Bern and London compete for candidates in tax exile

 

Given the UK, Belgium or Switzerland, the exiled French tax is a godsend. Or rather a client to conquer. On this lucrative market, the election of Francois Hollande whets the appetite. Two measures of the new president – ISF and heavier taxation to 75% of revenues in excess of 1 million euros – may scare away more French taxpayers. The British intend to benefit and say it bluntly. "I think a number of terrible French will want to come to London", welcomed Iain Duncan Smith, the British Secretary of State for Labour, just before the victory of Francois Hollande. The English press is full of testimonials from real estate agents London noting an influx of French.

In fact, in France, tax lawyers perceive an increase of candidates for exile. "I treated a dozen applications for three months against six to eight per year once," says Corinne Dadi, a lawyer with Stehlin & Associés. Two hold the rope destinations: the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The two countries have for them the absence of ISF and tax regimes for foreigners: package negotiated with the IRS and soldant all taxes, Bern, and exemption of income not repatriated to Britain, to London . "Both countries outside the euro area, which reassures those who doubt the future of the single currency," says Marc Vaslin, associate lawyer at Scotto & Associates. Indeed, the banks of the Thames and Lake Geneva are not really competitors. Would not that because the beneficiaries of the Swiss tax package should not work in the country. "London is a cosmopolitan city for working executives. Those who go to Switzerland are rather retirees who enjoy the climate and security, "says Christophe Chaillet, director of engineering heritage HSBC France.

Swiss Secrecy

Especially, unlike the English, the Swiss authorities are playing the card of discretion. The government is doing everything for the country to get rid of the label of tax haven payday advance. In addition, a portion of the population Helvetian, supported by the left, opposed the package. Reason: local citizens pay, themselves, suffer heavy taxes and the housing boom caused by tax exiles. The canton of Zurich has abandoned the system of lump sum taxation, and a petition to that effect circulated in Geneva. "This petition does not certainly result. But the trend is upward packages to avoid becoming too unpopular and are removed, "said Marc Vaslin. Not enough, however, lose its attractiveness to Switzerland. "The country has sound public finances, which is reassuring for the long term," said Corinne Dadi. The fact that the British government takes a liberal policy is also an appreciated.

In contrast, Belgium, heavily in debt (public debt reached 98% of GDP), has now less popular among the candidates for the tax exile. "My clients are concerned Belgian tax increases," says Corinne Dadi. "I would not be surprised that the gains of less than five years end up being taxed. But the exemption of capital gains is the main attraction of this country, especially for those selling their businesses, "adds Marc Vaslin. As for Spain, it came out the exiles from radar screens, due to recovery of the ISF and economy in crisis.

Anyway, the decision to leave France is often painful. This is why lawyers are also working on schemes that will allow their French customers not to be too adversely affected by future tax measures.

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The price of eggs has doubled in a year in France

 

Egg prices more than doubled in one year. "Today, 100 eggs cotent 9.5 euros on the spot market (market day to day), Figaro tells the Christian Marinov, director of the French Confederation of poultry farming (CFA). There was a year they were worth 4.62 euros. " With a peak on March 13 at 13.53 euros for 100 eggs.

Main cause of this sudden increase: up to standard European cages for laying hens. Brussels imposed from 1 January 2012, a minimum area of ​​750 farms in square centimeters against 550 before. "The drop in production comes from the adaptation time required for farms transform their building is being finished, adds Christian Marinov. Some of the 1500 French producers have taken a little late compared to their investment plans to bring their buildings up to standard. This is the first time we have received state aid, $ 12 million over one billion euros in investment cash advance no fax. But all eggs produced in France since the beginning of the year are the standards, "stressed the head of the CFA.

Also the current shortage in France, European leader with 15 billion eggs consumed annually is it only temporary. "We will return to normal by next July when the farms are all in line. Courses on the spot market should go down significantly, "said Christian Marinov, recalling that" the balance point is around 6 euros for 100 eggs to the producer. "

Meanwhile processors who refused any contractual take their troubles patiently. These include manufacturers of pasta or pastry industry. "For the consumer the impact is limited, an increase of about 2 to 3% on the selling price," says Christian Marinov.

U.S.: CEOs have pocketed $ 2 billion in 2011

 

Some 757,515 iPad (at $ 499 each) or even 33 years of compensation of Jeffrey Immelt, the boss of General Electric: The New York Timess'est amused to calculate the envelope that represented outstanding $ 378 million, attributed to Tim Cook, Apple chief executive in 2011, the equivalent of 42,000 dollars an hour. Given the recent surge in Apple stock, this package, largely in restricted shares for at least five years-would be $ 634 million

.

