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In turmoil, PepsiCo faces a turbulent new shareholder. The investment fund Relational Investors, known to oppose the management of companies in which it invests, bought for $ 610 million of shares of the giant drinks and snacks, or 0.6% of the capital.

The activist fund could give voice to advocate a division of PepsiCo. It would be a step backwards for the inventor of Pepsi. Well ahead in the world by Coca-Cola on its core business, he had experienced a boom until the mid-2000s by diversifying successively in chips (Frito-Lay), fruit juices (Tropicana), the cereal (Quaker Oats) or yogurt (Wimm-Bill-Dann).

Officially, the group of Purchase (in NY) is doing well. "We have had constructive meetings with Relational, said Wednesday a spokesman. Our management regularly meets with investors, and Relational is a respected institution. " The co-founder of Relational Investors, Ralph Whitworth, who bought earlier this year 11 million shares of Western Union and 2 million Abercrombie & Fitch, is since last year a director of Hewlett-Packard. He campaigned successfully in several companies (ITT, L-3 Communications Holdings) for the separation of their activities.

8700 jobs lost

He will reach his goals in the world's second largest agri-food? The split is fashionable in the sector. Another giant, Kraft Foods, completes the separation of its international activity of snacking and its historical American brands. Same thing at United Biscuits, in his sweet and salty snacks.

PepsiCo, the specter of a split between drinks, but profitable low growth, and snacks, which are growing faster, is agitated for several months. A portion of the board would have been favorable towards the end of last year, according to U.S. media. Some investors see it as a remedy for the ills of the past four years the group headed by Indra Nooyi, particularly in the United States. By itself, the North American beverage business accounts for one third of overall sales. But in 2011, its activity dropped 1%, reflecting price increases and insufficient marketing investments. For eighteen months, its flagship beverage was relegated to third place behind American Coca-Cola and Diet Coke. These setbacks have led to a standstill since the arrival of the title of CEO in 2006.

If split, the value of the two entities would be greater than the current capitalization, many analysts believe. Such an operation would also build a true enterprise culture in beverages and attract the talent required to develop them.

In early February, Indra Nooyi has dismissed a split, insisting that "the value of PepsiCo was maximized as a single company." The boss of PepsiCo, which predicted a decline of 5% of its profits this year, has opted for a drastic austerity: 8700 job cuts by 2014 and a savings program, 5 billion. Implementation of its plan will be followed by its new shareholder. If it was not successful, Indra Nooyi – the rumor of the departure – could be forced to reconsider the scenario of a split.

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Less than three weeks of its annual general meeting, it is very bad news just learned that the 40,000 shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett suffers from prostate cancer.

"This note to say that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 1. The good news is that my doctors told me that my health does not put anything in my life in danger or does not weaken me enormously, "says legendary investor highly respected in the financial community, in a letter. In his message, he explains that he and his doctors decided he would undergo radiation therapy for a period of two months starting in mid-July.

This protocol will restrict its ability to move, but not prevent it to work everyday, he said. The shareholders of its holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, will be required to the evolution of his health, he further said.

However, the American billionaire sought to reassure its shareholders. "I feel very well – as if my health was perfect – and my energy is 100%" guarantee multibillionaire. More importantly, this announcement comes six weeks after the guru of finance said that the estate is already assured. He concluded: "I will inform the shareholders (Berkshire Hathaway) immediately if my health changed. One day, of course, it will happen. But I am convinced that this day is still far from us, "he concludes.

At least two lean years ahead of world trade. After the 5% increase in volume recorded in 2011, already far removed from 13.8% in 2010, the growth of international trade in goods and services will fall 3.7% this year, predicts the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This slowdown shows that "downside risks remain high and that we are not out of the woods," warns its director general, Pascal Lamy. It reflects not only the crisis in the eurozone, where the risks of recession are not excluded, but the consequences of the tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand, which disrupted production chains across Asia.

Even in China growth stalled. The World Bank has revised its forecast for Thursday GDP growth (GDP) of 8.4% to 8.2% this year. And if HSBC says the country will "rank among the top ten global markets by 2050," the bank regrets that "consumption is slow" and that "external demand remains weak."

