# Official Journal C 116/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 116 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5026 May 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 116

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5026 May 2007

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | European Central Bank |
| 2007/C 116/01 | Opinion of the European Central Bank of 13 April 2007 on a proposal for Council directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection (CON/2007/11) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

2007/C 116/01

Opinion of the European Central Bank of 13 April 2007 on a proposal for Council directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection (CON/2007/11)

1

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 116/02 | Communication from the Commission concerning proposals to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector and Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 establishing a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community | 5 |
| 2007/C 116/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4608 — Siemens/UGS Corporation) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2007/C 116/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4609 — Shell/Coller Capital/STV) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2007/C 116/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4559 — Balfour Beatty/Galaxy/Exeter Airport) (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2007/C 116/06 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4665 — The Apollo Group/Claire's Stores) (
  1
  ) | 7 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 116/02

Communication from the Commission concerning proposals to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector and Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 establishing a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community

5

2007/C 116/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4608 — Siemens/UGS Corporation) (
  1
  )

1

6

2007/C 116/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4609 — Shell/Coller Capital/STV) (
  1
  )

1

6

2007/C 116/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4559 — Balfour Beatty/Galaxy/Exeter Airport) (
  1
  )

1

7

2007/C 116/06

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4665 — The Apollo Group/Claire's Stores) (
  1
  )

1

7

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 116/07 | Euro exchange rates | 8 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2007/C 116/08 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2007/C 116/09 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  ) | 12 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 116/07

Euro exchange rates

8

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2007/C 116/08

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  )

1

9

2007/C 116/09

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  )

1

12

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 116/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec Précision Etirage/Werk Zeithain) (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| 2007/C 116/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4486 — Leitner/Strabag/Nordpark) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 17 |
| 2007/C 116/12 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4671 — UTC/Initial Electronic Security Group) (
  1
  ) | 18 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 116/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec Précision Etirage/Werk Zeithain) (
  1
  )

1

16

2007/C 116/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4486 — Leitner/Strabag/Nordpark) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

17

2007/C 116/12

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4671 — UTC/Initial Electronic Security Group) (
  1
  )

1

18

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/1

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OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 13 April 2007

on a proposal for Council directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection

(CON/2007/11)

(2007/C 116/01)

Introduction and legal basis

On 23 January 2007 the European Central Bank (ECB) received a request from the Council of the European Union for an opinion on a proposal for a directive of the Council on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection (1) (hereinafter the ‘proposed directive’). The proposed directive establishes a procedure for the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructures (ECIs) whose disruption or destruction would significantly affect two or more Member States or a single Member State if the critical infrastructure is located in another Member State. The ECB's competence to deliver an opinion is based on the first indent of Article 105(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Community. In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17(5) of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

1.   General observations

| 1.1 | The ECB fully supports the proposed directive's objective of enhancing coordination among the actions planned in different relevant European Union sectors for the prevention of, preparedness for and response to threats, particularly terrorist attacks involving critical infrastructures and cross-sector dependencies (2). In particular, the ECB considers it important to ensure that consistent and coordinated actions are taken in different sectors to properly respond to these threats. |
| --- | --- |

1.1

The ECB fully supports the proposed directive's objective of enhancing coordination among the actions planned in different relevant European Union sectors for the prevention of, preparedness for and response to threats, particularly terrorist attacks involving critical infrastructures and cross-sector dependencies (2). In particular, the ECB considers it important to ensure that consistent and coordinated actions are taken in different sectors to properly respond to these threats.

| 1.2 | The provisions of the proposed directive granting Member States certain responsibilities concerning the identification of the European Critical Infrastructures (hereinafter the ‘ECIs’), their notification to the Commission, and the establishment, updating, review and, in particular, regular supervision of the Operator Security Plans (‘OSPs’) of ECIs, as well as reporting the summary of risks for each sector to the Commission, must respect existing national and EU authorities' competencies. These include the exclusive tasks of central banks, required to be performed in an independent manner in accordance with the Treaty (3), as well as the tasks attributed to central banks under applicable national laws. In particular, it will be necessary to ensure that the national provisions implementing the proposed directive will be fully compatible with central banks' oversight powers or obligations with respect to payment, securities clearing and settlement systems and infrastructures, clearing houses and central counterparties (4). In this respect it is understood that the framework provided by this proposed directive will not prejudice central banks' powers and independence. A recital should be introduced in the proposed directive to reflect these considerations. |
| --- | --- |

