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Foreign investors are starting to look at Nigeria with a growing mistrust and the massacre of 500 Christians in central Somalia on Sunday should not reassure them. International companies present in this state, the second largest oil producer after sub-Saharan Angola, worried about the threat to the balance of power head.

"The violence between Christians and Muslims are recurrent, they occur in the same place and are always roughly the same number of victims," explains Jean-Loïc Guieze, senior economist at BNP Paribas. "If we talk about today is because the political context has changed." Even as the main weakness of the country happens to be precisely the political risk.

Rebel attacks

The president-elect, Umaru Yar'Adua, a Muslim, ill, is being replaced by his Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan Christian.So, number of issues affecting the interests of foreign companies could suffer from the situation. Mainly in the region of the Niger Delta, where there are oil fields.

"More than chronic interreligious violence in central Canada, where they are virtually absent, is the upsurge in rebel attacks in the delta is important for foreign groups," according Mülhberger Marion, economist at Deutsche Bank. Resurgence that is not foreign to the equilibrium, the head of state.

An agreement was signed last August to disarm rebels waged in the region's oil rich Niger Delta flexcheck cash advance . In exchange, the premises were promised a program of investment and development. Who is at a standstill since the onset of Yar'Adua.

Legal uncertainty

"If the attacks resumed with greater vigor, oil production will be affected," warns Jean-Loïc Guieze. However, oil accounts for 95% of its exports and 80% of state resources. "If the production, which now represents one third of GDP, began to plunge, as happened between 2005 and early 2009, it will question the government's ability to finance the economy as it has since the beginning of the crisis, "added the economist.

Another issue affected by the power vacuum, the reform of the hydrocarbon law to increase royalties on oil. Under negotiation for three years, it finally exasperated the oil companies, adding a dose of uncertainty about their future income and therefore no incentive to invest.

Rating agencies have already integrated some of these uncertainties in the rating of Nigeria, degraded to B + in August by Standard & Poor's, a level similar to that of other sub-Saharan countries such as Ghana. "The risk of instability to materialize today," says Marion Mülhberger.

The month of February has been tough for Air France KLM. The airline announced Monday in a statement, passenger traffic down 2.2% on year in February. On this month, Air France will be transported 4.885 million passengers against 4.779 million a year earlier. The number of passenger kilometers (RPK), which corresponds to the number of passengers multiplied by distance traveled, also shows a slight decrease, from 0.6% to 13.98 million for capacity reduction of 5%. The cargo activity has also suffered a decline in traffic of 2.1%.

The biggest drop of the customer is registered on the European traffic (-3.3%). According to Air France, this is due to bad weather and strikes by air traffic controllers. Two events that have cost a total of 22 million euros.

However, Air France KLM said a better filling of its aircraft.In February, the load factor improved 3.5 points to 77.7%. The load factor rose on all networks, including Europe where it now stands at 63.6%. For cargo activity, this ratio also increases to 70.8%.

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To fight against their roundness, the French now have a choice. On the steps of Weight Watchers, Nestle launches an assault on the hexagonal market are overweight with the management program to consumers personalized weight Jenny Craig. Since Monday, a site in French offers interested persons the same services that the sites American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand.

As elsewhere, the French website offers a consultation by phone or at a center with "a Jenny Craig consultant. After a personalized, the latter offers menus that the customer can be delivered at home or go for a center. Regular monitoring is also implemented throughout the program. The site also offers a range of tips to keep in shape and lose weight. The French will pay 9.90 euros per day for 3 menus.

Seventeen centers will emerge in France. To recall, a study by Inserm showed that 31.9% of people over 18 were overweight. "The French studies have exceeded our expectations. It is truly a great opportunity, "explains Ralf Loehrl charged segment weight for Nestlé Europe saving account payday loan . The group plans to open its programs to the UK market soon.

