Income taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 4 – Income taxes

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2012		2011
Continuing operations
Provision for income taxes (in millions)	$	16.2		11.4
Effective tax rate		40.5	%	32.0	%

2012 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate

The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first quarter of 2012was higher than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate largely due to the geographical mix of earnings, withholding taxes, and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax.

2011 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate

The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first quarter of2011was lower than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate largely due to a $2.1 million benefit for legislation enacted in Greece and audit settlements, partially offset by higher taxes due to the geographical mix of earnings and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax.

2012 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate

The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first quarter of 2012was higher than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate largely due to the geographical mix of earnings, withholding taxes, and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax.

2011 Compared to U.S. Statutory Rate

The effective income tax rate on continuing operations in the first quarter of2011was lower than the 35% U.S. statutory tax rate largely due to a $2.1 million benefit for legislation enacted in Greece and audit settlements, partially offset by higher taxes due to the geographical mix of earnings and the characterization of a French business tax as an income tax.