# Official Journal C 236/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 236 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 509 October 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 236

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 509 October 2007

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 236/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4857 — 3i/Accord) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2007/C 236/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4725 — Merrill Lynch/Abbey National/JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 236/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4857 — 3i/Accord) (
  1
  )

1

1

2007/C 236/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4725 — Merrill Lynch/Abbey National/JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 236/03 | Euro exchange rates | 2 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2007/C 236/04 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 3 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 236/03

Euro exchange rates

2

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2007/C 236/04

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  )

1

3

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 236/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4807 — PSA/IPH/JV) (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2007/C 236/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4858 — Oaktree/Conbipel) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 236/07 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 10 |
| 2007/C 236/08 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 13 |
| 2007/C 236/09 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 18 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 236/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4807 — PSA/IPH/JV) (
  1
  )

1

7

2007/C 236/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4858 — Oaktree/Conbipel) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

9

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2007/C 236/07

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

10

2007/C 236/08

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

13

2007/C 236/09

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

18

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4857 — 3i/Accord)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 236/01)

On 13 September 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 32007M4857. 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 32007M4857. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4725 — Merrill Lynch/Abbey National/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 236/02)

On 17 September 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 32007M4725. 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 32007M4725. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/2

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

8 October 2007

(2007/C 236/03)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,4089 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 165,49 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4517 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,69125 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1665 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6679 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 85,77 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,6700 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5842 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,513 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 249,85 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7049 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,7465 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,3473 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 33,664 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,6711 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5680 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3863 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,9316 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8448 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0731 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 288,58 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,6373 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,5755 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3268 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 778,72 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7804 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 62,273 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 35,2330 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,228 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,4089

JPY

Japanese yen

165,49

DKK

Danish krone

7,4517

GBP

Pound sterling

0,69125

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1665

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6679

ISK

Iceland króna

85,77

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,6700

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5842

CZK

Czech koruna

27,513

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

249,85

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7049

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,7465

RON

Romanian leu

3,3473

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,664

TRY

Turkish lira

1,6711

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5680

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3863

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,9316

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8448

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0731

KRW

South Korean won

1 288,58

ZAR

South African rand

9,6373

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,5755

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3268

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 778,72

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7804

PHP

Philippine peso

62,273

RUB

Russian rouble

35,2330

THB

Thai baht

44,228

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/3

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 236/04)

| Reference number of the aid | XT 73/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Vlaams Gewest |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV KATOEN NATIE te Antwerpen (dossier 2006G00258) |
| Legal basis | Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,990794 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 25.8.2006 |
| Duration | 24.8.2009 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | Other transport services (NACE 63111) |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agentschap Economie |
| Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid |
| Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Reference number of the aid

XT 73/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Vlaams Gewest

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV KATOEN NATIE te Antwerpen (dossier 2006G00258)

Legal basis

Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,990794 million

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

25.8.2006

Duration

24.8.2009

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

Other transport services (NACE 63111)

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentschap Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12

B-1030 Brussel

| Reference number of the aid | XT 74/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Vlaams Gewest |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV SEDAC-MECOBEL te Wevelgem (dossier 2007G00032) |
| Legal basis | Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: 0,708063 million EUR |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.4.2007 |
| Duration | 31.3.2009 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | Other manufacturing (NACE 36111) |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agentschap Economie |
| Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid |
| Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Reference number of the aid

XT 74/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Vlaams Gewest

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV SEDAC-MECOBEL te Wevelgem (dossier 2007G00032)

Legal basis

Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: 0,708063 million EUR

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.4.2007

Duration

31.3.2009

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

Other manufacturing (NACE 36111)

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentschap Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12

B-1030 Brussel

| Reference number of the aid | XT 76/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Vlaams Gewest |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV Volvo Europa Trucks (dossier 2006G00267) |
| Legal basis | Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,983281 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.10.2006 |
| Duration | 30.9.2009 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | Motor vehicles |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agentschap Economie |
| Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid |
| Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Reference number of the aid

XT 76/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Vlaams Gewest

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV Volvo Europa Trucks (dossier 2006G00267)

Legal basis

Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003/Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,983281 million

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.10.2006

Duration

30.9.2009

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

Motor vehicles

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentschap Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 12

B-1030 Brussel

| Reference number of the aid | XT 86/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bayern |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Richtlinie vom 24. August 2007 zur Förderung zusätzlicher Ausbildungsstellen in der Altenpflege im Rahmen des Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF): Regionale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Beschäftigung in Bayern 2007 (Richtlinie zusätzliche Ausbildungsstellen Altenpflege 2007) |
| Legal basis | Richtlinie vom 24. August 2007 zur Förderung zusätzlicher Ausbildungsstellen in der Altenpflege im Rahmen des Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF)
  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1083/2006 des Rates vom 11. Juli 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 210/25 vom 31. Juli 2006, berichtigt im
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 164/36 vom 26. Juni 2007

  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1081/2006 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 5. Juli 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 210/12 vom 31. Juli 2006

  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1828/2006 der Kommission vom 8. Dezember 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 371/1 vom 27. Dezember 2006, berichtigt im
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 45/3 vom 15. Februar 2007 mit den diesbezüglichen Durchführungsvorschriften
  Haushaltsordnung des Freistaates Bayern (Bayerische Haushaltsordnung — BayHO), insbesondere Verwaltungsvorschriften zu Art. 44 in der Fassung der Bekanntmachung vom 8. Dezember 1971 (GVBl S. 433, BayRS 630-1-F), zuletzt geändert durch Gesetz vom 9. Mai 2006 (GVBl S. 193) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,5 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.7.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2010 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | Other services |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales (ZBFS) |
| Hegelstr. 2 |
| D-95447 Bayreuth |

