# Official Journal C 21/2008

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 21 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5126 January 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 21

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5126 January 2008

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 021/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 021/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Council |
| 2008/C 021/02 | Council Decision of 22 January 2008 appointing the members of the Scientific and Technical Committee | 2 |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 021/03 | Euro exchange rates | 4 |
| 2008/C 021/04 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 393rd meeting on 5 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread | 5 |
| 2008/C 021/05 | View of the representative of the EFTA States concerning a preliminary draft decision relating to Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread | 6 |
| 2008/C 021/06 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 394th meeting on 12 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread | 7 |
| 2008/C 021/07 | Final report of the Hearing Officer on the procedure in the Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread (Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 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) | 8 |
| 2008/C 021/08 | Summary of Commission Decision of 14 September 2005 relating to a proceeding under Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread) (notified under document number C(2005) 3452 and document number C(2005) 3765)
   (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2008/C 021/09 | New national side of euro circulation coins | 15 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2008/C 021/10 | 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 State aid for employment (
  1
  ) | 16 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Council

2008/C 021/02

Council Decision of 22 January 2008 appointing the members of the Scientific and Technical Committee

2

Commission

2008/C 021/03

Euro exchange rates

4

2008/C 021/04

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 393rd meeting on 5 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

5

2008/C 021/05

View of the representative of the EFTA States concerning a preliminary draft decision relating to Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

6

2008/C 021/06

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 394th meeting on 12 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

7

2008/C 021/07

Final report of the Hearing Officer on the procedure in the Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread (Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 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)

(Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 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)

8

2008/C 021/08

Summary of Commission Decision of 14 September 2005 relating to a proceeding under Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread) (notified under document number C(2005) 3452 and document number C(2005) 3765)
   (
  1
  )

(notified under document number C(2005) 3452 and document number C(2005) 3765)

1

10

2008/C 021/09

New national side of euro circulation coins

15

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2008/C 021/10

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 State aid for employment (
  1
  )

1

16

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 021/11 | Call for proposals for the ESPON 2013 Operational Programme | 20 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 021/12 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5017 — Rank/Alcoa P&C) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 21 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Commission

2008/C 021/11

Call for proposals for the ESPON 2013 Operational Programme

20

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2008/C 021/12

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5017 — Rank/Alcoa P&C) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

21

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 21/01)

On 18 December 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 32007M4765. 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 32007M4765. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Council

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/2

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 22 January 2008

appointing the members of the Scientific and Technical Committee

(2008/C 21/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 134 thereof,

Having regard to the opinion of the Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | By its Decision of 25 November 2004 (1), the Council appointed the members of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the period 1 May 2004 to 30 April 2009. However, by virtue of Article 51(2) of the Act concerning the conditions of accession (2), the membership of the Committee should be completely renewed. Therefore, new members should be appointed. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By its Decision of 25 November 2004 (1), the Council appointed the members of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the period 1 May 2004 to 30 April 2009. However, by virtue of Article 51(2) of the Act concerning the conditions of accession (2), the membership of the Committee should be completely renewed. Therefore, new members should be appointed.

| (2) | In order to allow the Scientific and Technical Committee to make full use of the wide range of expertise required in fulfilling its tasks, the Committee may, subject to its internal rules, call on alternates to the members to participate in its meetings, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In order to allow the Scientific and Technical Committee to make full use of the wide range of expertise required in fulfilling its tasks, the Committee may, subject to its internal rules, call on alternates to the members to participate in its meetings,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The following are hereby appointed members of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the period of 22 January 2008 to 22 January 2013:

| | Bertrand BARRE |
| --- | --- |

Bertrand BARRE

| | Jānis BĒRZIŅŠ |
| --- | --- |

Jānis BĒRZIŅŠ

| | Sten BJURSTRÖM |
| --- | --- |

Sten BJURSTRÖM

| | Michel BOURGUIGNON |
| --- | --- |

Michel BOURGUIGNON

| | Frank BRISCOE |
| --- | --- |

Frank BRISCOE

| | Michel CHATELIER |
| --- | --- |

Michel CHATELIER

| | Pavel CHRÁSKA |
| --- | --- |

Pavel CHRÁSKA

| | Maurizio CUMO |
| --- | --- |

Maurizio CUMO

| | Panicos DEMETRIADES |
| --- | --- |

Panicos DEMETRIADES

| | Daniela DIACONU |
| --- | --- |

Daniela DIACONU

| | Alan DUNCAN |
| --- | --- |

Alan DUNCAN

| | Sue ION |
| --- | --- |

Sue ION

| | Leonidas KAMARINOPOULOS |
| --- | --- |

Leonidas KAMARINOPOULOS

| | Michael KAUFMANN |
| --- | --- |

Michael KAUFMANN

| | Jørgen KJEMS |
| --- | --- |

Jørgen KJEMS

| | Latchezar Krumov KOSTOV |
| --- | --- |

Latchezar Krumov KOSTOV

| | Zdeněk KŘÍŽ |
| --- | --- |

Zdeněk KŘÍŽ

| | Walter KUTSCHERA |
| --- | --- |

Walter KUTSCHERA

| | Peter LÍŠKA |
| --- | --- |

Peter LÍŠKA

| | Carlo LOMBARDI |
| --- | --- |

Carlo LOMBARDI

| | José María MARTÍNEZ-VAL PEÑALOSA |
| --- | --- |

José María MARTÍNEZ-VAL PEÑALOSA

| | Júlio Martins MONTALVÃO E SILVA |
| --- | --- |

Júlio Martins MONTALVÃO E SILVA

| | Jerzy Wiktor NIEWODNICZAŃSKI |
| --- | --- |

Jerzy Wiktor NIEWODNICZAŃSKI

| | Tom O'FLAHERTY |
| --- | --- |

Tom O'FLAHERTY

| | Enn REALO |
| --- | --- |

Enn REALO

| | Francesco ROMANELLI |
| --- | --- |

Francesco ROMANELLI

| | Juan Antonio RUBIO RODRIGUEZ |
| --- | --- |

Juan Antonio RUBIO RODRIGUEZ

| | Michael SAILER |
| --- | --- |

Michael SAILER

| | Rainer SALOMAA |
| --- | --- |

Rainer SALOMAA

| | Jean-Paul SAMAIN |
| --- | --- |

Jean-Paul SAMAIN

| | Edouard SINNER |
| --- | --- |

Edouard SINNER

| | Borut SMODIŠ |
| --- | --- |

Borut SMODIŠ

| | Zoltán SZATMÁRY |
| --- | --- |

Zoltán SZATMÁRY

| | Ioan URSU |
| --- | --- |

Ioan URSU

| | Eugenijus USPURAS |
| --- | --- |

Eugenijus USPURAS

| | Theofiel VAN RENTERGEM |
| --- | --- |

Theofiel VAN RENTERGEM

| | Carlos VARANDAS |
| --- | --- |

Carlos VARANDAS

| | Adrianus H. M. VERKOOIJEN |
| --- | --- |

Adrianus H. M. VERKOOIJEN

| | Andreas M. VERSTEEGH |
| --- | --- |

Andreas M. VERSTEEGH

| | Hans-Josef ZIMMER |
| --- | --- |

Hans-Josef ZIMMER

| | Sándor ZOLETNIK |
| --- | --- |

Sándor ZOLETNIK

Done at Brussels, 22 January 2008.

For the Council

The President

A. BAJUK

---

(1)  OJ C 311, 16.12.2004, p. 3.

1

(2)  OJ L 157, 21.6.2005, p. 203.

2

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Commission

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/4

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

25 January 2008

(2008/C 21/03)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,4705 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 158,35 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4518 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,7425 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,4603 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6136 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 95,76 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,024 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,912 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 257,62 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6976 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,6183 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,825 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 33,489 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,738 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6652 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4819 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 11,4861 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9011 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0935 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 392,42 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,4589 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,6026 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,275 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 13 719,77 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7666 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 60,018 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 36,058 |
| THB | Thai baht | 46,14 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,6234 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,0035 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,4705

JPY

Japanese yen

158,35

DKK

Danish krone

7,4518

GBP

Pound sterling

0,7425

SEK

Swedish krona

9,4603

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6136

ISK

Iceland króna

95,76

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,024

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,912

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

257,62

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6976

PLN

Polish zloty

3,6183

RON

Romanian leu

3,825

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,489

TRY

Turkish lira

1,738

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6652

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4819

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

11,4861

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9011

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0935

KRW

South Korean won

1 392,42

ZAR

South African rand

10,4589

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,6026

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,275

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

13 719,77

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7666

PHP

Philippine peso

60,018

RUB

Russian rouble

36,058

THB

Thai baht

46,14

BRL

Brazilian real

2,6234

MXN

Mexican peso

16,0035

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/5

---

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 393rd meeting on 5 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

(2008/C 21/04)

| 1. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission's conclusion on the relevant market. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission's conclusion on the relevant market.

| 2. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in agreements and/or concerted practices within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in agreements and/or concerted practices within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty.

| 3. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in a single and continuous infringement of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty affecting, respectively, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom and the markets of automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in a single and continuous infringement of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty affecting, respectively, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom and the markets of automotive thread in the EEA.

| 4. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the object and effect of the agreements and/or concerted practices were to restrict competition within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the object and effect of the agreements and/or concerted practices were to restrict competition within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty.

| 5. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the agreements and/or concerted practices have been capable of appreciably affecting trade between Member States of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that the agreements and/or concerted practices have been capable of appreciably affecting trade between Member States of the EU.

| 6. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the gravity of the infringements. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the gravity of the infringements.

| 7. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the duration of the infringement. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the duration of the infringement.

| 8. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that there are no aggravating circumstances applicable. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission that there are no aggravating circumstances applicable.

| 9. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission's conclusion on the application of a mitigating circumstance for the infringement for industrial thread in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, as well as with the conclusion that there are no mitigating circumstances applicable for the infringement concerning automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission's conclusion on the application of a mitigating circumstance for the infringement for industrial thread in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, as well as with the conclusion that there are no mitigating circumstances applicable for the infringement concerning automotive thread in the EEA.

| 10. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the application of the Leniency Notice. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the application of the Leniency Notice.

| 11. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously recommend the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously recommend the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| 12. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously ask the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

12.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously ask the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

---

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/6

---

View of the representative of the EFTA States concerning a preliminary draft decision relating to Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

(2008/C 21/05)

| 1. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission's conclusion on the relevant market. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission's conclusion on the relevant market.

| 2. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in agreements and/or concerted practices within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in agreements and/or concerted practices within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty.

| 3. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in a single and continuous infringement of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty affecting, respectively, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the UK and the markets of automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the addressees of the draft decision have participated in a single and continuous infringement of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty affecting, respectively, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, the markets of thread for industrial customers in the UK and the markets of automotive thread in the EEA.

| 4. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the object and effect of the agreements and/or concerted practices were to restrict competition within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the object and effect of the agreements and/or concerted practices were to restrict competition within the meaning of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty.

| 5. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the agreements and/or concerted practices have been capable of appreciably affecting trade between Member States of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that the agreements and/or concerted practices have been capable of appreciably affecting trade between Member States of the EU.

| 6. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the gravity of the infringements. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the gravity of the infringements.

| 7. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the duration of the infringement. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the duration of the infringement.

| 8. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that there are no aggravating circumstances applicable. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission that there are no aggravating circumstances applicable.

| 9. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission's conclusion on the application of a mitigating circumstance for the infringement for industrial thread in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, as well as with the conclusion that there are no mitigating circumstances applicable for the infringement concerning automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission's conclusion on the application of a mitigating circumstance for the infringement for industrial thread in the Benelux and the Nordic countries, as well as with the conclusion that there are no mitigating circumstances applicable for the infringement concerning automotive thread in the EEA.

| 10. | The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the application of the Leniency Notice. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The representative of the EFTA States agrees with the Commission on the application of the Leniency Notice.

| 11. | The representative of the EFTA States recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The representative of the EFTA States recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| 12. | The representative of the EFTA States asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

12.

