# Gazzetta ufficiale C 149/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2466
  doi:10.3000/17252466.C_2009.149.ita |
| --- | --- |
| Gazzetta ufficiale
  dell'Unione europea | C 149 |
| | |
| Edizione in lingua italiana | Comunicazioni e informazioni | 52o anno1 luglio 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2466

doi:10.3000/17252466.C_2009.149.ita

Gazzetta ufficiale

dell'Unione europea

C 149

Edizione in lingua italiana

Comunicazioni e informazioni

52o anno1 luglio 2009

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| Numero d'informazione | Sommario | pagina |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Risoluzioni, raccomandazioni e pareri |
| | RACCOMANDAZIONI |
| | Banca centrale europea |
| 2009/C 149/01 | Raccomandazione della Banca centrale europea, del 25 giugno 2009, al Consiglio dell’Unione europea relativamente ai revisori esterni della Banka Slovenije (BCE/2009/14) | 1 |

Numero d'informazione

Sommario

pagina

I   Risoluzioni, raccomandazioni e pareri

RACCOMANDAZIONI

Banca centrale europea

2009/C 149/01

Raccomandazione della Banca centrale europea, del 25 giugno 2009, al Consiglio dell’Unione europea relativamente ai revisori esterni della Banka Slovenije (BCE/2009/14)

1

| | II   Comunicazioni |
| --- | --- |
| | COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA |
| | Commissione |
| 2009/C 149/02 | Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato CE — Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2009/C 149/03 | Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata (Caso COMP/M.5541 — GE/NewsCorp/Disney/Hulu JV) (
  1
  ) | 4 |

II   Comunicazioni

COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione

2009/C 149/02

Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato CE — Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni (
  1
  )

1

2

2009/C 149/03

Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata (Caso COMP/M.5541 — GE/NewsCorp/Disney/Hulu JV) (
  1
  )

1

4

| | IV   Informazioni |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA |
| | Commissione |
| 2009/C 149/04 | Tassi di cambio dell'euro | 5 |
| 2009/C 149/05 | Comunicazione della Commissione sui tassi di interesse per il recupero degli aiuti di Stato e di riferimento/attualizzazione in vigore per i 27 Stati membri con decorrenza 1 luglio 2009[Pubblicato ai sensi dell’articolo 10 del regolamento (CE) n. 794/2004 della Commissione, del 21 aprile 2004 (GU L 140 del 30.4.2004, pag. 1)] | 6 |
| | INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI |
| 2009/C 149/06 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria) (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2009/C 149/07 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria) (
  1
  ) | 11 |

IV   Informazioni

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione

2009/C 149/04

Tassi di cambio dell'euro

5

2009/C 149/05

Comunicazione della Commissione sui tassi di interesse per il recupero degli aiuti di Stato e di riferimento/attualizzazione in vigore per i 27 Stati membri con decorrenza 1 luglio 2009[Pubblicato ai sensi dell’articolo 10 del regolamento (CE) n. 794/2004 della Commissione, del 21 aprile 2004 (GU L 140 del 30.4.2004, pag. 1)]

[Pubblicato ai sensi dell’articolo 10 del regolamento (CE) n. 794/2004 della Commissione, del 21 aprile 2004 (GU L 140 del 30.4.2004, pag. 1)]

6

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI

2009/C 149/06

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria) (
  1
  )

1

7

2009/C 149/07

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria) (
  1
  )

1

11

| | V   Avvisi |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI |
| | Ufficio europeo di selezione del personale (EPSO) |
| 2009/C 149/08 | Avviso di concorso generale EPSO/AST/99/09 | 15 |
| | PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA |
| | Commissione |
| 2009/C 149/09 | Aiuti di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato C 14/08 (ex NN 1/08) — Aiuto alla ristrutturazione a favore di Northern Rock — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| 2009/C 149/10 | Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso COMP/M.5551 — F2i/Finavias/ERG) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  ) | 27 |

V   Avvisi

PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI

Ufficio europeo di selezione del personale (EPSO)

2009/C 149/08

Avviso di concorso generale EPSO/AST/99/09

15

PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA

Commissione

2009/C 149/09

Aiuti di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato C 14/08 (ex NN 1/08) — Aiuto alla ristrutturazione a favore di Northern Rock — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE (
  1
  )

1

16

2009/C 149/10

Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso COMP/M.5551 — F2i/Finavias/ERG) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  )

1

27

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE |

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(1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE

1

| IT | |
| --- | --- |

IT

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I Risoluzioni, raccomandazioni e pareri

RACCOMANDAZIONI

Banca centrale europea

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/1

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RACCOMANDAZIONE DELLA BANCA CENTRALE EUROPEA

del 25 giugno 2009

al Consiglio dell’Unione europea relativamente ai revisori esterni della Banka Slovenije

(BCE/2009/14)

2009/C 149/01

IL CONSIGLIO DIRETTIVO DELLA BANCA CENTRALE EUROPEA,

visto lo statuto del Sistema europeo di banche centrali e della Banca centrale europea (in seguito «Statuto del SEBC»), e in particolare l’articolo 27.1,

considerando quanto segue:

| (1) | I conti della Banca centrale europea (BCE) e delle banche centrali nazionali sono verificati da revisori indipendenti esterni la cui nomina è raccomandata dal Consiglio direttivo della BCE ed approvata dal Consiglio dell’Unione europea. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

I conti della Banca centrale europea (BCE) e delle banche centrali nazionali sono verificati da revisori indipendenti esterni la cui nomina è raccomandata dal Consiglio direttivo della BCE ed approvata dal Consiglio dell’Unione europea.

| (2) | Conformemente all’articolo 1 della decisione 2008/608/CE del Consiglio, dell’8 luglio 2008, a norma dell’articolo 122, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE relativa all’adozione della moneta unica da parte della Slovacchia il 1o gennaio 2009 (1), la Slovacchia ha adottato la moneta unica il 1o gennaio 2009. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Conformemente all’articolo 1 della decisione 2008/608/CE del Consiglio, dell’8 luglio 2008, a norma dell’articolo 122, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE relativa all’adozione della moneta unica da parte della Slovacchia il 1o gennaio 2009 (1), la Slovacchia ha adottato la moneta unica il 1o gennaio 2009.

| (3) | Conformemente all’articolo 38 della legge concernente la Národná banka Slovenska, a decorrere dal 1o gennaio 2009 i conti della Národná banka Slovenska sono verificati ai sensi dell’articolo 27.1 dello Statuto del SEBC. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Conformemente all’articolo 38 della legge concernente la Národná banka Slovenska, a decorrere dal 1o gennaio 2009 i conti della Národná banka Slovenska sono verificati ai sensi dell’articolo 27.1 dello Statuto del SEBC.

| (4) | La Národná banka Slovenska ha selezionato la Deloitte Audit s.r.o. quale proprio revisore esterno per l’esercizio finanziario 2009, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

La Národná banka Slovenska ha selezionato la Deloitte Audit s.r.o. quale proprio revisore esterno per l’esercizio finanziario 2009,

HA ADOTTATO LA PRESENTE RACCOMANDAZIONE:

Si raccomanda che Deloitte Audit s.r.o. sia nominata revisore esterno della Národná banka Slovenska per l’esercizio finanziario 2009.

Fatto a Francoforte sul Meno, il 25 giugno 2009.

Il presidente della BCE

Jean-Claude TRICHET

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(1)  GU L 195 dell’24.7.2008, pag. 24.

1

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II Comunicazioni

COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/2

---

Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato CE

Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/02

| Data di adozione della decisione | 27.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato | N 99/09 |
| Stato membro | Lussemburgo |
| Regione | — |
| Titolo (e/o nome del beneficiario) | Régime temporaire d'aides au redressement économique |
| Base giuridica | L'article 32(4) de la Constitution constitue la base juridique du régime |
| Tipo di misura | Regime |
| Obiettivo | Rimedio a un grave turbamento dell'economia |
| Forma dell'aiuto | — |
| Dotazione di bilancio | — |
| Intensità | — |
| Durata | fino al 31.12.2010 |
| Settore economico | Tutti i settori |
| Nome e indirizzo dell'autorità che eroga l'aiuto | — |
| Altre informazioni | — |

Data di adozione della decisione

27.2.2009

Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato

N 99/09

Stato membro

Lussemburgo

Regione

—

Titolo (e/o nome del beneficiario)

Régime temporaire d'aides au redressement économique

Base giuridica

L'article 32(4) de la Constitution constitue la base juridique du régime

Tipo di misura

Regime

Obiettivo

Rimedio a un grave turbamento dell'economia

Forma dell'aiuto

—

Dotazione di bilancio

—

Intensità

—

Durata

fino al 31.12.2010

Settore economico

Tutti i settori

Nome e indirizzo dell'autorità che eroga l'aiuto

—

Altre informazioni

—

Il testo delle decisioni nelle lingue facenti fede, ad eccezione dei dati riservati, è disponibile sul sito:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Data di adozione della decisione | 6.5.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato | N 237/09 |
| Stato membro | Repubblica ceca |
| Regione | — |
| Titolo (e/o nome del beneficiario) | Temporary aid scheme for granting aid in the form of loans with subsidised interest rate |
| Base giuridica | Český přechodný rámec, Národní protikrizový plán vlády České republiky; Zákon č. 218/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 47/2002 Sb., Zákon č. 659/2004 Sb., Směrnice MŽP č. 05/2008 Pravidla, kterými se stanovují podmínky pro poskytnutí dotace na projekty programu rozvoje venkova ČR; Zákon č. 435/2004 Sb.; Zákon č. 582/1991 Sb., Vyhláška MPSV č. 161/1998 Sb., Zákon č. 129/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 40/1964 Sb., občanský zákoník, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; Zákon č. 248/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 131/2000 Sb., Operační programy schválené pro ČR Evropskou komisí pro období 2007–2013. |
| Tipo di misura | Regime |
| Obiettivo | Rimedio a un grave turbamento dell'economia |
| Forma dell'aiuto | Abbuono di interessi |
| Dotazione di bilancio | Importo totale dell'aiuto previsto 2 600 Mio CZK |
| Intensità | — |
| Durata | 1.5.2009-31.12.2010 |
| Settore economico | Tutti i settori |
| Nome e indirizzo dell'autorità che eroga l'aiuto | — |
| Altre informazioni | — |

Data di adozione della decisione

6.5.2009

Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato

N 237/09

Stato membro

Repubblica ceca

Regione

—

Titolo (e/o nome del beneficiario)

Temporary aid scheme for granting aid in the form of loans with subsidised interest rate

Base giuridica

Český přechodný rámec, Národní protikrizový plán vlády České republiky; Zákon č. 218/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 47/2002 Sb., Zákon č. 659/2004 Sb., Směrnice MŽP č. 05/2008 Pravidla, kterými se stanovují podmínky pro poskytnutí dotace na projekty programu rozvoje venkova ČR; Zákon č. 435/2004 Sb.; Zákon č. 582/1991 Sb., Vyhláška MPSV č. 161/1998 Sb., Zákon č. 129/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 40/1964 Sb., občanský zákoník, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; Zákon č. 248/2000 Sb., Zákon č. 131/2000 Sb., Operační programy schválené pro ČR Evropskou komisí pro období 2007–2013.

Tipo di misura

Regime

Obiettivo

Rimedio a un grave turbamento dell'economia

Forma dell'aiuto

Abbuono di interessi

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale dell'aiuto previsto 2 600 Mio CZK

Intensità

—

Durata

1.5.2009-31.12.2010

Settore economico

Tutti i settori

Nome e indirizzo dell'autorità che eroga l'aiuto

—

Altre informazioni

—

Il testo delle decisioni nelle lingue facenti fede, ad eccezione dei dati riservati, è disponibile sul sito:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

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| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/4

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Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata

(Caso COMP/M.5541 — GE/NewsCorp/Disney/Hulu JV)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/03

In data 24 giugno 2009 la Commissione ha deciso di non opporsi alla suddetta operazione di concentrazione notificata e di dichiararla compatibile con il mercato comune. La presente decisione si basa sull'articolo 6, paragrafo 1, lettera b) del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio. Il testo integrale della decisione è disponibile unicamente in lingua inglese e verrà reso pubblico dopo che gli eventuali segreti aziendali in esso contenuti saranno stati espunti. Il testo della decisione sarà disponibile:

| — | sul sito Internet della Commissione europea dedicato alla concorrenza, nella sezione relativa alle concentrazioni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Il sito offre varie modalità per la ricerca delle singole decisioni, tra cui indici per impresa, per numero del caso, per data e per settore, |
| --- | --- |

—

sul sito Internet della Commissione europea dedicato alla concorrenza, nella sezione relativa alle concentrazioni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Il sito offre varie modalità per la ricerca delle singole decisioni, tra cui indici per impresa, per numero del caso, per data e per settore,

| — | in formato elettronico sul sito EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/it/index.htm) con il numero di riferimento 32009M5541. EUR-Lex è il sistema di accesso in rete al diritto comunitario. |
| --- | --- |

—

in formato elettronico sul sito EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/it/index.htm) con il numero di riferimento 32009M5541. EUR-Lex è il sistema di accesso in rete al diritto comunitario.