Reference number of the aid

XT 86/07

Member State

Germany

Region

Bayern

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Richtlinie vom 24. August 2007 zur Förderung zusätzlicher Ausbildungsstellen in der Altenpflege im Rahmen des Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF): Regionale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Beschäftigung in Bayern 2007 (Richtlinie zusätzliche Ausbildungsstellen Altenpflege 2007)

Legal basis

Richtlinie vom 24. August 2007 zur Förderung zusätzlicher Ausbildungsstellen in der Altenpflege im Rahmen des Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF)

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1083/2006 des Rates vom 11. Juli 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 210/25 vom 31. Juli 2006, berichtigt im
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 164/36 vom 26. Juni 2007

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1081/2006 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 5. Juli 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 210/12 vom 31. Juli 2006

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1828/2006 der Kommission vom 8. Dezember 2006,
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 371/1 vom 27. Dezember 2006, berichtigt im
  Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union L 45/3 vom 15. Februar 2007 mit den diesbezüglichen Durchführungsvorschriften

Haushaltsordnung des Freistaates Bayern (Bayerische Haushaltsordnung — BayHO), insbesondere Verwaltungsvorschriften zu Art. 44 in der Fassung der Bekanntmachung vom 8. Dezember 1971 (GVBl S. 433, BayRS 630-1-F), zuletzt geändert durch Gesetz vom 9. Mai 2006 (GVBl S. 193)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,5 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.7.2007

Duration

31.12.2010

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales (ZBFS)

Hegelstr. 2

D-95447 Bayreuth

| Reference number of the aid | XT 87/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Cyprus |
| Region | Κύπρος (Kypros) |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Σχέδιο Καταβολής Χορηγημάτων για Συμμετοχή στο Μεταπτυχιακό Πρόγραμμα του Μεσογειακού Ινστιτούτου Διεύθυνσης. (Shedio Katabolis Horigimaton gia Symmetohi sto Metaptyhiako Programma toy Mesogeiakoy Institoytoy Dieythynsis) |
| Legal basis | Οι περί Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Νόμοι του 1999 έως 2007.
  Νόμος 125(Ι) του 1999, άρθρο 21, όπως αντικαταστάθηκε και ισχύει με το Ν.21(Ι)/2007 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: CYP 0,02 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.9.2007 |
| Duration | 30.6.2008 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Κύπρου, Αναβύσσου 2, 2025 Στρόβολος, Τ.Θ. 25431, CY-1392 Λευκωσία
  (Arhi Anaptyksis Anthropinoy Dynamikoy Kyproy, Anabyssoy 2, 2025 Strobolos, T.Th. 25431, CY-1392 Leykosia) |

Reference number of the aid

XT 87/07

Member State

Cyprus

Region

Κύπρος (Kypros)

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Σχέδιο Καταβολής Χορηγημάτων για Συμμετοχή στο Μεταπτυχιακό Πρόγραμμα του Μεσογειακού Ινστιτούτου Διεύθυνσης. (Shedio Katabolis Horigimaton gia Symmetohi sto Metaptyhiako Programma toy Mesogeiakoy Institoytoy Dieythynsis)

Legal basis

Οι περί Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Νόμοι του 1999 έως 2007.

Νόμος 125(Ι) του 1999, άρθρο 21, όπως αντικαταστάθηκε και ισχύει με το Ν.21(Ι)/2007

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: CYP 0,02 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.9.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Κύπρου, Αναβύσσου 2, 2025 Στρόβολος, Τ.Θ. 25431, CY-1392 Λευκωσία

(Arhi Anaptyksis Anthropinoy Dynamikoy Kyproy, Anabyssoy 2, 2025 Strobolos, T.Th. 25431, CY-1392 Leykosia)

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/7

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4807 — PSA/IPH/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 236/05)

| 1. | On 27 September 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 PSA Europe Pte Ltd, an affiliate of PSA International Pte Ltd (together ‘PSA’, Singapore) which is ultimately controlled by the Singapore Ministry of Finance via a holding company, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd (‘Temasek’, Singapore) and the undertaking IPH (Jersey) Limited a newly formed company, owned by affiliated funds Global Infrastructure Partners — A1, L.P., Global Infrastructure Partners — B, L.P. and Global Infrastructure Partners — C, L.P. (together ‘GIP’) which is ultimately jointly controlled by General Electric Company (‘GE’, USA), Credit Suisse Group (‘CSG’, Switzerland) and Global Infrastructure Management Participation LLC (‘GIMP’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘JV’, UK). |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 27 September 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 PSA Europe Pte Ltd, an affiliate of PSA International Pte Ltd (together ‘PSA’, Singapore) which is ultimately controlled by the Singapore Ministry of Finance via a holding company, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd (‘Temasek’, Singapore) and the undertaking IPH (Jersey) Limited a newly formed company, owned by affiliated funds Global Infrastructure Partners — A1, L.P., Global Infrastructure Partners — B, L.P. and Global Infrastructure Partners — C, L.P. (together ‘GIP’) which is ultimately jointly controlled by General Electric Company (‘GE’, USA), Credit Suisse Group (‘CSG’, Switzerland) and Global Infrastructure Management Participation LLC (‘GIMP’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘JV’, UK).

