# Official Journal C 187/30 J

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 187 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4830 July 2005 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 187

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4830 July 2005

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2005/C 187/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2005/C 187/2 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3899 — Danaher/Leica MS) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2005/C 187/3 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3906 — 3i Group/PIHL) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2005/C 187/4 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M. 3886 — Aster 2/Flint Ink) (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2005/C 187/5 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3841 — Valoriza Gestion/Aguas de las Palmas) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 187/6 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3578 — BP/Nova Chemicals/JV) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 187/7 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3804 — Continental/Xtra Print) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2005/C 187/8 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 187/9 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004 of 25 February 2004 (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 187/0 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2005/C 187/1 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 15 |
| 2005/C 187/2 | Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses (pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21) | 16 |
| 2005/C 187/3 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 345th meeting on 18 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses | 17 |
| 2005/C 187/4 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 346th meeting on 28 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision on Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses | 18 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2005/C 187/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2005/C 187/2

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3899 — Danaher/Leica MS) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

2

2005/C 187/3

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3906 — 3i Group/PIHL) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

3

2005/C 187/4

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M. 3886 — Aster 2/Flint Ink) (
  1
  )

1

4

2005/C 187/5

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3841 — Valoriza Gestion/Aguas de las Palmas) (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 187/6

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3578 — BP/Nova Chemicals/JV) (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 187/7

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3804 — Continental/Xtra Print) (
  1
  )

1

6

2005/C 187/8

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 187/9

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004 of 25 February 2004 (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 187/0

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  )

1

11

2005/C 187/1

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

15

2005/C 187/2

Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses (pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

16

2005/C 187/3

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 345th meeting on 18 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses

17

2005/C 187/4

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 346th meeting on 28 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision on Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses

18

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

I Information

Commission

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/1

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

29 July 2005

(2005/C 187/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2093 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 135,91 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4591 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,6893 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,4048 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5607 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 78,32 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,887 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9557 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5738 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 30,15 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 244,99 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,696 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,0715 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5164 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,51 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 38,935 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,6102 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5904 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4856 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,3991 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7697 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,01 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 241,89 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 8,0204 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,8021 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,303 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 857,19 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,5352 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 67,848 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,656 |
| THB | Thai baht | 50,385 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2093

JPY

Japanese yen

135,91

DKK

Danish krone

7,4591

GBP

Pound sterling

0,6893

SEK

Swedish krona

9,4048

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5607

ISK

Iceland króna

78,32

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,887

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9557

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5738

CZK

Czech koruna

30,15

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

244,99

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,696

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

4,0715

RON

Romanian leu

3,5164

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,51

SKK

Slovak koruna

38,935

TRY

Turkish lira

1,6102

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5904

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4856

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,3991

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7697

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,01

KRW

South Korean won

1 241,89

ZAR

South African rand

8,0204

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,8021

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,303

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 857,19

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5352

PHP

Philippine peso

67,848

RUB

Russian rouble

34,656

THB

Thai baht

50,385

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/2

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3899 — Danaher/Leica MS)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 187/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 22 July 2005, 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 Danaher Corporation (Danaher, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Leica Microsystems AG (Leica MS, Germany) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 22 July 2005, 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 Danaher Corporation (Danaher, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Leica Microsystems AG (Leica MS, Germany) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Danaher: Professional Instrumentation (Environmental, Electronic Test, Medical Technology), Industrial Technologies (Motion, Product Identification), and Tools & Components (Mechanics Hand Tools); |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Danaher: Professional Instrumentation (Environmental, Electronic Test, Medical Technology), Industrial Technologies (Motion, Product Identification), and Tools & Components (Mechanics Hand Tools);

| — | for Leica MS: High-Precision Optical Instruments and Analysis of Micro-Structures. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Leica MS: High-Precision Optical Instruments and Analysis of Micro-Structures.

| 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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3899 — Danaher/Leica MS, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3899 — Danaher/Leica MS, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