Needless to say, the successor to the boss Steve Jobs is the most spoiled of the United States by its board of directors. According to research firm Equilar for The New York Times, the 100 best-paid bosses of the United States have pocketed a total of last year's $ 2.1 billion. An amount up 2%. On average, each CEO earned $ 14.4 million.

The second, used the charts, Lawrence Ellison of Oracle, has earned $ 77.6 million. The third with $ 53.3 million, Ronald Johnson, who arrived this fall at the head of department stores JC Penney, is a newcomer. In fact, the distributor, for debauch the star of Apple, had to compensate by offering shares JC Penney instead of securities of electronics giant that it could reach if he resigned. A bad deal, so far: the Apple shares would be worth nearly $ 160 million, against less than 60 million worth of JC Penney.

To combat the excesses that contributed to the financial crisis of 2008, Congress passed a reform that pushes for more transparency on the remuneration of bosses and gives shareholders more weight on the determination of these envelopes, containing cash, bonus and stock options.

Antibes requires Veolia to reduce his water bill

 

Antibes successfully negotiating the deal with Veolia century. The threat of a passage in municipal ownership of the management of drinking water was right ambitions of profits of Lyonnaise des Eaux (Suez Environnement) and Veolia Environment … These two private companies have had to review their specifications for take water from the town of Antibes (Alpes Maritimes).

At the cost of trading which saw an average rate of water drop by 43.3%, although Veolia will keep the water management of Antibes, which inherited the General Water Company holds the concession for 1880!

"The Antibes benefit of the least expensive water from France", says Mayor John Leonetti (Radical valoisien), who chaired the council Thursday validating these new provisions. With a rate of 2 euros per cubic meter, against 3.44 euros earlier, the seaside resort offers a rate far less than that usually practiced in France: 3.39 euros per cubic meter, according to the Department of Observation and Statistics .

Now it is no longer through a concession, but a public service delegation (PSD) of ten long years that Veolia will manage the drinking water of Antibes. In over a hundred years, only one amendment had been signed. It was 1992, just months before the vote of the Sapin law allowing for greater transparency in the DSP … The lobby of the water had played its full role might not see the privilege of certain concessions secular fall in the purse of a competitor

. Tiered pricing

Today, fashion is more to return to the authority, as in Paris in 2010, when the city fell last year by 8% the price of water "for the first time in 25 years", welcomed then its mayor Bertrand Delanoë (PS) business card. Marseille, Lyon, Lille or Bordeaux could take over the management of their water, as did medium-sized cities such as Saint-Malo, Castres, or Vierzon.

At Antibes, lower water tariffs, negotiated through two independent studies of a total of 80,000 euros, is accompanied by a progressive pricing. Households consuming less than 120 cubic meters per year will receive a 78% lower rate than previously practiced. All cubic meter consumed beyond will cost more, with a reduction of 34% anyway. A system designed "not to encourage waste. Including that of the common, thanks to the Water Act passed by the majority, now pay their bills just like any run, "said Jean Leonetti. On the other hand, the neediest families, "the order of a hundred," benefit from "water ticket" exempting them from payment.

The consequence for Veolia? Its profit margin will drop to "15% to less than 3%" of the contract, according to the mayor. The price to pay to keep his wallet in a town of 75,000 inhabitants. Not necessarily enough to reassure shareholders of Veolia Environnement, whose debt stands at nearly 15 billion euros, whose shares closed Thursday down 0.84%.

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A carbon tax applicable to contested 4000 companies

 

Air transportation emits about 3% carbon dioxide (CO2) released by humans into the atmosphere. But according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its emissions have almost doubled (+98%) between 1990 and 2006 and are expected to increase by 63% by 2020. This is due to the strong growth that the EU wished to include airlines in the industries subject to carbon allowances.

Decided in 2008, this "carbon tax air" has been applicable since 1 January to major airlines transiting through EU airports. According to official documents of the end of 2011, 4291 airlines must be submitted to CO2 quotas, including 28 Chinese companies. Brussels has set an emissions cap for each company, who must buy the equivalent of 15% of its emissions, as carbon credits.

This air tax should bring in 2012 256 million euros to the EU, the Commission said. A pittance compared to $ 3.8 billion represented the German Government, by controlling only Airbus Hong Kong Airlines, threatened. Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for the fight against climate change, repeated his refusal to yield to threats and to revisit the legislation.

The profession particularly hostile

From the earliest discussions on the implementation of these CO2 quotas on airlines, the profession has expressed very hostile. Last November, ICAO, the Organization of International Civil Aviation, adopted a resolution recommending to exempt non-European companies of the carbon tax. 26 of its 36 members including China, the United States and Russia, were signatories. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ICAO call for voluntary measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, implemented worldwide.

In a report published in early 2011, the rating agency Standard & Poor's estimated that the measure Brussels could cost 1.12 billion for airlines in 2012-2013. Since then, the price per tonne of CO2 collapsed on the European market which would reduce the cost to about 700 million euros. But it adds to the severe increase in fuel prices.

