The Facebook-COR Action begins with a bang

Facebook The action began about 13% above its IPO price on the Nasdaq Friday, completing one of the largest IPOs in the history of the United States.

The transaction enabled the world's first social network to raise $ 16 billion (12.6 billion euros).

Banks consulting group had set Thursday at $ 38 IPO price of the securities at the highest range of introductory, valuing the company at $ 104 billion (82 billion euros).

The action was trading at 42.05 dollars in the first few exchanges. At 3:33 p.m. GMT, three minutes after the first listing, the stock was trading at 40.64 dollars.

Building on the success of the operation, the company had increased by 25% the number of securities being sold to raise it to 421 million.

Friday, some 82 million shares changed hands during the first 30 seconds of official exchanges.

The group's founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, 27, rang the bell to mark the symbolic start of trading on the Nasdaq, since the California headquarters of Facebook.

Become in eight years a major U.S. fortunes, Mark Zuckerberg retains control of the company after the introduction.

Payday loans no faxing allow you to apply for instant cash without all the hassle of gathering paperwork and materials together and faxing it in. Usually, the online application process just takes a few minutes.

Berlin warns Athens: there will be no aid without reform

German politicians of left and right have warned Tuesday that Greece would no longer receive financial assistance if it did not meet all conditions of the bailout agreement with the EU and the IMF .

Sunday's parliamentary elections have left Greece in a political deadlock in the absence of a parliamentary majority for the only two parties represented that support the bailout, the Conservatives New Democracy (ND) and the Socialist Party (PASOK).

The leader of the Radical Left (Syriza), now the second largest party in parliament behind Greek ND, said Tuesday that the obligations of Greece towards the EU and the IMF in the part of the bailout were null and void. 

Alexis Tsipras, whose training has greatly benefited from the unpopularity of austerity measures required by the plan, has three days to form a government after the cessation of leader ND, Antonis Samaras last night.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, has made the most of financial guarantees under the rescue plan, which requires Greece to achieve specific goals in terms budget savings.

"The terms of the agreement must be respected. I do not think we can, or that we had to negotiate again, "said Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament and member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) …

…… "It can only be paid if the conditions are met," said Gerda on his side Hasselfedt, member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), Bavarian partner of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chancellor Angela Merkel

A

. payment of a portion of 11.5 billion euros, without which Greece will go bankrupt, is packaged in a new series of budget cuts to be voted by the Hellenic Parliament by the end June This period may however be challenged by the political vacuum created in the vote on Sunday.

MARGIN OF FRANCE IS THIN

Results in Greece and the victory of socialist Francois Hollande in the second round of French presidential illustrated Sunday the growing rejection of European voters face the austerity measures ; defended by Germany out of the eurozone's debt crisis.

The promises of Francois Hollande curb line austerity defended in Berlin, however, may be tempered after the release, scheduled for late June, an audit of the state of public finances, asked the Court of Auditors by the future president. 

In Berlin, Peter Altmaier, elected leader of Christian Democrats (CDU) to be close to the German Chancellor, said that the next French government would have that a very limited room for maneuver in fiscal policy due to "insecurity" of the Economy and Finance of France.

"The economy of France and the country's finances remain in a precarious state," he told reporters, admitting disappointed by the election of Socialist the French Presidency.

"Any country that tries to pursue a policy stimulus by increasing its deficits would quickly back to the markets and interest rates would increase," he added. "There is no flexibility."

Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande will meet next week, after handing over power at the top of the French state.

May 1: Unions do not digest the "real work" of Sarkozy

This May 1, 2012 has a full-bodied taste Policy. The union ledaders divide between neutrality and call to vote against Nicolas Sarkozy. In the street, this tension is just as palpable. Report in the procession in Paris. The leader of the CFDT leader Francois Chereque and the GCT Bernard Thibault opened the first parade in Paris in May 2012 in Paris, place Denfert-Rochereau

The May 1 succeed but not alike. In 2002, May 1, had turned into a huge rally anti-FN. All political organizations were associated with unions to make the day of the traditional feast day of a trade union demonstration against the presence of Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of presidential elections. More recently, in 2010, May 1 was marked by the struggle against the pension reform.  

May 1, 2012 falls, as every five years, in an electoral context clear: it takes place between the two rounds of presidential elections, which saw the face incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist Francois Hollande. But he has a special feature to dredge the electorate FN, the UMP candidate called for a rally for the "real work", Place du Trocadero in Paris. A strategy to cut the rug out from under the National Front, which organizes the annual May 1 parade in honor of Jeanne d'Arc, but also to stigmatize the unions, these intermediate bodies against which the outgoing president n ' has repeatedly hit since his campaign.