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IV Informazioni

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI E DAGLI ORGANI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/5

---

Tassi di cambio dell'euro (1)

30 giugno 2009

2009/C 149/04

1 euro =

| | Moneta | Tasso di cambio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dollari USA | 1,4134 |
| JPY | yen giapponesi | 135,51 |
| DKK | corone danesi | 7,4470 |
| GBP | sterline inglesi | 0,85210 |
| SEK | corone svedesi | 10,8125 |
| CHF | franchi svizzeri | 1,5265 |
| ISK | corone islandesi | |
| NOK | corone norvegesi | 9,0180 |
| BGN | lev bulgari | 1,9558 |
| CZK | corone ceche | 25,882 |
| EEK | corone estoni | 15,6466 |
| HUF | fiorini ungheresi | 271,55 |
| LTL | litas lituani | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats lettoni | 0,7036 |
| PLN | zloty polacchi | 4,4520 |
| RON | leu rumeni | 4,2072 |
| TRY | lire turche | 2,1614 |
| AUD | dollari australiani | 1,7359 |
| CAD | dollari canadesi | 1,6275 |
| HKD | dollari di Hong Kong | 10,9540 |
| NZD | dollari neozelandesi | 2,1656 |
| SGD | dollari di Singapore | 2,0441 |
| KRW | won sudcoreani | 1 802,43 |
| ZAR | rand sudafricani | 10,8853 |
| CNY | renminbi Yuan cinese | 9,6545 |
| HRK | kuna croata | 7,2730 |
| IDR | rupia indonesiana | 14 427,58 |
| MYR | ringgit malese | 4,9681 |
| PHP | peso filippino | 67,865 |
| RUB | rublo russo | 43,8810 |
| THB | baht thailandese | 48,140 |
| BRL | real brasiliano | 2,7469 |
| MXN | peso messicano | 18,5537 |
| INR | rupia indiana | 67,5180 |

Moneta

Tasso di cambio

USD

dollari USA

1,4134

JPY

yen giapponesi

135,51

DKK

corone danesi

7,4470

GBP

sterline inglesi

0,85210

SEK

corone svedesi

10,8125

CHF

franchi svizzeri

1,5265

ISK

corone islandesi

NOK

corone norvegesi

9,0180

BGN

lev bulgari

1,9558

CZK

corone ceche

25,882

EEK

corone estoni

15,6466

HUF

fiorini ungheresi

271,55

LTL

litas lituani

3,4528

LVL

lats lettoni

0,7036

PLN

zloty polacchi

4,4520

RON

leu rumeni

4,2072

TRY

lire turche

2,1614

AUD

dollari australiani

1,7359

CAD

dollari canadesi

1,6275

HKD

dollari di Hong Kong

10,9540

NZD

dollari neozelandesi

2,1656

SGD

dollari di Singapore

2,0441

KRW

won sudcoreani

1 802,43

ZAR

rand sudafricani

10,8853

CNY

renminbi Yuan cinese

9,6545

HRK

kuna croata

7,2730

IDR

rupia indonesiana

14 427,58

MYR

ringgit malese

4,9681

PHP

peso filippino

67,865

RUB

rublo russo

43,8810

THB

baht thailandese

48,140

BRL

real brasiliano

2,7469

MXN

peso messicano

18,5537

INR

rupia indiana

67,5180

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(1)  Fonte: tassi di cambio di riferimento pubblicati dalla Banca centrale europea.

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| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/6

---

Comunicazione della Commissione sui tassi di interesse per il recupero degli aiuti di Stato e di riferimento/attualizzazione in vigore per i 27 Stati membri con decorrenza 1 luglio 2009

[Pubblicato ai sensi dell’articolo 10 del regolamento (CE) n. 794/2004 della Commissione, del 21 aprile 2004 (GU L 140 del 30.4.2004, pag. 1)]

2009/C 149/05

Tassi di base calcolati ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione relativa alla revisione del metodo di fissazione dei tassi di riferimento e di attualizzazione (GU C 14 del 19.1.2008, pag. 6). A seconda dell’uso del tasso di riferimento, vanno ancora aggiunti gli opportuni margini come definiti nella presente comunicazione. Per il tasso di sconto questo comporta l’aggiunta di un margine di 100 punti base. Il regolamento (CE) n. 271/2008 della Commissione, del 30 gennaio 2008, che modifica il regolamento di esecuzione (CE) n. 794/2004, prevede che, se non diversamente stabilito in una decisione specifica, anche il tasso di recupero venga calcolato aggiungendo 100 punti base al tasso di base.

| Dal | Al | AT | BE | BG | CY | CZ | DE | DK | EE | EL | ES | FI | FR | HU | IE | IT | LT | LU | LV | MT | NL | PL | PT | RO | SE | SI | SK | UK |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1.7.2009 | ... | 1,77 | 1,77 | 6,41 | 1,77 | 2,96 | 1,77 | 3,44 | 7,34 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 10,01 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 9,53 | 1,77 | 13,20 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 4,53 | 1,77 | 13,76 | 1,49 | 1,77 | 1,77 | 2,20 |
| 1.6.2009 | 30.6.2009 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 6,41 | 2,22 | 2,96 | 2,22 | 3,44 | 7,34 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 10,01 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 9,53 | 2,22 | 13,20 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 4,53 | 2,22 | 17,29 | 1,49 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,20 |
| 1.5.2009 | 31.5.2009 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 7,63 | 2,22 | 2,96 | 2,22 | 4,57 | 7,34 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 10,01 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 9,53 | 2,22 | 13,20 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 5,62 | 2,22 | 17,29 | 1,81 | 2,22 | 2,22 | 2,84 |
| 1.4.2009 | 30.4.2009 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 7,63 | 2,74 | 2,96 | 2,74 | 4,57 | 7,34 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 10,01 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 9,53 | 2,74 | 13,20 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 5,62 | 2,74 | 17,29 | 2,30 | 2,74 | 2,74 | 2,84 |
| 1.3.2009 | 31.3.2009 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 7,63 | 3,47 | 3,74 | 3,47 | 6,00 | 7,34 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 10,01 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 9,53 | 3,47 | 13,20 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 6,78 | 3,47 | 17,29 | 3,31 | 3,47 | 3,47 | 3,58 |
| 1.2.2009 | 28.2.2009 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 7,63 | 4,99 | 4,53 | 4,99 | 6,00 | 7,34 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 10,01 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 7,81 | 4,99 | 13,20 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 6,78 | 4,99 | 17,29 | 4,31 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 4,81 |
| 1.1.2009 | 31.1.2009 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 7,63 | 4,99 | 4,53 | 4,99 | 6,00 | 7,34 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 10,01 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 7,81 | 4,99 | 11,05 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 6,78 | 4,99 | 17,29 | 5,18 | 4,99 | 4,99 | 5,70 |
| 1.12.2008 | 31.12.2008 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,70 | 5,36 | 4,20 | 5,36 | 5,55 | 6,43 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 8,58 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 7,10 | 5,36 | 9,44 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,42 | 5,36 | 15,87 | 5,49 | 5,36 | 5,00 | 5,66 |
| 1.11.2008 | 30.11.2008 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,70 | 5,36 | 4,20 | 5,36 | 5,55 | 6,43 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 8,58 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,10 | 5,36 | 9,44 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,42 | 5,36 | 11,02 | 5,49 | 5,36 | 5,00 | 5,66 |
| 1.10.2008 | 31.10.2008 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,70 | 5,36 | 4,20 | 5,36 | 5,55 | 6,43 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 8,58 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,10 | 5,36 | 9,44 | 5,36 | 5,36 | 6,42 | 5,36 | 11,02 | 5,49 | 5,36 | 4,34 | 5,66 |
| 1.9.2008 | 30.9.2008 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,70 | 4,59 | 4,20 | 4,59 | 5,55 | 6,43 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 8,58 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,10 | 4,59 | 9,44 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,42 | 4,59 | 11,02 | 5,49 | 4,59 | 4,34 | 5,66 |
| 1.7.2008 | 31.8.2008 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,70 | 4,59 | 4,20 | 4,59 | 4,81 | 6,43 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 8,58 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,10 | 4,59 | 9,44 | 4,59 | 4,59 | 6,42 | 4,59 | 11,02 | 4,75 | 4,59 | 4,34 | 5,66 |

Dal

Al

AT

BE

BG

CY

CZ

DE

DK

EE

EL

ES

FI

FR

HU

IE

IT

LT

LU

LV

MT

NL

PL

PT

RO

SE

SI

SK

UK

1.7.2009

...

1,77

1,77

6,41

1,77

2,96

1,77

3,44

7,34

1,77

1,77

1,77

1,77

10,01

1,77

1,77

9,53

1,77

13,20

1,77

1,77

4,53

1,77

13,76

1,49

1,77

1,77

2,20

1.6.2009

30.6.2009

2,22

2,22

6,41

2,22

2,96

2,22

3,44

7,34

2,22

2,22

2,22

2,22

10,01

2,22

2,22

9,53

2,22

13,20

2,22

2,22

4,53

2,22

17,29

1,49

2,22

2,22

2,20

1.5.2009

31.5.2009

2,22

2,22

7,63

2,22

2,96

2,22

4,57

7,34

2,22

2,22

2,22

2,22

10,01

2,22

2,22

9,53

2,22

13,20

2,22

2,22

5,62

2,22

17,29

1,81

2,22

2,22

2,84

1.4.2009

30.4.2009

2,74

2,74

7,63

2,74

2,96

2,74

4,57

7,34

2,74

2,74

2,74

2,74

10,01

2,74

2,74

9,53

2,74

13,20

2,74

2,74

5,62

2,74

17,29

2,30

2,74

2,74

2,84

1.3.2009

31.3.2009

3,47

3,47

7,63

3,47

3,74

3,47

6,00

7,34

3,47

3,47

3,47

3,47

10,01

3,47

3,47

9,53

3,47

13,20

3,47

3,47

6,78

3,47

17,29

3,31

3,47

3,47

3,58

1.2.2009

28.2.2009

4,99

4,99

7,63

4,99

4,53

4,99

6,00

7,34

4,99

4,99

4,99

4,99

10,01

4,99

4,99

7,81

4,99

13,20

4,99

4,99

6,78

4,99

17,29

4,31

4,99

4,99

4,81

1.1.2009

31.1.2009

4,99

4,99

7,63

4,99

4,53

4,99

6,00

7,34

4,99

4,99

4,99

4,99

10,01

4,99

4,99

7,81

4,99

11,05

4,99

4,99

6,78

4,99

17,29

5,18

4,99

4,99

5,70

1.12.2008

31.12.2008

5,36

5,36

6,70

5,36

4,20

5,36

5,55

6,43

5,36

5,36

5,36

5,36

8,58

5,36

5,36

7,10

5,36

9,44

5,36

5,36

6,42

5,36

15,87

5,49

5,36

5,00

5,66

1.11.2008

30.11.2008

5,36

5,36

6,70

5,36

4,20

5,36

5,55

6,43

5,36

5,36

5,36

5,36

8,58

5,36

5,36

6,10

5,36

9,44

5,36

5,36

6,42

5,36

11,02

5,49

5,36

5,00

5,66

1.10.2008

31.10.2008

5,36

5,36

6,70

5,36

4,20

5,36

5,55

6,43

5,36

5,36

5,36

5,36

8,58

5,36

5,36

6,10

5,36

9,44

5,36

5,36

6,42

5,36

11,02

5,49

5,36

4,34

5,66

1.9.2008

30.9.2008

4,59

4,59

6,70

4,59

4,20

4,59

5,55

6,43

4,59

4,59

4,59

4,59

8,58

4,59

4,59

6,10

4,59

9,44

4,59

4,59

6,42

4,59

11,02

5,49

4,59

4,34

5,66

1.7.2008

31.8.2008

4,59

4,59

6,70

4,59

4,20

4,59

4,81

6,43

4,59

4,59

4,59

4,59

8,58

4,59

4,59

6,10

4,59

9,44

4,59

4,59

6,42

4,59

11,02

4,75

4,59

4,34

5,66

---

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/7

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/06

| Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato | X 24/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  [NUTS (1)]
  Land Hessen, NUTS 1 | Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (2)

  Zona mista |
| Autorità che concede l'aiuto | Denominazione | Investitionsbank Hessen |
| Indirizzo | Schumannstr. 4-6 |
| 60325 Frankfurt am Main |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato

X 24/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

[NUTS (1)]

Land Hessen, NUTS 1

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (2)

Zona mista

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Denominazione

Investitionsbank Hessen

Indirizzo

Schumannstr. 4-6

60325 Frankfurt am Main

DEUTSCHLAND

Pagina Web

http://www.ibh-hessen.de/

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Gründungs- und Wachstumsfinanzierung Hessen (GuW Hessen)

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

Richtlinie Gründungs- und Wachstumsfinanzierung Hessen sowie Ergänzendes Merkblatt zur Gründungs- und Wachstumsfinanzierung Hessen

Keine Richtlinie des Landes, Fundstelle im Internet (s.u.)