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

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/3

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3906 — 3i Group/PIHL)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 187/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 25 July 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which 3i Group pcl and funds managed by 3i Investments plc (together ‘3i’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Parking International Holdings Limited (‘PIHL’, UK), by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 July 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which 3i Group pcl and funds managed by 3i Investments plc (together ‘3i’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Parking International Holdings Limited (‘PIHL’, UK), by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for 3i:international private equity firm, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for 3i:international private equity firm,

| — | for PIHL: parking and traffic management services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for PIHL: parking and traffic management services.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. 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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3906 — 3i Group/PIHL, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition, |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3906 — 3i Group/PIHL, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

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

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/4

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M. 3886 — Aster 2/Flint Ink)

(2005/C 187/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 20 July 2005, 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 Aster 2 S.A. (‘Aster’, Luxembourg), belonging to the CVC group, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Flint Ink Corporation (‘Flint’, USA) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 20 July 2005, 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 Aster 2 S.A. (‘Aster’, Luxembourg), belonging to the CVC group, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Flint Ink Corporation (‘Flint’, USA) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | Aster: via its subsidiaries in the Xsys group, it is active in printing inks, printing plates and pigments; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Aster: via its subsidiaries in the Xsys group, it is active in printing inks, printing plates and pigments;

| — | Flint: production and marketing of printing inks and accessories for the publication and packaging industries. |
| --- | --- |

—

Flint: production and marketing of printing inks and accessories for the publication and packaging industries.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3886 — Aster 2/Flint Ink, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition, |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3886 — Aster 2/Flint Ink, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3841 — Valoriza Gestion/Aguas de las Palmas)

(2005/C 187/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 22 July 2005, 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 Spanish and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3841. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3841. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3578 — BP/Nova Chemicals/JV)

(2005/C 187/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 1 July 2005, 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 web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3578. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3578. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3804 — Continental/Xtra Print)

(2005/C 187/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 4 July 2005, 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 web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3804. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3804. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/7

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(2005/C 187/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XS 116/03 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | North East of England |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | White Rose Enterprises |
| Legal basis | Industrial Development Act 1982 Sections 7 & 11
  Section 2 Local Government Act 2000 |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | GBP 515 808 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) and Article 5 of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | 5.11.2003 |
| Duration of the scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2005 |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes | |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs | Yes |
| Limited to specific sectors | |
| — | Coalmining |

Aid No

XS 116/03

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

White Rose Enterprises

Legal basis

Industrial Development Act 1982 Sections 7 & 11

Section 2 Local Government Act 2000

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

GBP 515 808

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

5.11.2003

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2005

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Limited to specific sectors

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Government Office for the North East

European Programmes Secretariat

Address:

| Wellbar House |
| --- |
| Gallowgate |
| Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4TD |

Wellbar House

Gallowgate

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4TD

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid,

| (a) | if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and






  — | the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and

—

the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %,

| — | in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or |
| --- | --- |

—

in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

| (b) | if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/9

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Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004 of 25 February 2004

(2005/C 187/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XS 115/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Investment loan scheme to close the technology gap with the rest of Europe |
| Legal basis | A Magyar Köztársaság 2004. évi költségvetéséről és az államháztartás három éves kereteiről szóló 2003. évi CXVI. törvény 39. § (3) bekezdése, a Magyar Fejlesztési Bank Rt. program dokumentuma. |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | EUR 400 million up to 31 December 2006, no annual budget |
| Maximum aid intensity | In line with the regional aid map |
| Date of implementation | 30.4.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | Provision of preferential investment loans for the following objectives:






  — | development of technology to rationalise energy consumption, |

Aid No

XS 115/04

Member State

Hungary

Region

—

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Investment loan scheme to close the technology gap with the rest of Europe

Legal basis

A Magyar Köztársaság 2004. évi költségvetéséről és az államháztartás három éves kereteiről szóló 2003. évi CXVI. törvény 39. § (3) bekezdése, a Magyar Fejlesztési Bank Rt. program dokumentuma.