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The loss of triple-A does not interfere with management

 

The downgrade of France by Standard & Poors on January 13 did not have the effect feared. Markets do not collapse, the lending rates did not explode … And executives do not seem affected. According to the latest barometer of Eco-ViaVoice, only 29% of them think that the loss of triple-A will impact their business. Surprising but positive, this result illustrates the gap between the hype and the consequences of lowering "The financial situation of a company, not the triple A which is," says François Miquet-Marty, president of ViaVoice , before adding, however, "this reduction is not confirmed by other agencies, it remains in perspective."

Ineffectiveness of political discourse

Beyond the triple A, the composite index of moral frameworks rose slightly for the second consecutive month at – 48 after – especially in January and 52 – 56 in December, its lowest level since the barometer in 2004. However, for François Miquet-Marty, "it is difficult to talk of improvement, all the remaining indicators, sobering …" For if the frames, as the markets seem less concerned, they are generally pessimistic about the economic activity . For 69% of them, the standard of living in France will deteriorate over the years, where 10% think it will improve, an increase of 5 points. On employment, 82% expect an increase in the number of unemployed.

"At three months of presidential executives do not perceive the candidates' speeches, possible improvement levers on the issue of unemployment," worries Francois Miquet-Marty, noting that "they place little hope in politics. "

About their financial prospects, they remain grim: 41% of executives expect a deterioration of their financial situation in the coming months. Career opportunities remain "weak" for 78% of them. Finally, motivation, stagnant, with 40% of executives reported that their employees are being motivated.

Flat in this context, only a takeoff of the presidential campaign could cause a rise of the honest moral frameworks.

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The virtues of rental real estate are well known. This is one of the only investments that can make on credit to build wealth. It is also a good way to prepare additional income for retirement. Finally, it is a way to accommodate her children or send them a valuable asset to start in life. However, the life of landlords is not a bed of roses! Some trace their route on this road winding and sometimes treacherous.

This is the case of Vivian B., 57, teacher. This Lyonnaise conducted between 1991 and 2010, three rental investments in his city. "I spaced each acquisition a decade, the time each time to pay off my credit. I always chose the studios in the IVth arrondissement of Lyon, an area popular.The lease payments used to pay me a portion of the loans, but each time I had to add 100 to 150 euros a month, "she says payday loans. Handyman, Viviane never hesitates to restore its apartments, it manages solo. Another "trick" by Viviane: the choice of holiday rental. "This formula provides short leases, or a year. Thus, it is easier to separate from a deadbeat tenant. "

1500 euros of additional income per month

For her, the acquisitions will stop, "because this investment is not worth the shot," given the rise in property prices in particular. "Every studio brings me 6%. But if I bought the same day, the yield would fall to 2.5 or 3%. "Soon to retire, Viviane Heritage is satisfied that it has formed. "My pension should be around 1.300euros month.

End of Mission Didier Quillot. The Chairman of Lagardère Active, the branch of Lagardère Media, is leaving the group he joined in 2006. It will be replaced by Denis Olivennes, who now heads the information hub of Lagardère Active (Europe 1, Le Journal du Dimanche, Paris Match and Newsweb). Arnaud Lagardère person has informed its employees on Monday at the headquarters of Lagardère Active, in Levallois-Perret.

Didier Quillot has carried out a dual mission: first sell the regional daily press (Provence and Nice Matin) Hersant Media Group, then the international press, including international editions of Elle magazine, to 651 million euros, the American Hearst. It also comes to sell the 34% that held in the Lagardere Interactive World, the Internet subsidiary of the group Le Monde. Only in control

Denis Olivennes, who continue to steer Europe1, takes over to a new stage.Upon his arrival in September 2006, Didier Quillot, former head of Orange, was primarily to Lagardère Active, ex-Hachette Filipacchi Media, "a leading international publisher of multimedia content in the markets and multigéographie" . The group was then "not good enough," the admission of the new boss. On a turnover estimated at 2.2 billion euros, Web activities weighed only a few percent. The other part of his mission was to change the group "a strategy of alliances and acquisitions in the digital."

This is the case with several operations "structuring" the redemption of the end of 2006 Newsweb (sports.fr, boursier.com, autonews.fr) for 75 million euros, then Jumpstart Automation, an online advertising in the U.S. United paid 60 to 80 million.

Euro crisis summit in Brussels

EU summit, the first act. The leaders of the EU started in Brussels on Sunday morning a summit with the goal of trying to overcome their differences on how to stem the debt crisis that is destabilizing the euro area. The meeting began around 10:20. However, no decision is expected at the end of the summit of which the second act is expected Wednesday. This afternoon, the summit will continue with a meeting of Heads of State of 17 countries in the euro area.