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

http://www.ibh-hessen.de/Kredite_GUW.cfm

Tipo di misura

Regime

Sì

Modifica di una misura di aiuto esistente

Numero di aiuto della Commissione

Proroga

XS 24/02

Modifica

Sì

Durata (3)

Regime

dall'1.10.2008 al 31.12.2013

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Sì

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

Sì

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (4)

Volume dei prestiti circa 140 milioni di EUR all'anno, per i contributi in conto interessi circa 0,4 milioni di EUR all'anno

Strumento di aiuto (articolo 5)

Contributi in conto interessi

Sì

Prestito

Sì

Altro (specificare)

Prestiti a tasso ridotto

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti agli investimenti e all’occupazione a favore delle PMI (art. 15)

Sì. Saranno concessi soltanto aiuti agli investimenti

10/20 %

| Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato | X 27/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  [NUTS (5)]
  Land Hassen, NUTS 1 | Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (6)

  Zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale |
| Autorità che concede l'aiuto | Denominazione | 1. | Hessisches Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Landesentwicklung |

Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato

X 27/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

[NUTS (5)]

Land Hassen, NUTS 1

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (6)

Zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Denominazione

1.

Hessisches Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Landesentwicklung

| 2. | Investitionsbank Hessen Niederlassung Kassel |
| --- | --- |

2.

Investitionsbank Hessen Niederlassung Kassel

Indirizzo

| 1. | Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 75 |
| --- | --- |
| 65185 Wiesbaden |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

1.

Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 75

65185 Wiesbaden

DEUTSCHLAND

| 2. | Kurfürstenstr. 7 |
| --- | --- |
| 34117 Kassel |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

2.

Kurfürstenstr. 7

34117 Kassel

DEUTSCHLAND

Pagina Web

| 1. | www.wirtschaft.hessen.de |
| --- | --- |

1.

www.wirtschaft.hessen.de

| 2. | www.ibh-hessen.de |
| --- | --- |

2.

www.ibh-hessen.de

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Förderung der regionalen Entwicklung

- betriebliche Investitionen -

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

Richtlinien des Landes Hessen zur Förderung der regionalen Entwicklung

(Staatsanzeiger 23/2008 vom 2. Juni 2008, S. 1450)

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

http://www.wirtschaft.hessen.de/irj/HMWVL_Internet?cid=46532f7c02f1b0545d1b707d83412db3

Tipo di misura

Regime

Sì

Modifica di una misura di aiuto esistente

Numero di aiuto della Commissione

Modifica

XS 14/02

Durata (7)

Regime

dall'1.4.2008 al 31.12.2012

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Sì

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

Sì

Grande impresa

No

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (8)

20,9 milioni di EUR

Strumento di aiuto (articolo 5)

Sovvenzione

Sì

Prestito

Sì

Altro (specificare)

Prestiti a tasso ridotto

Se cofinanziato da fondi comunitari

Riferimento: CCI2007 DE 16 2 PO 005

Importo del finanziamento comunitario

5,0 milioni di EUR

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti agli investimenti e all’occupazione a favore delle PMI (art. 15)

Sì. Saranno concessi soltanto aiuti agli investimenti.

10/20 %

| Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato | X 127/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  [NUTS (9)]
  Bayern | Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (10) |
| Autorità che concede l'aiuto | Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales | |
| Hegelstraße 2 |
| 95447 Bayreuth |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Numero di riferimento dell' Aiuto di stato

X 127/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

[NUTS (9)]

Bayern

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (10)

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales

Hegelstraße 2

95447 Bayreuth

DEUTSCHLAND

www.zbfs.bayern.de

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Die Einzelbeihilfen für Förderungen nach der anliegenden Maßnahmebeschreibung (Programmregelung) werden auf Grundlage von Zuwendungsbescheiden gewährt. In die Zuwendungsbescheide wird jeweils ein Hinweis auf die VO (EG) Nr. 800/2008 und die diesbezügliche Freistellung aufgenommen. Die Namen der Begünstigten stehen noch nicht fest.

Spezifisches Ziel A1 Erhöhung des Qualifikationsniveaus von Beschäftigten und Unternehmen

Aktion 1 Berufliche Weiterbildung von Beschäftigten insb. KMU, Unterstützung der Anpassung

Aktion 2 Berufliche Weiterbildung von Wirtschaftsclustern

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

Operationelles Programm: Zukunft in Bayern, Europäischer Sozialfonds, Regionale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Beschäftigung, Bayern 2007-2013;

Haushaltsordnung des Freistaates Bayern – Bayerische Haushaltsordnung - BayHO - (BayRS 630-1-F), zuletzt geändert durch § 2 des Gesetzes vom 23. April 2008 (GVBl S. 139) Fundstelle: BayRS IV, S. 664

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

http://www.stmas.bayern.de/arbeit/esf2007-2013/programm07-13.pdf

Tipo di misura

Regime

Sì

Modifica di una misura di aiuto

Modifica

XT 102/08

Durata (11)

Regime

dall' 1.1.2008 al 31.12.2013

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Sì

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

Sì, nella maggior parte dei casi

Grande impresa

Sì

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (12)

0,3 milioni di EUR

Strumento di aiuto (articolo 5)

Sovvenzione

sì

Se cofinanziato da fondi comunitari

Riferimento/i: ESF CCI:2007DE052PO002

Importo del finanziamento comunitario

5 milioni di EUR l’anno

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti alla formazione (artt. 38-39)

Formazione specifica (art. 38, par. 1) no

0 %

Formazione generale (art. 38, par. 2) sì

45 %

---

(1)  NUTS — Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(2)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(3)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(4)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

(5)  NUTS — Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(6)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(7)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(8)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

(9)  NUTS: Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(10)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(11)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(12)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

---

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/11

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri sugli aiuti di Stato concessi in virtù del regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008 della Commissione, che dichiara alcune categorie di aiuti compatibili con il mercato comune in applicazione degli articoli 87 e 88 del trattato (regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/07

| Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato | X 20/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  (NUTS) (1)

  Land Schleswig-Holstein con i circondari Herzogtum Lauenburg, Pinneberg (senza Helgoland), Segeberg e Stormarn | Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (2)

  Zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale |
| Autorità che concede l'aiuto | Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein | |
| Fleethörn 29-31 |
| 24103 Kiel |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato

X 20/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

(NUTS) (1)

Land Schleswig-Holstein con i circondari Herzogtum Lauenburg, Pinneberg (senza Helgoland), Segeberg e Stormarn

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (2)

Zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein

Fleethörn 29-31

24103 Kiel

DEUTSCHLAND

http://www.ib-sh.de

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Investitionsförderung im Hamburg-Rand-Raum

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

Richtlinie für die einzelbetriebliche Investitionsförderung im Rahmen des Zukunftsprogramms Wirtschaft aus Mitteln des Europäischen Fonds für Regionale Entwicklung für Vorhaben kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen im südlichen Schleswig-Holstein („Investitionsförderung im Hamburg-Rand-Raum“);

Amtsblatt Schleswig-Holstein 2008, pag. 849

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

www.ib-sh.de/hamburg-rand

Tipo di misura

Regime

Sovvenzione agli investimenti per le PMI

Modifica di una misura di aiuto esistente

Numero di aiuto della Commissione

Modifica

XS 62/07

Durata (3)

Regime

dal 30.6.2008 al 31.12.2013

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Tutti i settori in cui è ammissibile l'aiuto alle PMI

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

esclusivamente

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (4)

circa 5 milioni di EUR all'anno

Strumento di aiuto

(articolo 5)

Sovvenzione

sì

Se cofinanziato da fondi comunitari

Riferimento: CCI Nr. 2007 DE 162 PO 003

Importo del finanziamento comunitario

circa 5 milioni di EUR all'anno

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti agli investimenti e all’occupazione a favore delle PMI (art. 15)

Creazione di nuovi posti di lavoro e salvaguardia di quelli esistenti tramite il sostegno alla creazione di nuovi stabilimenti o l'ampliamento e l'ammodernamento degli stabilimenti delle piccole e medie imprese

In conformità dell'articolo 15 e dell'articolo 44, paragrafo 2, del regolamento generale di esenzione per categoria

| Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato | X 22/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  (NUTS) (5)

  Nordrhein-Westfalen | Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (6)

  articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato CE;
  zone miste non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale |
| Autorità che concede l'aiuto | Denominazione | NRW.BANK |
| Indirizzo | Johanniterstraße 3 |
| 48145 Münster |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato

X 22/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

(NUTS) (5)

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (6)

articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato CE;

zone miste non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Denominazione

NRW.BANK

Indirizzo

Johanniterstraße 3

48145 Münster

DEUTSCHLAND

Pagina Web

http://www.nrwbank.de

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Regionales Wirtschaftsförderungsprogramm NRW (RWP.NRW);

Richtlinie für die Gewährung von Finanzhilfen zur Förderung der gewerblichen Wirtschaft einschließlich des Tourismusgewerbes vom 12.9.2008

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

| 1. | 36. Rahmenplan der Bund/Länder-Gemeinschaftsaufgabe „Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur“ (BAnz. vom 12. April 2007, Seite 4713), geändert durch den Beschluss des Koordinierungsausschusses vom 10.9.2008 (BAnz. vom 24. September 2008, Seite 3452). |
| --- | --- |

1.

36. Rahmenplan der Bund/Länder-Gemeinschaftsaufgabe „Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur“ (BAnz. vom 12. April 2007, Seite 4713), geändert durch den Beschluss des Koordinierungsausschusses vom 10.9.2008 (BAnz. vom 24. September 2008, Seite 3452).

| 2. | Landeshaushaltsordnung NRW i. d. F. der Bekanntmachung vom 26. April 1999 (SGV.NRW 630). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Landeshaushaltsordnung NRW i. d. F. der Bekanntmachung vom 26. April 1999 (SGV.NRW 630).