However, it is developing countries that should benefit most from world trade in 2012, with exports and imports respectively up 5.6% and 6.2%, against 2% and 1.9% for developed countries . But the WTO, who hopes a recovery in the economy of the United States and Japan, fears and weaknesses of Europe too much of a rise in commodity prices.

"Trade restrictions"

The Geneva-based organization is little more optimistic for 2013. Although it contains the growth of international trade will rise to 5 installment payday loans.6%, with growth of 7.2% of exports of developing countries and 4.1% in developed countries. At the same time imports are projected to increase by 7.8% and 3.9% respectively. But this is little more than the 5.4% average annual increase recorded over the last twenty years. No room for complacency.

And it is certainly not sufficient to preclude the temptations of nationalism from a number of countries and the risks of a return to a more or less creeping protectionism. Pascal Lamy sees no protests yet openly declared. But he fears that "trade restrictions" appear and are "undermining the benefits of openness" in international trade. It is imperative "to revitalize the trading system to prevent such a scenario happens," pleads the Director General of the World Trade Organization.

Yet it was precisely the mission that had set the negotiations on the Doha round to liberalize world trade up. Unfortunately, begun in 2001, they are still deadlocked. And increasingly threatened by the proliferation of free trade agreements signed over the world without the WTO.

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"In 2010 we re-starting the engine of our development. In 2011, we intensified this process. " Two years after Théolia came close to filing for bankruptcy, its general manager, Fady Khallouf, welcomed the turnaround began. The operator Wind "now walk on two legs" on one side, Theolia operates parks for its own account – and it is green electricity producer – on the other, it develops and installs wind turbines on behalf third parties. "This is the guarantee of a balanced growth that allows us to make the most of opportunities," says Fady Khallouf. This refers in particular to long-term contracts -15 years or more – which can have suppliers from wind.

Currently, the assets of Theolia reach an installed capacity of 910 megawatts (MW), which operated for 604 partners. In 2011, the company has commissioned 18 low rates payday advance.4 MW in the Hexagon. But his biggest development project in Morocco is concentrated, with a 300 MW a third scheduled to be operational in 2014. "The site will be commissioned in installments: engineering studies are completed, with the National Electricity (ONE), the Moroccan electrician, we are preparing to launch tenders to select the different OEMs, "said Fady Khallouf.

To Theolia, 2011 is the first year that the operator posted a net operating profit excluding items, up from 10.3 million euros. But the group posted a net loss of 39.2 million euros, following the impairment of goodwill in Italy where the system of feed-in tariffs is being revised in proportions much less profitable for the operators. "We cleaned up the balance sheet, we can now develop on a sound footing," said Fady Khallouf yet.

Gerard Larcher could have done without the public release, two weeks ago, Francois Fillon, who suggested to redirect some 31 billion spent annually on training unemployed only.

"I lie to you if I told you that I have not complicated the task," says the former chairman of the Senate to which the Prime Minister has given two months in late January to lay the groundwork for a "radical reform "vocational training system. Job seekers do not enjoy today that $ 3.8 billion on training 31 billion spent each year. A drop of water

.

The four "priority objectives" set out in its letter of engagement are clear. This is to "orient vocational training to those who need it most, including job seekers," and "encourage companies to better train their employees by allocating adequate funds." The former Minister of Labour intends to not vary from its roadmap. It continues its hearings until mid-March and will report – "an aid to reflection for the future majority" – early April. "We must adapt our discourse and practices in modern times, he says the Figaro, mid-term. Vocational training was forty years ago a tool of social advancement and has become over time a non-aid decommissioning and an insertion tool. "

For now, Gerard Larcher wishes to move three points. First, to increase from 10 to 40% the share of unemployed trained and adapt their training to real business needs. "We must territorialize reflection and ensure that the curriculum really coincide with skills needed in employment areas," he insists. Second, transform-Opca that collect money from training to companies in-prescribers. Third, rationalize expenditures. "We have a problem of cost effectiveness of certain formations, Judge Gerard Larcher. It is possible to redeploy, constant envelope, misused funds to training resulted in strong. "

Reform of the representative employers

Although it is not part of its roadmap, Gerard Larcher also intends to make proposals on the financing of trade unions and professional. Publication on the sly "real fake" Perruchot report on money management and trade unions-which confirmed "without suggesting any solution" that some organizations were shooting some of their resources-training convinced him to go in this sense. "There's too much unsaid and too known on these subjects, he despairs. I can not propose lines of education reform without addressing the issue of funding of social dialogue and propose ways of evolution. "The former second officer of the State should also suggest a reform of the employer's representative, in the vein of that which was implemented in 2008 for the unions, based on the election.