1.2

The provisions of the proposed directive granting Member States certain responsibilities concerning the identification of the European Critical Infrastructures (hereinafter the ‘ECIs’), their notification to the Commission, and the establishment, updating, review and, in particular, regular supervision of the Operator Security Plans (‘OSPs’) of ECIs, as well as reporting the summary of risks for each sector to the Commission, must respect existing national and EU authorities' competencies. These include the exclusive tasks of central banks, required to be performed in an independent manner in accordance with the Treaty (3), as well as the tasks attributed to central banks under applicable national laws. In particular, it will be necessary to ensure that the national provisions implementing the proposed directive will be fully compatible with central banks' oversight powers or obligations with respect to payment, securities clearing and settlement systems and infrastructures, clearing houses and central counterparties (4). In this respect it is understood that the framework provided by this proposed directive will not prejudice central banks' powers and independence. A recital should be introduced in the proposed directive to reflect these considerations.

| 1.3 | Moreover the ECB would like to stress that the Eurosystem and/or national central banks have already established measures ensuring business continuity in euro area payment systems, and the ECB considers that this work should be recognised with a view to avoiding duplication and ensuring consistency in the work done by several authorities. |
| --- | --- |

1.3

Moreover the ECB would like to stress that the Eurosystem and/or national central banks have already established measures ensuring business continuity in euro area payment systems, and the ECB considers that this work should be recognised with a view to avoiding duplication and ensuring consistency in the work done by several authorities.

2.   Specific comments

| 2.1 | First, the financial sector identified in the proposed directive is sub-divided into (1) payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructure and systems; and (2) regulated markets. The ECB proposes broader wording to cover trading, payment, clearing and settlement systems and infrastructures for financial instruments. |
| --- | --- |

2.1

First, the financial sector identified in the proposed directive is sub-divided into (1) payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructure and systems; and (2) regulated markets. The ECB proposes broader wording to cover trading, payment, clearing and settlement systems and infrastructures for financial instruments.

| 2.2 | Second, the definition of ‘critical infrastructure ’expressly recognises cross-sector dependencies since the effectiveness of implementing measures for any one sector could be severely undermined by failure to properly address sectoral interdependencies. However, it is noted that this definition does not expressly refer only to assets located solely within the EU. Therefore, it is not clear how assets located partly outside the EU, whose disruption or destruction would affect European critical infrastructures, would be treated under the proposed directive. The ECB would welcome further clarification of this issue. |
| --- | --- |

2.2

Second, the definition of ‘critical infrastructure ’expressly recognises cross-sector dependencies since the effectiveness of implementing measures for any one sector could be severely undermined by failure to properly address sectoral interdependencies. However, it is noted that this definition does not expressly refer only to assets located solely within the EU. Therefore, it is not clear how assets located partly outside the EU, whose disruption or destruction would affect European critical infrastructures, would be treated under the proposed directive. The ECB would welcome further clarification of this issue.

| 2.3 | Third, the ‘severity test ’relevant to the identification of European critical infrastructures is quite broad and should be enhanced with clearer indications to ensure consistency of designation across countries and sectors. It would be helpful to further clarify this concept when establishing cross-cutting and sectoral criteria through the comitology procedure under the proposed directive. It is noted that the proposed directive is likely to bring additional administrative requirements which are likely to have associated costs for infrastructures and relevant authorities. Depending on the establishment of such thresholds, infrastructures not currently overseen may be caught and subject to additional costs. |
| --- | --- |

2.3

Third, the ‘severity test ’relevant to the identification of European critical infrastructures is quite broad and should be enhanced with clearer indications to ensure consistency of designation across countries and sectors. It would be helpful to further clarify this concept when establishing cross-cutting and sectoral criteria through the comitology procedure under the proposed directive. It is noted that the proposed directive is likely to bring additional administrative requirements which are likely to have associated costs for infrastructures and relevant authorities. Depending on the establishment of such thresholds, infrastructures not currently overseen may be caught and subject to additional costs.

| 2.4 | Fourth, a separate Community act may be needed to establish procedures to identify and designate ECIs owned or operated by Community institutions, bodies or agencies. While under the proposed directive the Commission may propose a list of critical infrastructures to be designated as ECIs on the basis both of notifications made by Member States and ‘of any other information at the Commission's disposal’, it might not be practical for ECIs operated by Community bodies and having a pan-European dimension to be part of a system that would be administered by the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.4

Fourth, a separate Community act may be needed to establish procedures to identify and designate ECIs owned or operated by Community institutions, bodies or agencies. While under the proposed directive the Commission may propose a list of critical infrastructures to be designated as ECIs on the basis both of notifications made by Member States and ‘of any other information at the Commission's disposal’, it might not be practical for ECIs operated by Community bodies and having a pan-European dimension to be part of a system that would be administered by the Member States.