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

http://www.nrwbank.de/pdf/dt/RWP_NRW/RWP_Richtlinie_12.09.08.pdf

Tipo di misura

Regime

X

Modifica di una misura di aiuto esistente

Numero di aiuto della Commissione

Modifica

XS 26/07

Adeguamento del RWP al regolamento (CE) n. 800/2008

Durata (7)

Regime

dall' 1.10.08 al 31.12.13

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Sì, ad esclusione dei settori di cui al n. 3.2 del RWP.NRW

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

Sì

Grande impresa

Sì, solo nelle aree ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale di cui all'articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c)

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (8)

circa 50 milioni di EUR

Strumento di aiuto (articolo 5)

Sovvenzione

Sì

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti regionali agli investimenti e all'occupazione (9) (art. 13)

Regime

15 %

20/10 %

Aiuti agli investimenti e all’occupazione a favore delle PMI (art. 15)

20/10 %

Aiuti alle PMI per servizi di consulenza e per la partecipazione a fiere (artt. 26-27)

Aiuti alle PMI per servizi di consulenza (art. 26)

50 %

| Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato | X 23/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Stato membro | Germania |
| Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro | — |
| Regione | Denominazione della regione
  (NUTS) (10)

  Land Schleswig-Holstein mit






  1. | den Kreisen Herzogtum Lauenburg,Teile des Kreises Steinburg, Kreis Plön, Kreis Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Städte Kiel und Neumünster, Teile der Städte Lübeck und Flensburg |

Numero di riferimento dell'aiuto di Stato

X 23/08

Stato membro

Germania

Numero di riferimento dello Stato membro

—

Regione

Denominazione della regione

(NUTS) (10)

Land Schleswig-Holstein mit

1.

den Kreisen Herzogtum Lauenburg,Teile des Kreises Steinburg, Kreis Plön, Kreis Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Städte Kiel und Neumünster, Teile der Städte Lübeck und Flensburg

| 2. | den Kreisen Dithmarschen, Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Flensburg, Ostholstein, Teile des Kreises Steinburg, Teile der Städte Lübeck und Flensburg, Kreis Pinneberg (nur Gemeinde Helgoland) |
| --- | --- |

2.

den Kreisen Dithmarschen, Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Flensburg, Ostholstein, Teile des Kreises Steinburg, Teile der Städte Lübeck und Flensburg, Kreis Pinneberg (nur Gemeinde Helgoland)

Status dell'aiuto a finalità regionale (11)

Zone non ammissibili agli aiuti regionali (cosiddette Gemeinschaftsaufgabe-D-Fördergebiet)

Zone ammissibili agli aiuti regionali ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato CE

(cosiddette Gemeinschaftsaufgabe-C-Fördergebiet)

Autorità che concede l'aiuto

Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein

| Fleethörn 29-31 |
| --- |
| 24103 Kiel |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Fleethörn 29-31

24103 Kiel

DEUTSCHLAND

www.ib-sh.de

Titolo della misura di aiuto

Einzelbetriebliche Investitionsförderung im Rahmen des Europäischen Fonds für Regionale Entwicklung

Base giuridica nazionale

(riferimento alla pubblicazione nazionale ufficiale rilevante)

Ergänzende Grundsätze für die einzelbetriebliche Investitionsförderung im Rahmen der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe „Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur“ und des Europäischen Fonds für Regionale Entwicklung;

Amtsblatt Schleswig-Holstein 2008, S. 883

Link Web al testo integrale della misura di aiuto

www.ib-sh.de/zuschuss-ga

Tipo di misura

Regime

Aiuto agli investimenti

Durata (12)

Regime

1.10.2008-31.12.2013

Settore/i economico/i interessato/i

Tutti i settori economici ammissibili a ricevere aiuti

Non limitato a settori specifici

Tipo di beneficiario

PMI

Sì

Grande impresa

Sì, purché l’aiuto sia concesso in una zona ammissibile agli aiuti regionali

Dotazione di bilancio

Importo totale annuo della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime (13)

Circa 15 milioni di EUR l’anno

Strumento di aiuto (articolo 5)

Sovvenzione

Sì

Se cofinanziato da fondi comunitari

Riferimento/i: CCI Nr. 2007 DE 162 PO 003

Importo del finanziamento comunitario

Circa 15 milioni di EUR l’anno

Obiettivi generali

Obiettivi

Intensità massima di aiuto in % o importo massimo dell'aiuto in valuta nazionale

Maggiorazione PMI in %

Aiuti regionali agli investimenti e all'occupazione (14) (art. 13)

Regime

Sì, purché l’aiuto sia concesso all’interno di zone ammissibili agli aiuti regionali

(cfr. voce «Regione», punto 2). Tutela dei posti di lavoro esistenti o creazione di nuovi posti di lavoro attraverso gli aiuti alla creazione di nuove imprese, all’ampliamento e ammodernamento degli impianti delle piccole, medie e grandi imprese

In conformità dell’art. 9 del regolamento generale di esenzione (analogamente all’aiuto Aid XR 31/07)

Aiuti agli investimenti e all’occupazione a favore delle PMI (art. 15)

Sì, purché l’aiuto sia concesso all’esterno di zone ammissibili agli aiuti regionali (cfr. voce «Regione», punto 1).

Tutela dei posti di lavoro esistenti o creazione di nuovi posti di lavoro attraverso gli aiuti alla creazione di nuove imprese, all’ampliamento e ammodernamento degli impianti delle piccole, medie e grandi imprese

In conformità dell’art. 15 del regolamento generale di esenzione

---

(1)  NUTS — Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(2)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(3)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(4)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

(5)  NUTS – Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(6)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(7)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(8)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

(9)  In caso di aiuti ad hoc a finalità regionale che integrano aiuti concessi a norma di uno o più regimi di aiuto, indicare sia l'intensità di aiuto a norma del regime e l'intensità dell'aiuto ad hoc.

(10)  NUTS — Nomenclatura delle unità territoriali statistiche.

(11)  Articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera a), del trattato; articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c), del trattato, zone miste, zone non ammissibili agli aiuti a finalità regionale.

(12)  Periodo durante il quale l'autorità erogatrice si può impegnare a concedere l'aiuto.

(13)  Per un regime di aiuti: indicare l’importo annuo totale della dotazione prevista ai sensi del regime o l’importo stimato del minor gettito fiscale per anno, per tutti gli strumenti di aiuto contemplati dal regime.

(14)  In caso di aiuti ad hoc a finalità regionale che integrano aiuti concessi a norma di uno o più regimi di aiuti, indicare sia l'intensità di aiuto a norma del regime che l'intensità dell'aiuto ad hoc.

---

V Avvisi

PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI

Ufficio europeo di selezione del personale (EPSO)

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/15

---

AVVISO DI CONCORSO GENERALE EPSO/AST/99/09

2009/C 149/08

L’Ufficio europeo di selezione del personale (EPSO) bandisce il seguente concorso generale: EPSO/AST/99/09 per l'assunzione di correttori di bozze tipografiche (AST 3) di lingua inglese (EN).

Il bando di concorso è pubblicato unicamente in lingua inglese nella Gazzetta ufficiale C 149 A del 1o luglio 2009.

Per informazioni complementari consultare il sito EPSO: http://eu-careers.eu

---

PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA

Commissione

| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/16

---

AIUTI DI STATO — REGNO UNITO

Aiuto di Stato C 14/08 (ex NN 1/08) — Aiuto alla ristrutturazione a favore di Northern Rock

Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/09

Con la lettera del 7 maggio 2009, riprodotta nella lingua facente fede dopo la presente sintesi, la Commissione ha comunicato al Regno Unito la propria decisione di avviare il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE in relazione all'aiuto in oggetto.

La Commissione invita gli interessati a presentare osservazioni in merito alla misura riguardo alla quale viene avviato il procedimento entro un mese dalla data della presente pubblicazione, inviandole al seguente indirizzo:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| State aid Greffe |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Fax +32 22961242 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State aid Greffe

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Fax +32 22961242

Tali osservazioni saranno trasmesse al Regno Unito. Su richiesta scritta e motivata degli autori delle osservazioni, la loro identità non sarà rivelata.

SINTESI

I.   PROCEDIMENTO

| 1. | Il 2 aprile 2008, la Commissione ha avviato il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE relativamente al piano di ristrutturazione presentato dalle autorità britanniche per la ristrutturazione di Northern Rock. Il 2 maggio 2008, la Commissione ha ricevuto osservazioni da parte del Regno Unito e, il 15 luglio 2008, ha trasmesso al Regno Unito le osservazioni delle altre parti interessate. Le autorità britanniche hanno risposto a tali osservazioni il 28 agosto 2008. Successivamente, in varie occasioni, le autorità britanniche hanno fornito informazioni alla Commissione. All'inizio del 2009, le autorità britanniche hanno comunicato alla Commissione la loro intenzione di modificare il piano di ristrutturazione e, il 20 febbraio 2009, il 31 marzo 2009 e il 2 aprile 2009, hanno fornito informazioni circa il nuovo piano. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Il 2 aprile 2008, la Commissione ha avviato il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE relativamente al piano di ristrutturazione presentato dalle autorità britanniche per la ristrutturazione di Northern Rock. Il 2 maggio 2008, la Commissione ha ricevuto osservazioni da parte del Regno Unito e, il 15 luglio 2008, ha trasmesso al Regno Unito le osservazioni delle altre parti interessate. Le autorità britanniche hanno risposto a tali osservazioni il 28 agosto 2008. Successivamente, in varie occasioni, le autorità britanniche hanno fornito informazioni alla Commissione. All'inizio del 2009, le autorità britanniche hanno comunicato alla Commissione la loro intenzione di modificare il piano di ristrutturazione e, il 20 febbraio 2009, il 31 marzo 2009 e il 2 aprile 2009, hanno fornito informazioni circa il nuovo piano.

II.   I FATTI

| 2. | Il beneficiario dell'aiuto è NR, che era la quinta banca britannica in ordine di grandezza operante sul mercato dei mutui ipotecari, con uno stato patrimoniale dell'ammontare totale di 101 Mrd GBP (alla data del 31.12.2006). L'attività principale di NR consiste nella concessione di prestiti ipotecari residenziali. Negli ultimi otto anni la banca ha quasi triplicato la propria quota sul mercato britannico del credito ipotecario. NR ha finanziato la crescita della propria attività di prestiti principalmente attraverso finanziamenti all'ingrosso e mediante la cartolarizzazione dei propri attivi. Tale strategia ha posto problemi quando le turbolenze sui mercati finanziari a livello mondiale hanno quasi causato la chiusura dei mercati della cartolarizzazione ipotecaria, mentre la raccolta dei fondi sul mercato all'ingrosso diventava particolarmente difficile, in quanto le banche erano sempre più riluttanti a concedersi prestiti reciproci. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Il beneficiario dell'aiuto è NR, che era la quinta banca britannica in ordine di grandezza operante sul mercato dei mutui ipotecari, con uno stato patrimoniale dell'ammontare totale di 101 Mrd GBP (alla data del 31.12.2006). L'attività principale di NR consiste nella concessione di prestiti ipotecari residenziali. Negli ultimi otto anni la banca ha quasi triplicato la propria quota sul mercato britannico del credito ipotecario. NR ha finanziato la crescita della propria attività di prestiti principalmente attraverso finanziamenti all'ingrosso e mediante la cartolarizzazione dei propri attivi. Tale strategia ha posto problemi quando le turbolenze sui mercati finanziari a livello mondiale hanno quasi causato la chiusura dei mercati della cartolarizzazione ipotecaria, mentre la raccolta dei fondi sul mercato all'ingrosso diventava particolarmente difficile, in quanto le banche erano sempre più riluttanti a concedersi prestiti reciproci.

| 3. | Dopo aver garantito i depositi al dettaglio e all'ingrosso esistenti nonché i nuovi depositi al dettaglio e aver fornito a NR una linea di credito, le autorità britanniche, nel febbraio 2008, hanno nazionalizzato NR. Il 17 marzo 2008, le autorità britanniche hanno notificato alla Commissione un piano di ristrutturazione di cui gli elementi principali erano: i) la riduzione dello stato patrimoniale di circa il [...] (1) % da 101 Mrd GBP entro la fine del 2011, ii) la stabilizzazione dello stato patrimoniale mediante un incremento del volume dei depositi al dettaglio, iii) la chiusura delle attività in Danimarca e la limitazione della presenza in Irlanda e Guernsey. Il piano sarebbe stato sostenuto da un aiuto alla ristrutturazione consistente principalmente nella proroga delle misure di aiuto al salvataggio. Le autorità britanniche erano disposte ad adottare diverse misure compensatorie al fine di limitare le distorsioni della concorrenza, tra cui: a) la riduzione dello stato patrimoniale, b) la riduzione della concessione di nuovi prestiti ipotecari c) la chiusura delle attività di NR in Danimarca e la limitazione delle attività in Irlanda e Guernsey e d) la sottoscrizione di un «contratto di competitività» (Competitive Charter) che enunciava le basi sulle quali la banca intendeva affrontare la concorrenza sui mercati. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Dopo aver garantito i depositi al dettaglio e all'ingrosso esistenti nonché i nuovi depositi al dettaglio e aver fornito a NR una linea di credito, le autorità britanniche, nel febbraio 2008, hanno nazionalizzato NR. Il 17 marzo 2008, le autorità britanniche hanno notificato alla Commissione un piano di ristrutturazione di cui gli elementi principali erano: i) la riduzione dello stato patrimoniale di circa il [...] (1) % da 101 Mrd GBP entro la fine del 2011, ii) la stabilizzazione dello stato patrimoniale mediante un incremento del volume dei depositi al dettaglio, iii) la chiusura delle attività in Danimarca e la limitazione della presenza in Irlanda e Guernsey. Il piano sarebbe stato sostenuto da un aiuto alla ristrutturazione consistente principalmente nella proroga delle misure di aiuto al salvataggio. Le autorità britanniche erano disposte ad adottare diverse misure compensatorie al fine di limitare le distorsioni della concorrenza, tra cui: a) la riduzione dello stato patrimoniale, b) la riduzione della concessione di nuovi prestiti ipotecari c) la chiusura delle attività di NR in Danimarca e la limitazione delle attività in Irlanda e Guernsey e d) la sottoscrizione di un «contratto di competitività» (Competitive Charter) che enunciava le basi sulle quali la banca intendeva affrontare la concorrenza sui mercati.

