Wal-Mart is no stranger to litigation. The last internal investigation by the world's largest distributor could well become a new folder in the long term. In a document submitted to the U.S. stock market authority and revealed Friday, the group admitted that the corruption scandal that it faces is not only its Mexican subsidiary. The case was initiated by an article in The New York Times on April 22, which stated that Wal-Mart had concealed having used the large-scale corruption to grow in Mexico.

Fines, injunctions, orders of suspension …

The board of directors of Wal-Mart seeks in particular to determine if the group has broken the law on foreign bribery (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act). "Although the company does not currently believe that these problems can have a significant negative impact on its operations, given the uncertainties inherent in such situations, the company can provide no assurance that these problems will not have to substantial impact on its activities in the future, "admits Walmart. The retailer believes it can be of "one or more lawsuits on this issue", which could result in "judgments, settlement agreements, fines, injunctions, orders termination, sentencing and other criminal penalties."

"The complaints of shareholders could result in judgments against its directors and current and former officials named in these proceedings," he says. One of the key executives of Wal-Mart, Eduardo Castro-Wright, is particularly targeted because he led the rapid expansion of the teaching in Mexico and would have paid $ 24 million in bribes, kickbacks to local officials. Thursday, Wal-Mart announced a net profit of $ 3.7 billion in the first quarter, up 10% thanks to higher sales in Brazil, the UK and also in Mexico.

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Right in his boots but educational. Thierry Thuillier, head of information of France Televisions, did not intend to change its course despite the confidence motion addressed to him by writing nationale de France 3 on Tuesday night. The latter accused the group of "systematically favor France 2 on the pool coverage of political events and international." Similarly, she worries about the consequences of "pooling of resources between the two shooting strings."

If he does not deny the importance of the message, the strongman of the information of France Televisions prefers to explain without giving up the strategy adopted two years ago. "There is unease should be dispelled," he concedes. "Every two years, part of the national drafting of France 3 raises the question of its identity and its future and concludes with a confidence motion. However, our strategy can not evolve because it is consistent and the results are there. "It reaffirms that" there is no question of reducing the national writing because we are already at minimum staffing possible nor to remove these editions essential if only for a matter of status for France 3 ". Moreover, he recalls, "hearings are" 19-20 "are above the 17% audience share. More than double the average chain. In two years on this installment, we gained 400,000 viewers while everyone loses. "

An editorial in France own

3 When the "12-13", accused of "making of Jean-Pierre Pernaut" Thierry Thuillier advance even numbers: "He is accused of making too many news items? But this represents only 5% of these newspapers, "he says cash advance now. Thierry Thuillier continues to claim the editorial line-up to France 3: "It may not be the same as that of France 2. Because it is the color of the chain, we decided to focus the second parts of JT on proximity and daily life of the French. I do not think about transportation, education and all issues that cross the life of the French in the sub-word! "He said that" France 3 teams also cover major international events. "

There remains the puzzling question of bad election nights of hearings on France 3. For the leader, "the real political event in the chain regions is less presidential than legislative. With 24 regional editorial, it would be wrong not to enjoy it! ". Finally, inherited Thierry Thuillier, on his arrival two years ago, a unique company already under way and a pooling of resources "theory, but to achieve": "The latter, he says, has helped create more than 200 reports over three minutes, and reduce by half the subjects redistributed.

Moreover, the shootings have in common the last month shown that 10-15% of the subjects of France 3. In all cases, the budget gives the group does not return to the system yesterday when France Televisions reached five cameras on the same press conference, "he concludes.

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One hundred billion a year. The evaluation by the European Commission of savings possible through new technologies during the bidding for public procurement in Europe is surprisingly important. These sums, which may feed into major investments, according to Brussels are at hand as the "all-mail" will be the rule in mid-2016 during the procurement in all countries of the European Union. It will be a challenge: currently only 5 to 10% of procedures for awarding public contracts in the EU are conducted electronically.

"This estimate of 100 billion euros based on a conservative estimate, says an expert from the Commission. It is based on a 5% decrease in the cost of the project, which is a minimum. The total amount of bids that meet the business is very important since it represents 20% of European GDP. "Brussels estimated the total value of public procurement to 2000 billion per year.

Brussels, referring to a Dutch study, estimated at 8,500 euros on average lower technical costs (postage, etc..) Achievable at each tender faxless payday advance. Moreover, the use of e-procurement methods practiced by large companies for a dozen years for their supplies, would actually put pressure on prices up to 20%.

