckled, opening in early fall and then increasing its losses during the session. The reopening of Wall Street after a holiday and good U.S. macroeconomic indicators have helped limit the damage: ACC ended the session on a drop of 0.13%.

But concerns over the resumption of economic growth have resurfaced after the announcement of bad statistics on inflation and real estate in China. A price increase in this sector is feared the creation of a bubble whose consequences could be worse than those of U.S. subprime, according to some economists.

Incidentally, the euro fell to its lowest level in four yesterday during the meeting. On Wednesday, investors will keep an eye on the promises of home sales in April and May auto sales in the United States.

The bank will try to resume

As for values, banking and insurance will be expected once the turn. Very disciplined yesterday, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Societe Generale and Axa will attempt the ascent. In particular they should react to the press conference European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Commissioner for Financial Services, Michel Barnier and economic affairs commissioner, Olli Rehn, the Financial Services No fax pay day loan.The commissioners will present a Green Paper on economic reform of the EU favors a reorganization of the governance of financial institution.

Areva and Siemens would be in the sights of the European Commission according to the Figaro. An expedited procedure against the French and German can be launched for infringement of competition law. This decision falls within the framework of the divorce between the two groups.

This opens in Paris on Wednesday that the trial of Jean-Marie Messier, nearly eight years after his ouster from the chairmanship of Vivendi Universal (VU). The former boss will have to account for its management of media and communications group.

Bouygues has raised its revenue for 2010. Tuesday, the group released an operating profit of 162 million euros in first quarter 2010 and a net profit group share of 181 million euros.The group also indicated that the proposed tram-train the meeting had been finally buried.

EDF said Tuesday that its proposed acquisition of shares from several shareholders of the second Belgian electrician SPE-Luminus, which will own 63.5% of the capital after the transaction was negotiated on the basis of a price 215 million

L'Oreal said it has acquired a new provider of hair salons in the United States for an unspecified amount.

PSA Peugeot Citroen holds its general meeting this Wednesday. Philippe Varin, chief of the manufacturer has to convince shareholders of its development strategy in Asia.

The EU wants to "save the euro, London plays alone

An afternoon and night to negotiate a little. Finance ministers of the European Union gathered in Brussels on Sunday to develop a European Support Fund before the opening of Asian stock markets in the night. The mechanism would be for the countries of the euro area are experiencing difficulties in refinancing their debt markets.

These negotiations will be tough. If Sweden, which does not belong to the eurozone, said she would not rule of replenishing the fund for assistance, the United Kingdom, he was categorical. It will not contribute to the plan because it is not part of the single currency club.

"I think it is important that we do everything we can do to stabilize the markets …Be very, very clear: if there is a proposal to create a stabilization fund to the euro, it must be left to the Eurogroup countries, "said British Finance Minister, interviewed from Brussels by British news channel Sky News.

Despite these differences, the EU wants to send a strong signal to markets. They have since the beginning of the crisis in Greek, brought little credit to European decisions. On Sunday, the Spanish Minister of Finance, Elena Salgado, has shown great volunteer arriving in Brussels for talks: "We will defend the euro, we believe that we should give more stability to our currency, and we will do what is necessary to achieve that goal. "She also stated that "Spain does not intend to use this fund."

The original idea was that the European Commission to borrow under the guarantee of all countries of the European Union, including those like Britain that do not use the euro, as it is mechanism of the EU, diplomatic sources said.

To validate such a device would require the approval of a majority of the 27 qualified enough that EU ministers meet in Brussels, but the goal is to have a consensus.

An agreement must Tonight

London's refusal to participate could force the euro zone to fall back on a loan facility guaranteed by the only countries using the single currency, an option also being considered.

The contingency plan for defending the single currency will he ultimately guaranteed by all countries of the EU or the only states in the euro area? "It's a question for debate," a diplomatic source admitted to another European country.

The British, they refuse to give their guarantee for loans in Europe, however, are willing to approve in principle the establishment of the Stabilization Fund, according to British sources.The latest proposal on the table talking about a $ 60 billion for the fund, she said.

The euro area is imperative to reach an agreement before financial markets open in Asia on Sunday night to Monday in order to be able to reassure investors after Greece took in their sights Spain, Portugal or Italy.

London also in turmoil

The United Kingdom is, as the euro area in turmoil. The elections on Thursday did not produce a clear majority in Parliament, which is at once suspended. Because of this uncertainty, the pound fell Friday below 1.46 dollars, its lowest in a year.