| 4. | A seguito dell'aggravarsi della crisi finanziaria e dei suoi effetti negativi sulla situazione patrimoniale di NR, le autorità britanniche, insieme a NR, hanno modificato il piano di ristrutturazione. Nel nuovo piano, NR verrebbe scissa in due entità:






  i) | «BankCo», al cui attivo sarebbero trasferite le seguenti attività di Northern Rock: il portafoglio depositi al dettaglio (circa 19,5 Mrd GBP), con, a contropartita, circa [...] Mrd GBP di attività liquide e circa [...] Mrd GBP di [...] crediti ipotecari di Northern Rock non vincolati. I depositi all'ingrosso, attualmente del valore di circa [...] Mrd GBP, con, a contropartita, attività liquide, la piattaforma concessione e servizio di prestiti ipotecari di Northern Rock con le agenzie, il personale e i sistemi relativi e i conti GIC (2) con, a contropartita, attività liquide di pari valore (circa [...] Mrd GBP); |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

A seguito dell'aggravarsi della crisi finanziaria e dei suoi effetti negativi sulla situazione patrimoniale di NR, le autorità britanniche, insieme a NR, hanno modificato il piano di ristrutturazione. Nel nuovo piano, NR verrebbe scissa in due entità:

i)

«BankCo», al cui attivo sarebbero trasferite le seguenti attività di Northern Rock: il portafoglio depositi al dettaglio (circa 19,5 Mrd GBP), con, a contropartita, circa [...] Mrd GBP di attività liquide e circa [...] Mrd GBP di [...] crediti ipotecari di Northern Rock non vincolati. I depositi all'ingrosso, attualmente del valore di circa [...] Mrd GBP, con, a contropartita, attività liquide, la piattaforma concessione e servizio di prestiti ipotecari di Northern Rock con le agenzie, il personale e i sistemi relativi e i conti GIC (2) con, a contropartita, attività liquide di pari valore (circa [...] Mrd GBP);

| ii) | «AssetCo» sarà la società esistente, Northern Rock plc, a cui rimarranno il pool residuo di crediti ipotecari residenziali e gli strumenti di finanziamento all'ingrosso di Northern Rock (la sua interessenza nel veicolo di cartolarizzazione Granite, le sue passività a titolo dei programmi di obbligazioni garantite e EMTN, insieme alla relativa copertura) e le relative passività. AssetCo risponderà inoltre per l'esistente prestito concesso dallo Stato a Northern Rock, che verrà incrementato di un importo compreso tra [...] e [...] Mrd GBP (in base alle attività e passività al momento della scissione) per rendere possibile l'attuazione della ristrutturazione, e le verrà concessa una facility per il finanziamento del capitale d'esercizio fino a [...] Mrd GBP per garantire che disponga di liquidità adeguata nel corso del suo [...]. A questa verrà applicato il tasso commerciale. |
| --- | --- |

ii)

«AssetCo» sarà la società esistente, Northern Rock plc, a cui rimarranno il pool residuo di crediti ipotecari residenziali e gli strumenti di finanziamento all'ingrosso di Northern Rock (la sua interessenza nel veicolo di cartolarizzazione Granite, le sue passività a titolo dei programmi di obbligazioni garantite e EMTN, insieme alla relativa copertura) e le relative passività. AssetCo risponderà inoltre per l'esistente prestito concesso dallo Stato a Northern Rock, che verrà incrementato di un importo compreso tra [...] e [...] Mrd GBP (in base alle attività e passività al momento della scissione) per rendere possibile l'attuazione della ristrutturazione, e le verrà concessa una facility per il finanziamento del capitale d'esercizio fino a [...] Mrd GBP per garantire che disponga di liquidità adeguata nel corso del suo [...]. A questa verrà applicato il tasso commerciale.

| 5. | Il nuovo piano di ristrutturazione ha previsto anche iniezioni di capitale a BankCo e AssetCo rispettivamente del valore di [...] e di [...] Mrd GBP nell'ipotesi di base, un cambiamento della strategia di prestito, l'abbandono del programma attivo di riscatto mutui e modifiche al quadro di competitività, che consentirebbero a NR di aumentare i suoi prestiti nel 2009 e nel 2010 per un totale di 14 Mrd GBP. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Il nuovo piano di ristrutturazione ha previsto anche iniezioni di capitale a BankCo e AssetCo rispettivamente del valore di [...] e di [...] Mrd GBP nell'ipotesi di base, un cambiamento della strategia di prestito, l'abbandono del programma attivo di riscatto mutui e modifiche al quadro di competitività, che consentirebbero a NR di aumentare i suoi prestiti nel 2009 e nel 2010 per un totale di 14 Mrd GBP.

III.   VALUTAZIONE

| 6. | Quanto all'aiuto alla ristrutturazione notificato il 31 marzo 2009, la Commissione ha deciso di avviare un'indagine dettagliata per i seguenti motivi:






  — | In primo luogo, la Commissione nota che il nuovo piano di ristrutturazione svincolerà BankCo dalla necessità di ottenere costosi finanziamenti sul mercato al fine di assorbire le perdite sui prestiti a rischio concessi in passato da NR. Ciò sembra equivalere ad una forma di sostegno a fronte di attività deteriorate, poiché di fatto il governo britannico si accolla la maggior parte delle attività deteriorate dalla parte di NR detenuta da BankCo. BankCo, inoltre, non è tenuta a rimborsare il prestito statale, mentre riceve [...] attività di NR insieme ad una notevole liquidità. Di conseguenza, BankCo sembra diventare una banca estremamente competitiva. Non è chiaro se il livello di contributo proprio fornito da BankCo soddisfi i principi degli orientamenti sugli aiuti al salvataggio e alla ristrutturazione. La Commissione dubita pertanto che l'aiuto sia limitato al minimo e che il contributo proprio di BankCo sia stato adeguato. |
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6.

Quanto all'aiuto alla ristrutturazione notificato il 31 marzo 2009, la Commissione ha deciso di avviare un'indagine dettagliata per i seguenti motivi:

—

In primo luogo, la Commissione nota che il nuovo piano di ristrutturazione svincolerà BankCo dalla necessità di ottenere costosi finanziamenti sul mercato al fine di assorbire le perdite sui prestiti a rischio concessi in passato da NR. Ciò sembra equivalere ad una forma di sostegno a fronte di attività deteriorate, poiché di fatto il governo britannico si accolla la maggior parte delle attività deteriorate dalla parte di NR detenuta da BankCo. BankCo, inoltre, non è tenuta a rimborsare il prestito statale, mentre riceve [...] attività di NR insieme ad una notevole liquidità. Di conseguenza, BankCo sembra diventare una banca estremamente competitiva. Non è chiaro se il livello di contributo proprio fornito da BankCo soddisfi i principi degli orientamenti sugli aiuti al salvataggio e alla ristrutturazione. La Commissione dubita pertanto che l'aiuto sia limitato al minimo e che il contributo proprio di BankCo sia stato adeguato.

| — | In secondo luogo, la Commissione dubita che gli effetti di ricaduta negativa delle misure sui concorrenti siano stati limitati al minimo. Come detto precedentemente, BankCo sembra diventare, per effetto dell'operazione di ristrutturazione, una banca molto competitiva e ben capitalizzata. Grazie all'aiuto, dunque, BankCo potenzialmente potrebbe aumentare il volume dei suoi prestiti ipotecari e di conseguenza incrementare la sua presenza sul mercato a spese di altri concorrenti, mentre, a differenza di questi, non deve sopportare l'onere delle perdite sui suoi attivi. La Commissione nota inoltre che BankCo continuerà a gestire i prestiti di AssetCo, il che significa che beneficia dell'ulteriore vantaggio di restare in contatto con i clienti esistenti. In considerazione dell'entità dell'aiuto, la Commissione non è certa che le distorsioni della concorrenza possano essere sufficientemente compensate da misure volte a limitare le distorsioni della concorrenza. |
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—

In secondo luogo, la Commissione dubita che gli effetti di ricaduta negativa delle misure sui concorrenti siano stati limitati al minimo. Come detto precedentemente, BankCo sembra diventare, per effetto dell'operazione di ristrutturazione, una banca molto competitiva e ben capitalizzata. Grazie all'aiuto, dunque, BankCo potenzialmente potrebbe aumentare il volume dei suoi prestiti ipotecari e di conseguenza incrementare la sua presenza sul mercato a spese di altri concorrenti, mentre, a differenza di questi, non deve sopportare l'onere delle perdite sui suoi attivi. La Commissione nota inoltre che BankCo continuerà a gestire i prestiti di AssetCo, il che significa che beneficia dell'ulteriore vantaggio di restare in contatto con i clienti esistenti. In considerazione dell'entità dell'aiuto, la Commissione non è certa che le distorsioni della concorrenza possano essere sufficientemente compensate da misure volte a limitare le distorsioni della concorrenza.

TESTO DELLA LETTERA

«The Commission wishes to inform the United Kingdom that, having examined the revised restructuring plan such as notified by your authorities regarding the case referred to above, it has decided to extend the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty which was opened by decision C(2008)1210 final of 2 April 2008 (“the opening decision”).

1.   PROCEDURE

| (1) | On 17 March 2008, the UK authorities submitted to the Commission a restructuring plan for Northern Rock (“NR”) and notified the State aid measures which would accompany that plan to enable it to be implemented. On 2 April 2008, the Commission opened a formal investigation procedure pursuant to Article 88(2) EC Treaty regarding the restructuring aid planned to be granted to Northern Rock. By letter of 2 May 2008, the UK responded to the opening decision. |
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(1)

On 17 March 2008, the UK authorities submitted to the Commission a restructuring plan for Northern Rock (“NR”) and notified the State aid measures which would accompany that plan to enable it to be implemented. On 2 April 2008, the Commission opened a formal investigation procedure pursuant to Article 88(2) EC Treaty regarding the restructuring aid planned to be granted to Northern Rock. By letter of 2 May 2008, the UK responded to the opening decision.

| (2) | By letter of 25 April 2008, the Commission sent questions regarding the restructuring plan submitted on 31 March 2008, which was a slightly amended version of the plan notified on 17 March 2008. The UK provided answers by letter of 6 June 2008. On 30 June 2008, a meeting was held between the Commission services and the UK authorities. Following that meeting, the UK authorities provided additional information by letter of 13 August 2008. The UK authorities also provided information by letter of 8 July 2008. |
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(2)

By letter of 25 April 2008, the Commission sent questions regarding the restructuring plan submitted on 31 March 2008, which was a slightly amended version of the plan notified on 17 March 2008. The UK provided answers by letter of 6 June 2008. On 30 June 2008, a meeting was held between the Commission services and the UK authorities. Following that meeting, the UK authorities provided additional information by letter of 13 August 2008. The UK authorities also provided information by letter of 8 July 2008.

| (3) | The opening decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union
   (3). The Commission invited interested parties to submit their comments on the aid. The Commission has received comments from interested parties. By letter of 15 July 2008, received on 31 July 2008, it has forwarded them to the UK, which was given the opportunity to react; its comments were received by letter of 29 August 2008. |
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(3)

The opening decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union
   (3). The Commission invited interested parties to submit their comments on the aid. The Commission has received comments from interested parties. By letter of 15 July 2008, received on 31 July 2008, it has forwarded them to the UK, which was given the opportunity to react; its comments were received by letter of 29 August 2008.

| (4) | On 5 August 2008, the UK government announced that it intended to convert up to 3 billion pounds of loans to Northern Rock into equity. |
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(4)

On 5 August 2008, the UK government announced that it intended to convert up to 3 billion pounds of loans to Northern Rock into equity.

| (5) | On 11 November 2008, 15 January 2009 and 4 February 2009, the UK authorities informed the Commission that it was considering plans for restructuring NR which significantly differed from the ones notified in March 2008 and outlined these plans. |
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(5)

On 11 November 2008, 15 January 2009 and 4 February 2009, the UK authorities informed the Commission that it was considering plans for restructuring NR which significantly differed from the ones notified in March 2008 and outlined these plans.

| (6) | On 20 February 2009, the UK authorities provided additional information on the intention to split the NR in two. A more detailed plan was notified by letter of 31 March 2009 and 2 April 2009. |
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(6)

On 20 February 2009, the UK authorities provided additional information on the intention to split the NR in two. A more detailed plan was notified by letter of 31 March 2009 and 2 April 2009.