The representative of the EFTA States asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

---

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/7

---

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 394th meeting on 12 September 2005 concerning a draft decision in Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

(2008/C 21/06)

| 1. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the basic amounts of the fines determined according to the gravity and duration of the infringements concerning, respectively, industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the basic amounts of the fines determined according to the gravity and duration of the infringements concerning, respectively, industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and automotive thread in the EEA.

| 2. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree as regards the infringement concerning industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries, on the reduction of the basic amount for Belgian Sewing Thread NV and Bieze Stork BV due to an attenuating circumstance. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree as regards the infringement concerning industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries, on the reduction of the basic amount for Belgian Sewing Thread NV and Bieze Stork BV due to an attenuating circumstance.

| 3. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission as regards the infringements concerning, respectively, industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and automotive thread in the EEA, on the reduction of the fines based on the 1996 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction of fines in cartel cases. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission as regards the infringements concerning, respectively, industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and automotive thread in the EEA, on the reduction of the fines based on the 1996 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction of fines in cartel cases.

| 4. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the final amounts of the fines for the cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and for the cartel of automotive thread in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously agree with the Commission on the final amounts of the fines for the cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries and for the cartel of automotive thread in the EEA.

| 5. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously recommend the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously recommend the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| 6. | The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously ask the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The members of the Advisory Committee unanimously ask the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

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| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/8 |
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26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/8

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Final report of the Hearing Officer on the procedure in the Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread

(Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 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)

(2008/C 21/07)

The draft decision gives rise to the following observations:

Introduction

The present case essentially arises out of inspections carried out by the Commission on 7 and 8 November 2001 pursuant to Article 14(3) of Council Regulation No 17 of 6 February 1962, first Regulation implementing Articles 85 and 86 of the EC Treaty (1), at the premises of several Community producers of haberdashery products (2). By means of these inspections and the subsequent investigation, the Commission discovered evidence of the following three cartel agreements and concerted practices:

| — | a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in Benelux and the Nordic countries (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in Benelux and the Nordic countries (3),

| — | a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom, |
| --- | --- |

—

a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom,

| — | a cartel on the market in thread for automotive customers in the European Economic Area (EEA). |
| --- | --- |

—

a cartel on the market in thread for automotive customers in the European Economic Area (EEA).

This evidence seemed to indicate infringements of Article 81(1) of the EC Treaty committed by the following undertakings (4): Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Bieze Stork BV, Bisto Holding BV, Coats Ltd, Flovest NV, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc and Zwicky & Co AG (concerning the cartel in the Benelux and the Nordic countries); American & Efird Inc., American & Efird Ltd, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats UK Ltd, Coats Ltd, Dollfus, Mieg et Cie SA, Donisthorpe & Company Ltd, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc, Oxley Threads Ltd and Perivale Gütermann Ltd (concerning the cartel in the United Kingdom); Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats Ltd, Cousin Filterie SA, Hicking Pentecost plc, Gütermann AG and Oxley Threads Ltd (concerning the cartel in the EEA).

Statement of objections and access to file

On 18 March 2004, the Commission addressed a Statement of Objections (‘SO’) in accordance with Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2842/98 (5) to the aforementioned companies.

Access to the file was provided by means of a CD-ROM with all the documents relating to the thread business in the Commission's file COMP/38.036 (6) and all the documents in the Commission's file COMP/38.337, sent to the parties on 7 April 2004.

Due to a technical problem, the CD-ROM was only partially accessible. Access to the missing information was made available in the following weeks.

Due to an administrative error, some price related information submitted by Belgian Sewing Thread BV contained in the Commission's file was disclosed to the other parties without prior notification to Belgian Sewing Thread BV. Due to the same error, other price related information the disclosure of which had been accepted by Belgian Sewing Thread BV, was only sent to the parties on 9 July 2005. The parties were afforded the opportunity of making known their views in writing on these documents within three additional weeks upon receipt. Furthermore, the relevant Commission services apologised to Belgian Sewing Thread BV.

The parties' reply and the oral hearing

The deadline to reply to the SO was 27 May 2005. Upon request, I granted extensions to Coats Ltd, American & Efird Inc., American & Efird Ltd, Gütermann AG, Perivale Gütermann Ltd, Zwicky & Co AG, Dollfus Mieg & Cie, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co and Oxley Threads Limited, Bieze Stork BV.

Replies to the Statement of Objections were received between 18 May and 21 June 2004.

Upon request to be heard orally in this case, an oral hearing took place on 19 and 20 July 2004.

On 24 September 2004, each party was provided with a non-confidential version of the replies of the others and with the comments made by the others at the Oral Hearing. The parties were informed that the Commission might use the elements contained in these replies in its final decision. The parties were granted two weeks upon receipt to submit further comments. Most of them took advantage of this opportunity.

The draft final decision

After having given the undertakings the opportunity to make known their view on the objections raised by the Commission, the Commission decided to close the proceedings against American & Efird Inc. and American & Efird Ltd since it did not have enough evidence of American & Efird's participation in the cartel in the United Kingdom. For the same reason, the Commission decided to close proceedings against Gütermann AG in the cartel for automotive thread. Since Flovest's only activities turned out to be holding the shares of BST without being involved in the commercial policy of its subsidiary, the Commission also decided to close proceedings against Flovest NV. Furthermore, a number of other adjustments were made in the light of the parties' replies.

The draft decision submitted to the Commission only contains objections about which the parties have had the opportunity to state their views.

In the light of the above, I consider that the right of the parties to be heard has been fully respected in this case.

Brussels, 12 September 2005.

Karen WILLIAMS

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(1)  OJ 13, 21.2.1962, p. 204/62.

1

(2)  See Commission Decision of 26 October 2004, Case 38.338 — PO/Needles.

2

(3)  Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

3

(4)  Also referred to in the following as ‘the parties’.

4

(5)  OJ L 354, 30.12.1998, p. 18.

5

(6)  The file COMP/38.036 contained the documents received before the inspection, documents copied during the inspection and documents received just after the inspection.