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

EUR 400 million up to 31 December 2006, no annual budget

Maximum aid intensity

In line with the regional aid map

Date of implementation

30.4.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Provision of preferential investment loans for the following objectives:

—

development of technology to rationalise energy consumption,

| — | development to improve capacity utilisation, |
| --- | --- |

—

development to improve capacity utilisation,

| — | IT and communication technology development, |
| --- | --- |

—

IT and communication technology development,

| — | development to increase value added and improve the efficiency of production, |
| --- | --- |

—

development to increase value added and improve the efficiency of production,

| — | development of direct and indirect (e.g. packaging technology) production structures, |
| --- | --- |

—

development of direct and indirect (e.g. packaging technology) production structures,

| — | development of technology to avoid environmental damage, |
| --- | --- |

—

development of technology to avoid environmental damage,

| — | development to increase the level of product recycling, |
| --- | --- |

—

development to increase the level of product recycling,

| — | development to promote compliance with EU environmental protection, industrial safety and general safety provisions, |
| --- | --- |

—

development to promote compliance with EU environmental protection, industrial safety and general safety provisions,

| — | improvement in relations with suppliers through the modernisation of production technology conditions and the creation of networks, |
| --- | --- |

—

improvement in relations with suppliers through the modernisation of production technology conditions and the creation of networks,

| — | development to promote job creation. |
| --- | --- |

—

development to promote job creation.

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors

Note: the scheme refers to the rules in the multisectoral framework regarding former ECSC sectors. Agriculture and fisheries are not eligible for aid under the scheme.

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Magyar Fejlesztési Bank Rt.

Address:

Budapest, 1051 Nádor u. 31.

Other information

The scheme is on the list of existing aid schemes as scheme number HU-22/2004. Its budget was increased from EUR 320 million to EUR 400 million on 7 August 2004; the other conditions remained unchanged.

| Aid No | XS 118/03 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Brandenburg |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Guidelines for the underwriting of guarantees for the part-financing of projects in the Republic of Poland by the Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg of 1 January 2003. |
| Legal basis | Haushaltsgesetz des Landes Brandenburg 2002/2003 § 3 Abs. 1 im Gesetz- und Verordnungsblatt I/12, S. 321. |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | The guarantee ceiling for the Poland guarantee guidelines for 2002 and 2003 totals EUR 4,5 million. To date the Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg has underwritten guarantees totalling EUR 817 409,00 for three Brandenburg undertakings. So far, claims amounting to EUR 319 826,50 because of the insolvency of one firm have been made against the Land of Brandenburg. There is currently one other guarantee acceptance with a volume of EUR 506 000,00. A comparable volume is also being assumed for the future. |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | Guarantees restricted to:
  All manufacturing
  All services |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Name:
  Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg GmbH |
| Address:





  Schwarzschildstraße 94 |
| 14480 Potsdam |
| E-Mail: info@bb-brbg.de |
| www.bb-brbg.de |

Aid No

XS 118/03

Member State

Germany

Region

Brandenburg

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Guidelines for the underwriting of guarantees for the part-financing of projects in the Republic of Poland by the Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg of 1 January 2003.

Legal basis

Haushaltsgesetz des Landes Brandenburg 2002/2003 § 3 Abs. 1 im Gesetz- und Verordnungsblatt I/12, S. 321.

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

The guarantee ceiling for the Poland guarantee guidelines for 2002 and 2003 totals EUR 4,5 million. To date the Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg has underwritten guarantees totalling EUR 817 409,00 for three Brandenburg undertakings. So far, claims amounting to EUR 319 826,50 because of the insolvency of one firm have been made against the Land of Brandenburg. There is currently one other guarantee acceptance with a volume of EUR 506 000,00. A comparable volume is also being assumed for the future.