2.   DESCRIPTION

2.1.   The beneficiary and its difficulties

| (7) | Before the difficulties started in the second half of 2007, NR was the 5th biggest UK mortgage bank with a balance-sheet total of GBP 113,5 billion on 30 June 2007. In 2006, its interest income represented GBP 5 billion, with a profit of GBP 443 million. The bank had a staff of 6 000 persons. NR has 77 branches throughout the UK and was present in Ireland, Denmark and Guernsey. Residential mortgage lending was NR’s core activity. It represented more than 90 % of all outstanding loans to customers. In the first half of 2007, the bank had a market share of UK gross mortgage lending of 9,7 % and of net mortgage lending of 18,9 % (4). NR financed the majority of its long-term mortgage loans by issuing securitised notes. In March 2001 NR established a “master trust” securitisation structure known as “Granite” of which it has made extensive use. NR also funded itself through the issue of “covered bonds”. |
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(7)

Before the difficulties started in the second half of 2007, NR was the 5th biggest UK mortgage bank with a balance-sheet total of GBP 113,5 billion on 30 June 2007. In 2006, its interest income represented GBP 5 billion, with a profit of GBP 443 million. The bank had a staff of 6 000 persons. NR has 77 branches throughout the UK and was present in Ireland, Denmark and Guernsey. Residential mortgage lending was NR’s core activity. It represented more than 90 % of all outstanding loans to customers. In the first half of 2007, the bank had a market share of UK gross mortgage lending of 9,7 % and of net mortgage lending of 18,9 % (4). NR financed the majority of its long-term mortgage loans by issuing securitised notes. In March 2001 NR established a “master trust” securitisation structure known as “Granite” of which it has made extensive use. NR also funded itself through the issue of “covered bonds”.

| (8) | In section 2.1 of the first opening decision, the Commission provided more information on the beneficiary. Section 2.2 of the opening decision described the difficulties it encountered, which led the UK authorities to provide loans and guarantees, which were approved as rescue aid by the Commission Decision of 5 December 2007 (5). Some of the loans were initially granted by the Bank of England (“BoE”) and counter-guaranteed by the State. All the loans granted by BoE were novated on 28 August 2008 to HM Treasury. Section 2.3.1 of the opening decision described the circumstances which led the State to provide additional state guarantees on 18 December 2007. (In section 4.5.2 of the opening decision, the Commission concluded that these additional guarantees constituted compatible rescue aid.) Sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of the opening decision described respectively the attempts by NR and the UK authorities to find a private sector solution and the restructuring plans submitted to the government by Virgin and by NR’s management. Section 2.3.4 indicated that NR was nationalised on 22 February 2008 on the basis of legislation introduced the preceding days. |
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(8)

In section 2.1 of the first opening decision, the Commission provided more information on the beneficiary. Section 2.2 of the opening decision described the difficulties it encountered, which led the UK authorities to provide loans and guarantees, which were approved as rescue aid by the Commission Decision of 5 December 2007 (5). Some of the loans were initially granted by the Bank of England (“BoE”) and counter-guaranteed by the State. All the loans granted by BoE were novated on 28 August 2008 to HM Treasury. Section 2.3.1 of the opening decision described the circumstances which led the State to provide additional state guarantees on 18 December 2007. (In section 4.5.2 of the opening decision, the Commission concluded that these additional guarantees constituted compatible rescue aid.) Sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of the opening decision described respectively the attempts by NR and the UK authorities to find a private sector solution and the restructuring plans submitted to the government by Virgin and by NR’s management. Section 2.3.4 indicated that NR was nationalised on 22 February 2008 on the basis of legislation introduced the preceding days.

2.2.   The restructuring plan notified on 17 March 2008

| (9) | The restructuring plan notified on 17 March 2008 was described in section 2.3.5 of the first opening decision. The main elements of this plan are summarised once more here below, in order to facilitate the comparison with the new restructuring plan. |
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(9)

The restructuring plan notified on 17 March 2008 was described in section 2.3.5 of the first opening decision. The main elements of this plan are summarised once more here below, in order to facilitate the comparison with the new restructuring plan.

| (10) | As regards the size of the balance sheet, the plan notified on 17 March 2008 envisaged that the NR balance sheet would contract in the first five years of the plan from about GBP 107 billion in 2007 to about GBP 48-53 billion at the end of 2011. This would be achieved through an active retail mortgage redemption programme with the aim of encouraging at least 60 % of customers with maturing products (i.e. maturing from product deals) to remortgage with another lender; and exiting all new commercial lending and new standalone unsecured lending. NR would also continue to conduct limited levels of new lending over this period (in the base case about 18-23 billion in total for the four years from 2008 to 2011 compared with more that GBP 30 billion in 2007). This new lending would be offered predominantly to high credit quality new customers. |
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(10)

As regards the size of the balance sheet, the plan notified on 17 March 2008 envisaged that the NR balance sheet would contract in the first five years of the plan from about GBP 107 billion in 2007 to about GBP 48-53 billion at the end of 2011. This would be achieved through an active retail mortgage redemption programme with the aim of encouraging at least 60 % of customers with maturing products (i.e. maturing from product deals) to remortgage with another lender; and exiting all new commercial lending and new standalone unsecured lending. NR would also continue to conduct limited levels of new lending over this period (in the base case about 18-23 billion in total for the four years from 2008 to 2011 compared with more that GBP 30 billion in 2007). This new lending would be offered predominantly to high credit quality new customers.

| (11) | As to the structure of funding and limiting maturity mismatch, the plan envisaged that the proportion of retail funding to total funding would increase from 15-20 % in 2008 to about [...] (6) in 2011 and about [...] in 2012, re-balancing the balance sheet. This would be reflected in a decrease in total funding and an increase in retail deposits from GBP 10,5 billion at the end of 2007 (i.e. after the bank run) to about GBP [...] billion in 2011, which remains below the pre-crisis level of GBP 24 billion. The projected growth in the deposit base represented a moderate increase in the share of the total market compared to levels prevailing at the time (about 1,2-1,5 % compared to 0,8 %) and below the pre-crisis share of 1,9 % for the duration of the restructuring period. |
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(11)

As to the structure of funding and limiting maturity mismatch, the plan envisaged that the proportion of retail funding to total funding would increase from 15-20 % in 2008 to about [...] (6) in 2011 and about [...] in 2012, re-balancing the balance sheet. This would be reflected in a decrease in total funding and an increase in retail deposits from GBP 10,5 billion at the end of 2007 (i.e. after the bank run) to about GBP [...] billion in 2011, which remains below the pre-crisis level of GBP 24 billion. The projected growth in the deposit base represented a moderate increase in the share of the total market compared to levels prevailing at the time (about 1,2-1,5 % compared to 0,8 %) and below the pre-crisis share of 1,9 % for the duration of the restructuring period.

| (12) | As regards overseas activities, NR proposed that its Danish operations would be closed and a small capability would be retained in Ireland and Guernsey to maintain some diversification of the funding base. |
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(12)

As regards overseas activities, NR proposed that its Danish operations would be closed and a small capability would be retained in Ireland and Guernsey to maintain some diversification of the funding base.

| (13) | As regards the BoE facilities, the plan’s priority was their rapid repayment. The plan envisaged that these facilities would be fully repaid around [...] 2010 in the base case, although there would be a BoE/Treasury liquidity facility that might remain in place until about the end of [...]. |
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(13)

As regards the BoE facilities, the plan’s priority was their rapid repayment. The plan envisaged that these facilities would be fully repaid around [...] 2010 in the base case, although there would be a BoE/Treasury liquidity facility that might remain in place until about the end of [...].

| (14) | As regards the State guarantees, the plan envisaged, in the base case, the removal of all guarantees by the end of 2011. There would be a staggered release. As regards the retail funding guarantee arrangements (which cover all new and existing retail deposits) in the base case, the indicative earliest release date for new retail deposits would be [...]. The indicative earliest release date for existing retail deposits would be the [...]. For non-retail deposits, the indicative date for removal of the guarantees in the base case would be during [...]. Under the recession case scenario, the guarantee arrangements would be required until about 2013. The precise timing of the release of the guarantee arrangements would be driven by capital requirements and market conditions. |
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(14)

As regards the State guarantees, the plan envisaged, in the base case, the removal of all guarantees by the end of 2011. There would be a staggered release. As regards the retail funding guarantee arrangements (which cover all new and existing retail deposits) in the base case, the indicative earliest release date for new retail deposits would be [...]. The indicative earliest release date for existing retail deposits would be the [...]. For non-retail deposits, the indicative date for removal of the guarantees in the base case would be during [...]. Under the recession case scenario, the guarantee arrangements would be required until about 2013. The precise timing of the release of the guarantee arrangements would be driven by capital requirements and market conditions.

| (15) | As regards management, there was a significant change in the composition of the board with the appointment of a new executive Chairman, a new Chief Financial Officer, and three new non-executive directors appointed by the Government. |
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(15)

As regards management, there was a significant change in the composition of the board with the appointment of a new executive Chairman, a new Chief Financial Officer, and three new non-executive directors appointed by the Government.

| (16) | As regards compensatory measure, the Government was prepared to commit to the following specific measures:






  (i) | A targeted reduction in the balance sheet by over [...] % to about GBP 48-53 billion by 2011. |
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(16)

As regards compensatory measure, the Government was prepared to commit to the following specific measures:

(i)

A targeted reduction in the balance sheet by over [...] % to about GBP 48-53 billion by 2011.

| (ii) | A reduction of new residential mortgage origination from (in the base case) over GBP 30 billion in 2007 to about GBP 18-23 billion in total for the four years from 2008 to 2011, and in any event within the limits of the market share cap on gross new lending. |
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(ii)

A reduction of new residential mortgage origination from (in the base case) over GBP 30 billion in 2007 to about GBP 18-23 billion in total for the four years from 2008 to 2011, and in any event within the limits of the market share cap on gross new lending.

| (iii) | A commitment to an aggressive redemption policy including the active encouragement of redeeming customers to move to competitors. |
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(iii)

A commitment to an aggressive redemption policy including the active encouragement of redeeming customers to move to competitors.

| (iv) | Closure and run-off of NR’s operations in Denmark in 2008 and a commitment not to expand in other EU markets before 2011. |
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(iv)

Closure and run-off of NR’s operations in Denmark in 2008 and a commitment not to expand in other EU markets before 2011.

| (v) | A commitment to a “Competitive Charter”, which would notably include commitments that:






  (i) | NR would not promote its Government backing in any market; |
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(v)

A commitment to a “Competitive Charter”, which would notably include commitments that:

(i)

NR would not promote its Government backing in any market;

| (ii) | NR would not allow its share of retail deposit balances to exceed 1,5 % in the UK and [0,8-1 %] in Ireland; |
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(ii)

NR would not allow its share of retail deposit balances to exceed 1,5 % in the UK and [0,8-1 %] in Ireland;

| (iii) | NR would limit its share of gross new mortgage origination to below 2,5 % in any calendar year; |
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(iii)

NR would limit its share of gross new mortgage origination to below 2,5 % in any calendar year;

| (iv) | NR would ensure that it would not rank within the top positions in the defined 15 Moneyfacts retail deposit categories for the remainder of 2008; |
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(iv)

NR would ensure that it would not rank within the top positions in the defined 15 Moneyfacts retail deposit categories for the remainder of 2008;

| (vi) | A commitment to withdraw from unsecured personal lending and commercial lending for the restructuring period. |
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(vi)

A commitment to withdraw from unsecured personal lending and commercial lending for the restructuring period.

| (vii) | A commitment not to increase the overall number of branches in the UK. |
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(vii)

A commitment not to increase the overall number of branches in the UK.

| (17) | The plan envisaged that these compensatory measures, unless otherwise specified above, would remain in place until such time as the BoE/Treasury financial assistance has been fully repaid (and the liquidity facility transferred to a third party provider) and the balance sheet guarantee arrangements have been released in full. |
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(17)

The plan envisaged that these compensatory measures, unless otherwise specified above, would remain in place until such time as the BoE/Treasury financial assistance has been fully repaid (and the liquidity facility transferred to a third party provider) and the balance sheet guarantee arrangements have been released in full.