6

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| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/10 |
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26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/10

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Summary of Commission Decision

of 14 September 2005

relating to a proceeding under Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement

(Case COMP/38.337 — PO/Thread)

(notified under document number C(2005) 3452 and document number C(2005) 3765)

(Only the English, French, German and Dutch texts are authentic)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 21/08)

On 14 September 2005, the Commission adopted Decision C(2005) 3452 relating to a proceeding under Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. This decision was amended by Commission Decision C(2005) 3765 adopted on 13 October 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Article 30 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1), the Commission herewith publishes the names of the parties and the main content of the decision, including any penalties imposed, having regard to the legitimate interest of undertakings in the protection of their business interests. A non-confidential version of the full text of the decision can be found in the authentic languages of the case and in the Commission's working languages at DG COMP website at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/index_en.html

1.   SUMMARY OF THE INFRINGEMENTS

1.1.   Introduction

| (1) | The findings in this Decision arise out of inspections carried out by the Commission on 7 and 8 November 2001 pursuant to Article 14(3) of Regulation No 17 at the premises of several Community producers of haberdashery products (2). By means of these inspections and the subsequent investigation, the Commission discovered evidence that undertakings had taken part in the following three cartel agreements and concerted practices:






  (a) | a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in Benelux (3) and the Nordic countries (4) (the total value of the market is estimated at EUR [40-60] million in 2000, the last full year of the infringement); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

The findings in this Decision arise out of inspections carried out by the Commission on 7 and 8 November 2001 pursuant to Article 14(3) of Regulation No 17 at the premises of several Community producers of haberdashery products (2). By means of these inspections and the subsequent investigation, the Commission discovered evidence that undertakings had taken part in the following three cartel agreements and concerted practices:

(a)

a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in Benelux (3) and the Nordic countries (4) (the total value of the market is estimated at EUR [40-60] million in 2000, the last full year of the infringement);

| (b) | a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom (the value of the market is estimated at EUR [60-100] million in 2000); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a cartel on the market in thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom (the value of the market is estimated at EUR [60-100] million in 2000);

| (c) | a cartel on the market in thread for automotive customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) (the value of the market is estimated at EUR [15-25] million in 2000). |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a cartel on the market in thread for automotive customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) (the value of the market is estimated at EUR [15-25] million in 2000).

| (2) | For these three markets and for the periods specified in this Decision, the thread producers took part in regular meetings and had bilateral contacts to exchange sensitive information on price lists and/or prices charged to individual customers, to agree on price increases and/or on target prices and to avoid undercutting the incumbent supplier's prices with a view to allocating customers. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

For these three markets and for the periods specified in this Decision, the thread producers took part in regular meetings and had bilateral contacts to exchange sensitive information on price lists and/or prices charged to individual customers, to agree on price increases and/or on target prices and to avoid undercutting the incumbent supplier's prices with a view to allocating customers.

| (3) | These horizontal agreements and concerted practices are contrary to Articles 81(1) of the EC Treaty and 53(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

These horizontal agreements and concerted practices are contrary to Articles 81(1) of the EC Treaty and 53(1) of the EEA Agreement.

1.2.   Addressees

| (4) | On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiaries in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for industrial customers located in Benelux and the Nordic countries, this Decision is addressed to Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Bieze Stork BV, Bisto Holding BV, Coats Holdings Ltd, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc and Zwicky & Co AG. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiaries in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for industrial customers located in Benelux and the Nordic countries, this Decision is addressed to Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Bieze Stork BV, Bisto Holding BV, Coats Holdings Ltd, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc and Zwicky & Co AG.

| (5) | On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiaries in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for industrial customers located in the United Kingdom (UK), this is addressed to Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats UK Ltd, Coats Holdings Ltd, Dollfus Mieg et Cie SA, Donisthorpe & Company Ltd, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc, Oxley Threads Ltd and Perivale Gütermann Ltd. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiaries in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for industrial customers located in the United Kingdom (UK), this is addressed to Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats UK Ltd, Coats Holdings Ltd, Dollfus Mieg et Cie SA, Donisthorpe & Company Ltd, Gütermann AG, Hicking Pentecost plc, Oxley Threads Ltd and Perivale Gütermann Ltd.

| (6) | On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiary in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for automotive customers located in the EEA, the present Decision is addressed to Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats Holdings Ltd, Cousin Filterie SA, Hicking Pentecost plc and Oxley Threads Ltd. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

On account of their participation or the participation of their subsidiary in the cartel agreement and concerted practices regarding the market in thread for automotive customers located in the EEA, the present Decision is addressed to Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats Holdings Ltd, Cousin Filterie SA, Hicking Pentecost plc and Oxley Threads Ltd.

1.3.   Procedure

| (7) | In August 2000, the Commission received a letter from a UK manufacturer of sewing needles, accusing Coats and Prym, two leaders in the European haberdashery market, of anti-competitive behaviour. Inspections were carried out on 7 and 8 November 2001. At Coats' premises, the inspectors found evidence of several cartels, among others in the thread market. On 26 November 2001, Coats filed an application under the 1996 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction in fines in cartel cases. In April 2003, Oxley Threads also applied for a reduction in fines. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In August 2000, the Commission received a letter from a UK manufacturer of sewing needles, accusing Coats and Prym, two leaders in the European haberdashery market, of anti-competitive behaviour. Inspections were carried out on 7 and 8 November 2001. At Coats' premises, the inspectors found evidence of several cartels, among others in the thread market. On 26 November 2001, Coats filed an application under the 1996 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction in fines in cartel cases. In April 2003, Oxley Threads also applied for a reduction in fines.

| (8) | The Commission sent requests for information in March and August 2003. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The Commission sent requests for information in March and August 2003.

| (9) | On 18 March 2004 the Commission sent a Statement of Objections to 19 companies (5). Access to the file was provided to the parties in electronic form via a CD-ROM sent on 7 April 2004. Replies to the Statement of Objections were received between 18 May and 21 June 2004. A Hearing took place on 19 and 20 July 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

On 18 March 2004 the Commission sent a Statement of Objections to 19 companies (5). Access to the file was provided to the parties in electronic form via a CD-ROM sent on 7 April 2004. Replies to the Statement of Objections were received between 18 May and 21 June 2004. A Hearing took place on 19 and 20 July 2004.