| 2.5 | Fifth, according to the proposed directive, the list of critical infrastructures designated as ECIs is required to be adopted in accordance with the comitology procedure established by the proposed directive (5). The list of all ECIs would be adopted before the establishment and putting into operation of the OSPs containing relevant security solutions for the protection of the listed ECIs, since operators have a year following designation to draw up an OSP. In this context, publicity is undesirable for payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems. In particular, as the purpose of the Directive includes the preparation for threats affecting financial markets, it would be unsound to publicly disclose the list of critical infrastructures materially relevant for the smooth functioning of financial markets. Today, no country in the world would publicly disclose such a list on the basis of similar considerations. The ECB therefore strongly recommends keeping the list of ECIs confidential. |
| --- | --- |

2.5

Fifth, according to the proposed directive, the list of critical infrastructures designated as ECIs is required to be adopted in accordance with the comitology procedure established by the proposed directive (5). The list of all ECIs would be adopted before the establishment and putting into operation of the OSPs containing relevant security solutions for the protection of the listed ECIs, since operators have a year following designation to draw up an OSP. In this context, publicity is undesirable for payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems. In particular, as the purpose of the Directive includes the preparation for threats affecting financial markets, it would be unsound to publicly disclose the list of critical infrastructures materially relevant for the smooth functioning of financial markets. Today, no country in the world would publicly disclose such a list on the basis of similar considerations. The ECB therefore strongly recommends keeping the list of ECIs confidential.

| 2.6 | Finally, the ECB strongly recommends giving adequate consideration to existing measures in defining implementing measures and focusing on those areas where no specific measures have been so far identified. In this context it seems therefore desirable not to start work on defining or implementing measures in the areas of payments and clearing, but rather to acknowledge the work already done by the competent authorities. On the one hand, additional regulation and related burdens will need to be justified through adequate impact analysis. On the other hand, it is important to keep standards and regulations in this area sufficiently flexible so that they can be easily and continuously adapted to the changing environment. The ECB would prefer no specific legally binding measures to be adopted. Should the Commission decide to adopt implementing measures, the ECB will have to be formally consulted under the Treaty on any such measures relating to payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems, and other matters falling within the ECB's fields of competence (6). |
| --- | --- |

2.6

Finally, the ECB strongly recommends giving adequate consideration to existing measures in defining implementing measures and focusing on those areas where no specific measures have been so far identified. In this context it seems therefore desirable not to start work on defining or implementing measures in the areas of payments and clearing, but rather to acknowledge the work already done by the competent authorities. On the one hand, additional regulation and related burdens will need to be justified through adequate impact analysis. On the other hand, it is important to keep standards and regulations in this area sufficiently flexible so that they can be easily and continuously adapted to the changing environment. The ECB would prefer no specific legally binding measures to be adopted. Should the Commission decide to adopt implementing measures, the ECB will have to be formally consulted under the Treaty on any such measures relating to payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems, and other matters falling within the ECB's fields of competence (6).

3.   Drafting proposals

Where the above advice would lead to changes in the proposed directive, drafting proposals are set out in the Annex.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 13 April 2007.

The Vice-President of the ECB

Lucas D. PAPADEMOS

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(1)  COM(2006) 787 final.

1

(2)  The ECB also supports the view that the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection should be based on an all-hazards approach while countering threats from terrorism as a priority and that under this approach, manmade, technological threats and natural disasters should be taken into account in the European critical infrastructure protection process.

2

(3)  At the same time, in the context of the preparation of an overall, EU-wide strategy to protect critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks, recognition that the Eurosystem has such exclusive competence does not have the consequence of separating it entirely from the European Community and exempting it from every rule of Community law (paragraph 135 of Case C-11/00 Commission v European Central Bank [2003] ECR I-7147).

3

Commission

European Central Bank

(4)  For example, the Eurosystem has established principles and procedures for the oversight of the payment and clearing systems and infrastructure, including preventive measures against operational problems, such as the business continuity oversight expectations for systemically important payment systems of June 2006.

4

(5)  Article 4(2) and Article 11 of the proposed directive.

5

(6)  First indent of Article 105(4) of the Treaty.