As for the referendum issue, raised by the President to remove "blockages" that are sure to respond to the outcome of discussions on vocational training, Gerard Larcher's not. "I believe in intermediate bodies, they are useful," says he, laconically.

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Galeries Lafayette and Casino are at war over control and recovery of Monoprix, they each own half the capital. Philippe Houze, president of Galeries Lafayette and Monoprix, explains for the first time its views on the subject.

LE FIGARO. – Why have you started the process of selling your stake in Monoprix?

Philippe Houzé. – In March 2011, I proposed Casino to renew our partnership for three years. After my numerous reminders, the group let me know the end of September it could grant me one more year. This proposal is a totally inappropriate. I realized that Casino wanted to settle in Monoprix and consolidate the company to 100% in its accounts, without paying the price. Our group can not agree to see and leave the company he founded and directed the last eighty years. If he wishes to take control, Casino has a purchase option at the price of expertise together with a control premium of 21%. He does not want to exercise it. Under these conditions, we have to consider the sale, but the evaluation not be taken as the exercise of our put option.

How do you explain that your participation Casino evaluates to 700 million euros, when you consider it to 1.95 billion?

Our estimate is based on the uniqueness of Monoprix. Fifteen times Ebitda, is the acquisition value of the Dutch Hema, the company that has the profile most similar to ours. Our multiple is only 11. As for the valuation of Monoprix Casino, it is very worrying. It is based on a McKinsey report that completely destroys Monoprix saying the group is not equipped to cope with the arrival of supermarkets in the city center and the emergence of e-commerce and its textile business not resist. If Casino do believe that Monoprix is ​​only five times its EBITDA, it leaves me president, I will continue to ensure value creation for shareholders.

Why did you refuse to pass on to Jean-Charles Naouri President of Monoprix?

Wednesday, Casino changed the course of the Board in order to begin, less than an hour later, a communication sequence cleverly orchestrated. In fact, Casino resulted in not being able to present a candidate for President of Monoprix and so was fatal to any other solution than my renewal.

But if Jean-Charles Naouri was a candidate, you would have refused

.

Can you imagine the Galeries Lafayette to accept the head of Monoprix a president who does not believe in the future of the company and who would have all the means to redeem us to devalue our participation at lower price?

Is divorce inevitable?

The attitude of Casino reinforces our idea that it is impossible to continue with a partner in total conflict, which promotes an MTP totally degraded. At the annual meeting of its branch patterns, Casino asked the Deputy CEO of Monoprix not to present his strategic plan, though approved by Jean-Charles Naouri … The current situation is not feasible in the long run. It is damaging to Monoprix, its customers and employees. This conflict affects a major Monoprix and its 20,000 employees fully dedicated to the company. If Jean-Charles Naouri does not accept the values ​​and philosophy of Monoprix, does not comply with the specificity of this format, the company will not resist.

Are you ready to negotiate?

We do not seek to negotiate. We want to return to legality, that is to say, enforce the protocol and allow JP Morgan to evaluate independently Monoprix. Casino tries to block this process. I was reappointed for one year as President of Monoprix. The statutes allow me to be extended four more times. I assume all my functions. Our goal is that Monoprix is ​​run by people who believe in the company, its officers, its values, and are determined to make it succeed. Casino will not, by devious means, take control of Monoprix, because the company would be hostile.

Are you still willing to buy out Casino in Monoprix?

Wednesday, Galeries Lafayette reiterated their offer on Feb. 10 at Casino redeem its share to 1.35 billion euros. I'm surprised that this proposal was not presented to the Board of Casino, I'm a member and including Galeries Lafayette are the third largest shareholder. Jean-Charles Naouri assured me that the offer would be discussed at council Monday. We have the means to finance the offer, if accepted.

