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According to the latest figures published by the Centre for Documentation and Information Assurance, 500,000 people each year in France are victims of dog bites. And 60,000 cases require hospitalization. There is no data in France for the financial evaluation of these accidents. The U.S. comes in contrast to publish figures. In 2009, 4.7 million dog bites have cost 412 million dollars to U.S. insurers. A sales up 6.4% compared to 2008. On average, a complaint involves the payment of $ 24,000 to the victim. Swiss insurers were also interested in the costs of the bites. Nearly 10,000 people are attacked each year, and the invoice amount to 3.3 million Swiss francs per year (about 2.5 million euros) for insurers.The vast majority of dogs live happily without causing an accident, the teacher must still ensure ensure their pets to avoid disappointment. French law provides that the person having custody of an animal's owner or a person to whom it was entrusted for a long time – is responsible for damage that it causes.

Residential Property and Casualty

Most dogs can be insured under the "liability" with the contract signed comprehensive home for the accommodation of their owners. It is nevertheless necessary to learn about the extent of the guarantee.Some insurers do not cover all the damages and provide for the retention of a franchise.

In addition, this type of insurance that takes into account the damage caused by dogs to others (people being run down, bites, car damaged when it struck …) If the damage takes place at the home of the owner, only insurance including a comprehensive coverage will pay for furniture. Furthermore, companies may make the acceptance of the contract to different criteria. The age of the dog is particularly taken into account. If the animal has never been satisfactorily and has over ten years, the coverage may be denied.But other features can also complicate the underwriting of insurance, such as whether the dog is used as part of an occupation, size or race.

The category of dog

Many news items in recent years have indeed tightened regulations. Three pieces of legislation have established a classification of animals known as "dangerous." Several breeds have been grouped into two categories: the dog considered "attacking" (Tier 1) those of "custody or defense '(category 2). However, the law requires owners to purchase liability insurance for such animals. If the contract owner's insurance does not cover these risks, most companies offer the added option by paying an additional fee.If this is not the case, the owner will change insurers and take out insurance with another company that offers this option because it can not be purchased independently of a housing contract.

Finally, we must know that all these contracts do not cover the costs of care for injuries suffered by the animal. This will require specific health insurance, whose coverage is also more or less extended from reimbursement of veterinary consultations, to support operations or vaccine in France only 2% of the animals have health insurance, against 80% in Sweden.

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Essilor International shows a rebound in sales of 15.8% in the first half to 1,926 billion euros. The world of ophthalmic lenses has seen its sales boosted by several acquisitions such as U.S. and Signet FGXI Armolite. In all, Essilor has acquired or increased its stake in thirteen companies in the first half, representing an additional turnover of approximately 80 million euros.

Excluding currency and acquisitions, growth in turnover is 5.9%, "in line with its annual target," the company said in a statement.

Sales of optical equipment and lenses, more than 92% of group turnover, rose by 10.7% as reported. North America, Essilor which makes 43.5% of its activity, grew by 8.1% as reported.The rise of Europe, which represents 39.6% of sales, rose slightly less (6.4%). Latin America, however, mark a sharp increase of 47.1% to 88.6 million euros, barely 5% of sales.

Net income for Essilor is down slightly from 1.3% to 197.5 million euros. The group is penalized by the provision of 41.5 million euros to pay the fine imposed by the German competition authority (Bundeskartellamt) for formation of cartels.Adjusted for this provision, net income reached 238.8 million euros, an increase of 19.3%.

Essilor confirms its annual targets

"In the second half of 2010, in a context of renewed activity still fragile, Essilor will pursue the strict implementation of its strategy of growth based on new products, geographical expansion, acquisitions and organic conquer the environment range, "the group said.

This announcement had already acquired majority stakes in two U.S. since the end of the first semester in the laboratory and in the Gulf States Pasch. Essilor has also sold its stake in early August Sperian Protection which represented 15% of capital.This sale will record a gain of 27 million euros in its accounts in the second half.

The manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses confirms target for 2010 sales up 5% to 7%, excluding currency and strategic acquisitions, and margin contribution stable excluding acquisitions and strategic change IFRS. In the first half of 2010, the margin of Essilor has eroded slightly over the same period in 2009, yielding 0.1 percentage points to 18%.

At the Paris Bourse, the title Essilor yields 2.74% to 46.88 euros at 10:00. It displays the largest drop and the CAC 40, itself in decline 0.62%.

Opening in fall of 0.25% at 10,015 points, the Dow Jones continues on the downward slope. The 10,000 points are close, while Monday and Tuesday, the index has already fallen sharply.

On Wednesday, new orders for durable goods in the U.S. rose 0.3%, much lower than expected in July, and after two consecutive months of declines. A further blow, when an increase of 2.8% was expected, especially by public transport, with the Farnborough Airshow (47 billion dollars in one week).

Fears of a slowdown in economic activity grows with each new bad news in that order. Just yesterday, sales of existing homes fell more than 27%, which has shaken global stock markets.And U.S. growth should be revised down sharply on Friday.

The technology followed

As for values, technology, which derive from several days down the coast, remain controlled. Especially since they are also often at the heart of big mergers and acquisitions.

The investors thus have an eye on Cisco (-0.9% to 20.93 dollars) and Dell (0.73% to 11.67 dollars), penalized by expectations of raising its bid for 3PAR (-1 , 07% to $ 26.75).The maker of data storage systems has announced on Tuesday he gave three days at computer maker Dell to revise upwards its bid after bid "probably higher" Hewlett-Packard ( HP, 0.37% to 38.53 dollars).

The saga of the hostile takeover of mining giant BHP Billiton (-1.12% to 64.69 dollars) – which today presents its annual results, with net profit more than doubled in 2009/10 to 12.72 billion dollars – the king of fertilizers Potash (-1.42% to 146.99 dollars), seeking a white knight, bounces. The U.S. stock regulator, the SEC said on Tuesday the freezing of financial assets of two Spanish, one part of Banco Santander, on accusations of insider trading in the attempted takeover of Canadian fertilizer producer Potash mining group BHP Billiton.

On the occasion of the presentation of its accounts, however, BHP Billiton is used to calm speculation the event of any significant raising its hostile bid of 39 billion dollars (30 billion euros) Potash fertilizer leading manufacturer in the world, despite the magnitude of his war chest.

The U.S. computer giant Apple (-0.15% to 238.58 dollars) is close to a deal with Disney media groups (-0.5% to U.S. $ 31.98) and News Corp., parent of chains Television, Fox to offer their series to rent on iTunes, said Tuesday the New York Times.

Campbell, world number one soup, advances in its acquisition of Britain's United Biscuits, and more specifically, its branch Biscuits, which represents three-quarters of its business.

The index futures Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 fell back modestly, respectively, from 0.04% to 1049.40 points and 0.17% to 1770.75 points in mid-day. The Dow Jones is projected to open in tiny drop of 0.06%

The U.S. stock market could then recover a bit, after falling heavily on Tuesday night. They have been depressed by the announcement of resales of existing homes to a record low. The Dow Jones has sold 1.3%, barely above the 10,000 points, to 10,040.45 points exactly. Fears of a slowdown in economic activity grows with each new bad news in that order. Especially since U.S. growth should be revised down sharply on Friday.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the new macroeconomic indicators should be more optimistic than yesterday. Sales of existing homes could well rebound.Orders for durable goods may for them be more frank increase in July. An increase in relative terms, however, because it will rely heavily on transport, especially for orders received in July, at the last Farnborough Air Show (47 billion dollars in one week).

As for values, technology, which derive from several days down the coast, remain controlled. Especially since they are also often at the heart of big mergers and acquisitions.

Investors keep an eye on Cisco (-2.5% Tuesday in closing) and Dell (-3%), penalized by expectations of raising its bid for 3PAR.The maker of data storage systems has announced on Tuesday he gave three days at computer maker Dell to revise upwards its bid after bid "probably higher" Hewlett-Packard ( HP).