Markets are particularly concerned about the reduction of budget deficit British, the highest of the major EU countries. It reaches 12% of gross domestic product (GDP).What dig the debt, which could peak at 94.1% in 2011, according to the OECD. The rating agencies expect the presentation of a future austerity plan to degrade or not the "AAA" rating from the United Kingdom.

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IMF: the euro area lags behind the global recovery

The weather global economic summarized in three figures: production (GDP) will grow 10% this year in China, 3.1% in the U.S. and 1% in the euro area countries. For the whole world, growth is expected in 2010 to 4.2% and 4.3% in 2011. With a clear dividing line between the advanced countries, whose growth prospects are around 2.3%, while savings "emerging or developing" a galloping pace of 6.3%.

These new "World Economic Outlook," IMF showed that "the recovery unfolds better than expected. But new challenges have emerged and exceptional "cautioned Olivier Blanchard, chief economist of the Fund. He calls a "warm" restart in the advanced countries, which are still found a lower level of production of 7% it would have without the crisis.In the eurozone, the IMF also revised downwards by 0.1 percentage point to 1% its forecast for growth in 2010, although France, among others, has fared rather better with a forecast of 1.5% instead of 1.4%.

Dependence credit

For Europeans to wonder why their economies pull themselves together much more slowly than America, Olivier Blanchard gives two main explanations. Europe is "more dependent on bank credit as the U.S. market where finance plays a greater role for business and they have restarted the fittest." Furthermore "the policy responses have been later and less strong in Europe," he adds.

This means that the IMF does not disavow the fiscal stimulus plans, including Dominique Strauss-Kahn, their boss, was one of the strongest supporters, from January 2008.But "it is urgent to develop strategies for fiscal consolidation in the medium term" now stress the same experts. They note that the budget deficits in advanced countries have now reached 9% of GDP on average and that "the debt / GDP ratio should exceed 100% by 2014 if nothing is done.

Rebalancing Economic Policy

The situation is more delicate than a too abrupt adjustment of public finances could hinder growth already shaky. Hence the advice to double trigger "to fully implement fiscal stimulus measures planned for 2010, except in countries which already have a strong increase in their risk premium and must begin to rebalance their budgets now," as Greece. But the most advanced countries should undertake a substantial fiscal consolidation in 2011.

Emerging economies are the reverse face "to an influx of capital, a good thing in itself, but can become excessive," warns Olivier Blanchard. He recovered one of his favorite anthems "the currencies of a number of emerging markets remain undervalued in considerable proportions regarding the yuan." It calls for a revaluation of the currency, both in relation to the dollar than the euro, the only way to give oxygen to Western exports and ease the risk of overheating in Asia. This rebalancing of economic policies will be central to discussions of the G20, whose finance ministers meet Friday in Washington.

The Dow Jones closed at 11,000 points beyond

Wall Street started the week in near balance, then moved into the green early interactions. An increase, however fragile, while the budget deficit emerged in sharp decline in March, to 65.4 billion. A decrease of 65% yoy. Analysts were expecting a lower deficit.

At the close, the Dow Jones climbed 0.09%, the Nasdaq is 0.16% and the S & P 500 of 0.18%.

This slight increase still leaves the Dow Jones crossed the symbolic threshold of 11,000 points. The index reached 22 hours, 11,006 points. A first since September 2008. And the S & P reach almost 1200 points to 1197 points exactly.

The U.S. stock markets have recently experienced six consecutive weeks of increases, an unprecedented series from the lowest 12 years and a half touchdowns in March 2009.On the foreign exchange market, the euro is rising against the dollar after the announcement yesterday by the countries of the eurozone plan the details of aid to Greece.

Oil prices fell for the fourth consecutive session, still affected by an abundant supply and low demand in the United States.On the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery finished at 84.34 dollars, down 58 cents from the previous day.

Indicators to follow this week

On the macroeconomic front, the week will be marked by several important indicators such as the index of consumer prices, retail sales for the month of March, industrial production, housing starts and the first estimate of the index Reuters confidence-Michigan.

The markets will also follow the hearing of Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, the Congressional Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday and will monitor closely developments in the case of the Greek debt.

Alcoa opens the ball Publications

Palm jumped 17.05%.The group was mandated to advise the banks to sell its business or other opportunities, according to news agencies.

On the side of values, the oil industry runs the meeting. Friday Chevron (1.22%, to 80.43 dollars), without giving a figure, has announced an increase its refining margins in the first quarter. The group takes advantage of the rising oil prices and a possible improvement in its refining margins.The major U.S. must publish its accounts on April 30.

According to the press, the merger between United Airlines and U.S. Airways (2.73%, to 7.52 dollars) should be performed exclusively by exchange of shares.