The fight against Weight Watchers restarts

Nestlé launches into a market already occupied by several groups such as Slim-Fast, Unilever or Gerlinéa, Nutrition & Health. But the biggest competitors is Weight Watchers, well established in Europe. The announcement did not help relations have deteriorated between their two groups on the U.S. market. Latest clash to date: an advertising deemed misleading by Weight Watchers International.In early February, it filed a complaint against Jenny Craig to court in New York. He accused his rival of having staged the actress Valerie Bertinelli, studies comparing Weight Watchers 10 years old with new ways of Jenny Craig to come to the conclusion that these programs were twice as effective . Jenny Craig has admitted his mistake and stopped such advertising.

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Catering. Consultancy. Cleaning. Tutoring at home. Services have emerged as one of the engines of the French economy. They represent 57% of GDP. They have experienced an average growth of 2.9% per year against 2% for the overall economy over the last thirty years. They employed 8.9 million people or 34.4% of total employment in 2008 against 22% in 1978. They are the only sector posting positive growth last year.

"Service firms create more jobs than the industry and offer real skilled jobs. Wages in operational services such as security, consulting, catering are, on average, slightly higher than the industry, "said Georges Drouin chairman of the group of professional services (GPS).The average annual salary in market services is 32 EUR 306 EUR 27 619 cons for the whole economy.

Stable rules

This rise explains that the Government had established the Standing Committee for consultation services, which brings together 12 departments and 10 professional branches Same day payday loans . "We want a real political services. This sector can create 2 million jobs. But this requires a real tax policy, social and training to enable its development, "says Georges Drouin, Vice-Chairman of the Committee. The profession requires stable rules."Just watch what happens in a year on the fiscal and social – senior employment, social dialogue in the TPE, gender – to understand why companies can not build long term," says George Drouin.

The President of GPS also fears the consequences of debate on stress. "I fear that the government extend the discussion to relationships between employees and customers to believe this relationship creates stress. This could have adverse consequences for three quarters of employees in service businesses. Moreover, it is not true: the relationship with the customer is rewarding and enriching, "says Georges Drouin. But faced with rising incivility of consumers, it ensures that companies must help their employees and that "we must also educate customers."

Casino will offer to pay shareholders a dividend of 2.65 euros for fiscal 2009, an amount of 4.7% higher than that given under the previous year.

This increase reflects the performance of distribution group in 2009. In fact, Casino recorded a net profit group share of 543 million euros, 8.6% above the profit achieved in 2008.

The turnover, however, declined slightly over one year fell 1.2% to 26.75 billion dollars. In France in particular, sales were folded by 3.8% organic and 2.7% excluding petrol. The Leader Price recorded a sales decline of 9.1%, while those of Franprix were stable free credit score .

This is especially the activities of other distribution group (real estate, cidscount Bank Casino, Casino Restaurants, which have borne results.Thus, Mercialys boosted operating income (+36.2%).

Internationally, South America and Asia are distinguished by respective organic growth of 5.7% and 5.1%.

The EBITDA margin of Casino fell 14 basis points, and thus amounts to 6.9% against 7.1% in 2008.

For 2010, the group confirms the continuation of its plan to sell assets of one billion euros.

Facing speculative attacks against the single currency, countries in the euro area were preparing to fly to the aid of Greece. According to a source close to the German government, they would be agreed in principle to help Athens on the eve of a special European summit, convened Thursday evening in Brussels. The information was however not confirmed on Tuesday. "The reports that the euro area has taken the decision to help Greece are unfounded, said Tuesday, a spokesman for the government.

The terms of the rescue would not be arrested, but he could take the form of bilateral aid that is to say, special loans from state to state. Several countries would be involved, including Germany, the largest economy in the euro area, and first funder of the European Union."Whether bilateral or collective aid to Greece will be under strict conditions," warned Michael Meister Tuesday, elected a German conservative party (CDU), quoted by Bloomberg.