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






  — | PSA: owns and operates various container terminal ports around the world. In Europe, PSA's interests are centered in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

PSA: owns and operates various container terminal ports around the world. In Europe, PSA's interests are centered in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal,

| — | Temasek: an Asian investment company which manages a diversified portfolio of businesses in a range of industries, principally in Singapore, Asia and the OECD economies and including investments in transportation and logistics companies, |
| --- | --- |

—

Temasek: an Asian investment company which manages a diversified portfolio of businesses in a range of industries, principally in Singapore, Asia and the OECD economies and including investments in transportation and logistics companies,

| — | GIP: private investment fund specialising in infrastructure and infrastructure-related assets, |
| --- | --- |

—

GIP: private investment fund specialising in infrastructure and infrastructure-related assets,

| — | CSG: global financial services group providing a range of investment banking, private banking and asset management services and products, |
| --- | --- |

—

CSG: global financial services group providing a range of investment banking, private banking and asset management services and products,

| — | GE: a global diversified manufacturing, technology and services company, |
| --- | --- |

—

GE: a global diversified manufacturing, technology and services company,

| — | GIMP: is a Delaware limited liability company, which has been newly formed by a number of individuals, who constitute the management team of the GIM, to hold shares in the GIM, |
| --- | --- |

—

GIMP: is a Delaware limited liability company, which has been newly formed by a number of individuals, who constitute the management team of the GIM, to hold shares in the GIM,

| — | JV: will develop and operate a container terminal at Great Yarmouth in the UK. |
| --- | --- |

—

JV: will develop and operate a container terminal at Great Yarmouth in the UK.

| 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.4807 — PSA/IPH/JV, 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.4807 — PSA/IPH/JV, 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.

---

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/9

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4858 — Oaktree/Conbipel)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 236/06)

| 1. | On 25 September 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 Oaktree Capital Management L.P. (‘Oaktree’, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Conbipel S.p.A. (‘Conbipel’, Italy), by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 September 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 Oaktree Capital Management L.P. (‘Oaktree’, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Conbipel S.p.A. (‘Conbipel’, Italy), by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | For Oaktree: investment management, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

For Oaktree: investment management,

| — | For Conbipel: fashion apparel retail. |
| --- | --- |

—

For Conbipel: fashion apparel retail.

| 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.4858 — Oaktree/Conbipel, 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.4858 — Oaktree/Conbipel, 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.

---

OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/10

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 236/07)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘PRESUNTO DE VINHAIS’ or ‘PRESUNTO BÍSARO DE VINHAIS’

EC No: PT/PGI/005/0456/20.04.2005

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Rua Padre António Vieira, n.o 1-8.o |
| P-1099-073 Lisboa |

Name:

Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas

Address:

Rua Padre António Vieira, n.o 1-8.o

P-1099-073 Lisboa

Telephone

(351) 213 819 300

Fax

(351) 213 876 635

E-mail:

gppaa@gppaa.min-agricultura.pt

2.   Group:

| Name: | ANCSUB — Associação Nacional de Criadores de Suínos de Raça Bísara |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Edifício da Casa do Povo — Largo do Toural |
| P-5320-311 Vinhais |

Name:

ANCSUB — Associação Nacional de Criadores de Suínos de Raça Bísara

Address:

Edifício da Casa do Povo — Largo do Toural

P-5320-311 Vinhais

Telephone

(351) 273 771 340

Fax

(351) 273 770 048

E-mail:

ancsub@bisaro.info

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.2: Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked)

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1   Name: ‘Presunto de Vinhais’ or ‘Presunto Bísaro de Vinhais’

4.2   Description: Product obtained from the hind legs (cut at the ischiopubic symphysis, and including the hip bones, femur, patella, tibia, fibia, tarsus, metatarsus, phalanxes and the surrounding muscle) of adult male or female pigs of the Bisaro breed (except uncastrated males) entered in the breed's zootechnical register. Given the problems of excess weight and the difficulties in obtaining salted ham with commercially acceptable characteristics and the required food safety level, the current and strongly recommended practice is to cut the leg at the hip joint and remove the thigh bone and surrounding muscle. The legs are salted and coated with a mixture of paprika and Bisaro lard and/or Trás-os-Montes olive oil (these being essential for giving the product a specific taste, smell and texture), whereupon they are smoked slowly using oak- or chestnut-wood and then aged, the entire process lasting a total of 12 months or more. The product comes in the form a long, thin pig leg with the foot attached. The length is due to the conformation of Bisaro pigs, which have very long, thin, large-boned hind legs. The outside, where the leg was cut, is reddish-brown in colour, showing the effects of the paprika mixture and the smoking process, while the rest retains its pig skin. At the cut, the meat looks well-matured and is a characteristic pink to dark red in colour, oily-looking, shiny, mixed with white intra-muscular fat, which is pearly, shiny and aromatic. It has a pleasant, lightly salted and smoky taste. Its texture is very tender, succulent and not very fibrous, and it has a pleasant, lightly-smoked aroma. On average, it has a protein content of 28,2 %, fat content of 7,4 %, NaCl content of 9,2 % and moisture content of 52,4 %. Its pH level is 5,76 and its aW is 0,85. The average weight of a Presunto de Vinhais varies between 12 and 18 kg.