6

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ANNEX

Drafting proposals

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendments proposed by the ECB
   (1) |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1
  New recital 17a |
| | For the purposes of the financial sector, this Directive should be compatible with the tasks and duties conferred on the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) by the Treaty and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank. Particular attention in this regard needs to be given to the operation and oversight of payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems by the ESCB central banks, and to the contribution made by central banks to the stability of the financial system. To avoid unnecessary duplication of work, Member States should rely on the work and regular assessments conducted by the central banks within their fields of competence. |
| Justification — See paragraph 1.2 of the opinion |
| Annex 1 List of critical infrastructure sectors |
| VII   Financial
  Payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems
  Regulated markets | VII   Financial

  Trading, payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems for financial instruments


  Regulated markets |
| Justification — See paragraph 2.1 of the opinion |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendments proposed by the ECB
   (1)

Amendment 1

New recital 17a

For the purposes of the financial sector, this Directive should be compatible with the tasks and duties conferred on the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) by the Treaty and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank. Particular attention in this regard needs to be given to the operation and oversight of payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems by the ESCB central banks, and to the contribution made by central banks to the stability of the financial system. To avoid unnecessary duplication of work, Member States should rely on the work and regular assessments conducted by the central banks within their fields of competence.

Justification — See paragraph 1.2 of the opinion

Annex 1 List of critical infrastructure sectors

VII   Financial

Payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems

Regulated markets

VII   Financial

Trading, payment and securities clearing and settlement infrastructures and systems for financial instruments

Regulated markets

Justification — See paragraph 2.1 of the opinion

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(1)  Bold in the body of the text indicates where the ECB proposes inserting new text. Strikethrough in the body of the text indicates where the ECB proposes deleting the text.

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/5

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Communication from the Commission concerning proposals to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector and Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 establishing a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community

(2007/C 116/02)

The Commission has on 7 May 2007 presented to the Council a proposal for a Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 of 20 February 2006 establishing a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community (1) and a proposal for a Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 of 20 February 2006 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector (2).

The aim of the first proposal is to make the participation in the restructuring scheme more attractive. To that end, it is proposed to fix the percentage of the restructuring aid to be paid to growers and machinery contractors at 10 %, thereby removing the uncertainty resulting from the current possibility that a Member State might decide to set a higher percentage. Growers are instead to receive an additional payment.

It is further proposed to introduce for the marketing year 2008/2009 a possibility for growers to trigger the restructuring process by making a direct application for restructuring aid, provided that they renounce their delivery rights in relation to undertaking to which they have been bound by delivery contracts in the previous marketing year. As a consequence, the Member State should reduce the quota of the undertaking concerned correspondingly. The application of the proposed measure is however limited to a quota reduction of up to 10 % of the quota allocated to the undertaking concerned, and the Member State's acceptance of growers' applications should thus be based on a first-come-first-served list.

The amendments to Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 should start to apply as from the 2008/2009 marketing year. Considering that the deadline for applications for restructuring aid is 31 January 2008, sugar undertakings and growers are advised to carefully analyze their competitive position in the medium and long term and prepare for their eventual applications for restructuring aid in due time.

The second proposal concerns amendments to the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 governing the instrument of withdrawal. This includes integrating into the Council Regulation the criteria laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 290/2007 (3) with regard to a possible further withdrawal in autumn 2007. It is also proposed to abolish the provision according to which traditional supply needs for refiners shall be reduced in case of a withdrawal. This would apply as from the marketing year 2007/2008.

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(1)  OJ L 58, 28.2.2006, p. 48.

(2)  OJ L 58, 28.2.2006, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2007, p. 20.

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| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/6

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4608 — Siemens/UGS Corporation)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/03)

On 27 April 2007, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4608. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4608. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

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| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/6

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4609 — Shell/Coller Capital/STV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/04)

On 29 March 2007, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4609. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4609. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

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| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/7

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4559 — Balfour Beatty/Galaxy/Exeter Airport)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/05)

On 12 March 2007, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4559. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4559. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

---

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/7

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4665 — The Apollo Group/Claire's Stores)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/06)

On 22 May 2007, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4665. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4665. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/8

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Euro exchange rates (1)

25 May 2007

(2007/C 116/07)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3441 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 163,50 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4518 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67750 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1912 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6499 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 83,47 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0945 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5832 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,308 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 249,83 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6961 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8105 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,2724 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 34,025 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,7885 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6399 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4570 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,5146 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8506 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0546 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 247,66 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,5780 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,2860 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3128 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 760,88 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,5578 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 61,963 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,8120 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,057 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3441