Europe is facing economically to "serious challenges", said President of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, at the opening of the meeting. He believed that the decisions to be taken by European leaders to address was "perhaps the most important" they've ever had to face the financial crisis.Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, also felt it was "time" to take "decisive and effective." "It is clear that the crisis (debt) is not Greek. This is a European crisis, "he judged.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, dampened expectations about the outcome of the summit, from the outset, reaffirming that decisions could be taken next week. "For me it is important to reiterate that today we prepare the decisions of Wednesday" because the negotiations are about "subjects sometimes technically very complex, she said on her arrival in Brussels.

"You have to reassure the markets"

For its part, the Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has tried hard not announce anything at all on Sunday, in light of market pressure."It is essential for tomorrow morning at the opening of markets, we have made sufficient progress so as not to jeopardize the credibility of the euro area," he said. Same story for the European partners have not adopted the single currency, which are concerned about the fallout from the debt crisis. "The crisis in the euro area is being extended to all our economies, including that of Great Britain ', launched the British Prime Minister David Cameron.

What response to the crisis the Europeans do they negotiate? This response is intended in three stages. It must first stabilize the over-indebted Greece and save him a total failure. This will require further international loans and losses of creditor banks in the country. Europe the figure to at least 50%.According to the report of the troika (representatives of the EU, the ECB and the IMF), the discount should be 60% to maintain unchanged the envelope of € 109 billion promised to Greece, as part a second rescue plan officially recorded on July 21 payday loans for self employed. "We remain willing to explore options on a voluntary basis [for each facility, Ed] and realistic prospects for the economy of Greece and the return of that country on the capital markets," said Charles Dallara Saturday night , the president of the Institute of International Finance (IIF), which brings together major global banks.

In return, a bank recapitalization is provided. Countries of the European Union discussed a budget from 107 to 108 billion euros at the meeting of finance ministers on Saturday night. Remains to define the terms.

It will also strengthen the Fund's financial assistance for the euro area countries in difficulty, the EFSF, firewall against the contagion to Italy and Spain. But differences remain on how to do this, especially between France and Germany. Yesterday, the French proposal to grant a banking license in EFSF was discarded. Only two options are being discussed to increase the firepower of the device: the mechanism acts as a partial insurance of the public debt of troubled countries or the IMF is expected to increase its participation in the scheme.

European governance side, Angela Merkel reaffirmed that a "change treaty should not be taboo", to improve fiscal discipline among member countries of the EU. The topic will be on the table at the summit today.Yesterday, the German foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, proposed to bring in the future before the European Court of Justice countries too lax on the budget in the euro area through a revision of the Treaty of the European Union. In addition, leaders should appoint Herman Van Rompuy, the EU president, as head of the eurozone, according to a draft final declaration obtained by AFP.

For the summit this Sunday, German Chancellor and French President had also met Saturday night to try to resolve their differences, following a meeting of EU finance ministers. They both welcomed the "progress" and "advanced" made in the negotiations.

(With agencies)

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The newspaper editors united against Apple

The French press bristled. In a joint statement, the leading provider of daily newspapers and magazine announced Friday that it will not NewsStand titles in the digital kiosk that has just been launched by Apple with its new mobile operating system (IOS 5) . Digital versions of newspapers are accessible via the iPhone and iPad applications.

"The trading conditions imposed by Apple today are unacceptable," consider the union of the national daily press (SPQN), the Union of the regional daily press (SPQR), the SPM, which represents the magazine, and professional union the magazine of opinion (SPPMO)."They are undermining the economic model of the press and ultimately reduce the choices available to Internet users."

Newspaper publishers have stalled on several issues with Apple charges for the sale of newspapers imposed, failure to provide subscription multi-platform and commission rates, considered "excessive". It is 30% for any sale in the App Store – be it a press title, a video game or a piece of music. But more than the standard rate of commission is the loss of control over customer relationships that worries the press."Personal data readers are the property of Apple and are not systematically shared with publishers, yet anxious to establish a relationship of trust with their readers to better take into account their expectations, 'the publishers.

Call for government

These criticisms have emerged since the launch of the platform download App Store in 2008 and is shared by publishers around the world. Newspapers have tried to deal with the manufacturer in developing their own applications, offering subscriptions multi-platform on their websites and enlançant a common digital kiosk application in late June (e-Presse premium). But the very existence of the latter is now threatened by NewsStand."We have not intended to be distributed by a single booth, but we want to be distributed under normal conditions," said one editor.

French media owners could benefit from the organization of the conference "New World 2.0" by Minister Eric Besson, this weekend, to educate government and foreign players to their difficulties. The battle is not won. As with Condé Nast, some media groups have signed with Apple in the U.S. while their French subsidiary belongs to the anti-sling NewsStand.

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