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

1.1.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Guarantees restricted to:

All manufacturing

All services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg GmbH

Address:

Schwarzschildstraße 94

14480 Potsdam

E-Mail: info@bb-brbg.de

www.bb-brbg.de

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid,

| (a) | if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and






  — | the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and

—

the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %,

| — | in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or |
| --- | --- |

—

in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

| (b) | if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

Yes

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/11

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Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(2005/C 187/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No: XS 34/01

Member State: Italy

Region: Apulia

Title of aid scheme: Combinations of aid from different schemes or different sources of funding. XS/34/2001

Legal basis:

Legge regionale 4 gennaio 2001 n. 3/01 modificata dalla legge regionale n. 23/01

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: 2001: EUR 25 million

2002: EUR 25 million

2003: EUR 25 million

2004: EUR 25 million

2005: EUR 25 million

2006: EUR 25 million

Maximum aid intensity: The maximum aid intensity for Apulia on the European regional aid map (35 % nge + 15 % gge)

Date of implementation: 12 September 2001 (date on which the aid schemes were notified to the Commission)

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2006

Objective of aid: The aid is intended to promote complex investment programmes through various forms of incentive brought together into a single expenditure commitment via negotiated procedures. The following costs are eligible:

Economic sector(s) concerned: The aid is intended for SMEs operating in the craft sector, industry, tourism, the distributive trades and services. The following economic activities are excluded:

iron and steel;

shipbuilding;

fisheries;

transport;

farming;

production, processing or marketing of the products listed in Annex I to the EC Treaty (see Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001);

export-related activities (see Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001);

manufacture of synthetic and artificial fibres.

Name and address of granting authority:

| Regione Puglia |
| --- |
| Via G. Capruzzi n. 212 — Bari |

Regione Puglia

Via G. Capruzzi n. 212 — Bari

Aid No: XS 73/03

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of Company receiving individual aid: Business Support Fund

Legal basis: Local Government and Housing Act 1989

Local Government Act 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: 2003 — GBP 630 000

2004 — GBP 504 000

2005 — GBP 504 000

Maximum aid intensity: The maximum aid intensity will be 30 % (assisted area 20 % for North Tyneside under Article 87(3)(c) + 10 % to reach the maximum aid intensity of 30 %)

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 1 March 2003 — 31 December 2005

Objective of aid: The project will provide grant assistance to new and existing businesses (in existence for less than 36 months) to help bridge funding gaps so as to encourage investment in improved performance and competitiveness. The aid will be calculated on the basis of the costs of specific investments in land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

Research has shown that 96 % of businesses need financial support to undertake investment projects. Without this, projects would not go ahead or would be delayed. The grant will enable a funding package to be put together and unlock the potential of private-sector finance where limited collateral is available or if a project is considered to present a higher-than-normal level of commercial risk.

Economic sector(s) concerned: All eligible industry sectors, without prejudice to special rules concerning State aid in certain sectors — Art. 1(2) of SME Block Exemption Regulations

Name and address of granting authority: ERDF Contact:

Neil McGuinness

European Programmes Secretariat

Government Office North East

Wellbar House

Gallowgate

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Tyne and Wear NE1 4TD

Sponsor Contact:

Michael Halsey

Head of Development

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

105 Howard Street

North Shields

Tyne and Wear NE 30 1NA

Aid No: XS 89/02

Member State: Italy

Region: Molise

Title of aid scheme: Law No 1329/65 (the ‘Sabatini Law’): grants for the acquisition or leasing of new machine tools or production equipment

Legal basis: Legge 28.11.1965, n. 1329;

Legge 19.12.1983, n. 696, art. 3;

Legge 16.2.1987, n. 44;

Decreto del Ministro dell'Industria, del Commercio e dell'Artigianato del 21.02.1973;

Decreto del Ministro del Tesoro del 30.4.1987;

Legge 17.5.1999, n. 144;

Decreto legislativo 31.03.1998, n. 112, art. 19;

Decreto legislativo 31.03.1998, n. 123;

Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001;

Delibera di Giunta della Regione Molise del 5 giugno 2001, n. 653;

Delibera di Giunta Regione Molise dell'8 luglio 2002, n. 953.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 2 471 000 (until 2006)

Maximum aid intensity: The maximum aid intensity in the areas eligible for exemption under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty is 20 % nge plus 10 % gge. In all the other areas of the region which do not qualify under Article 87(3)(c) the aid intensity will be 15 % gge for small firms and 7,5 % gge for medium-sized firms.

