# Official Journal C 20/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 20 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6419 January 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 20

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6419 January 2021

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 20/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10038 — Allied Universal Topco/G4S) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2021/C 20/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9974 — Groupe Crédit Agricole/Groupe Generali/Europ Assistance France/Viavita) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 20/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10038 — Allied Universal Topco/G4S) (
  1
  )

1

1

2021/C 20/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9974 — Groupe Crédit Agricole/Groupe Generali/Europ Assistance France/Viavita) (
  1
  )

1

2

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 20/03 | Euro exchange rates — 18 January 2021 | 3 |
| 2021/C 20/04 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 4 |
| 2021/C 20/05 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 5 |
| 2021/C 20/06 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 6 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 20/03

Euro exchange rates — 18 January 2021

3

2021/C 20/04

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

4

2021/C 20/05

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

5

2021/C 20/06

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

6

---

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 20/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10086 — Cerberus Group/Dorel Industries) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2021/C 20/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10145 — American Industrial Partners/Personal Care Business of Domtar) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2021/C 20/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10095 — Crédit Agricole Italia/Credito Valtellinese) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 20/10 | Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 11 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 20/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10086 — Cerberus Group/Dorel Industries) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

7

2021/C 20/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10145 — American Industrial Partners/Personal Care Business of Domtar) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

9

2021/C 20/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10095 — Crédit Agricole Italia/Credito Valtellinese) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

10

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 20/10

Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

11

---

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10038 — Allied Universal Topco/G4S)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 20/01)

On 13 January 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). 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:

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

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/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 (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10038. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10038. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law.

---

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

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9974 — Groupe Crédit Agricole/Groupe Generali/Europ Assistance France/Viavita)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 20/02)

On 8 December 2020, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in French and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/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 (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9974. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9974. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law.

---

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

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/3

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

18 January 2021

(2021/C 20/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2064 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 125,18 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4393 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,89073 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,1540 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0747 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 156,80 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,3858 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,185 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 360,39 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5389 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,8743 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 9,0546 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5721 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5413 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,3538 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6975 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6078 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 335,05 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 18,4919 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,8359 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5535 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 053,67 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8883 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,989 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 89,5913 |
| THB | Thai baht | 36,361 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,3910 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 23,9785 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 88,4365 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2064

JPY

Japanese yen

125,18

DKK

Danish krone

7,4393

GBP

Pound sterling

0,89073

SEK

Swedish krona

10,1540

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0747

ISK

Iceland króna

156,80

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,3858

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,185

HUF

Hungarian forint

360,39

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5389

RON

Romanian leu

4,8743

TRY

Turkish lira

9,0546

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5721

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5413

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,3538

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6975

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6078

KRW

South Korean won

1 335,05

ZAR

South African rand

18,4919

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8359

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5535

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 053,67

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8883

PHP

Philippine peso

57,989

RUB

Russian rouble

89,5913

THB

Thai baht

36,361

BRL

Brazilian real

6,3910

MXN

Mexican peso

23,9785

INR

Indian rupee

88,4365

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/4

---

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 20/04)

Image 1

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Germany

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Germany

Subject of commemoration: Bundesländer series – Saxony-Anhalt

Description of the design: The design shows the Magdeburg Cathedral, the first Gothic-style cathedral to be constructed on German soil. The inner part also features the name ‘SACHSEN-ANHALT’ and the issuing country’s country code ‘D’ at the bottom, the mint mark of the respective mint (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘G’ or ‘J’) as well as the the year ‘2021’ on the left and the engraver’s mark on the right.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 30 000 000

Date of issue: 26 January 2021

---

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/5

---

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 20/05)

Image 2

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Latvia

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Latvia

Subject of commemoration: The 100th anniversary of Latvia’s international recognition de iure

Description of the design: It was on 26 January 1921 when Latvian diplomats had succeeded in accomplishing a momentous task – the world’s great powers recognized Latvia de iure. Although Latvia declared its independence on 18 November 1918, only after a confused period of fighting, the new nation was recognized in 1920.

The design depicts an artistic inscription ‘100 Latvija de iure 2021’ thus also featuring the country name (LATVIJA) as well as the year of issue (2021).