JPY

Japanese yen

163,50

DKK

Danish krone

7,4518

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67750

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1912

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6499

ISK

Iceland króna

83,47

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0945

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5832

CZK

Czech koruna

28,308

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

249,83

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6961

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8105

RON

Romanian leu

3,2724

SKK

Slovak koruna

34,025

TRY

Turkish lira

1,7885

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6399

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4570

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,5146

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8506

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0546

KRW

South Korean won

1 247,66

ZAR

South African rand

9,5780

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,2860

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3128

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 760,88

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5578

PHP

Philippine peso

61,963

RUB

Russian rouble

34,8120

THB

Thai baht

44,057

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/9

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to national regional investment aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/08)

| Aid No | XR 5/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Tier 1(87 3(a)) — Tier 2 (87 3(c)) |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Scottish Property Support Scheme |
| Legal basis | Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126
  Local Government Act 1973 and Section 171 of the Local Government Act ect (Scotland) Act 1994 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | GBP 16 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 30 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Executive |
| Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department |
| 5 Cadogan Street |
| Glasgow G2 6AT |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XR 5/07

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Tier 1(87 3(a)) — Tier 2 (87 3(c))

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Scottish Property Support Scheme

Legal basis

Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126

Local Government Act 1973 and Section 171 of the Local Government Act ect (Scotland) Act 1994

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

GBP 16 million

Maximum aid intensity

30 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.1.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Executive

Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department

5 Cadogan Street

Glasgow G2 6AT

United Kingdom

| Scottish Enterprise |
| --- |
| 5 Atlantic Quay |
| 150 Broomielaw |
| Glasgow G2 8LU |
| United Kingdom |

Scottish Enterprise

5 Atlantic Quay

150 Broomielaw

Glasgow G2 8LU

United Kingdom

| Highlands and Islands Enterprise |
| --- |
| Cowan House |
| Inverness Retail and Business Park |
| Inverness IV2 7GF |
| United Kingdom |

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Cowan House

Inverness Retail and Business Park

Inverness IV2 7GF

United Kingdom

| Scottish Local Authority Economic Development Group |
| --- |
| Stan Ure |
| Chairman, SLAED |
| c/o Economic Development Department |
| Dundee City Council |
| 3 City Square |
| Dundee DD1 3BA |
| United Kingdom |

Scottish Local Authority Economic Development Group

Stan Ure

Chairman, SLAED

c/o Economic Development Department

Dundee City Council

3 City Square

Dundee DD1 3BA

United Kingdom

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://stateaidscotland.gov.uk/state_aid/SA_ApprovalsView.jsp?pContentID=354&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&

Other information

—

| Aid No | XR 7/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Northern Ireland |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Urban Development Grant Scheme |
| Legal basis | Social Need Order 1986 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | GBP 9 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 30 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Department for Social Development Urban Regeneration Policy Unit |
| Lighthouse Building |
| 1 Cromac Place |
| Gasworks Business Park |
| Ormeau Road |
| Belfast BT7 2JB |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel. (44-28) 90 82 93 67 |

Aid No

XR 7/07

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Northern Ireland

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Urban Development Grant Scheme

Legal basis

Social Need Order 1986

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

GBP 9 million

Maximum aid intensity

30 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.1.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Department for Social Development Urban Regeneration Policy Unit

Lighthouse Building

1 Cromac Place

Gasworks Business Park

Ormeau Road

Belfast BT7 2JB

United Kingdom

Tel. (44-28) 90 82 93 67

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/urcdg-urban_regeneration/programmes_measures/special_measures_focusing_on_belfast_and_londonderry/udg.htm

Other information

—

| Aid No | XR 15/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Tier 1 (87 3 (a)) — Tier 2 (87 3(c)) |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Regional Selective Assistance — Scotland |
| Legal basis | Industrial Development Act 1982, section 7 Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | GBP 85 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 30 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Executive |
| Enterprise, Transport & Lifelong Learning Department |
| 5 Cadogan Street |
| Glasgow G2 6AT |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel. (0141) 242 5674 |
| E-mail: allan.mccabe@scotland.gsi.gov.uk |

Aid No

XR 15/07

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Tier 1 (87 3 (a)) — Tier 2 (87 3(c))

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Regional Selective Assistance — Scotland

Legal basis

Industrial Development Act 1982, section 7 Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

GBP 85 million

Maximum aid intensity

30 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.1.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Executive

Enterprise, Transport & Lifelong Learning Department

5 Cadogan Street

Glasgow G2 6AT

United Kingdom

Tel. (0141) 242 5674

E-mail: allan.mccabe@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

| Scottish Enterprise |
| --- |
| 5 Atlantic Quay |
| 150 Broomielaw |
| Glasgow G2 8LU |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel. (0141) 228 2066 |
| E-mail: Karen.fraser@scotent.co.uk |