1.4.   The market

| (10) | Industrial thread is used in a variety of industries to sew or embroider various products such as clothes, home furnishings, automotive seats and seatbelts, leather goods, mattresses, footwear, ropes, etc. The industrial thread market amounted to around EUR 6 billion in 2000 worldwide. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Industrial thread is used in a variety of industries to sew or embroider various products such as clothes, home furnishings, automotive seats and seatbelts, leather goods, mattresses, footwear, ropes, etc. The industrial thread market amounted to around EUR 6 billion in 2000 worldwide.

| (11) | The product markets involved in this Decision are:






  (a) | thread for industrial customers other than automotive customers, referred to as ‘industrial thread’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(11)

The product markets involved in this Decision are:

(a)

thread for industrial customers other than automotive customers, referred to as ‘industrial thread’;

| (b) | thread for automotive customers, referred to as ‘automotive thread’. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

thread for automotive customers, referred to as ‘automotive thread’.

| (12) | The relevant geographic market for industrial thread has been considered as regional. The region can cover several Contracting Parties to the EEA (e.g. Benelux or Nordic countries) or just one (e.g. the UK). Due to higher specification standards (e.g. thread for seat belt) which request uniformity in the EEA, the thread market for automotive customers must be differentiated from the rest of the industrial thread market and has been considered as EEA wide. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The relevant geographic market for industrial thread has been considered as regional. The region can cover several Contracting Parties to the EEA (e.g. Benelux or Nordic countries) or just one (e.g. the UK). Due to higher specification standards (e.g. thread for seat belt) which request uniformity in the EEA, the thread market for automotive customers must be differentiated from the rest of the industrial thread market and has been considered as EEA wide.

1.5.   The functioning of the cartel

1.5.1.   Cartel concerning industrial thread sold in Benelux and in the Nordic countries

| (13) | The agreement and concerted practices between Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Bieze Storck BV, Coats Viyella plc, Gütermann AG and Zwicky & Co AG had as their primary objective the maintenance of high prices on the market for industrial thread sold in Benelux and in the Nordic countries. These agreements consisted in exchanges of price lists and discussion of these price lists; agreement on price list increases as well as on the dates of these increases; agreement on maximum rebates; agreement on prices to individual customers in order to avoid undercutting the incumbent supplier's prices and with a view to sharing customers; complaints to suppliers who had undercut and threats of retaliation; and agreement to contact suppliers who were not part of the agreement to persuade them to join. The meetings were very well organised and held at least once a year. They were split into two halves: a session during which the Nordic markets were discussed and a session during which the Benelux markets were discussed. In addition to the meetings, competitors used to contact each other to exchange information and to agree on prices they would apply to specific customers. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The agreement and concerted practices between Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Barbour Threads Ltd, Belgian Sewing Thread NV, Bieze Storck BV, Coats Viyella plc, Gütermann AG and Zwicky & Co AG had as their primary objective the maintenance of high prices on the market for industrial thread sold in Benelux and in the Nordic countries. These agreements consisted in exchanges of price lists and discussion of these price lists; agreement on price list increases as well as on the dates of these increases; agreement on maximum rebates; agreement on prices to individual customers in order to avoid undercutting the incumbent supplier's prices and with a view to sharing customers; complaints to suppliers who had undercut and threats of retaliation; and agreement to contact suppliers who were not part of the agreement to persuade them to join. The meetings were very well organised and held at least once a year. They were split into two halves: a session during which the Nordic markets were discussed and a session during which the Benelux markets were discussed. In addition to the meetings, competitors used to contact each other to exchange information and to agree on prices they would apply to specific customers.

1.5.2.   Cartel concerning industrial thread sold in the United Kingdom

| (14) | In United Kingdom, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats UK Ltd, Donisthorpe & Company Ltd, Perivale Gütermann Ltd and Oxley Threads Ltd agreed to maintain high prices on the market for industrial thread and/or exchange information on prices to individual customers in order to avoid undercutting incumbent suppliers' prices. To pursue that objective, the main producers used to meet at least from 1990 until 1996 to agree on percentages increases of list and net price, the timing of those increases and the sequence of announcements which would be made by the suppliers. These meetings used to take place after the meetings of the UK Thread Manufacturers Association (UKTMA). There were also bilateral contacts about prices to individual customers. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In United Kingdom, Barbour Threads Ltd, Coats UK Ltd, Donisthorpe & Company Ltd, Perivale Gütermann Ltd and Oxley Threads Ltd agreed to maintain high prices on the market for industrial thread and/or exchange information on prices to individual customers in order to avoid undercutting incumbent suppliers' prices. To pursue that objective, the main producers used to meet at least from 1990 until 1996 to agree on percentages increases of list and net price, the timing of those increases and the sequence of announcements which would be made by the suppliers. These meetings used to take place after the meetings of the UK Thread Manufacturers Association (UKTMA). There were also bilateral contacts about prices to individual customers.

1.5.3.   Cartel concerning thread for automotive customers

| (15) | The main EEA suppliers of automotive thread, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Cousin Filterie SA, Coats Viyella plc, Barbour Threads Ltd, Oxley Threads Ltd, fixed target prices for core products sold to European automotive customers and exchanged information on prices to individual customers and agreed on minimum target prices for those customers. They also agreed to avoid undercutting to the advantage of the incumbent supplier. The cartel was not strictly organised. The small number of players made it possible to have small irregular meetings supplemented by frequent bilateral contacts. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The main EEA suppliers of automotive thread, Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, Cousin Filterie SA, Coats Viyella plc, Barbour Threads Ltd, Oxley Threads Ltd, fixed target prices for core products sold to European automotive customers and exchanged information on prices to individual customers and agreed on minimum target prices for those customers. They also agreed to avoid undercutting to the advantage of the incumbent supplier. The cartel was not strictly organised. The small number of players made it possible to have small irregular meetings supplemented by frequent bilateral contacts.

| (16) | The arrangements of the three cartels have been implemented throughout the infringement period. There are evidence that at least some of the agreed price increases have been implemented and monitored through regular meetings and bilateral contacts. While some other prices may have remained the same or decreased during the period, they would likely have fallen in a more significant way if the competitors had not agreed on list price increases, since the worldwide tendency was a fall of the prices in the thread sector. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The arrangements of the three cartels have been implemented throughout the infringement period. There are evidence that at least some of the agreed price increases have been implemented and monitored through regular meetings and bilateral contacts. While some other prices may have remained the same or decreased during the period, they would likely have fallen in a more significant way if the competitors had not agreed on list price increases, since the worldwide tendency was a fall of the prices in the thread sector.