2.3.   The new restructuring plan notified on 2 April 2009

| (18) | From December 2007 onwards, Northern Rock’s capital position has deteriorated significantly. By December 2008 Core Tier 1 capital had fallen to -GBP 17,1 million and total Tier 1 capital (after deductions) to -GBP 110,4 million due to severe losses incurred by Northern Rock as a result of the global financial crisis. (7) In addition the reduction in the company’s balance sheet in accordance with the original restructuring plan, combined with the effects of the financial crisis has led to an increase in the risk weighting of assets in the short to medium term as the credit quality of the remaining book decreased, leading to an effective increase in Tier 1 capital requirements. Revised projections now indicate that up to GBP [...] billion of additional capital would be required under the plan of March 2008 if the deterioration of the book continues. |
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(18)

From December 2007 onwards, Northern Rock’s capital position has deteriorated significantly. By December 2008 Core Tier 1 capital had fallen to -GBP 17,1 million and total Tier 1 capital (after deductions) to -GBP 110,4 million due to severe losses incurred by Northern Rock as a result of the global financial crisis. (7) In addition the reduction in the company’s balance sheet in accordance with the original restructuring plan, combined with the effects of the financial crisis has led to an increase in the risk weighting of assets in the short to medium term as the credit quality of the remaining book decreased, leading to an effective increase in Tier 1 capital requirements. Revised projections now indicate that up to GBP [...] billion of additional capital would be required under the plan of March 2008 if the deterioration of the book continues.

| (19) | Given the significant interest rate cuts as a result of the financial crisis and the consequential reduction of Northern Rock’s SVR (8), the company also anticipates a significant reduction in the rate of mortgage redemptions in 2009. In the restructuring plan that was notified in March 2008, it was expected that 60 % of customers maturing from product deals would redeem in 2009. This is now expected to reduce to around [30 %-40 %]. |
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(19)

Given the significant interest rate cuts as a result of the financial crisis and the consequential reduction of Northern Rock’s SVR (8), the company also anticipates a significant reduction in the rate of mortgage redemptions in 2009. In the restructuring plan that was notified in March 2008, it was expected that 60 % of customers maturing from product deals would redeem in 2009. This is now expected to reduce to around [30 %-40 %].

| (20) | In light of these concerns, the Government and Northern Rock have agreed a number of modifications to the restructuring plan as originally set out in March 2008 in order to recognise the significant change in market conditions over this period, address the capital position, and support the wider initiatives that the Government is taking to support the UK economy. |
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(20)

In light of these concerns, the Government and Northern Rock have agreed a number of modifications to the restructuring plan as originally set out in March 2008 in order to recognise the significant change in market conditions over this period, address the capital position, and support the wider initiatives that the Government is taking to support the UK economy.

2.3.1.   The split of the bank in a bad bank and a good bank

| (21) | The core proposal is that there will be a restructuring of the business so that the majority of the back book of mortgages, and Northern Rock’s existing wholesale funding arrangements, will be managed separately from its other businesses. Northern Rock will be divided into:






  (i) | “BankCo” which will be a new company authorised by the FSA as a deposit taker. Assets will be transferred from Northern Rock to BankCo by order under the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008. These are expected to include the retail deposit book, currently standing at approximately GBP 19,5 bn, matched with approximately GBP [...] billion of cash assets and approximately GBP [...] billion of Northern Rock’s [...] unencumbered mortgage assets. Wholesale deposits, currently totalling approximately GBP [...] billion, will also be transferred to BankCo, matched by cash assets of an equal value. (9) BankCo will also contain the Northern Rock mortgage origination and servicing platform, its branches (including the branch in Ireland and the Guernsey subsidiary), relevant staff and systems. In addition, the intention is that the GIC accounts (10) will be transferred to BankCo, matched by cash assets of an equal value (approximately GBP [...] billion); this is likely to be dependent on the company’s rating and the decision of Granite’s trustees. |
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(21)

The core proposal is that there will be a restructuring of the business so that the majority of the back book of mortgages, and Northern Rock’s existing wholesale funding arrangements, will be managed separately from its other businesses. Northern Rock will be divided into:

(i)

“BankCo” which will be a new company authorised by the FSA as a deposit taker. Assets will be transferred from Northern Rock to BankCo by order under the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008. These are expected to include the retail deposit book, currently standing at approximately GBP 19,5 bn, matched with approximately GBP [...] billion of cash assets and approximately GBP [...] billion of Northern Rock’s [...] unencumbered mortgage assets. Wholesale deposits, currently totalling approximately GBP [...] billion, will also be transferred to BankCo, matched by cash assets of an equal value. (9) BankCo will also contain the Northern Rock mortgage origination and servicing platform, its branches (including the branch in Ireland and the Guernsey subsidiary), relevant staff and systems. In addition, the intention is that the GIC accounts (10) will be transferred to BankCo, matched by cash assets of an equal value (approximately GBP [...] billion); this is likely to be dependent on the company’s rating and the decision of Granite’s trustees.

| (ii) | “AssetCo” which will be the existing company, Northern Rock plc. The intention is that AssetCo will be left with the remaining pool of residential mortgages and Northern Rock’s wholesale funding instruments (principally its interest in the Granite securitisation vehicle and its liabilities under the covered bond and EMTN programmes, together with associated hedging) together with the associated liabilities. AssetCo will also retain the liability for the existing Government loan to Northern Rock, which will be increased by between GBP [...] and GBP [...] billion (exact amount to be set depending on the assets and liabilities that exist at the time of the split) to enable the implementation of the restructuring. In addition, the Government will provide AssetCo with a working capital facility of up to GBP [...] billion to ensure that it has adequate liquidity during the course of its [...]. A commercial rate will be charged for this facility. |
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(ii)

“AssetCo” which will be the existing company, Northern Rock plc. The intention is that AssetCo will be left with the remaining pool of residential mortgages and Northern Rock’s wholesale funding instruments (principally its interest in the Granite securitisation vehicle and its liabilities under the covered bond and EMTN programmes, together with associated hedging) together with the associated liabilities. AssetCo will also retain the liability for the existing Government loan to Northern Rock, which will be increased by between GBP [...] and GBP [...] billion (exact amount to be set depending on the assets and liabilities that exist at the time of the split) to enable the implementation of the restructuring. In addition, the Government will provide AssetCo with a working capital facility of up to GBP [...] billion to ensure that it has adequate liquidity during the course of its [...]. A commercial rate will be charged for this facility.

| (22) | There will be a service agreement between the two companies under which BankCo is likely to manage AssetCo’s mortgage book and its other remaining assets and liabilities. It is envisaged that any regulated activities that AssetCo would otherwise need to perform will be carried out by BankCo under the service agreement. FSA approval of these arrangements will be required in order to enable the two entities to be capitalised separately. |
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(22)

There will be a service agreement between the two companies under which BankCo is likely to manage AssetCo’s mortgage book and its other remaining assets and liabilities. It is envisaged that any regulated activities that AssetCo would otherwise need to perform will be carried out by BankCo under the service agreement. FSA approval of these arrangements will be required in order to enable the two entities to be capitalised separately.

| (23) | The current assumption is that AssetCo will be wound down [...]. To the extent that AssetCo’s assets are not sufficient to fund repayment of its liabilities [...], further Government support may be required to permit a [...]. |
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(23)

The current assumption is that AssetCo will be wound down [...]. To the extent that AssetCo’s assets are not sufficient to fund repayment of its liabilities [...], further Government support may be required to permit a [...].

| (24) | In the immediate future both BankCo and AssetCo will remain wholly owned by the Government. However, it is intended that the implementation of this structure will also assist in facilitating a return of BankCo to the private sector, and to independent operation, at an earlier date than would otherwise be the case. |
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(24)

In the immediate future both BankCo and AssetCo will remain wholly owned by the Government. However, it is intended that the implementation of this structure will also assist in facilitating a return of BankCo to the private sector, and to independent operation, at an earlier date than would otherwise be the case.

2.3.2.   Capital structure

| (25) | In order to address the negative evolution of Northern Rock’s regulatory capital base the Government had previously agreed in August 2008 to convert GBP 400 million of preference shares, and up to GBP 3 billion of the loan from the Government into ordinary shares of the company. In light of the proposed restructuring these proposals will not be implemented in this form, but as follows:






  — | BankCo will need to be capitalised by the Government with equity and, potentially, subordinated or other forms of long term debt in order to meet its regulatory capital requirements in a central and stress case scenario. In a stress case scenario its total capital requirement is expected to be up to GBP [...] billion. |
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(25)

In order to address the negative evolution of Northern Rock’s regulatory capital base the Government had previously agreed in August 2008 to convert GBP 400 million of preference shares, and up to GBP 3 billion of the loan from the Government into ordinary shares of the company. In light of the proposed restructuring these proposals will not be implemented in this form, but as follows:

—

BankCo will need to be capitalised by the Government with equity and, potentially, subordinated or other forms of long term debt in order to meet its regulatory capital requirements in a central and stress case scenario. In a stress case scenario its total capital requirement is expected to be up to GBP [...] billion.

| — | AssetCo is currently expected to be subject to a regulatory capital requirement of 1 % in the medium term, reflecting its activities as a [...]. In the medium to long term, the intention is that AssetCo will reduce its activities such that it falls outside the scope of the FSA. However, in the short term, it will need to satisfy FSA requirements before its capital requirements are reduced. In a central case AssetCo is not expected to require any capital support from the Government. However, in a stress scenario (and based on a 1 % regulatory capital requirement) AssetCo could require support of around GBP [...] billion to cover a capital shortfall in 2010-11, although capital is forecast to recover to a positive position in [...]. The current intention of the Government is to ensure AssetCo is able to fund repayment of its liabilities as they fall due and its ongoing operations should its assets not be sufficient. |
| --- | --- |

—

AssetCo is currently expected to be subject to a regulatory capital requirement of 1 % in the medium term, reflecting its activities as a [...]. In the medium to long term, the intention is that AssetCo will reduce its activities such that it falls outside the scope of the FSA. However, in the short term, it will need to satisfy FSA requirements before its capital requirements are reduced. In a central case AssetCo is not expected to require any capital support from the Government. However, in a stress scenario (and based on a 1 % regulatory capital requirement) AssetCo could require support of around GBP [...] billion to cover a capital shortfall in 2010-11, although capital is forecast to recover to a positive position in [...]. The current intention of the Government is to ensure AssetCo is able to fund repayment of its liabilities as they fall due and its ongoing operations should its assets not be sufficient.

| (26) | The capital requirements in a stress scenario under the revised structure therefore total approximately GBP [...] billion (in line with the August 2008 proposals). The reason for the lower capital requirements is that under the revised structure the bulk of the assets that are the most capital-absorptive are held in run-off in an entity which, in the medium to long term, and subject to AssetCo falling outside the scope of the FSA’s remit, is expected to have no regulatory capital requirement. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

The capital requirements in a stress scenario under the revised structure therefore total approximately GBP [...] billion (in line with the August 2008 proposals). The reason for the lower capital requirements is that under the revised structure the bulk of the assets that are the most capital-absorptive are held in run-off in an entity which, in the medium to long term, and subject to AssetCo falling outside the scope of the FSA’s remit, is expected to have no regulatory capital requirement.

| (27) | Northern Rock’s capital position has been addressed to date through a continuation of the interim arrangements that were set up at the same time as the August 2008 proposals. At the company’s request, the FSA agreed to waive the limits on use of Tier 2 capital that would otherwise have applied as a result of the reduction in the level of total Tier 1 resources. This means that all available Tier 2 capital can be included within the capital resources of the company for the purposes of meeting the Company’s minimum regulatory requirements. These arrangements were implemented on a temporary basis until the earlier of the recapitalisation of the Company or 31 December 2008. The arrangements were subsequently renewed [...]. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

Northern Rock’s capital position has been addressed to date through a continuation of the interim arrangements that were set up at the same time as the August 2008 proposals. At the company’s request, the FSA agreed to waive the limits on use of Tier 2 capital that would otherwise have applied as a result of the reduction in the level of total Tier 1 resources. This means that all available Tier 2 capital can be included within the capital resources of the company for the purposes of meeting the Company’s minimum regulatory requirements. These arrangements were implemented on a temporary basis until the earlier of the recapitalisation of the Company or 31 December 2008. The arrangements were subsequently renewed [...].