So far reluctant to rush to the aid of a country that has lied about its statistics and squandered public finances for years, Germany was forced to intervene again, because it is the unity and stability of the euro area is now in danger. "Germany has a special responsibility vis-à-vis the euro," said German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, who will make a statement to the government in Berlin today on the financial situation of Greece.

Trichet advance his return

Persistent for several days, rumors have quieted rescue markets. The euro, which fell to $ 1.34 last week, was pressed Tuesday to over $ 1.38.The Athens Stock Exchange has for its closed up 4.96%. In Paris the CAC 40 finished + 0.15%. Rating agencies, very nervous these days, calmed down. Fitch said Tuesday that there was no reason to degrade the notes of Spain, who still enjoys an AAA, but is affected by contagion from the crisis in Greece.

Tuesday morning, the sudden return of Jean-Claude Trichet in Europe that fueled speculation of a European intervention in favor of Greece. The President of the European Central Bank had to spend two days in Australia to attend a meeting of central bankers. He advanced his departure not to miss the extraordinary EU summit Thursday called by the President of the Union, Herman Van Rompuy.According to the German press, experts from the ECB participate in secret for several days in meetings with representatives of countries in the euro area are working on the rescue of Greece. Two options are under consideration: the conditions under bilateral aid or loan guarantees for Greece in the framework of a European fund.

The treaties prohibit any of these options.Just came into force, the Lisbon Treaty provides in Article 122-2, "the Council on a proposal from the Commission, may grant, under certain circumstances, financial assistance from the EU Member State is in difficulties or a serious threat of serious difficulties caused by exceptional occurrences beyond its control.

Speculative attacks of recent days against the euro, and debt to Member States the most vulnerable have been a trigger for the policy decision.

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More than three days to hunt for bargains: the winter sales started January 6 will be completed February 9. According to a survey by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP), 53% of Parisian merchants expressed disappointment with these balances. For 55% of them, "the result of these items is lower than the previous winter, though it was already subdued.

The investigation reveals that "many leaders of businesses to deplore promotions, in all forms, and private sales, which customers accustomed to buying at a low price all year and distort the sales period.

The floating balances are poorly perceived by traders

They also inveigh the establishment of "floating balance" that can choose the dates of two weeks of additional balances.Moreover, three quarters of them say not to be used during the autumn / winter and 70% have no plans to use over the next six months. Yet 57% of the persons introduced themselves as satisfied with the result although for now there has been no consultation, either with a merchants' association or federation, or dates fixed in a collective manner.

Traders interested in this subject harmonization. This situation will surely change. In a statement, the National Council of Shopping Centers (CNCC), in consultation with the Union of the great trade center (UCV), advises its members to organize the next floating balances to a common date of 21 to 27 April.The goal is to become "a real go of consumption."

The snow has complicated travel

The 2009 vintage was also very disturbed by the snowfall during the first half of sales, which has rendered inaccessible many shops especially in the provinces. For Franck Delpal, economist at the French Institut de la Mode (IFM), "when you miss the first fifteen days, it's hard to catch up."

The same applies to the grouping of cards that recorded the greatest number of payment cards since the beginning balances, Saturday, January 16, that is to say the second Saturday after the beginning of the period, while that Usually this peak is reached on the first Saturday Payday Loan for Bad Credit .Besides the peak in 2010 amounted to 23.2 million euros, down 0.2 million compared to 2009.

According to a survey by Ifop published January 22, the French were less likely to visit the shops. Only 53% of respondents said they made the winter sales against 70% in January 2009.

Disparate results

For Claude Ball, president of the UCV, department stores "take their game well," especially in Paris, as in the provinces, particularly in the west, there was more snow.Galeries Lafayette recorded a growth of 4% (+9% boulevard Haussmann) since the beginning balances, while the year before it was already 8% Delaoutre says Paul, general manager of the branch department stores group .

Internet sales are exploding

However, internet sales have increased 19% during the first six days by the Federation of e-commerce and distance selling (Fevad). Since the trend "seems to be confirmed" by Marc Lolivier, general delegate of the Fevad. This was due to snow, causing problems for businesses, but conversely that arranges sales online and also the significant increase in the number of Internet sites and shops.

