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Of all the papers and newsmagazines in France, one in particular should have been well prepared for the challenges of this digital era: Liberation. With its witty headlines, striking photo [...]

The article discusses the entertainment firm Walt Disney Co.'s investment in the Disneyland Paris theme park in France, focusing on the reported financial struggles of the entertainment venue despite its popularity with visitors as of November 2012. It states that the Walt Disney Co. became overambitious following the success of its theme park in Japan. An investment in an attraction based on the Pixar Animation Studios film "Ratatouille" is also addressed in terms of a potential increase in revenue for the Walt Disney Co.

The article presents a profile of François-Henri Pinault, a descendant of a French family whose fortune exceeds $6 billion and whose holdings include the auction house Christie's and Château Latour, a vineyard in Bordeaux, France. Since 2005 he has managed PPR, a publicly-traded conglomerate, that owns luxury clothing brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The article discusses how the chief executive of Daimler Aktiengesellschaft, Dieter Zetsche, plans to improve the Mercedes-Benz automaker by reshaping the entire company. Daimler dropped to number 23 on this journal's 2008 Global 500 list from the 11th position the previous year. Zetsche's cost-cutting and quality-improvement program for Daimler, the company's automobiles that use significant amounts of parts already found in other Mercedes cars, and an updated brand strategy are discussed.

The article discusses the state of the banking industry in Great Britain during the financial crisis, reporting that the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has been nationalized. The government, acting as a majority shareholder, rejected the executive compensation package for RBS former chief executive officer (CEO) Fred Goodwin.

The article reports that people, businesses, and banks in Iceland took major financial risks for several years and lost large amounts of money in 2008. Iceland's stock market lost about 90% of its value in 2008, and Prime Minister Geir Haarde was forced to discuss a financial assistance bailout with Russia. When Iceland's economy failed, it was a signal that the 2008 financial crisis, which had originated in the U.S., was a global problem. INSETS: LUXURY ON A KRONA;GLOBAL COOLING.

This article discusses the impact that the 2008 U.S. financial crisis has had on the global economy. It is stated that the crisis initiated with irresponsible subprime mortgage lending in the U.S. and has been perpetuated by a lack of confidence in the stability of financial systems across the globe. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that world economic growth will slow to three percent in 2009 from five percent in 2007.

The article reports on the best advice ever received from several accomplished executives. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg Limited Partnership, claims the best advice he ever heard, was to ask for the order first, and when the customer says yes, stop talking. Larry Page, co-founder and president of Google, credits his Stanford University advisor Terry Winograd, for encouraging him to study the link structure of the web.

The article presents a profile of McDonald's, focusing on the company's trend towards globalization and management flexibility. An example is provided of a type of hamburger which it sells in many countries, such as Brazil and Italy, but not in the U.S. The article indicates that U.S. operations are smaller than worldwide operations for McDonald's, that many corporate ideas are originating from non-U.S. operations, and that McDonald's is no longer merely replicating its U.S. product globally.

The author reports on steps that Daniel Bouton, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company Société Générale, took to save the company from being bankrupt. Specific topics discussed in the article include steps that trader Jérôme Kerviel took in making unhedged bets on stock futures, the reaction from Bouton to the actions taken by Kerviel and steps that Bouton took to save the company.

The article presents a profile of Robert Polet, chief executive officer of the Gucci Group, focusing on his success at increasing the company's profitability. He is described as a leader who expects considerable autonomy from those who report to him. Initially greeted with skepticism by the fashion industry due to his background as head of the ice cream division at Unilever, Polet has raised the profile of brands such as Bottega Veneta, Boucheron and Stella McCartney. INSET: The Polet Effect.

The article reports on consumer protest in Italy over the jump in pasta prices, and the network of economic causes behind it. Topics discussed include the global effects of agricultural policy, commodity market speculation, increased use of ethanol, and drought in Australia, and the higher cost of wheat.

This article discusses Burberry's Chief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts, her strength of being able to combine flair with commercial sense, and her plans to recharge the firm's growth. The company's growth waned in 2005-06, because of the waning popularity of its plaid. Her plans include expanding the geographical reach and broadening product range.

The article discusses attempts to penetrate the fast growing luxury goods category by increasing numbers of manufacturers. Firms such as Coach Inc. and Hennes & Mauritz AB sell purportedly luxury goods at reduced price points. Traditional purveyors of luxury such as Louis Vuitton dispute any downward redefining of luxury.