"Ask the red flag"

Nicolas Sarkozy unions

At five days of the second round of presidential elections on 1 May 2012 has thus turned into a showdown between unions and Nicolas Sarkozy. In a square packed with people Trocadero, the incumbent president has urged unions to "raise the red flag" and to "leave aside the parties". "Your role is not to defend an ideology," he said. "In the Republic it is not the unions who govern, it is the government," he said to applause outgoing president. A scratch at union leaders who called for a vote against him.

This is particularly the case of Bernard Thibault. The secretary general of the CGT, who had called to "beat" the outgoing president Nicolas Sarkozy announced clearly on Europe 1 this morning he would vote for Francois Hollande in the second round of presidential elections. This position has caused unease in the ranks of the CFDT, who refuses to be recovered politically. So no calls to vote on the side of management. That did not stop François Chérèque, to blame Nicolas Sarkozy. "From the moment you wanted to divide the French, among those who had the 'false labor", that is to say "the welfare, civil servants, and on the other side those who had the' true work ', inevitably it was a provocation vis-à-vis employees, "said the leader of the CFDT.

The gathering for the "real work" experienced as a provocation

This tension between supporters and non supporters ended up in the trade union demonstration in Paris, at the call of the Inter-CGT-CFDT, UNSA, FSU Partners, which is part of the Place Denfert-Rochereau to Bastille join. In processions, political banners were rare, less numerous in any case that the union banners. But nobody is fooled: the May 1 labor has a taste very pronounced anti-Sarko.  

"I think that a union did not call for a vote for individual candidates, but personally, I am here to denounce Sarkozy's attempt to divide the workers," says Marie-Ange, CFDT activist. "I do not want the union leaders give voting instructions, unions must maintain their political independence," added Francis, UNSA activist. "Me that does not bother me to call to vote against Sarkozy, after all the harm he has done for five years," Basil gets angry, militant South rails. "A May 1, which takes place between the two rounds of presidential elections, it is inevitably a little politics, says Cedric, South Solidarity activist, even if it is above all a day to defend trade union rights of employees els" .  

"If we are here is to turn the other con"

Gilbert, activist Left Front

The side of activists of the Left Front, present in large numbers in the procession in Paris, the mobilization against Nicolas Sarkozy is clearly assumed. "The line between political and trade union is artificial," says Eric. "If we are here today is to turn the other con", ignites Gilbert. "The real work is provocative," says Eddy. Indeed, the challenge from Nicolas Sarkozy to the unions, organizing a demonstration against-the "real work", resulted in a greater mobilization expected. "We will never show on May 1, but that there was provocation, we are flush and tired of Sarkozy," Christine and Stéphane entrusted, along with their three children.

Who won this showdown? Some 200,000 UMP met Trocadero today, according to the UMP. Police currently does not count but made a police source disclosed that the place could hold 30,000 people. The unions in turn counted 750,000 demonstrators across France this May 1, 2012 including 250,000 in Paris while police counted only 48,000 demonstrators in the capital.

That hides the yoyo market

Financial markets seem to have entered a new phase of instability. This correction is benign or she announces she a new crisis. The responses of Grandrille Xavier, President of Amplegest. Paris Bourse

For three months, financial markets and the States have experienced a real honeymoon. German and Japanese shares rose nearly 20%, spreads have narrowed significantly, from 200 basis points for Italy and Portugal, 170 points for Ireland, 30 points for France. But for two days, it is the fever which prevails. In Spain and Italy, rates on government bonds are strained. And scholarships to play yoyo throughout the Old continent. Analysis of Gandrille Xavier, President of Amplegest

Correction in financial markets is normal?

Only in part. Since late 2011, the CAC 40 was much increased. About 16% until mid March. This increase was driven by two factors. The first is the disappearance of systemic risk through intervention by the ECB provides liquidity to banks. The second is the improved outlook for growth. Last summer, it seemed that Europe would not live through the winter. And then the activity – even if it remains depressed – has grown faster than expected. After a period of rising markets, it is normal to see a correction. We lost 10% of the CAC. It's not a disaster. The problem is knowing what will make markets in the coming months. Will you stay in the same waters or on the contrary, enter a negative cycle?

Exactly. What is your scenario for the future?

The answer is not obvious. But unlike the consensus which considers the correction of the past two days as normal, I'm pretty uncomfortable. The euro area remains a system that does not work. And injections of liquidity by the ECB do not change. We are in a situation where the debt repayment hampers growth. But until there is no improvement economic contagion – that is to say, a generalized rise in long rates – is possible.

Can we implement growth policies to loosen the grip of markets?