Scottish Enterprise

5 Atlantic Quay

150 Broomielaw

Glasgow G2 8LU

United Kingdom

Tel. (0141) 228 2066

E-mail: Karen.fraser@scotent.co.uk

| Highlands & Islands Enterprise |
| --- |
| Cowan House |
| Inverness Retail and Business Park |
| Inverness IV2 7GF |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel. (01463) 244 474 |
| E-mail: Melvyn.waumsley@hient.co.uk |

Highlands & Islands Enterprise

Cowan House

Inverness Retail and Business Park

Inverness IV2 7GF

United Kingdom

Tel. (01463) 244 474

E-mail: Melvyn.waumsley@hient.co.uk

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

www.rsascotland.gov.uk

Other information

—

---

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/12

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/09)

| Aid No | XS 116/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Regione Lazio |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Agevolazioni a favore di PMI per progetti di ricerca industriale e sviluppo precompetitivo |
| Legal basis | Deliberazione della giunta regionale n. 28 del 25.1.2007, in corso di pubblicazione sul Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione Lazio, attuativa della legge 27.10.1994, n. 598, art. 11 e s.m.i. |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | EUR 25 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | The contribution may not exceed the ceilings laid down by Community law. |
| Date of implementation | 25.1.2007 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Open-ended; the aid scheme is in any case exempt from compulsory notification under Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty up to 30 June 2008, when Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (as amended) expires, unless extended. |
| Objective of aid | The aid is intended to facilitate industrial research and pre-competitive development activity. |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs. |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione Lazio — Assessorato della Piccola e media impresa, commercio e artigianato |
| Direzione regionale attività produttive |
| Via Cristoforo Colombo, 212 |
| I-00147 Roma |
| Tel. (39) 06 51 68 37 75 |
| Fax (39) 06 51 68 37 73 |
| E-mail: nconsole@regione.lazio.it |

Aid No

XS 116/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Regione Lazio

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Agevolazioni a favore di PMI per progetti di ricerca industriale e sviluppo precompetitivo

Legal basis

Deliberazione della giunta regionale n. 28 del 25.1.2007, in corso di pubblicazione sul Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione Lazio, attuativa della legge 27.10.1994, n. 598, art. 11 e s.m.i.

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

EUR 25 million

Maximum aid intensity

The contribution may not exceed the ceilings laid down by Community law.

Date of implementation

25.1.2007

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Open-ended; the aid scheme is in any case exempt from compulsory notification under Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty up to 30 June 2008, when Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (as amended) expires, unless extended.

Objective of aid

The aid is intended to facilitate industrial research and pre-competitive development activity.

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs.

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Lazio — Assessorato della Piccola e media impresa, commercio e artigianato

Direzione regionale attività produttive

Via Cristoforo Colombo, 212

I-00147 Roma

Tel. (39) 06 51 68 37 75

Fax (39) 06 51 68 37 73

E-mail: nconsole@regione.lazio.it

Other information

The aid scheme itself was approved by Commission Decision C(2002) 691 cor. of 5 March 2002.

| Aid No | XS 132/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Cyprus |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Πρόγραμμα «Διακρατική Συνεργασία Κύπρου-Ρουμανίας»/Programma «Diakratiki Synergasia Kyproy-Roymanias» |
| Legal basis | Απόφαση Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου 64.596 ημερομηνίας 9 Νοεμβρίου 2006 και Απόφαση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Ιδρύματος Προώθησης Έρευνας της 14ης Μαρτίου 2006 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,2 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 2.4.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2007 |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ίδρυμα Προώθησης Έρευνας/Idryma Proothisis Ereynas
  Γωνία Απελλή και Νιρβάνα, Αγ. Ομολογητές, CY-1683, Λευκωσία/Gonia Apelli kai Nirbana, Ag. Omologites, CY-1683, Leykosia |

Aid No

XS 132/07

Member State

Cyprus

Region

—

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Πρόγραμμα «Διακρατική Συνεργασία Κύπρου-Ρουμανίας»/Programma «Diakratiki Synergasia Kyproy-Roymanias»

Legal basis

Απόφαση Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου 64.596 ημερομηνίας 9 Νοεμβρίου 2006 και Απόφαση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Ιδρύματος Προώθησης Έρευνας της 14ης Μαρτίου 2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,2 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

2.4.2007

Duration

31.12.2007

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Name and address of the granting authority