4.3   Geographical area: Due to the traditional production method, the type of animal feed, the local population's traditional knowledge of how to look after the animals and the pedological conditions needed to develop the food base used to obtain raw ingredients of an undeniably distinctive quality, the area in which the Bisaro pigs and cross-breeds used in the production of Presunto de Vinhais are born, reared, fattened, slaughtered and cut up is confined to the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé, Bragança, Carrazeda de Anciães, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Flor, Vimioso and Vinhais in the Bragança district and to the municipalities of Alijó, Boticas, Chaves, Mesão Frio, Mondim de Basto, Montalegre, Murça, Régua, Ribeira de Pena, Sabrosa, Santa Marta de Penaguião, Valpaços, Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Vila Real in the Vila Real district, since only this area has the required food base and animal husbandry skills required.

Given the particular weather conditions required to produce Presunto de Vinhais, the people's know-how and the constant and unchanging local methods employed, the geographical processing area (where the ham is obtained, matured, cut and packed) is confined to the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé, Bragança, Carrazeda de Anciães, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Flor, Vimioso and Vinhais in the Bragança district.

4.4   Proof of origin: Presunto de Vinhais may be produced only in duly licensed processing plants situated within the aforementioned processing area. The entire production process is subject to a rigorous control system, thus ensuring the product's full traceability. The raw ingredients come from Bisaro pigs reared on holdings encompassing an area that lends itself to traditional, semi-extensive farming, and features traditional sources of animal nutrition. It should be noted that the pigs consume large quantities of chestnuts, which gives the meat its very distinctive and recognisable organoleptic qualities. The pigs are slaughtered and cut up in licensed plants in the product's geographical area. Processing may be carried out only in plants authorised by the group after the control body has given its approval. The certification mark on each unit is numbered, ensuring full traceability to the farm where the product originated. It is possible to prove the origin of the product at any point in the production chain by means of the serial number, which must be indicated on the certification mark.

4.5   Method of production: The legs (weighing in excess of 8 kg when fresh) are left for around 24 hours before they are compressed through massage to eliminate much of the liquid inside them. Then, for approximately 30 days (depending on the initial weight), they are completely covered in salt in an environment where the temperature is below 6 °C and the humidity is between 80 to 90 %. The residual salt is removed by rinsing the legs with water. After allowing the water to drain away, the area of the legs without skin is coated with a mixture of paprika, Trás-os-Montes olive oil and/or Bisaro lard. The legs are smoked very slowly using dry oak- or chestnut-wood. The increase in temperature allows the fatty aroma to pervade the muscle fibres, enhancing the product's final characteristics. Finally, the legs are cured and aged in cold, dry premises (such as curing chambers or cellars) where the biochemical processes can take place and the microbial flora can produce their beneficial effect, giving the product its distinctive taste and aromas. The entire process takes a minimum of 12 months. Presunto de Vinhais is placed on the market whole, sliced or in pieces and is always pre-packed at the place of origin. When marketed in pieces or slices, the packaging which comes into contact with the product must be suitable for that purpose. The cutting and packing of the ham is extremely important since it can affect the organoleptic characteristics and, if the certification mark is removed, the traceability of the product. It is essential that the requirements relating to the thickness of the slices, the type of cutting implement used, how it is used, the temperature, the speed of the operation — the aim being to protect the product from contamination and prevent it from spoiling — and, lastly, sampling by experienced tasters be met in the region of origin if consumers and producers are to be protected. The product may, however, be cut in retail outlets or restaurants outside the production area, provided that this is done in front of the consumer so that the latter can verify the presence of the certification mark and label.

4.6   Link: Various zoomorphic sculptures and references made to taxes on pigs and their by-products in different municipal registers in the region prove that pig-breeding has been important in this area for a very long time. The relationship between the product and the geographical area stems from the (indigenous) breed of animal, the local sources of nutrition used, the know-how in relation to the cutting and salting of pigs' legs, slow smoking using regional firewood and a curing process that takes place in very cold and dry locations in the region.

4.7   Inspection body:

| Name: | Tradição e Qualidade — Associação Interprofissional para Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Av. 25 de Abril, 273 S/L |
| P-5370-202 Mirandela |

Name:

Tradição e Qualidade — Associação Interprofissional para Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes

Address:

Av. 25 de Abril, 273 S/L

P-5370-202 Mirandela

Telephone

(351) 278 261 410

Fax

(351) 278 261 410

E-mail:

tradição-qualidade@clix.pt

Tradição e Qualidade has been recognised as complying with the requirements of Standard 45011:2001.

4.8   Labelling: It is compulsory for the labelling to include the following: the wording ‘Presunto de Vinhais — Indicação Geográfica Protegida’ (Protected Geographical Indication) or ‘Presunto Bísaro de Vinhais — Indicação Geográfica Protegida’ (Protected Geographical Indication), the Community's own logo, the logo for Vinhais products reproduced below and the certification mark, which must indicate the name of the product, the designation/indication concerned, the control body and the serial number (numeric or alphanumeric code ensuring the product's traceability).