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Number of coins to be issued: 412 000

Date of issue: First quarter of 2021

---

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/6

---

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 20/06)

Image 3

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Luxembourg

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Luxembourg

Subject of commemoration: The 40th anniversary of the marriage of Grand Duke Henri

Description of the design: The design depicts the effigies of the Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. Below the effigies, two wedding rings are preceded by the wedding date ‘14. FEBRUAR 1981’ and followed by the year-date ‘2021’. The word ‘LETZEBUERG’ designating the issuing country is depicted below.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000

Date of issue: February 2021

---

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/7

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10086 — Cerberus Group/Dorel Industries)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 20/07)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (‘Cerberus Group’, United States of America), |
| --- | --- |

—

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (‘Cerberus Group’, United States of America),

| — | Dorel Industries Inc. (‘Dorel’, Canada). |
| --- | --- |

—

Dorel Industries Inc. (‘Dorel’, Canada).

Cerberus Group acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of Dorel.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for Cerberus Group: a private investment firm engaged in investment in real property and personal property of all kinds worldwide. Some of the main sectors in which the undertakings controlled by the Cerberus Group generate turnover are financial services, manufacturing, building materials and real estate. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Cerberus Group: a private investment firm engaged in investment in real property and personal property of all kinds worldwide. Some of the main sectors in which the undertakings controlled by the Cerberus Group generate turnover are financial services, manufacturing, building materials and real estate.

| — | for Dorel: a company operating worldwide, and active in juvenile products, bicycles and home products. Dorel Juvenile’s branded products include global brands Maxi-Cosi, Quinny and Tiny Love, complemented by regional brands such as Safety 1st, Bébé Confort, Cosco and Infanti. Dorel Sports brands include Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi and IronHorse. Dorel Home markets a wide assortment of domestically produced and imported furniture. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Dorel: a company operating worldwide, and active in juvenile products, bicycles and home products. Dorel Juvenile’s branded products include global brands Maxi-Cosi, Quinny and Tiny Love, complemented by regional brands such as Safety 1st, Bébé Confort, Cosco and Infanti. Dorel Sports brands include Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi and IronHorse. Dorel Home markets a wide assortment of domestically produced and imported furniture.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the 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.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10086 — Cerberus Group/Dorel Industries

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/9

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10145 — American Industrial Partners/Personal Care Business of Domtar)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 20/08)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | AIPCF VII Global Corp Holding LP, an investment fund managed by American Industrial Partners (‘AIP’, USA), |
| --- | --- |

—

AIPCF VII Global Corp Holding LP, an investment fund managed by American Industrial Partners (‘AIP’, USA),

| — | The personal care business of Domtar Corporation (‘Personal Care Business of Domtar’, USA). |
| --- | --- |

—

The personal care business of Domtar Corporation (‘Personal Care Business of Domtar’, USA).

AIP acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the Personal Care Business of Domtar.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of securities.

2.

| — | for AIP: a middle market private equity firm that is focused on buying and improving industrial businesses headquartered in North America, |
| --- | --- |

—

for AIP: a middle market private equity firm that is focused on buying and improving industrial businesses headquartered in North America,

| — | for Personal Care Business of Domtar: a manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products including adult incontinence products (e.g., protective underwear, briefs, bladder control pads and underpads) and hygiene products for infants (e.g., diapers). |
| --- | --- |

—

for Personal Care Business of Domtar: a manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products including adult incontinence products (e.g., protective underwear, briefs, bladder control pads and underpads) and hygiene products for infants (e.g., diapers).

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the 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.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10145 — American Industrial Partners/Personal Care Business of Domtar

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/10

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10095 — Crédit Agricole Italia/Credito Valtellinese)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 20/09)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Crédit Agricole Italia S.p.A. (‘CAI’, Italy), belonging to the Crédit Agricole Group (France), |
| --- | --- |

—

Crédit Agricole Italia S.p.A. (‘CAI’, Italy), belonging to the Crédit Agricole Group (France),

| — | Banca Piccolo Credito Valtellinese S.p.A (‘CreVal’, Italy) |
| --- | --- |

—

Banca Piccolo Credito Valtellinese S.p.A (‘CreVal’, Italy)

CAI acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of CreVal.

The concentration is accomplished by way of public bid announced on 23 November 2020.