The example of South Korea

Companies, especially SMEs, more aware of the auction would be held and many more to participate and, hence, the estimate would be dragged down. "An extrapolation made from several concrete examples of building hospitals in Portugal found that the gains could reach up to 18%, we preferred to retain more modest ambitions," says one in Brussels.

The Commission itself will only use new technologies in mid-2015, a year before the deadline of mid-2016 imposed on Member States as part of the modernization of European directives of 2011 on Public Procurement. In a communication to the European Parliament especially in April, the Commission highlighted the example of South Korea, a pioneer in this field. Using a platform of public procurement, saving this country since 2007 some 4.5 billion per year (8% of total procurement).

Terrestrial digital radio (DAB) will she set up in 2012? The Higher Audiovisual Council (CSA) and wants just updated the call for tenders launched in March 2008 to Paris, Nice and Marseille. A call to cover twenty new cities to follow. The regulator does and apply the law of 5 March 2007 on the modernization of audiovisual broadcasting, said Rachid Arhab, advisor to the CSA in charge of the RNT.

But his initiative has provoked outrage from the Bureau of Radio, bringing together networks RTL, NRJ Group, Lagardère Active and NextRadioTV. "The CSA seeks the forced passage and launches an unfunded project between the two rounds of the presidential election!" Railed this association. Candidates in 2008 and for certain selected by the CSA at the time, these four private groups say they are now "reserved" on the launch of the RNT. "We are not against digital radio. But we want to know how many radios there will be local, how many there will be national and what is the vision of CSA in the long run? "Explains Michel Cacouault, President of the Office of the radio. Information that would be necessary to establish private radios for a business plan over the long term. In practice, they are afraid of having to finance, long, double analogue and digital, of many issuers, while the French are not yet equipped with suitable receivers.

"We try to corner us on the question of the economic model. But it is to find the radios, not the CSA, "retorts Rashid Arhab. Economic needs will also depend on the speed at which digital radio is launched. For this, the new call for applications imposes minimum thresholds of coverage to be achieved in five years. According to Rachid Arhab, they are "significant, without strangling operators." Another variable that escapes the CSA: consumer expectations. "Let the listener and the market decide how TNR works," says the counselor, who works at the revival of the issue since the fall.

Support independent

His efforts have joined efforts for six months by the Union Interprofessional Independent Radio and Television (Sirti). The latter went so far as to claim before the State Council the allocation of broadcasting licenses to selected candidates in 2008. For its members, as for-profit radio stations, the TNR is a promise of development. The Sirti and SNRL, associations representing the stations, therefore support the decision of the CSA.

The latter was given until May 31 for candidates to file for new records or update their records to a digital radio frequency. "Otherwise, the candidate is now considered a candidate as part of its original case," defined in Article 2 of the new call for applications. At least to withdraw their cases filed in 2008, the Bureau of Radio and remain candidates for RNT.

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The savings are worth more little and rental property remains the safe haven of many French. They hope to build a heritage and (rents repay the loan), or to obtain additional income for their old age. However, with soaring prices of the stone over the last decade, the profitability of real estate has waned. Because rents have not followed the same inflationary pressures. They grew more or less the same rate as household incomes. Between 1998 and 2012, rents (excluding fees) charged to the relocation of an existing dwelling, have increased by 2.6% per year, according to the observatory rents Clamor. And only 1.2% in the nine. Result, in ten years, the annual return of real estate rose by an average of 6.5% to 4% before tax. And much less after taxes. Because rents are among the highest taxed income. When less than 15,000 euros gross, the investor benefits from an allowance of 30%. But beyond this amount, income is taxed at marginal tax rate of investors plus the payroll taxes of 15.5% in 2012. We must also consider the property tax, which has risen sharply over the past five years according to the National Union of Real Property (UNPI).