Date of implementation: 7 August 2002 (no aid will be granted in any event before this summary has been notified to the Commission)

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2006

Objective of aid: The aid is intended to facilitate the purchase or leasing of new machine tools or manufacturing equipment made in Italy or abroad, for a unit or total cost in excess of EUR 500 000, including machine systems, ancillary equipment, accessories, fixed or self-propelled machinery and equipment for handling, transporting and lifting materials (cranes and overhead travelling cranes, trolleys, belt conveyors, etc.) in the factory or yard, and air-conditioning equipment.

The machine tools and production equipment must form part of the logistical structure of production units located in Molise and registered with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture (CCIAA) and should not be invoiced prior to the date on which the contract is concluded, where the equipment is purchased outright, or the handover document signed, where the equipment is leased.

Vehicles, vessels and aircraft entered in public registers are not covered.

Economic sector(s) concerned: SMEs operating in the extractive and manufacturing industries (Sections C and D in the 1991 Italian Statistical Office (ISTAT) classification of economic activities), with the exclusions and restrictions laid down in the Community rules for the steel, shipbuilding, synthetic fibres, motor vehicle and transport industries.

The scheme does not apply to activities linked to the production, processing or marketing of products listed in Annex I to the Treaty.

Name and address of granting authority:

| Regione Molise |
| --- |
| Assessorato alle Attività produttive |
| Settore Industria |
| Via Roma, 84 |
| I-86100 Campobasso |
| Tel. 0874429840 |
| Fax 0874429854 |

Regione Molise

Assessorato alle Attività produttive

Settore Industria

Via Roma, 84

I-86100 Campobasso

Tel. 0874429840

Fax 0874429854

Other information: This aid scheme does not apply to investments that reach one of the following two thresholds:

| (i) | in areas which do not qualify for regional aid, the gross aid intensity is at least 50 % of the aid ceiling of 15 % gge for small firms and 7,5 % for medium-sized firms; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

in areas which do not qualify for regional aid, the gross aid intensity is at least 50 % of the aid ceiling of 15 % gge for small firms and 7,5 % for medium-sized firms;

| (ii) | in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 % of the ceiling laid down in the regional aid map for the area concerned; or |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 % of the ceiling laid down in the regional aid map for the area concerned; or

The aid scheme does not apply to export-related activities, i.e. aid directly linked to the quantities exported, to the establishment and operation of a distribution network or to other current expenditure linked to the export activity, and aid contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods.

Only expenditure incurred since the date on which the aid application was submitted is eligible.

Aid No: XS 116/02

Member State: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Title of aid scheme: Priority 1 ‘Improving the competitiveness of the economic system in Lombardy’

Measure 1.10 ‘Support for internationalisation of firms’

Submeasure B ‘Assistance in penetrating foreign markets’

Legal basis: Docup Obiettivo 2 2000-2006 Lombardia

Approvato con decisione C (2878) del 10.12.2001

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme:

| Objective 2 | Phasing out |
| --- | --- |
| 2001: EUR 296 111,50 | EUR 3 639,50 |
| 2002: EUR 347 638,00 | EUR 40 109,00 |
| 2003: EUR 353 917,00 | EUR 33 134,00 |
| 2004: EUR 331 497,00 | EUR 22 670,00 |
| 2005: EUR 336 874,50 | EUR 15 307,00 |
| 2006: EUR 342 258,00 | |

Objective 2

Phasing out

2001: EUR 296 111,50

EUR 3 639,50

2002: EUR 347 638,00

EUR 40 109,00

2003: EUR 353 917,00

EUR 33 134,00

2004: EUR 331 497,00

EUR 22 670,00

2005: EUR 336 874,50

EUR 15 307,00

2006: EUR 342 258,00

Maximum aid intensity: Small firms: 15 %

Medium-sized firms: 7,5 %

Plus 10 % in areas qualifying for exemption under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.