2.   FINES

| (17) | In fixing the amount of the fines, the Commission took into account the gravity and duration of the infringement, as well as the existence of aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

In fixing the amount of the fines, the Commission took into account the gravity and duration of the infringement, as well as the existence of aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances.

| (18) | The infringements committed by the addressees have been considered as ‘very serious’ as they have the object of fixing prices, thereby restricting competition and affecting trade between Member States. Such practices are by their very nature the worst kind of violations of Article 81. However, the Commission took into account the relatively limited size of the markets when setting the starting amount of the fines. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The infringements committed by the addressees have been considered as ‘very serious’ as they have the object of fixing prices, thereby restricting competition and affecting trade between Member States. Such practices are by their very nature the worst kind of violations of Article 81. However, the Commission took into account the relatively limited size of the markets when setting the starting amount of the fines.

| (19) | The Commission notice on non-imposition of fines in cartel cases of 1996 was applicable in this case and in particular section D since all the undertakings came forward only after the Commission's inspections. Reductions of the fines were granted to all in accordance with the value of their individual cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The Commission notice on non-imposition of fines in cartel cases of 1996 was applicable in this case and in particular section D since all the undertakings came forward only after the Commission's inspections. Reductions of the fines were granted to all in accordance with the value of their individual cooperation.

| (20) | For the cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries, the Commission imposed the following fines: Coats Ltd: EUR 15,05 million, Amann und Söhne GmbH: EUR 13,09 million, Gütermann AG: EUR 4,021 million, Barbour Thread Ltd: EUR 2,145 million, Belgian Sewing Thread NV: EUR 0,979 million, Bieze Stork BV: EUR 0,514 million, Zwicky: EUR 0,174 million. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

For the cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries, the Commission imposed the following fines: Coats Ltd: EUR 15,05 million, Amann und Söhne GmbH: EUR 13,09 million, Gütermann AG: EUR 4,021 million, Barbour Thread Ltd: EUR 2,145 million, Belgian Sewing Thread NV: EUR 0,979 million, Bieze Stork BV: EUR 0,514 million, Zwicky: EUR 0,174 million.

| (21) | For the cartel of automotive thread in the EEA, the Commission imposed the following fines: Cousin/Amann: EUR 4,888 million, Coats: EUR 0,65 million, Oxley: EUR 1,271 million, Barbour: EUR 0,715 million. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

For the cartel of automotive thread in the EEA, the Commission imposed the following fines: Cousin/Amann: EUR 4,888 million, Coats: EUR 0,65 million, Oxley: EUR 1,271 million, Barbour: EUR 0,715 million.

| (22) | No fine was imposed for the cartel of industrial thread in the UK as the Commission has no proof that the undertakings participated in a continuous cartel within the five years preceding the Commission's inspections in November 2001. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

No fine was imposed for the cartel of industrial thread in the UK as the Commission has no proof that the undertakings participated in a continuous cartel within the five years preceding the Commission's inspections in November 2001.

3.   DECISION

| (23) | The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and Nordic countries:






  (a) | Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, from January 1990 until January 1994; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(23)

The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of thread for industrial customers in the Benelux and Nordic countries:

(a)

Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co, from January 1990 until January 1994;

| (b) | Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, from January 1990 until September 2001; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, from January 1990 until September 2001;

| (c) | Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from January 1990 until September 1999; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from January 1990 until September 1999;

| (d) | Belgian Sewing Thread NV, from January 1991 until September 2001; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Belgian Sewing Thread NV, from January 1991 until September 2001;

| (e) | Bieze Stork BV and Bisto Holding BV, jointly and severally liable, from January 1990 until September 2001; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Bieze Stork BV and Bisto Holding BV, jointly and severally liable, from January 1990 until September 2001;

| (f) | Coats Holdings Ltd, from January 1990 until September 2001; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Coats Holdings Ltd, from January 1990 until September 2001;

| (g) | Gütermann AG, from January 1990 until September 2001; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Gütermann AG, from January 1990 until September 2001;

| (h) | Zwicky & Co AG, from January 1990 until November 2000. |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Zwicky & Co AG, from January 1990 until November 2000.

| (24) | The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom:






  (a) | Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(24)

The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of thread for industrial customers in the United Kingdom:

(a)

Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996;

| (b) | Coats UK Ltd and Coats Holdings Ltd, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Coats UK Ltd and Coats Holdings Ltd, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996;

| (c) | Donisthorpe & Company Ltd and Dollfus Mieg et Cie SA, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Donisthorpe & Company Ltd and Dollfus Mieg et Cie SA, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996;

| (d) | Perivale Gütermann Ltd and Gütermann AG, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Perivale Gütermann Ltd and Gütermann AG, jointly and severally liable, from October 1990 until September 1996;

| (e) | Oxley Threads Ltd, from October 1990 until September 1996. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Oxley Threads Ltd, from October 1990 until September 1996.

| (25) | The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of automotive thread in the EEA:






  (a) | Amann und Söhne GmbH& Co KG and Cousin Filterie SA, jointly and severally liable, from May/June 1998 until 15 May 2000; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(25)

The following undertakings have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement by participating, for the periods indicated, in agreements and concerted practices affecting the markets of automotive thread in the EEA:

(a)

Amann und Söhne GmbH& Co KG and Cousin Filterie SA, jointly and severally liable, from May/June 1998 until 15 May 2000;

| (b) | Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from May/June 1998 until September 1999; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable, from May/June 1998 until September 1999;

| (c) | Coats Holdings Ltd, from 8 June 1999 until 15 May 2000; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Coats Holdings Ltd, from 8 June 1999 until 15 May 2000;

| (d) | Oxley Threads Ltd, from May/June 1998 until 15 May 2000. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Oxley Threads Ltd, from May/June 1998 until 15 May 2000.

| (26) | For the infringements referred to above, the following fines are imposed on the following undertakings:






  (a) | Cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries:






  Coats Holdings Ltd: | EUR 15,05 million |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG: | EUR 13,09 million |
| Belgian Sewing Thread NV: | EUR 0,979 million |
| Gütermann AG: | EUR 4,021 million |
| Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable: | EUR 2,145 million |
| Bieze Stork BV and Bisto Holding BV, jointly and severally liable: | EUR 0,514 million |
| Zwicky & Co AG: | EUR 0,174 million |