More marked fall in the Ile-de-France

The fall in rental income is more pronounced in the Ile-de-France where prices of stone flew from the late 1990s. The evolution of the current yield (calculated by dividing the purchase price of property by the rent less the cost of management), makes clear. Whereas in 1999 the rental investment from 10.4% reported gross in Seine-Saint-Denis in Paris and 5.8% in 2009, investors could get better at 5.6% gross, this time in the Val d'Oise and 3.8% gross in the capital according to a study by the Institute of savings in housing and land (IEIF). Since 2009, the rental income has fallen further, especially in Paris where prices continued their mad ascent. The capital was, however, in recent years a good investment. "The overall performance (gain and efficiency) of investment in rental Paris was good compared to other financial investments," said Gilbert Emont, author of the study IEIF. "The price surge has allowed those who have sold their homes to reap substantial gains. These have significantly improved the performance of assets at current yield mediocre. "Yields were somewhat more resilient in the provinces. In 2009, the range was between 7.5 and 4.7% gross in large cities (against 9.4 to 6.2% in 1999). "But sometimes, high profitability is associated with a significant risk, including rental vacancies," said Eric Pompon, director of Meeschaert Estate Board. Investment in new via the Scellier remains interesting. It offers a tax reduction equal to 13% of the purchase price of the property in exchange for renting out for nine years. The rental yield is estimated at 4% on average through the tax savings (against 6% in 2011). "But be careful not to overpay good and be sure you can rent it by choosing a quality site," said Eric Pompon.Quel the mode of investment, small areas are rented more expensive per square meter that are larger and hence more profitable, even if tenants are more fickle, especially in the studios. Most of the rental demand elsewhere on the door of an apartment and one bedroom. "Although real estate is worth more than all the past, it remains more profitable than other investments and helps protect against inflation, not to mention the potential capital gain generated on the resale of property "says Eric Pompon.

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The reactor of the nuclear Penly, Seine-Maritime, did not escape unscathed from two outbreaks of fire that led to his arrest early Thursday afternoon. EDF said the evening had detected "a default on a joint of one of the four cooling pumps the coolant in the reactor building of the production unit No. 2." This defect has itself caused a leak of water "collected in tanks provided for this purpose. These tanks are located inside the reactor building, "explains the company in a statement.

According to EDF, the leak of radioactive water "has no effect on the environment." The reactor continues to be cooled and normally the central teams working to reduce the pressure and temperature of the water contained in the circuit payday loans. "By lowering the pressure and temperature, work expertise of the pump and its repair can be undertaken," says the group.

"Small oil spills that were on fire"

EDF argues that the defect is a direct response to outbreaks of fire occurred at the pump to 12:20. At this hour, a fire alarm went off after a smoke in a room located in the reactor building of the production unit # 2. Security systems were then engaged, causing the reactor trip. A first release of EDF, ensured that there were no injuries and that the facilities were "safe." "The event has no effect on the environment," explained the group already.

]]> http://onnewsline.com/edf-has-been-a-leak-of-radioactive-water-at-penly/feed/ 0 http://onnewsline.com/the-car-forced-to-adapt-to-the-crisis/ http://onnewsline.com/the-car-forced-to-adapt-to-the-crisis/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:04:13 +0000 admin http://onnewsline.com/the-car-forced-to-adapt-to-the-crisis/  

Although they are about to multiply the launch of new models at Geneva Motor Show, most manufacturers are concerned about a deterioration in their situation in Europe, where they lost money last year.

Weakened by the threat of recession, the European market is expected to decline for the fifth consecutive year, 3 to 5%, according to Euler Hermes. France is particularly affected, with a decline of 20% on the first two months of the year. Result, the price war with fierce brands to maintain their market share should continue. And the problem of excess production capacity, estimated at 20% in Europe, become more acute than ever. "These challenging conditions will persist in 2012, causing continued pressure on revenue and profitability for manufacturers," according to Fitch

Particularly pessimistic about market developments, the U.S. Ford expects to lose between 500 and 600 million this year in Europe, after recording a deficit of $ 190 million last quarter.

Faced with this crisis, all parties are seeking ways to reduce costs. Two of the weakest manufacturers in Europe, PSA Peugeot Citroen and General Motors have announced a strategic alliance, sealed by a stake of 7% of the American stake in French. The two groups hope to save 1.5 billion euros each year from 2016, sharing purchases, but also components, modules and vehicle platforms.

French is particularly desperate. Its automotive division, whose sales depend to 58% of Europe, has lost 500 million euros in the second half of 2011 and the group has burned 1.6 billion euros in cash in 2011. As for GM, whose European operations are supported by the German brand Opel, its losses totaled $ 600 million in the fourth quarter. A result that American "unacceptable."

Capacity reduction

In the short term, this alliance does not however solve the problems of both groups, particularly the low utilization of their production. General Motors, which has already closed the site of Opel Antwerp, suggested that capacity reductions were planned for "adjust to demand." Until 2014, the management is committed not to close the factory. But both sites are threatened, according to U.S. media, that of Bochum in Germany and Ellesmere Port in Britain. For its part, PSA casts doubt on the survival of the French site of Aulnay-sous-Bois after 2014. For now, the French multiplies the week of partial unemployment in France to reduce inventory and increase to the four-day week in May in its Czech plant of small cars.