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The family group is very discreet about its level of profitability, but ensures that the results are sufficient to guarantee its independence and its development without the need for external partner and relatively little use of banks.

Part of the offshore production

"In 2012, the economic environment would be bad in Europe and the United States, recognizes Jean Cassegrain, but we feel no impact in our stores." As a result, the company, which opened 20 stores this year in the world, plans to continue its expansion, even in mature markets. Longchamp is well to open a shop in Nantes. "Our priority is to open boutiques in major European cities in China," says the CEO. Longchamp will open a store in Milan in March.

"The port reform has transformed the relations with the unions

Is more than a breath of fresh air. Thursday's announcement by the second owner worldwide, the group Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a new investment of 160 million euros in the Port of Le Havre is proof that the future of shipping lights is not so dark.

MSC will indeed develop over 1400 meters long, four positions for its container, whose capacity could increase from 14,000 to 16,000 containers per ship. Giants of the seas as MSC, previously installed alongside Bougainville, in the inner harbor of Le Havre was not able to accommodate.

Titanic work

"The equipment we deliver to MSC required a public investment of about 320 million euros.The shipowner in turn will invest 160 million in coatings, rails, gates, new technologies … "lists Hervé Cornede, commercial director of the Grand Port Maritime du Havre (GPMH). The work already started should be spread until the end of 2012. Once completed, they will allow the owner-Italian Helvetic reach an annual capacity of 1.4 million containers.

Port 2000, the new port of Le Havre dedicated to container, was inaugurated in March 2006 after four years of titanic work for an investment of 1.3 billion euros. In total 4200 meters of docks were created. And Port 2000 full show soon, since it has more than 700 feet of docks available.

The government of George Papandreou won the confidence of the Greek Parliament in the night from Friday to Saturday with only three votes in advance (153 votes out of 300). A reprieve for the Prime Minister called for the formation of a coalition cabinet, in a speech before the crucial vote for the ratification of the Europe Agreement Debt of Greece and the future of the country. According to Papandreou, the early elections – that the Conservative opposition was calling for – was a disastrous decision, likely to endanger the payment of the sixth tranche of aid from the European rescue plan.

On borrowed time since the disputed proposal to hold a referendum on the agreement, laboriously adopted at the European summit at dawn on October 27, Papandreou has started to prepare for his release, saying in his speech he was ready to leave office ."My position is the last thing I care about. Even matter if I am not re-elected. (…) I never conceived of politics as a profession, "he said.

The head of government has indeed lost the little credibility he had left with the political elite and the Greek people. Even within his party, PASOK (Socialist), leadership is increasingly contested. The barons of the government are the finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, Minister of Education, Anna Diamantopoulou, the Health Minister, Andreas Loverdos, lambasted the escape of his responsibilities as representing the call to the people, as unexpected as moved. The abandonment of the idea, which had angered the countries in the euro area was confirmed Friday in Athens.

CEO and American colossus original Welsh, Howard Stringer, missed the turnaround as promised by Sony. For the fourth consecutive year, the electronics group of Tokyo will be in the red. A loss of 90 billion yen (841 million) is expected for the fiscal year ended March 31, instead of a profit.

The various decisions of closures, massive layoffs and alliance with Samsung in flat panel LCD TVs have been failures. Certainly, the fate of the Japanese groups persists. Penalized first by the great earthquake that froze production in the archipelago, they now face a strong yen, measures to save energy drastic floods in Japan and Thailand.Production of television sets will also be halved, falling to 20 million units per year instead of 40 million Payday advance.

For seven years, the business of television is losing. It will be in the red for the eighth consecutive year. And should head out of water in 2014. In this context, the new challenge that has been made in mobile phones seem to be a bit risky. Sony has decided to resume participation in its joint venture with Ericsson joint smartphones.

Of course, the sun never sets on the group. But it is the issue of replacing Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony since 2005, that arises. His predecessors have missed the shift to digital music. Left him spun the televisions and internet tablets. A market where it will arrive late.

His successor will probably be a Japanese.