The saga of the hostile takeover of mining giant BHP Billiton (which today presents its annual results, with net profit more than doubled in 2009/10 to 12.72 billion dollars) on the King of Potash Fertilizer in search a white knight bounces. The U.S. stock regulator, the SEC said on Tuesday the freezing of financial assets of two Spanish, one part of Banco Santander, on accusations of insider trading in the attempted takeover of Canadian fertilizer producer Potash mining group BHP Billiton.On the occasion of the presentation of its accounts, however, BHP Billiton is used to calm speculation the event of any significant raising its hostile bid of 39 billion dollars (30 billion euros) Potash fertilizer leading manufacturer in the world, despite the magnitude of his war chest.

The U.S. computer giant Apple is close to a deal with media companies Disney and News Corp., parent company of TV channels, Fox series to offer their rent on iTunes, said Tuesday the New York Times.

Campbell, world number one soup, advances in its acquisition of Britain's United Biscuits, and more specifically, its branch Biscuits, which represents three-quarters of its business.

Potash did not find "white knight", but, as expected, refused the offer considered inadequate for BHP Billiton. It is thus a failure for BHP Billiton, one week after Potash rejected his friendly offer of 38.6 billion dollars. "The board of directors of Potash Corp. is unanimous in its opinion that BHP Billiton's offer significantly undervalues the group and reflects neither its number one position in a strategic sector or our growth prospects unparalleled, "said the CEO of the Canadian group, Bill Doyle in a statement. The Canadian group calls its shareholders to reject hostile bid also BHP Billiton.At the London Stock Exchange, the markets welcomed information: the action BHP Billiton gained 2% to 1,857.50 pence in a market up 0.80%.

Confirming the information conveyed by some media as the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, Potash studying "alternative transaction" with other potential buyers. "Discussions are taking place with several of these third parties in order to generate value-creating alternatives" Potash Corp. has developed.

The Wall Street Journal, a consortium led by a Chinese investment fund, Hopu Investment Management, is studying the possibility of submitting a bid to Potash.As for Bloomberg, he argues the tracks of Chinese Sinochem and Brazilian Vale.

The world's largest producer of potash hopes to make this operation more than 39 billion dollars (30.7 billion euros) proposed by BHP Billiton.

The Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton last week announced a hostile takeover bid that values Potash Corp. of around 40 billion dollars, 31 billion euros, which opened formally on Friday.

The French insurer Groupama has released disappointing interim results. Its net profit reached 127 million euros, down 23.6% YoY. The group accuses the shock of the storm Xynthia and high volatility on financial markets.

Its combined ratio of activities damage (sum of management fees and cost of claims in the total premium income) deteriorated to 104.5%: insurance costs thus exceed the premiums. This poor performance is explained by the ravages of storms, but also by the increase in automobile accidents.

Groupama maintains its ambition to achieve by 2012 an operating profit of 700 million euros. In the first half of 2010, this result was limited to a modest 179 million euros."Programs to improve the operational performance will continue during the second semester," pleaded John Azema, CEO of the mutual group.

Groupama has been preparing since early 2006 to go public. The operation would be launched following a major acquisition. Acquisition, still awaited. The time of the introduction has not yet come, but the operation remains in the long-term strategy of the mutual insurer, however, provides the CFO Christian Collin.

The cost of electricity will increase. The Department of Ecology and Energy has announced on Tuesday an increase of electricity tariffs by 3.4% on average, applicable from 15 August. Individuals will be affected up to 3%, and small, medium and large enterprises respectively 4%, 4.5% and 5%.

In accordance with normal procedures, the government seized on Tuesday of this project Regulatory Commission of Energy, however, that issue an advisory opinion. Whatever the opinion, the increase in electricity rates should cover 28.5 million individual customers and 4 million companies, representing 94% of French consumers.Last year, the bill had already risen on average by 2.3%.

With this new increase, the government is "to bring the price of electricity from its actual cost, in line with an opinion a few days ago by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEA) low rates payday advance.