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/13

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 236/08)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘GAMONEU’ or ‘GAMONEDO’

EC No: ES/PDO/005/0308/20.08.2003

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Subdirección General de Calidad Agroalimentaria y Agricultura Ecológica; Dirección General de Industria Agroalimentaria y Alimentación; Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación de España |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Infanta Isabel, 1 |
| E-28071 Madrid |

Name:

Subdirección General de Calidad Agroalimentaria y Agricultura Ecológica; Dirección General de Industria Agroalimentaria y Alimentación; Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación de España

Address:

Infanta Isabel, 1

E-28071 Madrid

Telephone

(34) 91 347 53 94

Fax

(34) 91 347 54 10

E-mail:

sgcaproagro@mapya.es

2.   Applicant group:

| Name: | Rosa Maria Intriago Cuesta y otros |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Barrio de Quilama, s/n |
| E-33820 Benia |

Name:

Rosa Maria Intriago Cuesta y otros

Address:

Barrio de Quilama, s/n

E-33820 Benia

Telephone

(34) 985 84 41 57

Fax

(34) 985 84 41 57

E-mail:

genife_vete@hotmail.com

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.3: Cheeses

4.   Specification:

(Summary of the requirements in accordance with Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name: ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’

4.2.   Description: ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’ cheese is a full-fat, ripened cheese with a natural rind, made from raw cow's milk, sheep's milk or goat's milk or a mixture of two or three of these types of milk. It is lightly smoked and has greenish-bluish streaks of Penicillium around the edges.

The milk used to make these protected-designation cheeses comes from the following species and breeds:

Cattle: the Friesian, Asturiana de los Valles and Pardo Alpina breeds and crossbreeds thereof.

Sheep: the Lacha, Carranzana and Milschalfe breeds and crossbreeds thereof.

Goats: the Alpino-Pirenaica, Picos de Europa, Murciano-Granadina and Saanen breeds and crossbreeds thereof.

Physical characteristics of the cheese:

Shape: cylindrical with smooth sides.

Height: 6 to 15 cm.

Diameter: 10 to 30 cm.

Weight: 0,5 to 7 kg.

The rind is natural and thin and forms during smoking, and is dark sienna in colour, with hints of red, green and blue. It has a Penicillium mould directly beneath it.

Chemical characteristics of the cheese:

Fat content: a minimum of 45 % in dry matter.

Protein content: a minimum of 25 % in dry matter.

Dry matter: a minimum of 55 %.

pH: 4,5 to 6,5.

Organoleptic characteristics:

aroma fresh and pungent, slightly smoked, which intensifies with ripening. The taste has slight smoky overtones; slightly piquant in the mouth, it develops a buttery flavour with a lingering hazelnut after-taste,

the texture is hard to semi-hard, and firm and crumbly; it crumbles easily when cut. Small, unevenly distributed holes,

the body of the cheese is white to yellowy-white, with light greenish-bluish streaks of Penicillium near the edges. The outer colour is a particular feature: on smoking, the cheese takes on a dark sienna colour and later on, when stored in the cave or cellar, the formation of mould gives it a reddish, greenish or bluish hue,

Inside, the cheese has holes of mechanical origin.

The following traditional names are allowed:

‘Gamoneu del Puerto’ or ‘Gamonedo del Puerto’, made in the high mountain passes of the municipalities of Cangas de Onís and Onís (Picos de Europa) in small cheese-making installations on the plains or summer pastures referred to in the specification in the months of June to September. The cheese is made from milk from the dairy herds and flocks grazing on these plains, using a mixture of the milk of at least two of the three species referred to, i.e. cattle, sheep and goats. In any event, at least 10 % of sheep's milk or goat's milk is used.

‘Gamoneu del Valle’ or ‘Gamonedo del Valle’, made in the lower-lying areas of the region covered by the designation of origin belonging to the municipalities of Cangas de Onís and Onís. Production is not seasonal because the farming is semi-extensive, based on the pasture-farming system.

4.3.   Geographical area: The geographical area is on the territory of the municipalities of Cangas de Onís and Onís in the Autonomous Community of Asturias. Production of the milk and the cheese and the ripening of the cheese take place in this specific geographical area.

4.4.   Proof of origin: It is ensured that the milk used in the manufacturing process comes only from authorised farms entered in the register of the Regulatory Body. In the case of cheese made from milk produced on the farm of origin, this is done by checking the manufacturing records and herd/flock census. In the case of producers using milk not produced on their own farm, the manufacturing records and documents demonstrating the origin of the milk are checked. These documents are the delivery note showing the identity of the farm on which the milk originated, the time and date of collection, the quantity delivered, the time of delivery, identification details of the vehicle and driver used to transport the milk, and the associated invoice and proof of payment for the milk delivered. For each batch produced, the manufacturer of the cheese must keep records of the origin and quantity of the milk used, the number of cheeses made and the number of batch(es) in each production run. At each stage following manufacture, i.e. smoking, ripening and storage prior to dispatch, the records must enable the cheeses and batches present in each production installation to be identified at any time. Lastly, the manufacturer must draw up a list of batches produced, indicating the identification labels used and the final destination of the batches, proof of which must be provided by means of the relevant delivery notes and sales invoices.

4.5.   Method of production: ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’ cheese is made exclusively from raw cow's milk, sheep's milk or goat's milk or a mixture of two or three of these types of milk. The milk is produced by animals feeding on the natural resources of the region, i.e. the grasslands, and fresh grass or hay from the grasslands. Exceptionally, cereal and legume concentrate may be used in periods in which farm-produced feed is scarce, usually as a result of the weather.

The milk is taken to the cheese dairy where it undergoes a process of lactic acid coagulation. The amount of rennet and enzymes used is gauged such that coagulation takes at least an hour. At the point of coagulation and throughout the entire process, the temperature of the milk is between 24 and 30 °C.

When the milk has curdled, it is gradually and carefully cut into pieces 5 to 15 mm in size. This is followed by draining, which takes about one-and-a-half hours.

The curd is placed in cylindrical moulds suitable for food use. Slight pressure may be applied to ensure draining is complete.

Salting is done by covering the top and the base of the cheese with sodium chloride after 24 and 48 hours respectively.