Total assistance must not exceed 30 % of costs.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2006

Objective of aid: The aid is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of firms on foreign markets.

The aid scheme does not apply to export-related activities, i.e. aid directly linked to the quantities exported, to the establishment and operation of a distribution network or to other current expenditure linked to the export activity, and aid contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods.

The measures envisaged under the scheme are defined in accordance with Articles 2 and 5 of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001.

Economic sector(s) concerned: All sectors

Name and address of granting authority:

| Regione Lombardia |
| --- |
| Struttura Interventi per la promozione estera |
| D.G. Industria PMI Cooperazione e Turismo |
| Via Taramelli 20 |
| Milan |

Regione Lombardia

Struttura Interventi per la promozione estera

D.G. Industria PMI Cooperazione e Turismo

Via Taramelli 20

Milan

Aid No: XS 142/03

Member State: Italy

Region: Liguria

Title of aid scheme: Objective 2 single programming document (SPD) for the Liguria Region (2000-2006) — Measure 2.1 ‘Waste cycle management and support for environmental protection’:

submeasure B ‘environmental protection’;

submeasure C ‘safety at work’.

Legal basis:

| — | Legge n. 598/94, art. 11 e s.m.i.; |
| --- | --- |

—

Legge n. 598/94, art. 11 e s.m.i.;

| — | Docup obiettivo 2 Regione Liguria 2000-2006 approvato con decisione Commissione europea C(2001)2044 del 7.9.2001; |
| --- | --- |

—

Docup obiettivo 2 Regione Liguria 2000-2006 approvato con decisione Commissione europea C(2001)2044 del 7.9.2001;

| — | complemento di programmazione del Docup obiettivo 2 Regione Liguria 2000-2006, approvato con deliberazione Giunta regionale n. 1404 del 30.11.2001, così come modificato con deliberazioni della Giunta regionale n. 694 del 2.7.2002 e n. 872 del 25.7.2003; |
| --- | --- |

—

complemento di programmazione del Docup obiettivo 2 Regione Liguria 2000-2006, approvato con deliberazione Giunta regionale n. 1404 del 30.11.2001, così come modificato con deliberazioni della Giunta regionale n. 694 del 2.7.2002 e n. 872 del 25.7.2003;

| — | bando della misura 2.1 ‘Gestione ciclo rifiuti e sostegno alla tutela ambientale’ — sottomisure B) e C), approvato con deliberazione della Giunta regionale n. 863 del 25.7.2003 |
| --- | --- |

—

bando della misura 2.1 ‘Gestione ciclo rifiuti e sostegno alla tutela ambientale’ — sottomisure B) e C), approvato con deliberazione della Giunta regionale n. 863 del 25.7.2003

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 9 602 653

Maximum aid intensity:

| — | Interest subsidy equivalent to 100 % of the reference rate of not more than 15 % gge and 7,5 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in Objective 2 areas and not more than 18 % gge and 14 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty; or alternatively |
| --- | --- |

—

Interest subsidy equivalent to 100 % of the reference rate of not more than 15 % gge and 7,5 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in Objective 2 areas and not more than 18 % gge and 14 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty; or alternatively

| — | a capital grant (for assistance under submeasure 2.1 B) with a maximum intensity of 15 % gge and 7,5 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in Objective 2 areas and 18 % gge and 14 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