2.

| — | for CAI: banking and insurance services in Italy, |
| --- | --- |

—

for CAI: banking and insurance services in Italy,

| — | for the Crédit Agricole Group: a wide range of banking and financial services offered in all sectors of retail banking and related financial activities such as insurance, asset management, leasing, factoring, investment banking and consumer credit, |
| --- | --- |

—

for the Crédit Agricole Group: a wide range of banking and financial services offered in all sectors of retail banking and related financial activities such as insurance, asset management, leasing, factoring, investment banking and consumer credit,

| — | for CreVal: retail banking sector in Italy. |
| --- | --- |

—

for CreVal: retail banking sector in Italy.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the 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.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10095 — Crédit Agricole Italia/Credito Valtellinese

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 19.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 20/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 20/11

---

Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 20/10)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘ENNSTALER STEIRERKAS’

EU No: PDO-AT-02588 – 28.1.2020

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Austria

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ is a sour milk cheese made from raw or pasteurised skimmed cow’s milk. Milk is processed to achieve the form of a truncated cone weighing up to 4 kg, without adding rennet and only by acid coagulation. Usually, salt is the only ingredient used to season the product. Very small amounts of pepper, spices, herbs and berries may also be added. ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ is an age-old, crumbly low-fat cheese, with a distinctive aroma and a very characteristic flavour. The flavour is sour, strong and piquant, spicy to sharp. As the cheese ages, its odour becomes more intense, characterised by a robust and spicy aroma, accompanied by an earthy odour and a mild ammonia note. The flavour and intensity of the odour may differ slightly depending on the weather conditions at the time of production. Influenced by noble mould, the maturing process takes at least three weeks, starting on the outside of the product and proceeding inside.

The surface is dry, brownish or greyish, covered with a layer of green or white mould of varying thickness and with cracks resembling a map. The cheese is marbled inside, pale brown to brown-grey. Its structure is granular or crumbly to clammy, patterned here and there by mould veins.

The maximum moisture content of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ is 46 %, resulting in a substantially lower MFFB (moisture content on a fat-free basis) value than is usually the case for sour cheese.

Other chemical and physical properties of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ include:

Fat in dry matter (calculated): 0-12 %

Dry weight: Minimum 52 % – Maximum 62 %

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

Feed:

From the end of May until late September or early October, the dairy cows usually graze on upland pastures between 500 m and 1 800 m above sea level, where they feed on various types of grass. If no grazing takes place, it must be ensured that the cows are fed grasses from the demarcated area (this can also be in the form of silage). In the winter, the dairy cows are kept indoors and fed hay and silage from the demarcated area. The cows can be fed grass and herbs as fresh green fodder, as dry hay or as processed silage. Farmers mostly use their own feed, with a particular emphasis on quality during harvest.

To ensure the animals’ welfare, it is necessary and therefore permitted to supplement their feed with concentrate and roughage from other areas, which may account for up to 40 % of the dry matter on an annual basis, to ensure a balanced nutrient supply and adequate feeding during periods of high milk yield or in the event of exceptional weather conditions such as droughts. Concentrate may be bought from other areas since the geographical area, a typical mountain region characterised by grassland and a shallow humus layer, is not well suited to growing crops. This means that hardly any cereals or similar crops are grown or produced in the area, making purchases from other areas necessary. However, at least 60 % of the dry matter, on an annual basis, must come from the geographical area.

The percentage of fodder (roughage, silage and/or grass) from the geographical area may therefore not be less than 60 % of the total dry matter fed annually to the lactating cows. Less than 40 % of the dry matter of each ration may be made up of concentrate/hay from other areas.

The above derogation for feed supplements does not affect the high and constant quality of the milk as most of the roughage must come from the demarcated area.

Raw material:

Only cow’s milk from the defined geographical area is used for the production of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’.

Pasteurised or raw skimmed milk is curdled without adding rennet. If necessary, lactic acid bacteria cultures may be used to stimulate the acidification process. No colouring matter or chemical preservatives may be added.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

The entire production (raw materials, processing and maturing) must take place within the defined geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

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3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

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4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The area where ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ has been traditionally produced is located in the north-western part of Styria (the district of Liezen).