After removal from the moulds, the cheeses undergo a smoking process whose duration and intensity vary depending on the ambient conditions prevailing at the time. This process is designed to ensure proper drying and the formation of a dark-coloured rind with a texture allowing Penicillium to penetrate the cheese during ripening. This operation produces a slightly smoked taste, which is characteristic of the product but which is not predominant. The material used for smoking is ash wood (Fraxinus excelssior), heather (Erica sp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) or other native non-resinous wood.

Ripening takes place in limestone caves or cellars suitable for providing the cheese with its particular properties: an average temperature of 10 °C and an average humidity of 90 %. This process takes at least two months from the date on which the curd is made. During this period the cheese is turned and cleaned to endow it with its specific features. This process ensures the development of the characteristic mould and yeast, which must come from the ripening installations and under no circumstances may be added to the milk. The Penicillium must penetrate the inside of the cheese and develop around its edges, producing the greenish-bluish streaks beneath the rind characteristic of the cheese.

The cheeses are sold properly identified and labelled.

4.6.   Link:

| — | Historical link

  Gamonedo cheese continues the region's ancient traditions of integrated farming of herds and flocks. This cheese was already being made in the XVIIth century, when it served to feed the ‘poor of the municipality’, as referred to in a document about pasture farming addressed to King Philip IV in 1641.
  Other historical documents (Madoz Geographical Dictionary, XVIIIth century) contain numerous references to this cheese as a staple in the diet of the local population, but also to the specialised stock farming in the region and the existence of mixed flocks and herds made up of cattle, sheep and goats. These flocks and herds were looked after by their owners on the pastureland where the animals grazed during the summer.
  These conditions and the remoteness from consumer markets, due to the transport difficulties, have led to milk being processed into cheese by the shepherds themselves since time immemorial. |
| --- | --- |

—

Historical link

Gamonedo cheese continues the region's ancient traditions of integrated farming of herds and flocks. This cheese was already being made in the XVIIth century, when it served to feed the ‘poor of the municipality’, as referred to in a document about pasture farming addressed to King Philip IV in 1641.

Other historical documents (Madoz Geographical Dictionary, XVIIIth century) contain numerous references to this cheese as a staple in the diet of the local population, but also to the specialised stock farming in the region and the existence of mixed flocks and herds made up of cattle, sheep and goats. These flocks and herds were looked after by their owners on the pastureland where the animals grazed during the summer.

These conditions and the remoteness from consumer markets, due to the transport difficulties, have led to milk being processed into cheese by the shepherds themselves since time immemorial.

| — | Natural link
  The traditional geographical area of production and manufacture is limited to the municipalities of Onís and Cangas de Onís, both of which cover large tracts of land in the Cornión, the western massif of the Picos de Europa. The most striking aspect of this mountain range is its rugged terrain, with a height above sea level ranging from 80 metres in the central stretch of the Sella river to 2 648 metres on the Torre Cerredo. This mountainous area is made up mainly of limestone, with steep slopes and a geomorphologic structure producing the predominant natural topography: valleys and passes.
  The valleys are dominated by wide, slightly undulating plains where people have settled in small farms. These are the main clusters of population. Harvested meadows provide hay for the winter, during which the animals can also be kept on it and thus have no need for full stabling.
  The passes, the highest parts, are characterised by steep sides and a karst terrain, with innumerable depressions, chasms, caves, channels and crevasses. This rugged terrain is home to the highly nutritious summer pastures on which the animals stay from spring to the first snow of autumn. The hillsides, ‘xerros’ and crags are other characteristic topographical features used in this type of stock farming.
  The region's climate is oceanic, with plentiful precipitation throughout the year, moderate sunshine and lots of cloud. Precipitation ranges between 2 000 mm in the highest areas, where it takes the form of snow at certain times, and 1 200 mm in the lower-lying areas. The higher-altitude areas also experience frequent fog in the summer period.
  Throughout the year, temperatures are mild in the valley areas, with an average of 12 °C, but lower in the Alpine area, with an average of 3 °C.
  The region's agrology is shaped by the presence of limestone crags and quartzite rocks which, in the valleys, have been shaped by erosion, the weather and the vegetation.
  The climate, orography and geology give this region its own special characteristics which have a direct influence on the type and quality of pastureland. It is particularly suited to grazing by cattle, sheep and goats, which produce the milk made for processing into ‘Gamoneu’ and ‘Gamonedo’ cheese. The most representative plant on this pastureland is Festuca burnatii, a perennial grass native to Cantabria which grows in cold and dry conditions. The depressions and counterslopes in the landscape, where the snow remains until the end of spring, are home to pastureland made up of ‘cervuno’ (Nardus stricta), a hardy graminaceous plant that can thrive in various environments. The pastureland also has the graminaceous plants Phleun alpinun, Festuca iberica, Festuca picoeuropeana and the leguminous plant Trifolium thalli Vill.
  The special features of this cheese are also the result of smoking and ripening, which involve only the mould and yeast present in the atmosphere in the ripening installations. The most important of these moulds is Penicillium which, as a result of its presence on the surface of the cheese, leads to the formation of the streaks that give the cheese its characteristic colour and taste. |
| --- | --- |

—

Natural link

The traditional geographical area of production and manufacture is limited to the municipalities of Onís and Cangas de Onís, both of which cover large tracts of land in the Cornión, the western massif of the Picos de Europa. The most striking aspect of this mountain range is its rugged terrain, with a height above sea level ranging from 80 metres in the central stretch of the Sella river to 2 648 metres on the Torre Cerredo. This mountainous area is made up mainly of limestone, with steep slopes and a geomorphologic structure producing the predominant natural topography: valleys and passes.

