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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
(6) Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 39.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to an effective rate of 41.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The 2013 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income, and by the reinstatement of the 2013 United States Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”). The 39.7% effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% and we currently expect an annual effective tax rate of approximately 40%, due primarily to the French business tax, the impact of valuation allowances, and other permanent items.

We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 41.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to an effective rate of 47.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The 2013 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income, and by the 2012 and 2013 WOTC, which was reinstated in January of 2013, retroactive to January 1, 2012. These rates are higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to the French business tax, the impact of valuation allowances and other permanent items.

As of September 30, 2013, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $29.0. We had related tax benefits of $2.5, and the net amount of $26.5 would favorably affect the effective tax rate if recognized. As of December 31, 2012, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $28.5. We had related tax benefits of $2.5 for a net amount of $26.0. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
 
We conduct business globally and, as a result, we are routinely audited by the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Generally, the tax years that remain subject to tax examination are 2009 through 2012 for our major operations in Germany, Italy, France, Japan, United States and United Kingdom. As of September 30, 2013, we are subject to tax audits in France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Norway and Spain. We believe that the resolution of these audits will not have a material impact on earnings.