The Department of Treasury of the United States announced plans to sell at auction in six weeks, before the end of May, the warrants of Wells Fargo shares were granted during the salvage of the bank in the fall 2008.

Microsoft has unveiled a new phone especially for the youth market of social networking fans, called KIN, developed with Verizon Wireless and Vodafone and manufacturer Sharp.

ConocoPhillips has announced the sale of its Chinese Sinopec stake in Canadian oil sands project Syncrude for $ 4.65 billion dollars.

Just after the close, investors have taken note of the first quarterly results of major public companies. As usual, the aluminum giant Alcoa, which gave the start of the season publications. Analysts expected a return to profit, its first since a year.

Meanwhile, Alcoa shares have been 1.39%, to 14.59 dollars.

The coming week will also be driven by quarterly results from Intel, Google, General Electric and JPMorgan Chase & Co. banks among others.

"Caution should be clear," says Aurel, who says that "the discourse of business remain positive on the merits but there are risks of disappointment on margins or unit on a possible downturn in order books in the coming months." The industry, raw materials, financials and semiconductors are the sectors most at risk.However, the agri-food sector, distribution or energy values could pleasantly surprise.

Biotechs are going back to the Exchange

The biotechs have to score again in stock. As proof, the imminent introduction of Neovacs Deinove and Alternext. Neovacs biotechnology company specializing in immunotherapy (arthritis, Crohn's disease), has extended the period of fifteen days to subscribe for its shares to raise 20 million euros. Deinove, which relies both on green fuels and the production of antibiotics, is preparing to collect 15 million in late April.

"The thrill of the financial markets is clear. The companies that have promising products, attractive valuations and are focusing on big markets again become interesting, "says Dr. Philippe Pouletty, General Partner of Truffle Capital and Honorary Chairman of France Biotech. It was time. Since 2007, this funding, essential for the biotechs, was dry.

Partnerships and acquisitions

The resumption date of late 2009.In November, the biotech NicOx has managed to collect 100 million euros. "Five to six biotech could go public by 2010," predicts Philippe Pouletty. This could be the case Carmat, further participation of Truffle Capital, which is developing an artificial heart, then AB Science, which addresses mastocytosis, a rare disease no teletrack payday loans.

The crisis has not resulted in catastrophe for the biotechs. The decline in venture capital funding has been limited to 25%. The biotech, which have little recourse to debt, were not affected by the closure of the credit tap. At the same time, they took advantage of the growing interest of pharmaceutical companies, forced to look outward to compensate for their lack of internal creativity. The labs have multiplied in recent months partnerships and takeovers."Biotechnology and the green industry are two huge sectors globally. France and the investors have an incentive to participate in this growth, "said Philippe Pouletty. But investors are not always what you. "The performance of biotech on the Paris market is not attractive enough," lamented Francis Deneux, the firm Arthur D. Little. Without doubt, as these start-ups are often financed by public funds including, with "too little selectivity. This leaves the "not enough money for the best of them."

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The iPad is delayed for a month in France

The "revolution" promised by Apple will wait a bit. On Friday, the U.S. group announced that its touch pad will be marketed in France and in several other countries until the end of April, a month later than originally indicated. Only Americans can place orders from March 12. In the U.S., shipments of the model with a WiFi connection indeed begin earlier, April 3. The model with 3G as it arrives at the end, as in France, where the two versions will be available at the same time.

Rumors of a delay in the iPad was buzzing for several days. Monday, analyst Peter Misek, Canaccord Adams, had reported the first production of concerns among suppliers of Apple. "We learned that the launch of the iPad would be limited, while congestion in manufacturing has impacted the production of new aircraft," he wrote.Hence the choice of restricting output in the United States, the time to increase the production rate. But on Wednesday, contradictory information had been circulated. Apple has not commented on this point.

"The risk of frustration"

This delay, however, should have little impact on sales. "We believe that the only impact of this delay could come from the frustration of consumers and product launch somewhat tarnished for Apple," wrote Peter Misek. According to his estimates, some 550,000 tablets could be sold by the end of June, up 1.2 million and 3.5 million in October the following year. Early studies indicate that the entry-level models (WiFi, 16GB of storage, $ 499) and high range (WiFi and 3G, 64GB storage, $ 829) are the most requested.Prices in euros are not yet known.

Beyond the case of Apple, the delay gives the tablet a little air to developers who rush to provide software adapted from the start. If the iPad can run applications from the iPhone by doubling the required size on the screen, the device opens the field for specific uses, including through the development of new menus in the interface and d an optional keyboard. However, outside of Apple and some major publishers like Electronic Arts and the New York Times, most developers have started work on the iPad after his presentation, January 27.

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