In its report, the IEA was concerned because of the artificially low price of electricity in France. Prices are set ultimately by the government, the agency stressed that they are therefore likely to be "politically motivated" and is well below the rates charged by our European neighbors. Even after this increase, prices should remain at 25-35% lower than the European average, the government argues.A low level that would jeopardize the development of new nuclear capacity French, believes his side the agency.

LE FIGARO. – How do you improve your sales and your profits in the first half?

Benoît Potier. – It's an interesting semester. It marks both a recovery in volumes directly linked to the global economy and an upturn in industrial projects. The industry again expressed his interest in the preparation of the future.

We found the pre-crisis levels in virtually all market segments. Only construction accuses six to twelve months behind schedule. Offset restart cycles. Overall, growth in volumes that logically resulted in 10% of our turnover, which grows in all businesses and geographies. However, Air Liquide is one of the industries that were more resistant, with a decline of only 5% in 2009. Moreover, our turnover is 4% higher than the first half of 2008.In this period of euphoria that some groups show up to 30% growth, it is important to see what is the basis for comparison. Our results were up 12% over the same period in 2008.

You can find levels of profitability higher than pre-crisis. Your business has changed significantly in two years?

There is a real disconnect between emerging and mature economies. Our sales increased by 6% in mature economies and 30% in emerging which represent 20% "only" the activity of the group, or two thirds of our growth. In twelve months, the distribution of our investments has changed structurally. It went from 50/50 between emerging and mature to 80/20.However, be careful not to bury the mature markets, growth of 6% is good, there are many industries that satisfied with them.

But to give you an example, our sales in China in the first half of 2010 rose 65% and they had also increased last year. China is catching up with the level of industrialized countries in streamlining its industry. There is no excess production capacity. Typically, we have seen closure of four sites steelmakers, grouped into a larger one. The latter now invests in technology and modern capabilities. All the industrial world benefit.

Chemistry, property and equipment, how do you explain that the whole industry registered a sharp improvement in its growth and profitability?

The crisis has hit so hard that companies do not have any choice.They had to rest fundamental questions about their structures, their capacity, so their exposure to market, their management parameters. I think all industries are now much stronger than before the crisis. Faced with problems of liquidity and access to financing, companies have strengthened their balance sheets. Their debts are either stable – for those who invest and continue to grow, it is the case of Air Liquide – is declining.

What do you recommend to stop the loss of competitiveness of French industry?

It is a vast subject. The ideal solutions for the industry have not yet been found in Europe and in different countries. Whether as a planned or coordinated, it seems that Europe has not sufficiently defined what strategies or industrial sectors in which it wants to occupy a leadership position.It means rather the leaders speak on a national solution, which is logical, but we do not have European body for industrial communication, unlike the U.S., China and Japan which are three countries integrated and better than us in the definition of industrial strategy. We are losing a major card: The strength in unity. In addition it must maintain a production base in Europe, since that's where ideas materialize. Without production, we have more innovation, but only for research.

European standards they penalize the industry?

Europe does not want to be a hindrance, but it seems to suffer from the narrowness of the missions that have been determined in different organs. The European Central Bank is there to control inflation while the Fed has a wider role.The European Commission organizes the market, ensures fluidity but has no mandate to make Europe competitive beyond its borders. It does not take sufficient account of the external markets. The European institutions can improve.

What makes you confident for the end of the year and may be beyond?

The resumption of growth projects. Signing of contracts shows that the client is ready to commit and so are we. Every time we sign a contract, we bring a stone to the growth of 2012-2013, or even 2015.

You do not fear a relapse of the economy?

The answer is clear: no. We have seen nothing that points in the first half as a direct risk. Since the crisis, we follow the weekly volume of gas consumed by our customers.In case of "double deep", it would stop producing customers, making maintenance. This is not the case. The situation is normal. It must occur because the world consumes. We are almost out of the zone of turbulence to go toward growth, even if the signal "attached belt" remains lit.

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