Ίδρυμα Προώθησης Έρευνας/Idryma Proothisis Ereynas

Γωνία Απελλή και Νιρβάνα, Αγ. Ομολογητές, CY-1683, Λευκωσία/Gonia Apelli kai Nirbana, Ag. Omologites, CY-1683, Leykosia

| Aid No | XS 133/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Cyprus |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Πρόγραμμα «Διακρατική Συνεργασία Κύπρου-Σλοβενίας»/Programma «Diakratiki Synergasia Kyproy-Slobenias» |
| Legal basis | Απόφαση Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου 58.911 ημερομηνίας 12 Νοεμβρίου 2003 και Απόφαση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Ιδρύματος Προώθησης Έρευνας της 14ης Μαρτίου 2006 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,175 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 2.4.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2007 |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ίδρυμα Προώθησης Έρευνας/Idryma Proothisis Ereynas
  Γωνία Απελλή και Νιρβάνα, Αγ. Ομολογητές, CY-1683, Λευκωσία/Gonia Apelli kai Nirbana, Ag. Omologites, CY-1683, Leykosia |

Aid No

XS 133/07

Member State

Cyprus

Region

—

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Πρόγραμμα «Διακρατική Συνεργασία Κύπρου-Σλοβενίας»/Programma «Diakratiki Synergasia Kyproy-Slobenias»

Legal basis

Απόφαση Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου 58.911 ημερομηνίας 12 Νοεμβρίου 2003 και Απόφαση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Ιδρύματος Προώθησης Έρευνας της 14ης Μαρτίου 2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,175 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

2.4.2007

Duration

31.12.2007

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Name and address of the granting authority

Ίδρυμα Προώθησης Έρευνας/Idryma Proothisis Ereynas

Γωνία Απελλή και Νιρβάνα, Αγ. Ομολογητές, CY-1683, Λευκωσία/Gonia Apelli kai Nirbana, Ag. Omologites, CY-1683, Leykosia

| Aid No | XS 134/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Austria |
| Region | Niederösterreich |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Richtlinien der NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH |
| Legal basis | 1. | Satzung der NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH |

Aid No

XS 134/07

Member State

Austria

Region

Niederösterreich

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Richtlinien der NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH

Legal basis

1.

Satzung der NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH

| 2. | Verordnung (EG) Nr. 70/2001 der Kommission vom 12. Januar 2001 über die Anwendung der Artikel 87 und 88 des EG-Vertrags auf staatliche Beihilfen an kleine und mittlere Unternehmen in der geltenden Fassung |
| --- | --- |

2.

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 70/2001 der Kommission vom 12. Januar 2001 über die Anwendung der Artikel 87 und 88 des EG-Vertrags auf staatliche Beihilfen an kleine und mittlere Unternehmen in der geltenden Fassung

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 2,3 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.4.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Name and address of the granting authority

| NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH |
| --- |
| Gottfried-Keller-Gasse 2 |
| A-1030 Wien |

NÖ Bürgschaften GmbH

Gottfried-Keller-Gasse 2

A-1030 Wien

| Aid No | XS 142/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | North East of England |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Sea Dragon Technical Services Ltd |
| Legal basis | Regional Development Act 1999 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: GBP 0,065 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 26.4.2007 |
| Duration | 30.12.2007 |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Economic sectors | All manufacturing |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Fergus Mitchell |
| ONE Northeast |
| Stella House |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 8NY |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XS 142/07

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Sea Dragon Technical Services Ltd

Legal basis

Regional Development Act 1999

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: GBP 0,065 million

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

26.4.2007

Duration

30.12.2007

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Economic sectors

All manufacturing

Name and address of the granting authority

Fergus Mitchell

ONE Northeast

Stella House

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 8NY

United Kingdom

| Aid No | XS 145/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Sachsen-Anhalt |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Inanspruchnahme von Beratungsleistungen durch Kleinstunternehmen, kleine und mittlere Unternehmen in Sachsen-Anhalt (Beratungshilfeprogramm) |
| Legal basis | Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz (MFG) vom 27.6.2001,
  Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt (LHO) vom 30.4.1991, zuletzt geändert durch Artikel 2 des Gesetzes vom 28.4.2004 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 1,239 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.5.2007 |
| Duration | 30.6.2008 |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt, Förderberatungszentrum |
| Domplatz 12 |
| D-39104 Magdeburg |

Aid No

XS 145/07

Member State

Germany

Region

Sachsen-Anhalt

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Inanspruchnahme von Beratungsleistungen durch Kleinstunternehmen, kleine und mittlere Unternehmen in Sachsen-Anhalt (Beratungshilfeprogramm)