—

a capital grant (for assistance under submeasure 2.1 B) with a maximum intensity of 15 % gge and 7,5 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in Objective 2 areas and 18 % gge and 14 % gge respectively for small and medium-sized enterprises in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme:

Objective of aid: The submeasures in question are intended to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in environmental protection or improvement, as well to improve safety in the workplace.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Production and production services

Name and address of granting authority:

| MCC SpA |
| --- |
| Via Piemonte n. 51 — I-00187 Roma |

MCC SpA

Via Piemonte n. 51 — I-00187 Roma

Aid No: XS 144/03

Member State: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Title of aid scheme: Grants to haulage businesses in Brescia for the installation of security systems and satellite monitoring — 2003/04

Legal basis: Articolo 12 Legge 7 agosto 1990, n. 241, deliberazioni camerali n. 240 del 10.12.2002 e n. 185 del 29.9.2003.

Determinazione dirigenziale n. 93/AV del 9.10.2003.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 50 000

Maximum aid intensity:

Purchase of central server and necessary software:

| — | minimum eligible expenditure: EUR 2 600 |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum eligible expenditure: EUR 2 600

| — | grant: 15 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 7 500 per business |
| --- | --- |

—

grant: 15 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 7 500 per business

Purchase of peripheral equipment:

| — | grant: 15 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 516,46 per item of equipment and a maximum of 15 items per business |
| --- | --- |

—

grant: 15 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 516,46 per item of equipment and a maximum of 15 items per business

Cost of external consultancy for satellite navigation system:

| — | grant: 50 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 2 000 per business |
| --- | --- |

—

grant: 50 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 2 000 per business

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: From 20 October 2003 to 19 October 2004

Objective of aid: To promote the installation of security systems and satellite monitoring in businesses in Brescia

Economic sector(s) concerned: Transport

Name and address of granting authority:

| Camera di commercio industria artigianato e agricoltura di Brescia |
| --- |
| Via Orzinuovi, n. 3 |
| I-25125 Brescia |
| e-mail: costantino@bs.camcom.it |

Camera di commercio industria artigianato e agricoltura di Brescia

Via Orzinuovi, n. 3

I-25125 Brescia

e-mail: costantino@bs.camcom.it

---

| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/15

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Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2005/C 187/11)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of decision:

Member State: Greece

Aid No: N 67/2005

Title: Amendment of the R&D aid scheme N 329/2002

Legal basis: Π. Δ. 274/2000

Objective(s): Aid for R&D

Budget: EUR 25 000 000,00

Duration: From to 31.12.2006

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy

Aid No: N 91/05

Title: Rescue Aid in favour of Computer Manufacturing Services S.p.A.

Objective: Rescue aid

Legal basis:

Legge 3 aprile 1979 n.95 — Conversione in legge, con modificazioni, del decreto-legge 30 gennaio 1979 n. 26 recante ‘provvedimenti urgenti per l'amministrazione straordinaria delle grandi imprese in crisi’ (art. 2 bis). Decreto Legislativo 8 luglio 1999, n. 270 — ‘Nuova disciplina dell'amministrazione straordinaria delle grandi impresi in stato di insolvenza, a norma dell'articolo 1 della legge 30 luglio 1998, n. 274’ pubblicato nella Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 185 del 9 agosto 1999 (Artt. 55, 58 e 109)

Aid amount: EUR 2 500 000

Duration: 6 months

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Date of adoption:

Member States: Lithuania

Aid No: N 584/2004

Title: Aid to AB Vingriai, debt waiver

Objective: Restructuring

Legal basis: Lietuvos Respublikos Valstybes Skolos Įstatymas, Valstybes Žinios, 1996, Nr. 86-2045, 2004, Nr. 4-31.