The article discusses the debate over whether New York City or London, England, is the financial capital of the world. The article states that London is a worldwide leader in foreign exchange, metals trading, and over-the-counter derivatives and has attracted small firms to its AIM exchange. The article states that the concern for both cities is to continue to prosper as more financial centers are created around the world.

The article focuses on the investigation into the death of Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, who lived in London, England. Plutonium was discovered in his body and caused his hair to fall out, his body to shrink and his bone marrow was failing. On his deathbed, Litvinenko said his death had been ordered by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Details are given concerning motive, opportunity and who could have had the means to carry this out.

Focuses on the German automobile maker Mercedes-Benz AG. Review of how the company is in the middle of a massive overhaul designed to restore the luster of the Mercedes brand; Overview of new automobile models being introduced by the company, including the new S-Class and two new R-Class models; Review of how the company has slid dramatically in consumer rankings over the past several years; Challenge of winning back customer loyalty; Author's view that the troubles at Mercedes offer a window into German's greater economic problems.

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The article focuses on the importance of tomato farming in Europe and how the Netherlands became the largest exporter of tomatoes in Europe. Topics include the decrease in demand for Greek tomatoes, the trade inefficiency within the European Union (EU), and the barriers to economic and monetary integration in the EU. Information is provided on how varied climates within Europe produce varied tomatoes, why Dutch tomatoes are planted in mineral wool, and the crop productivity of farmers in the Netherlands.

The article discusses an art museum in Paris, France, designed by architect Frank Gehry and financed by businessman Bernard Arnault. The museum cost more than $200 million. There will be a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists Mark Rothko, Francis Bacon, Takashi Murakami, and Damien Hirst. INSET: Battle of the Russian Gallerinas.

The article reports on the British bank Barclays. With assets of $2.7 trillion, Barclays is the third largest bank in Great Britain. However, in September 2008 Barclays' president Robert Diamond had the bank buy the U.S. business Lehman Brothers and analysts are not sure if it was a smart move due to the European banking sector not performing well.

The article reports that many luxury fashion companies in the U.S. are facing declining sales numbers because of an overall market slowdown in 2008. Companies such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Saks Fifth Avenue have advertised sales and marked down prices far more than usual. The luxury fashion sector has outperformed the general clothing retail sector, but it is experiencing the economic pinch.

The article reports on the fundraising efforts of Louvre museum director Henri Loyrette. These efforts include creating a Louvre museum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, exhibitions of museum collections in Kobe, Japan and Macau, and trademarking the Louvre name. The article suggests that Loyrette has created controversy by exporting artwork and by exhibiting contemporary art. The Louvre under Loyrette has seen a growth in its acquisitions budget.

The article discusses the investment potential for the futures market of wines made in Bordeaux, France. The process by which wines are made, judged, put on market, and then become investment options is detailed. Risk associated with investing in Bordeaux wines is presented. The names of the most popular wines are listed. INSET: CORNERING THE FUTURES MARKET.

This article discusses Germany's IKB Deutsche Industriebank's investment in asset-backed securities and how the subprime mortgage crisis in the U.S. market has rendered IKB one of the biggest victims. Stefan Ortseifen, the chief executive officer of IKB, pushed the bank to heavily invest in collateralized debt obligations, which contributed to the bank's losses.

This article explains that the French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown share very similar outlooks, which could lead to strong relations between the two countries for the first time in many years. The article explains how this situation could allow for good relations between these countries and the U.S.

The article looks at the Russian economy. Seven consecutive years of robust growth have transformed Russia, creating a consumer class and bringing signs of prosperity to the country. The article states that although the distribution of wealth is far from egalitarian, the rich are getting richer, corruption is endemic, and millions continue to struggle, the good life is in reach for more Russians than ever before. The article discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin and oil revenues in Russia.

Discusses the implications of a weak U.S. dollar for the world economy. Concerns over the dollar's long slide; Options for cutting the federal deficit; Why the weak dollar is a big factor in the revived manufacturing sector; Possibility that a weak dollar could lead to inflation, higher interest rates and a global recession; Benefits of a strong dollar, which helped finance the budget deficit and kept interest rates low; How the weak dollar is causing pain overseas, in particular Europe; Concerns of Asians; Views of economists; Outlook. INSET: TIME AND MONEY.