It's complicated. Future investments are expensive. We can implement liberalization policies as in the Scandinavian countries. But this type of policy takes time to produce its effect on the economy, in contrast to fiscal austerity. Europe is thus reduced to buying time to let the markets do not become impatient. This is what happened, for example, with its new firewall. But I remain pessimistic for the future. I'm afraid the consensus is do a little too many illusions about the ability of Europe to come out of the rut by itself. It will probably still other attacks markets, other crises to advance.

Total will drill two relief wells "as soon as possible" in Elgin

Total said Friday it would launch "as soon as possible" the drilling of two relief wells in the facilities from which Sunday since the flight of his platform of Elgin, in the North Sea.

The French oil group further found that surveillance operations and interventions on the well in question, whose operation was stopped in 2011 after abnormalities, were made in compliance with procedures.

"We will start drilling as soon as possible," he said during a meeting with the press Hourcard Michel, director of branch development and exploration and production of Total spokesman technical the incident of Elgin. 

Asked about the duration of the operation, he said it was "reasonable" period of six months previously discussed by Total.

Michel Hourcard also said the group planned to inject parallel mud into the well from which the gas leak.

Philippe Guys, managing director of Total Exploration and Production UK, had earlier told a news conference in Aberdeen, Scotland, the relief well drilling could start by 7 to 10 days.

Hourcard Michel for his part reiterated that the operation of the pit Elgin from which the leak had been stopped for "a little over a year" after the finding of an "anomaly in the conditions of production". 

"There was at the beginning of February (2012) a second anomaly that occurred in the pressure recordings (…), which led us to say that It happened probably something that brought us to intervene, "he added.

SITUATION "STABLE"

Total was then started an "abandonment" of the well, which is to be injected with mud, a process that was underway when the leak was found on March 25.

"The operations of 'monitoring' and action plan on this well have been done well, there was no non-compliance with procedures. From the moment that there were anomalies, it was moved to safety, "said Michel Hourcard

. A union source however said that Total employees on the platform of Elgin had warned the group against the risk of leaks before it occurs but had been told that the incident "could not happen" Total

. also exploring various solutions that would extinguish the flare its platform, where he says the situation remains "stable"

. It comes to mind watering the flare of the platform -either by helicopter or by fire-ship or to proceed with a nitrogen purge to deprive it of oxygen. 

The flare, which reduces pressure on the platform was removed, can not be turned off remotely and with a higher risk of inflammation of the plumes of gas escaping into the air from the leak, a hundred meters away.

Total and British authorities have called a "minimum" potential risks to the environment of the cloud of gas and a thin oil slick which has spread on the water surface. Experts on environmental issues, however, considered only a short distance the "cocktail" of gas would be flammable or toxic.

According to the British, the flare is a risk factor as long as it stays on even when the wind blows the cloud of gas in the opposite direction and that this weather should continue in the foreseeable future.

"Total has assured the government that the platform is designed so that the flare is located in an area where the prevailing winds away from the gas," said ; the UK Department of Energy. 

The leak appears to come from a rock formation located in the upper well and thus added Total volume of gas from this close formation, which is not a re ; tank production in the Elgin field, is difficult to assess.

International experts who advise Total have not yet made a final recommendation to proceed to sealing and repairs, the ministry said.

The gas leak, which broke out Sunday, forced Total to evacuate 238 people who worked on the platform of Elgin, about 240 kilometers off the coast of Aberdeen .

Havas buys 12% stake for 253 million euros

Havas Friday presented a proposed acquisition of 12% of its capital to reduce the discount on the stock exchange and optimize its financial structure.

Number six global advertising announcement in a statement launching a tender offer for 51,729,602 shares (Opra), for a price of 4.90 euros per share, giving a total of 253 million.

Vincent Bolloré, which controls 32.84% of Havas which he is president, is committed to the AMF not to exceed the threshold of 37.32% of share capital and voting rights and not to influence the decisions of the Extraordinary General Meeting of May 10 

Havas said its decision by the lag between changes in its net income, which more than doubled between late 2006 and late 2011 to 120 million euros, and that of his action grew only 2.3% over the same period, resulting in discounted valuation multiples compared to peers.

The action Havas has closed up 0.92% to 4.053 euros Friday, giving a market capitalization of 1.75 billion. She won 27% since the beginning of the year, after falling 18% in 2011.

Havas announced in early March organic growth greater than its European rivals WPP and Publicis in 2011, without providing a forecast for 2012.

Casino will be the sole controlling shareholder of Brazilian GPA

Casino announced that it would exercise its right to become the sole controlling shareholder of Grupo Pao de Acucar, a decision that could undermine the influence of the president's first distributor in Brazil .