The valleys are dominated by wide, slightly undulating plains where people have settled in small farms. These are the main clusters of population. Harvested meadows provide hay for the winter, during which the animals can also be kept on it and thus have no need for full stabling.

The passes, the highest parts, are characterised by steep sides and a karst terrain, with innumerable depressions, chasms, caves, channels and crevasses. This rugged terrain is home to the highly nutritious summer pastures on which the animals stay from spring to the first snow of autumn. The hillsides, ‘xerros’ and crags are other characteristic topographical features used in this type of stock farming.

The region's climate is oceanic, with plentiful precipitation throughout the year, moderate sunshine and lots of cloud. Precipitation ranges between 2 000 mm in the highest areas, where it takes the form of snow at certain times, and 1 200 mm in the lower-lying areas. The higher-altitude areas also experience frequent fog in the summer period.

Throughout the year, temperatures are mild in the valley areas, with an average of 12 °C, but lower in the Alpine area, with an average of 3 °C.

The region's agrology is shaped by the presence of limestone crags and quartzite rocks which, in the valleys, have been shaped by erosion, the weather and the vegetation.

The climate, orography and geology give this region its own special characteristics which have a direct influence on the type and quality of pastureland. It is particularly suited to grazing by cattle, sheep and goats, which produce the milk made for processing into ‘Gamoneu’ and ‘Gamonedo’ cheese. The most representative plant on this pastureland is Festuca burnatii, a perennial grass native to Cantabria which grows in cold and dry conditions. The depressions and counterslopes in the landscape, where the snow remains until the end of spring, are home to pastureland made up of ‘cervuno’ (Nardus stricta), a hardy graminaceous plant that can thrive in various environments. The pastureland also has the graminaceous plants Phleun alpinun, Festuca iberica, Festuca picoeuropeana and the leguminous plant Trifolium thalli Vill.

The special features of this cheese are also the result of smoking and ripening, which involve only the mould and yeast present in the atmosphere in the ripening installations. The most important of these moulds is Penicillium which, as a result of its presence on the surface of the cheese, leads to the formation of the streaks that give the cheese its characteristic colour and taste.

| — | Human link
  The ecosystem has unique environmental characteristics, as demonstrated by the fact that the Montaña de Covadonga park was the first in Spain to be declared a national park, in 1918. This national park is a pioneer of environmental protection in Spain. It is universally recognised that the shepherds in these mountains are among the principle managers and protectors of the environment in this area, and that their traditional farming methods have led to the creation of ‘Gamonedo’ or ‘Gamoneu’ cheese as the only viable option for exploiting the stock farming resources in this area.
  The methods and conditions described in the section on production are the fruit of ancient traditions adapting to the modern world without making concessions that could lead to the loss of the identity of the product and the way of life that has grown up around it. |
| --- | --- |

—

Human link

The ecosystem has unique environmental characteristics, as demonstrated by the fact that the Montaña de Covadonga park was the first in Spain to be declared a national park, in 1918. This national park is a pioneer of environmental protection in Spain. It is universally recognised that the shepherds in these mountains are among the principle managers and protectors of the environment in this area, and that their traditional farming methods have led to the creation of ‘Gamonedo’ or ‘Gamoneu’ cheese as the only viable option for exploiting the stock farming resources in this area.

The methods and conditions described in the section on production are the fruit of ancient traditions adapting to the modern world without making concessions that could lead to the loss of the identity of the product and the way of life that has grown up around it.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name: | Consejo Regulador de la D.O.P. ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’ |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | La Plaza, s/n |
| E-33560 Benia-Onís (Asturias) |

Name:

Consejo Regulador de la D.O.P. ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’

Address:

La Plaza, s/n

E-33560 Benia-Onís (Asturias)

Telephone

(34) 985 84 40 05

Fax

(34) 985 84 42 30

E-mail:

info@quesogamonedo.com

4.8.   Labelling: Cheeses covered by the protected designation of origin ‘Gamoneu’ or ‘Gamonedo’ intended for consumption are identified by a numbered front or back label issued, approved and controlled by the Regulatory Body in accordance with the rules set out in the specification. Front and back labels on protected-designation cheeses must be marked ‘Denominación de Origen Protegida — “Gamoneu” or “Gamonedo”’ and bear the traditional references ‘del Puerto’ or ‘del Valle’, in addition to the data and information required under the applicable legislation.

All traders must use on the label the unique logotype approved by the Regulatory Body, as reproduced below.