In general, "continued weakness" in demand in Europe may lead other "draconian reactions" that PSA-GM alliance, as comparisons between manufacturers, restructuring or closing plants, said Fitch. Side partnership, Renault uses its alliance with Nissan and its strategic relationship with Mercedes to reduce development costs. As for Italy's Fiat, he put on his marriage with Chrysler to produce also economies of scale.

To limit the damage, however, builders rely on new products exhibited in Geneva. Ford will present his B-Max minivan, and its Fiat 500 L, a larger version of the famous city. PSA Peugeot will launch its 208 on which he plays big. For its part, Renault expects much of its low cost Lodgy minivan, sold in April from 10,000 euros. The French will also unveil its electric car Zoe, scheduled for October. It is nevertheless true that growth in car sales, which could reach 4% worldwide this year, will come again in emerging countries.

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The increase is only 1%, but the figure is impressive. $ 411 billion or 306 billion euros: that is the cumulative sales of military equipment and services performed by the first hundred defense companies worldwide in 2010, according to the latest report published on its website by the International Institute of Peace Research Stockholm (SIPRI).

The increase in activity has certainly slowed over 2009, which posted a strong growth rate of 8%. But "the 2010 data show, once again, the capacity of key stakeholders to continue to sell arms and military services, despite the financial crises currently affecting other sectors of industry," says Susan Jackson, expert the defense industry within the SIPRI payday loans in 1 hour. The slowdown is primarily due to cuts in defense budgets of Western countries whose public finances are on. But also the impact of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to the analyst of this independent institute.

Americans overwhelmingly

The active policy of equipment in modern equipment in India, Russia or Brazil and Canada, but also in many countries of Southeast Asia more than offset this. As a result, the balance sheet published for 2010 marks a record for arms sales worldwide. And, from 2002, years during which the SIPRI began to collect data, and 2010, they rose by 60%.

]]> http://onnewsline.com/the-crisis-does-not-restrict-arms-sales/feed/ 0 http://onnewsline.com/the-new-smartphones-arrive-in-barcelona/ http://onnewsline.com/the-new-smartphones-arrive-in-barcelona/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:32:13 +0000 admin http://onnewsline.com/the-new-smartphones-arrive-in-barcelona/  

On the eve of Mobile World Congress, the rendezvous sector held in Barcelona, ​​the year's trends are emerging. The most visible growth in the size of screens, far from the miniaturization that marked the beginning of mobile telephony.

Screens over 10 inches become a quasi-standard. Less convenient to slip into a jeans pocket, they cater primarily to new uses of the smartphone, including photo and video. Consumers take an average of 35 files per month with their phones, 32 against with a camera, a study by the CEA. Hence the choice of brands like HTC and Sony take particular care to the quality objectives, systems of optical stabilization and resolution of screens.

Meanwhile, the features for sharing images on social networks develop. Facebook and Twitter become incontournables.Grâce these screens, smart phones become mobile TV sets. The smartphone owners spend "5 billion hours" watching video content on their mobiles in public transport, according to a study by Deloitte! Corollary of the video, the sound quality has become an issue. The new generation of smartphones could overcome their accessories, helmets and other docking stations, thanks to the speakers better. Meanwhile, 4G, which can transmit data faster, photos and videos, is becoming widespread.

"Wallet"

To attract a younger clientele, manufacturers also account for increased ranges including products more affordable, more rounded curves, and colors. Deloitte predicts an explosion and the smartphone market under $ 100, including more than 500 million copies will be sold worldwide this year.

The smartphone has become "an object that you show a sign of social recognition. It has become a fashion business, "says Cesare Garlati, Consumerization director at Trend Micro. Hence the importance for manufacturers to build their brand, even associate it with others. Like the LG, which is betting on its partnership with Prada to boost sales.

Also new to the Korean, "tag", sort of sticker apposable example at the entrance of a meeting room. It simply move its smartphone, LG Optimus Tag LTE, so that it is automatically muted and the Wi-Fi is activated. This is one of the many applications that allows the development of contactless. Not only contactless payments will grow, but the travel cards and other loyalty cards can also be used in the same way. "The smartphones will finally take on the role of electronic wallet that promises them for several years," says Renaud Ménérat, president of UserADgents.

And to go even further, STMicroelectronics has developed an altitude sensor, which, coupled with GPS features a telephone, can move in the floors of a building. Useful to find his car in a parking lot, look for a brand in a department store, with the option to receive commercial offers highly targeted.

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