5.   Link with the geographical area

The unstable climate, the wealth of various rock formations (particularly mica schist, limestone, dolomite, marble, greenschist, amphibolite and sandstone), and the different types of terrain and soil make the local countryside and wildlife incredibly diverse. The specific local conditions (climate, terrain and soil), combined with extensive grassland farming, allow the growth of vegetation typical for mountain meadows and pastures, with a significantly higher proportion of herbs in its composition in comparison with valley areas and a special biodiversity conditioned by its location and use.

The quality of the milk fat is influenced by the alpine flora, which is rich in a wide variety of species. Milk from this mountain area has a fatty acid pattern with higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids) and beta-carotene.

This skimmed milk is used to produce very low-fat sour milk cheese, containing high-quality biological protein, trace elements and vitamins, which contribute significantly to the brownish to greyish colour, aromatic scent, and intense, multifaceted flavour of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’.

It was only a few decades ago that ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ began to be produced industrially, which underlines the importance of the human element and craftsmanship. To this day, many processing steps are carried out by hand.

The know-how related to the production of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ has often been handed down in families for generations. The Ennstal dairy farmers have also had intensive exchanges of information through regular meetings and shared training initiatives, which has contributed significantly to the preservation of knowledge on the production of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’.

The basis for the flavour of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ is the traditional and regional knowledge of the local famers and their ability to cope with the specificities of the local microclimate, which is directly reflected in the production process. Constantly dealing with the region’s weather allows farmers to compensate for its impact and to ensure a consistent quality of cheese. For instance, farming methods are adapted to the climate and vegetation to maintain the quality of feed. During adverse weather, acidification processes need to be supplemented with larger doses of lactic acid bacteria. The conditions for cheese maturation change with the air temperature and humidity levels. It is therefore necessary to carefully observe every stage in the production process and to know the right time for every step.

To produce ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’, sour milk is heated in cheese vats at a temperature of 75-100 °C to separate the curds and whey. This process is important for giving the cheese its long storage life, which is important on the pastures. At the same time, the milk must be handled carefully to ensure that a large part of the aromatic and microbiological characteristics and components and thus the specific qualities of the milk are retained. In addition, the naturally changing feeding conditions on the mountain pastures mean that the milk does not have any standard characteristics, but rather that its quality (in terms of protein content or fatty acid composition, for example) fluctuates. Their vast experience allows the makers of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ to amply compensate for these natural fluctuations.

Grating sour curds also requires a great deal of experience, resulting as it does in the surface area of cheese becoming larger, which additionally facilitates the process of drying. This results in very dry kernels, which explains the unique crumbly texture of ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’.

Careful handling is decisive for the maturing process and thus the quality of the end product. Influenced by noble mould, the maturing process takes place in well-ventilated ripening rooms or cellars, at temperatures between 6 °C and 14 °C and humidity levels between 60 % and 85 %, with the rounds of cheeses rotated regularly. This affords ‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ its typical dry, porous, brownish to greyish colour with a layer of green or white mould. Particular care must be given to the rounds of cheese during the ageing stage, since this stage also takes place on the pastures in cooler temperatures with higher (often fluctuating) levels of humidity. The cheese often matures in natural cellars, which need particularly careful monitoring by the alpine dairy farmers, as the maturing conditions here cannot be standardised through technology. During maturation it is particularly important for the rounds of cheese to be rotated regularly, so that they dry evenly. The farmer uses an experienced eye to decide when the rounds are ready to be turned, thereby contributing significantly to the cheese quality. Consideration must be given to the peculiarities of the local conditions and of the technical facilities.

The close connection of the cheese with its area of production is also evinced by the fact that almost no transport takes place during the production process. The milk is produced in the geographical area and processed either directly on site or after having been transported a relatively short distance.

‘Ennstaler Steirerkas’ should thus be considered as a product that is strongly shaped by the region and central to its identity.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://www.patentamt.at/herkunftsangaben/ennstalersteirerkas/

It can also be accessed directly via the Austrian Patent Office’s website (www.patentamt.at) by navigating to the following: ‘Markenschutz/Schutzrechte/Herkunftsangabe’ [Brand protection/protection rights/indication of origin]. The text appears under the name of the quality designation.

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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