(26)

For the infringements referred to above, the following fines are imposed on the following undertakings:

(a)

Cartel of industrial thread in the Benelux and Nordic countries:

Coats Holdings Ltd:

EUR 15,05 million

Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG:

EUR 13,09 million

Belgian Sewing Thread NV:

EUR 0,979 million

Gütermann AG:

EUR 4,021 million

Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable:

EUR 2,145 million

Bieze Stork BV and Bisto Holding BV, jointly and severally liable:

EUR 0,514 million

Zwicky & Co AG:

EUR 0,174 million

| (b) | Cartel of automotive thread in the EEA:






  Cousin Filterie SA and Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, jointly and severally liable: | EUR 4,888 million |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coats Holdings Ltd: | EUR 0,65 million |
| Oxley Threads Ltd: | EUR 1,271 million |
| Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable: | EUR 0,715 million |

(b)

Cartel of automotive thread in the EEA:

Cousin Filterie SA and Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG, jointly and severally liable:

EUR 4,888 million

Coats Holdings Ltd:

EUR 0,65 million

Oxley Threads Ltd:

EUR 1,271 million

Barbour Threads Ltd and Hicking Pentecost plc, jointly and severally liable:

EUR 0,715 million

---

(1)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1.

(2)  See Commission Decision of 26 October 2004, Case 38.338 — PO/Needles.

(3)  Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

(4)  Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

(5)  Ackermann Nähgarne GmbH & Co (D), Amann und Söhne GmbH & Co KG (D), American & Efird Inc. (USA), American & Efird Ltd (UK), Barbour Threads Ltd (UK), Belgian Sewing Thread NV (B), Bieze Stork BV (NL), Bisto Holding BV (NL), Coats Ltd (UK), Coats UK Ltd (UK), Cousin Filterie SA (F), Dollfus Mieg et Cie SA (F), Donisthorpe & Company Ltd (UK), Flovest NV (NL), Gütermann AG (D), Hicking Pentecost plc (UK), Oxley Threads Ltd (UK), Perivale Gütermann Ltd (UK), Zwicky & Co AG (CH).

---

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/15

---

New national side of euro circulation coins

(2008/C 21/09)

Image

Euro circulation coins have legal tender status throughout the euro area. The Commission publishes all new euro coin designs (1) with a view to informing all parties required to handle coins in the course of their work and the public at large. In accordance with the Council conclusions of 8 December 2003 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a Monetary Agreement with the Community providing for the issuance of euro circulation coins are allowed to issue certain quantities of commemorative euro circulation coins on condition that not more than one new coin design is issued per country per year and that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the technical features of normal euro circulation coins, but bear a commemorative design on the national side.

Issuing State: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Subject of commemoration: The Grand-Duke Henri and the official residence ‘Château de Berg’

Factual description of the design: The inner part of the coin shows, on the left-hand side in the foreground, the effigy of His Royal Highness the Grand-Duke Henri looking to the right and, on the right-hand side in the background, the picture of the ‘Château de Berg’. The date 2008, flanked by the mint mark and the mark of the engraving workshop, is inscribed on the top. The name of the issuing country ‘LËTZEBUERG’ appears at the bottom of the design.

The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.

Issuing volume: 1,3 million coins

Approximate issuing date: End-January 2008

Edge lettering: 2 ★★, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

---

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for a reference to all national sides that were issued in 2002.

(2)  See conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 8 December 2003 on changes in the design of national sides of euro coins. See also Commission Recommendation of 29 September 2003 on a common practice for changes to the design of national obverse sides of euro circulation coins (OJ L 264, 15.10.2003, p. 38).

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/16

---

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 State aid for employment

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 21/10)

| Reference number of the aid | XT 111/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Land Niedersachsen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Förderung der Integration von Frauen in den Arbeitsmarkt (FIFA) |
| Legal basis | § 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung Niedersachsen;
  Operationelles Programm des Landes Niedersachsen für den Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) in der Förderperiode 2007-2013 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 2 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 5.12.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2015 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank) |
| Günther-Wagner-Alle 12-14 |
| D-30177 Hannover |
| Tel. (49) 511 30031-0 |

Reference number of the aid

XT 111/07

Member State

Germany

Region

Land Niedersachsen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Förderung der Integration von Frauen in den Arbeitsmarkt (FIFA)

Legal basis

§ 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung Niedersachsen;

Operationelles Programm des Landes Niedersachsen für den Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) in der Förderperiode 2007-2013

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 2 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

5.12.2007

Duration

31.12.2015

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank)

Günther-Wagner-Alle 12-14

D-30177 Hannover

Tel. (49) 511 30031-0

| Reference number of the aid | XT 112/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Land Niedersachsen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen nach dem Programm „Individuelle Weiterbildung in Niedersachsen (IWiN)“
  Programm „Individuelle Weiterbildung in Niedersachsen (IWiN)“ |
| Legal basis | § 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung Niedersachsen;
  Operationelles Programm des Landes Niedersachsen für den Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) in der Förderperiode 2007-2013 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 10 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 12.12.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2015 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank) |
| Günther-Wagner-Alle 12 -14 |
| D-30177 Hannover |
| Tel. (49) 511 30031-0 |

Reference number of the aid

XT 112/07

Member State

Germany

Region

Land Niedersachsen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen nach dem Programm „Individuelle Weiterbildung in Niedersachsen (IWiN)“

Programm „Individuelle Weiterbildung in Niedersachsen (IWiN)“

Legal basis

§ 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung Niedersachsen;

Operationelles Programm des Landes Niedersachsen für den Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) in der Förderperiode 2007-2013

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 10 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

12.12.2007

Duration

31.12.2015

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank)

Günther-Wagner-Alle 12 -14

D-30177 Hannover

Tel. (49) 511 30031-0

| Reference number of the aid | XT 113/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Regione autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Avviso di procedura pubblica per la selezione di progetti formativi aziendali |
| Legal basis | L. 236/1993, art. 9, co. 1 e 3 (stanziamenti nazionali 2007)
  Decreto n. 40/Cont./V/2007 del direttore generale per le Politiche per l'orientamento dell'M.L.P.S.
  D.G.R. 2823 del 16.11.2007 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 6 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.12.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2008 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Direzione centrale Lavoro, formazione, università e ricierca |
| via San Francesco, 37 |
| I-34133 Trieste |

Reference number of the aid

XT 113/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Regione autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Avviso di procedura pubblica per la selezione di progetti formativi aziendali

Legal basis

L. 236/1993, art. 9, co. 1 e 3 (stanziamenti nazionali 2007)

Decreto n. 40/Cont./V/2007 del direttore generale per le Politiche per l'orientamento dell'M.L.P.S.