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---

| 9.10.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 236/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.10.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 236/18

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 236/09)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘ALHEIRA DE VINHAIS’

EC No: PT/PGI/005/0460/20.04.2005

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Rua Padre António Vieira, n.o 1-8.o |
| P-1099-073 Lisboa |

Name:

Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas

Address:

Rua Padre António Vieira, n.o 1-8.o

P-1099-073 Lisboa

Telephone

(351) 213 819 300

Fax

(351) 213 876 635

E-mail:

gppaa@gppaa.min-agricultura.pt

2.   Group:

| Name: | ANCSUB — Associação Nacional de Criadores de Suínos de Raça Bísara |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Edifício da Casa do Povo, Largo do Toural |
| P-5320-311 Vinhais |

Name:

ANCSUB — Associação Nacional de Criadores de Suínos de Raça Bísara

Address:

Edifício da Casa do Povo, Largo do Toural

P-5320-311 Vinhais

Telephone

(351) 273 771 340

Fax

(351) 273 770 048

E-mail:

ancsub@bisaro.info

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.2 — Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked)

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1   Name: ‘Alheira de Vinhais’

4.2   Description: Smoked sausage, made from the meat of pigs of the Bisaro breed or of cross-breeds that must be 50 % Bisaro (F1 animals, produced by cross-breeding pure-bred Bisaro pigs registered in the herdbook with pigs of other breeds), poultrymeat (only for the stock), regional wheat bread and olive oil from Trás-os-Montes (these being essential for giving the product a specific taste, smell and texture), seasoned with salt, garlic and paprika. The sausage is horseshoe-shaped, approximately 30 cm long with a cylindrical section of approximately 2 cm in diameter. It weighs between 170 and 200 g and is yellow-brown in colour. When the sausage is cut, the contents appear homogeneous although it is possible to distinguish the presence of strips of meat.

4.3   Geographical area: Due to the traditional production method, the sources of animal nutrition used, the local population's traditional know-how in terms of animal husbandry, and the pedological conditions needed to develop the food base used to obtain raw ingredients of an undeniably distinctive quality, the area in which the Bisaro pigs and cross-breeds used in the production of Alheira de Vinhais are born, reared, fattened, slaughtered and cut up is confined to the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé, Bragança, Carrazeda de Anciães, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Flor, Vimioso and Vinhais in the Bragança district and to the municipalities of Alijó, Boticas, Chaves, Mesão Frio, Mondim de Basto, Montalegre, Murça, Régua, Ribeira de Pena, Sabrosa, Santa Marta de Penaguião, Valpaços, Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Vila Real in the Vila Real district, since only this area has the required food base and animal husbandry skills required.

Given the particular weather conditions required to produce Alheira de Vinhais, the people's know-how and the constant and unchanging local methods employed, the geographical processing area is confined to the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé, Bragança, Carrazeda de Anciães, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Flor, Vimioso and Vinhais in the Bragança district.

4.4   Proof of origin: Alheira de Vinhais may be produced only in duly licensed processing plants situated within the aforementioned processing area. The entire production process is subject to a rigorous control system, thus ensuring the product's full traceability. The raw ingredients come from Bisaro pigs entered in the breed's zootechnical register or crossbred pigs (F1) one of whose parents is an animal of the Bisaro breed entered in the zootechnical register's book of adult animals, which are reared on holdings encompassing an area that lends itself to traditional, semi-extensive farming, and features traditional sources of animal nutrition. It should be noted that the pigs consume large quantities of chestnuts, which gives the meat its very distinctive and recognisable organoleptic qualities. The pigs are slaughtered and cut up in licensed plants situated, for both processes, in the product's geographical area. Processing may be carried out only in plants authorised by the group after the control body has given its approval. The certification mark on each unit is numbered, ensuring full traceability to the farm where the product originated. It is possible to prove the origin of the product at any point in the production chain by means of the serial number, which must be indicated on the certification mark.

4.5   Method of production: The pigmeat (from the head, flank and belly and off-cuts) is cut into medium-sized pieces and the poultry carcasses are cut lengthways and then boiled in salted water. The bread is cut into thin slices with the crust left on and then softened in the hot stock. The remaining seasoning (garlic, paprika and Trás-os-Montes olive oil) and strips of pigmeat are added to this mixture. Once the seasoning is right, the mixture is immediately stuffed into a pig's intestine, which is closed in a particular way by twisting the intestine and tying a knot in it. The sausage is smoked slowly using regional firewood (oak or chestnut) and cured or stabilised (for more than 8 days). Alheira de Vinhais is placed on the market as a whole sausage and is always pre-packed at the place of origin. Due to the product's characteristics and composition, it cannot be cut or sliced. Special material is used for its packaging, which, when it comes into contact with the product, is innocuous and inert in a normal or controlled atmosphere or in a vacuum. Packing may be carried out only in the geographical processing area so as to ensure traceability and control and to prevent any change to the product's taste and microbiological characteristics.

4.6   Link: Various zoomorphic sculptures and references made to taxes on pigs and their by-products in different municipal registers in the region prove that pig-breeding has been important in this area for a very long time. The relationship between the product and the geographical area stems from the (indigenous) breed of animal, the local sources of nutrition used, the know-how in terms of selection of the cuts of meat, slow smoking using regional firewood and a curing process that takes place in very cold and dry locations in the region.

4.7   Inspection body:

| Name: | Tradição e Qualidade — Associação Interprofissional para Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Av. 25 de Abril, 273 S/L |
| P-5370-202 Mirandela |

Name:

Tradição e Qualidade — Associação Interprofissional para Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes

Address:

Av. 25 de Abril, 273 S/L

P-5370-202 Mirandela

Telephone

(351) 278 261 410

Fax

(351) 278 261 410

E-mail:

tradição-qualidade@clix.pt

Tradição e Qualidade has been recognised as complying with the requirements of Standard 45011:2001.

4.8   Labelling: It is compulsory for the labelling to include the following: the wording ‘Alheira de Vinhais — Indicação Geográfica Protegida’ (Protected Geographical Indication), the Community's own logo, the logo for Vinhais products reproduced below and the certification mark, which must indicate the name of the product, the designation/indication concerned, the control body and the serial number (numeric or alphanumeric code ensuring the product's traceability).

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---