The investigation of the CCIP also reveals that over 70% of traders believe that the Internet and private sales are "real competition" during sales.Traders lament as "small prices on the internet, which distort the perception of consumer prices and make it very demanding."

A survey of winter sales online supports this observation. Directed by the merchant site Brandalley with Benchmark Group, publisher of the Journal of the Web, the survey indicates that respondents spend twice as much Internet in a physical store during the sales and 45% spent less during this period due to multiplication periods of remission.

Industries French armaments are ironed on the offensive abroad. In 2009, they exported nearly 8 billion euros of military equipment (up 31% over 2008), returning to levels of 2000. Followed closely behind by Israel and the United States, Britain and Russia, France wants to reclaim its rank as third largest exporter of military equipment, signing 10 to 12 billion euros in export contracts this year, announced Monday Laurent Collet-Billon, the Director General for Armaments (DGA).

"To achieve this goal, we need some major prospects lead," he admitted. He cited discussions with Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the sale of Rafale fighter jets built by Dassault Aviation (*)."We look forward serenely the Brazilian government's decision and look forward to achieving an agreement in Abu Dhabi, where negotiations are proceeding at a steady pace this year, even in the first half of 2010," said Jacques de Lajugie, director of the International DGA. On Monday, the new Ambassador of France to Brazil, Yves Saint-Geours, said Brasilia, which has already bought from France helicopters and Scorpene submarines, should make his choice "soon" between the various fighters compete .

Equal competition

Among other promising leads, sales to Russia Building Projection and Command (BPC) Mistral class built by DCNS. "France has agreed to sell a copy of payday loan companies . Russia would buy four in total, "said Jacques de Lajugie.Pending a formal statement at the highest level, Paris examines the request "technical" of the Russian General Staff, which raises reserves of some countries, including the United States. A PCB can carry 900 troops and tanks and helicopter gunships costs 500 to 600 million euros.

In the terrestrial domain, several countries are interested in the Leclerc tank made by Nexter. "But the resource is scarce. We can not sell a batch of 40 tanks. Also, the first come first served ", warned the director of the International.

Finally, in the case to rebound – it lasts for eight years – the renewal of the fleet of tanker aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Laurent Collet-Billon wished he was not biased. "It would not be good for the United States. If there is only one competitor, the case could be blocked by Congress, "he said."The call for tenders must enable EADS to compete with its partner Northrop Grumman in conditions of equal competition (against Boeing, Ed), insisted his side Hervé Morin, French Minister of Defense after a meeting in Paris with his U.S. counterpart Robert Gates.

(*) The Dassault group also owns the Figaro

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A giant and one giant British have published good results. And this is the sector that benefits. Precisely what happens this Thursday on the financial markets: Cisco Systems and Vodafone have both reported results beyond expectations that suggest an improved outlook for the telecommunications industry as a whole.

In exchange, Paris, France Telecom and Alcatel-Lucent have early interactions hoisted top of the charts of ACC 40. The securities group headed by Didier Lombard rose 1.3% in early trading at almost 17 euros and those of the OEM were granted 2.75%, to over 2.6 euros.Note that during this time, the flagship index in Paris was changing small decline.

Out CAC 40 Afone rises from 1.66% to 6.75% and Morocco Telecom wins 1.38%, to 13.2 euros.

Cisco will hire

On the one hand, Cisco has made a profit in second quarter net up 23% to $ 1.85 billion, above estimates. Cisco was one of the first groups of its sector to publish its quarterly results (yesterday evening after the close of Wall Street) and they augur from those of its competitors, especially in regard to business spending.

Cisco said it plans to hire 2000 to 3000 people over the coming quarters.The group anticipates an acceleration of growth in its turnover in the range between 23% and 26% during the current quarter, while analysts polled expect an average increase of 16.5% Business Card Design