Lietuvos Respublikos Valstybinio Socialinio Draudimo Įstatymas, Valstybes Žinios, 1991, Nr. 17-447

Aid intensity or amount: LTL 7 000 000 (EUR 2 000 000)

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Date of adoption:

Member States: United Kingdom

Aid No: NN 42/05

Title: Aid to MG Rover, loan

Objective: Rescue

Legal basis: Industrial Development Act 1982 Section 7

Aid intensity or amount: GBP 6 500 000

Duration: 7 days

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/16

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Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses

(pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

(2005/C 187/12)

In connection with the draft decision, the following observations can be made on the right to be heard.

| — | The case began when Christie's told the Commission that a cartel existed between itself and Sotheby's. The Commission sent a statement of objections to the two auction houses on 19 April 2002.
  The two parties replied to the objections within the time allowed.
  They were given access to the file. All information was sent on CD-ROM.
  The parties waived their right to defend their case at an oral hearing. |
| --- | --- |

—

The case began when Christie's told the Commission that a cartel existed between itself and Sotheby's. The Commission sent a statement of objections to the two auction houses on 19 April 2002.

The two parties replied to the objections within the time allowed.

They were given access to the file. All information was sent on CD-ROM.

The parties waived their right to defend their case at an oral hearing.

| — | In view of the replies sent by the companies, various aspects of their trading policy, deemed to be infringements of Article 81 EC in the statement of objections, are not addressed in the draft Commission decision. I have not found, in the draft of the decision sent to the Commission, any new objections with respect to those stated in the Statement of Objections. |
| --- | --- |

—

In view of the replies sent by the companies, various aspects of their trading policy, deemed to be infringements of Article 81 EC in the statement of objections, are not addressed in the draft Commission decision. I have not found, in the draft of the decision sent to the Commission, any new objections with respect to those stated in the Statement of Objections.

In the light of the above, it can be said that the rights of the defence have been fully respected.

Brussels, 29 October 2002.

Serge DURANDE

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/17

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Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 345th meeting on 18 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision in Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses

(2005/C 187/13)

| 1. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the Draft Decision have participated in a continuing agreement or/and a concerted practice concerning the sale by auction of fine art sector contrary to Article 81(1) EC Treaty and 53(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
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1.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the Draft Decision have participated in a continuing agreement or/and a concerted practice concerning the sale by auction of fine art sector contrary to Article 81(1) EC Treaty and 53(1) of the EEA Agreement.

| 2. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the relevant product market is the sale through auction of ‘fine art objects’ just as it has been defined in the Draft Decision. |
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2.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the relevant product market is the sale through auction of ‘fine art objects’ just as it has been defined in the Draft Decision.

| 3. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the geographical market is at least EEA wide. |
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3.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the geographical market is at least EEA wide.

| 4. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the continuing agreement had an appredable effect upon trade between EU Member States and between contracting parties of the EEA Agreement. |
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4.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the continuing agreement had an appredable effect upon trade between EU Member States and between contracting parties of the EEA Agreement.

| 5. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the gravity of the infringement. |
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5.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the gravity of the infringement.

| 6. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the duration of the infringement. |
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6.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the duration of the infringement.

| 7. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that there are neither attenuating nor aggravating circumstances. |
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7.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that there are neither attenuating nor aggravating circumstances.

| 8. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that Sotheby's has not shown inability to pay in a specific social context. |
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8.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that Sotheby's has not shown inability to pay in a specific social context.

| 9. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the application of the Commission's Leniency Notice. |
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9.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the application of the Commission's Leniency Notice.

| 10. | The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
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10.

The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

| 11. | The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Communities. |
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11.

The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

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| 30.7.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 187/18 |
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30.7.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 187/18

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Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 346th meeting on 28 October 2002 concerning a preliminary draft decision on Case COMP/37.784 — Fine Art Auction Houses

(2005/C 187/14)

| 1. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the basic amounts of the fines as regards:






  (a) | the gravity of the infringement, |
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1.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the basic amounts of the fines as regards:

(a)

the gravity of the infringement,

| (b) | the duration of the infringement. |
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(b)

the duration of the infringement.

| 2. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the final amounts of the fines. |
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2.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission on the final amounts of the fines.

The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

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