Legal basis

Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz (MFG) vom 27.6.2001,

Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt (LHO) vom 30.4.1991, zuletzt geändert durch Artikel 2 des Gesetzes vom 28.4.2004

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 1,239 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.5.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Name and address of the granting authority

Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt, Förderberatungszentrum

Domplatz 12

D-39104 Magdeburg

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/16

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec Précision Etirage/Werk Zeithain)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/10)

| 1. | On 21 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Salzgitter AG (‘Salzgitter’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Vallourec Précision Etirage S.A.S. (‘VPE’, France) controlled by Vallourec SA (‘Vallourec’, France) by purchase of shares and over the steel plant of V&M Deutschland GmbH based in Zeithain, (‘Werk Zeithain’, Germany), by way of purchase of assets. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 21 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Salzgitter AG (‘Salzgitter’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Vallourec Précision Etirage S.A.S. (‘VPE’, France) controlled by Vallourec SA (‘Vallourec’, France) by purchase of shares and over the steel plant of V&M Deutschland GmbH based in Zeithain, (‘Werk Zeithain’, Germany), by way of purchase of assets.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Salzgitter: production and sale of various steel products, including steel tubes, and provision of related services; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Salzgitter: production and sale of various steel products, including steel tubes, and provision of related services;

| — | for Vallourec: production and sale of steel tubes for gas, energy, automotive, petrochemistry and engineering applications; |
| --- | --- |

—

for Vallourec: production and sale of steel tubes for gas, energy, automotive, petrochemistry and engineering applications;

| — | for VPE: production and sale of precision steel tubes; |
| --- | --- |

—

for VPE: production and sale of precision steel tubes;

| — | for Werk Zeithain: production of seamless hollows. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Werk Zeithain: production of seamless hollows.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec Précision Etirage/Werk Zeithain, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec Précision Etirage/Werk Zeithain, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/17

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4486 — Leitner/Strabag/Nordpark)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/11)

| 1. | On 21 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking A-WAY Infrastrukutrprojekt-entwicklungs- und –betriebs GmbH (‘A-WAY’, Austria), part of the group STRABAG SE (‘STRABAG’, Austria), and the undertaking Leitner GmbH, part of the group Leitner SpA (‘Leitner group’, Italy), acquire within the meaning of Article 3 (1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Nordpark Errichtungs- und Betriebs GmbH (‘Nordpark’), a company previously solely controlled by A-WAY, by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 21 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking A-WAY Infrastrukutrprojekt-entwicklungs- und –betriebs GmbH (‘A-WAY’, Austria), part of the group STRABAG SE (‘STRABAG’, Austria), and the undertaking Leitner GmbH, part of the group Leitner SpA (‘Leitner group’, Italy), acquire within the meaning of Article 3 (1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Nordpark Errichtungs- und Betriebs GmbH (‘Nordpark’), a company previously solely controlled by A-WAY, by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | Leitner group: construction of cablecars, planning and building of wind power plants and passenger transport systems; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Leitner group: construction of cablecars, planning and building of wind power plants and passenger transport systems;

| — | Leitner GmbH: construction of cablecars; |
| --- | --- |

—

Leitner GmbH: construction of cablecars;

| — | STRABAG: construction sector; |
| --- | --- |

—

STRABAG: construction sector;

| — | A-WAY: holding of Nordpark; |
| --- | --- |

—

A-WAY: holding of Nordpark;

| — | Nordpark: building and operation of cablecars in the region of Innsbruck. |
| --- | --- |

—

Nordpark: building and operation of cablecars in the region of Innsbruck.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4486 — Leitner/Strabag/Nordpark, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4486 — Leitner/Strabag/Nordpark, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

---

| 26.5.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 116/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.5.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 116/18

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4671 — UTC/Initial Electronic Security Group)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 116/12)

| 1. | On 16 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking United Technologies Corporation (‘UTC’, United States) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of Rentokil Initial plc's Electronic Security Group (‘Initial ESG’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 16 May 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking United Technologies Corporation (‘UTC’, United States) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of Rentokil Initial plc's Electronic Security Group (‘Initial ESG’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for UTC: diversified group active in the provision of products and services for the building systems and aerospace, including electronic security, monitoring, fire detection and suppression systems; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for UTC: diversified group active in the provision of products and services for the building systems and aerospace, including electronic security, monitoring, fire detection and suppression systems;

| — | for Initial ESG: provision of electronic security and fire detection and alarm systems and related services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Initial ESG: provision of electronic security and fire detection and alarm systems and related services.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4671 — UTC/Initial Electronic Security Group, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4671 — UTC/Initial Electronic Security Group, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---