The influence of the French retailer Grupo Pao de Acucar has intensified since President and member of the founding family Diniz attempted to mount last year a merger with Carrefour. 

"To prepare for the reorganization of the control of Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao (GPA) on 22 June, as provided in the shareholders of the company ; Wilkes (which controls GPA), Casino Guichard-(Casino) informed his partner that day Mr. Diniz it intended to exercise its contractual right to appoint the Chairman of the Board of Directors Wilkes, "said Casino in a statement released Wednesday evening.

"The decision to exercise this power Casino contract allowed him to obtain exclusive control of GPA, pursuant to the shareholders of the company Wilkes," says Casino, who said so confirm its "long-term commitment in Brazil." 

In the opinion of analysts, litigation with Casino qu'Abilio Diniz involves risks losing its control over a company founded by his father in 1948.

A spokesman representing the interests of the family Diniz said the right to control Casino was established in a shareholders' agreement and added that 'Diniz remain president Henrique.

But some analysts say it will not only be a minority shareholder of a corporation over which he exercised control once.

Its proposed alliance with Carrefour had received a time downstream of the Brazilian government, which subsequently withdrew its support. 

But Casino, who paid a premium to exercise its right to control when he came to the rescue of the distributor in 1999, had strongly opposed this and appealed to the courts.

The local press also wrote qu'Abilio Diniz wanted to propose a split of the subsidiary appliances, leaving the Casino supermarket division, which represents roughly half of turnover of the group.

BP stock market jumped after agreement on the oil spill

The action was sharply higher BP in London Stock Exchange Monday, boosted by the settlement of a dispute related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Around 9:05 GMT, BP gained 2.12% to 507.0 pence. The European oil and gas index lost 0.25%.

BP has entered into an amicable settlement with the plaintiffs' lawyers who had seized American justice. Still pursued by the government and its industrial partners, the British company said it had proposed $ 7.8 billion, of which 2.3 billion to offset losses for fishermen. She stressed that the agreement did not value recognition of its responsibility.

Some analysts argue that the slate is less than expected for the heavy oil.

Jason Kenney, oil analyst at Santander, for its part, BP sees "progress to a margin of 530 to 550 pence in the short term (or more), and perhaps even grow over subsequent quently ".

In all cases, the agreement next week increases the exchange of a negotiated settlement with the U.S. government, in the opinion of analysts.

"This agreement, if implemented, encourages even more the direction of BP to try to reach an amicable agreement (with the U.S. Department of Justice)," said Iain Armstrong ( Brewin Dolphin).

0.4% growth in 2011 for Italy

The Italian economy grew by 0.4% in 2011 after an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.8% in 2010, a figure revised upward by compared to 1.5% retained so far, according to data released Friday by the national statistics agency Istat.

The budget deficit came out last year to a level representing 3.9% of GDP against 4.6% in 2010.

The government forecast for 2011 growth of 0.6% and a budget deficit of 3.8%.

According to Istat, the country's debt stood at 120.1% of GDP last year, its highest since 1996, against 118.7% in 2010.

Rome does not want to organize the Olympic Games 2020

Due to the economic crisis, the Italian capital has decided not to host the Olympics in 2020. Mario Monti, President of the Council, estimated that a candidate is not "responsible".

Rome will not host the Olympics in 2020. Council President Mario Monti said on Tuesday the withdrawal of the candidature of the Italian capital for the organization of the summer Olympics in 2020 stating that it would not be "responsible". Tokyo, Madrid, Istanbul, Doha, Baku remain in contention. The host city will be unveiled Sept. 7, 2013 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Mario Monti announced the renunciation of Rome on the eve of the deadline for submitting applications, explaining it by the current economic crisis and the considerable investment necessary to host the Games. "We came to the unanimous conclusion that the government thinks it would not be responsible, under the present conditions in Italy, to assume these guarantees," he said at a news conference.

The U.S. rating agency Moody's announced late Monday lowered the credit rating of Italy by one notch to "A3", together with that of Portugal also one notch to "Ba3", and that of Spain by two notches to "A3".

"We do not feel able to make a financial commitment that could burden the Italian finances for years. At another point in our history we would have taken the risk, but not now," he said Italian Prime.

The City of Rome, who organized the Summer Games for the last time in 1960, needed a letter of commitment from the government to send its official bid to the IOC. "We lost a great opportunity, but we can only accept the government's decision," responded the president of the Promotion Committee for Rome in 2020, Mario Pescante. "The government's decision was well thought out, and due solely to economic reasons," he admitted, admitting, however, "a lot of bitterness". "Our plan for 2020 Rome was very serious, but the government has been steadfast on the accounts," he added.