D.G.R. 2823 del 16.11.2007

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 6 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

1.12.2007

Duration

31.12.2008

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Direzione centrale Lavoro, formazione, università e ricierca

via San Francesco, 37

I-34133 Trieste

| Reference number of the aid | XT 114/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Provincia autonoma di Trento |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Progetti aziendali rientranti nell'ASSE I, adattabilità del Fondo sociale europeo — Obiettivo specifico A: «Sviluppare sistemi di formazione continua e sostenere l'adattabilità dei lavoratori», anno 2008 |
| Legal basis | Deliberazione della Giunta provinciale n. 2802 di data 14.12.2007, pubblicata sul Bollettino della Regione Trentino — Alto Adige del 27.12.2007 n. 52 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,899886 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 27.12.2007 |
| Duration | 30.6.2008 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Provincia autonoma di Trento |
| Segreteria generale |
| Ufficio Fondo sociale europeo |
| Via Zambra, 42 |
| I-38100 Trento |

Reference number of the aid

XT 114/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Provincia autonoma di Trento

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Progetti aziendali rientranti nell'ASSE I, adattabilità del Fondo sociale europeo — Obiettivo specifico A: «Sviluppare sistemi di formazione continua e sostenere l'adattabilità dei lavoratori», anno 2008

Legal basis

Deliberazione della Giunta provinciale n. 2802 di data 14.12.2007, pubblicata sul Bollettino della Regione Trentino — Alto Adige del 27.12.2007 n. 52

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,899886 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

27.12.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Provincia autonoma di Trento

Segreteria generale

Ufficio Fondo sociale europeo

Via Zambra, 42

I-38100 Trento

| Reference number of the aid | XT 115/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Invito per la realizzazione di attività di formazione continua in specifici ambiti sperimentali |
| Legal basis | Art. 118 della legge 19 dicembre 2000, n. 388 (GU n. 302 del 29 dicembre 2000)
  Art. 48 della legge 27 dicembre 2002, n. 289 (GU n. 305 del 31 dicembre 2002)
  Art. 1, comma 151, della legge 30 dicembre 2004, n. 311 (GU n. 306 del 31 dicembre 2004)
  Art. 13, comma 13, del decreto legge 14 marzo 2005, n. 35, convertito nella legge 14 maggio 2005, n. 80 (GU n. 111 del 14 maggio 2005) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 3 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 12.12.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2008 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Fondartigianato — Fondo Artigianato Formazione |
| Via di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 63 |
| I-00185 Roma |

Reference number of the aid

XT 115/07

Member State

Italy

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Invito per la realizzazione di attività di formazione continua in specifici ambiti sperimentali

Legal basis

Art. 118 della legge 19 dicembre 2000, n. 388 (GU n. 302 del 29 dicembre 2000)

Art. 48 della legge 27 dicembre 2002, n. 289 (GU n. 305 del 31 dicembre 2002)

Art. 1, comma 151, della legge 30 dicembre 2004, n. 311 (GU n. 306 del 31 dicembre 2004)

Art. 13, comma 13, del decreto legge 14 marzo 2005, n. 35, convertito nella legge 14 maggio 2005, n. 80 (GU n. 111 del 14 maggio 2005)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 3 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

12.12.2007

Duration

31.12.2008

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Fondartigianato — Fondo Artigianato Formazione

Via di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 63

I-00185 Roma

| Reference number of the aid | XT 116/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | Az összes magyar régió |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Képzési támogatás az EGT és Norvég Finanszírozási Mechanizmusból |
| Legal basis | 242/2006 Korm. rendelet 92/T. §
  201/2005 Korm. rendelet |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: HUF 335,4 million
  Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 15.10.2007 |
| Duration | 30.4.2011 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség |
| Pozsonyi ut 56 |
| H-1133 Budapest |

Reference number of the aid

XT 116/07

Member State

Hungary

Region

Az összes magyar régió

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Képzési támogatás az EGT és Norvég Finanszírozási Mechanizmusból

Legal basis

242/2006 Korm. rendelet 92/T. §

201/2005 Korm. rendelet

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: HUF 335,4 million

Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

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

Date of implementation

15.10.2007

Duration

30.4.2011

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség

Pozsonyi ut 56

H-1133 Budapest

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Commission

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/20

---

Call for proposals for the ESPON 2013 Operational Programme

(2008/C 21/11)

Under the ESPON 2013 Programme four calls for proposals and expressions of interest have been opened on 21 January 2008.

Please visit: www.espon.eu for further information.

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 26.1.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 21/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.1.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 21/21

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5017 — Rank/Alcoa P&C)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 21/12)

| 1. | On 18 January 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Rank Group Limited (‘Rank’, New Zealand) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the Packaging & Consumer Business of Alcoa Inc. (‘Alcoa P&C’, USA) by way of purchase of shares and assets. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 18 January 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Rank Group Limited (‘Rank’, New Zealand) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the Packaging & Consumer Business of Alcoa Inc. (‘Alcoa P&C’, USA) by way of purchase of shares and assets.

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






  — | for Rank: packaging, wood products, building supplies, pulp and paper, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Rank: packaging, wood products, building supplies, pulp and paper,

| — | for Alcoa P&C: beverage closures, aluminium foil and food packaging as well as wax paper, tobacco flexible packaging, envelope film, pharmaceutical flexible packaging and plastic sheet. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Alcoa P&C: beverage closures, aluminium foil and food packaging as well as wax paper, tobacco flexible packaging, envelope film, pharmaceutical flexible packaging and plastic sheet.

| 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.5017 — Rank/Alcoa P&C, 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.5017 — Rank/Alcoa P&C, 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.

---