2.3.3.   Amendments to Government loan

| (28) | In addition to the increase, described above, in the existing loan to Northern Rock, there will also be an adjustment to the terms of the loan. This will extend final repayment of the loan to beyond [...] (or to the liquidation of AssetCo if earlier). The rate of interest will also be reviewed and a new future rate will be agreed between the Government and the company. Northern Rock plc currently pays interest at Bank of England base rate plus [...] bps. As set out in the loan agreement, this will revert to [...] plus [...] bps when state aid approval is granted, backdated to [...]. The future rate of interest to be charged on the loan is not yet fixed but will be at least [...]. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

In addition to the increase, described above, in the existing loan to Northern Rock, there will also be an adjustment to the terms of the loan. This will extend final repayment of the loan to beyond [...] (or to the liquidation of AssetCo if earlier). The rate of interest will also be reviewed and a new future rate will be agreed between the Government and the company. Northern Rock plc currently pays interest at Bank of England base rate plus [...] bps. As set out in the loan agreement, this will revert to [...] plus [...] bps when state aid approval is granted, backdated to [...]. The future rate of interest to be charged on the loan is not yet fixed but will be at least [...].

2.3.4.   Amendments to lending strategy

| (29) | On 19 January 2009 the Government announced a series of measures designed to reinforce the stability of the financial system, increase capacity and confidence to lend, and in turn to support the recovery of the UK economy. This included an announcement that Northern Rock would no longer actively pursue a policy of rapidly reducing its mortgage book. On 23 February 2009 a further press release confirmed that Northern Rock would be increasing mortgage lending by up to GBP 14 billion over the next two years (GBP 5 billion in 2009 and up to GBP 9 billion in 2010) on a range of products. Existing customers will also no longer be actively encouraged to leave Northern Rock when their mortgage arrangements become freely renewable. The new lending will be subject to market demand and will take place on commercial terms. The new lending will be funded from the opening cash transferred to the BankCo business, deposits with BankCo, and repayments on its loan book. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

On 19 January 2009 the Government announced a series of measures designed to reinforce the stability of the financial system, increase capacity and confidence to lend, and in turn to support the recovery of the UK economy. This included an announcement that Northern Rock would no longer actively pursue a policy of rapidly reducing its mortgage book. On 23 February 2009 a further press release confirmed that Northern Rock would be increasing mortgage lending by up to GBP 14 billion over the next two years (GBP 5 billion in 2009 and up to GBP 9 billion in 2010) on a range of products. Existing customers will also no longer be actively encouraged to leave Northern Rock when their mortgage arrangements become freely renewable. The new lending will be subject to market demand and will take place on commercial terms. The new lending will be funded from the opening cash transferred to the BankCo business, deposits with BankCo, and repayments on its loan book.

2.3.5.   [...] guarantee arrangements

| (30) | The March 2008 business plan envisaged the release of all guarantees by the end of 2011 (in the base case). This date was conditional on a number of factors, including repayment of the Government loan and a robust capital position ([...]). [...]. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

The March 2008 business plan envisaged the release of all guarantees by the end of 2011 (in the base case). This date was conditional on a number of factors, including repayment of the Government loan and a robust capital position ([...]). [...].

| (31) | [...]. All guarantee arrangements are subject to a minimum period of three months between the Government giving notice and guarantees being lifted. However, some products (such as fixed term bonds) are guaranteed for their term, so in these instances guarantees will roll off as the products expire. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

[...]. All guarantee arrangements are subject to a minimum period of three months between the Government giving notice and guarantees being lifted. However, some products (such as fixed term bonds) are guaranteed for their term, so in these instances guarantees will roll off as the products expire.

| (32) | [...]. It is likely that BankCo will need to achieve an A- long term rating from credit rating agencies in order to be able to access the wholesale markets. [...]. The wholesale guarantee arrangements for AssetCo are likely to remain in place until exit or liquidation. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

[...]. It is likely that BankCo will need to achieve an A- long term rating from credit rating agencies in order to be able to access the wholesale markets. [...]. The wholesale guarantee arrangements for AssetCo are likely to remain in place until exit or liquidation.

2.3.6.   Revised Competitive Framework

| (33) | NR has operated within the terms of the Competitive Framework to date. It is proposed that the Competitive Framework will continue to restrict the activities of BankCo for 12 months [...], although there will be some adjustments required to accommodate the revised lending strategy. More specifically:






  — | BankCo will limit its new mortgage lending to GBP 5 billion in the UK in 2009 and GBP 4,5 billion in the first half of 2010. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(33)

NR has operated within the terms of the Competitive Framework to date. It is proposed that the Competitive Framework will continue to restrict the activities of BankCo for 12 months [...], although there will be some adjustments required to accommodate the revised lending strategy. More specifically:

—

BankCo will limit its new mortgage lending to GBP 5 billion in the UK in 2009 and GBP 4,5 billion in the first half of 2010.

| — | It will also restrict the level of total retail deposit balances to no more than GBP 21 billion at any stage prior to 30 June 2010 (current retail balances amount to GBP 19,5 billion). The effect of this will be an earlier increase in the level of retail deposits than forecasted in the original plan. The March 2008 plan envisaged retail deposits of GBP 15 billion in 2009 growing to approximately GBP 26 billion in 2013. These will now be approximately GBP [...] billion in 2009 [...] growing to an indicative figure of GBP 25 billion by 2013. |
| --- | --- |

—

It will also restrict the level of total retail deposit balances to no more than GBP 21 billion at any stage prior to 30 June 2010 (current retail balances amount to GBP 19,5 billion). The effect of this will be an earlier increase in the level of retail deposits than forecasted in the original plan. The March 2008 plan envisaged retail deposits of GBP 15 billion in 2009 growing to approximately GBP 26 billion in 2013. These will now be approximately GBP [...] billion in 2009 [...] growing to an indicative figure of GBP 25 billion by 2013.

| — | BankCo would also continue to follow the previous commitments to not promoting its Government backing. |
| --- | --- |

—

BankCo would also continue to follow the previous commitments to not promoting its Government backing.

| (34) | Modified commitments in the Competitive Charter have been framed in terms of absolute numbers, rather than market shares as this is more predictable and easier to assess given the volatility in the size and composition of the market. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

Modified commitments in the Competitive Charter have been framed in terms of absolute numbers, rather than market shares as this is more predictable and easier to assess given the volatility in the size and composition of the market.

3.   POSITION OF THE UK

| (35) | The UK Government recalls that since the notification of the restructuring plan in March 2008, the situation of the world financial market and the UK economy has dramatically worsened. Several financial institutions which were present in the UK have withdrawn from the country and some of the largest UK banks are facing extreme difficulties which causes them to reduce their lending (and risk weighted assets) in order to reduce their capital requirements and improve their solvency ratios. As a consequence, the supply of mortgage loans has been severely reduced, especially for loans with high loan-to-value ratios (LTV). House prices in the UK have already declined by around 20 % compared to their highest level. Each additional decline is creating additional losses for banks, which further depletes their capital, and is increasing the risk weighting of their existing loans. Consequently, the banks further reduce new lending, which in turn contributes to reduce the demand for houses and increases downwards pressure on house prices, thus creating a downwards spiral. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

The UK Government recalls that since the notification of the restructuring plan in March 2008, the situation of the world financial market and the UK economy has dramatically worsened. Several financial institutions which were present in the UK have withdrawn from the country and some of the largest UK banks are facing extreme difficulties which causes them to reduce their lending (and risk weighted assets) in order to reduce their capital requirements and improve their solvency ratios. As a consequence, the supply of mortgage loans has been severely reduced, especially for loans with high loan-to-value ratios (LTV). House prices in the UK have already declined by around 20 % compared to their highest level. Each additional decline is creating additional losses for banks, which further depletes their capital, and is increasing the risk weighting of their existing loans. Consequently, the banks further reduce new lending, which in turn contributes to reduce the demand for houses and increases downwards pressure on house prices, thus creating a downwards spiral.

| (36) | In response to this crisis, the Government has introduced new measures (11) and granted aid to several banks. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

In response to this crisis, the Government has introduced new measures (11) and granted aid to several banks.

| (37) | The UK authorities recall that Northern Rock has made significant progress in repaying the Government loan to date, primarily as a result of its mortgage redemption programme under which it provides assistance to customers to access new products with alternative lenders. From a peak of approximately GBP 27 billion at the end of December 2007, Northern Rock had repaid GBP 12,5 billion on a gross basis by the end of March 2009 and remains ahead of schedule on its loan repayments. The company has also been successful in implementing other elements of the plan, including a significant reduction in its balance sheet from GBP 107 billion as at December 2007 to GBP 93 billion as at 31 December 2008 (excluding the fair value of derivatives) and an increase in its level of retail funding from 10 % (at year end 2007) to 20 % (at year end 2008), withdrawal from the Danish market and from its unsecured lending business, and full compliance with the market share caps and pricing restrictions set out in its Competitive Framework. This has required Northern Rock to forego significant commercial opportunities, including giving up a large number of high credit quality profitable customers through its active mortgage redemption programme. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

The UK authorities recall that Northern Rock has made significant progress in repaying the Government loan to date, primarily as a result of its mortgage redemption programme under which it provides assistance to customers to access new products with alternative lenders. From a peak of approximately GBP 27 billion at the end of December 2007, Northern Rock had repaid GBP 12,5 billion on a gross basis by the end of March 2009 and remains ahead of schedule on its loan repayments. The company has also been successful in implementing other elements of the plan, including a significant reduction in its balance sheet from GBP 107 billion as at December 2007 to GBP 93 billion as at 31 December 2008 (excluding the fair value of derivatives) and an increase in its level of retail funding from 10 % (at year end 2007) to 20 % (at year end 2008), withdrawal from the Danish market and from its unsecured lending business, and full compliance with the market share caps and pricing restrictions set out in its Competitive Framework. This has required Northern Rock to forego significant commercial opportunities, including giving up a large number of high credit quality profitable customers through its active mortgage redemption programme.

| (38) | The Government takes the view that the amendments that are proposed to the Northern Rock plan do not materially change the analysis of these arrangements under the rescue and restructuring guidelines. In particular:






  — | The increase in mortgage lending is consistent with the strong progress that the company has made to redeem its existing mortgage book and repay Government lending. It should also be regarded as a measure in support of wider Government intervention to address concerns about the impact of the financial crisis on the wider economy. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(38)

The Government takes the view that the amendments that are proposed to the Northern Rock plan do not materially change the analysis of these arrangements under the rescue and restructuring guidelines. In particular:

—

The increase in mortgage lending is consistent with the strong progress that the company has made to redeem its existing mortgage book and repay Government lending. It should also be regarded as a measure in support of wider Government intervention to address concerns about the impact of the financial crisis on the wider economy.

| — | Although retail deposits will increase sooner than previously envisaged, they will remain within the limits set out in the revised Competitive Framework and by 2013 the level of deposits is forecast to be less than the March 2008 business plan. |
| --- | --- |

—

Although retail deposits will increase sooner than previously envisaged, they will remain within the limits set out in the revised Competitive Framework and by 2013 the level of deposits is forecast to be less than the March 2008 business plan.

| — | The restructuring proposals will assist in minimising the overall level of aid to Northern Rock by reducing the overall regulatory capital requirement of the two businesses. |
| --- | --- |

—

The restructuring proposals will assist in minimising the overall level of aid to Northern Rock by reducing the overall regulatory capital requirement of the two businesses.

| — | [...]. |
| --- | --- |

—

[...].

| — | The company has made a significant contribution to the costs of the restructuring in the form of the sale of the Herm portfolio and the accelerated monetisation of assets to date as described in the March 2008 plan as well as the closure of Northern Rock’s branch in Denmark in June 2008. |
| --- | --- |

—

The company has made a significant contribution to the costs of the restructuring in the form of the sale of the Herm portfolio and the accelerated monetisation of assets to date as described in the March 2008 plan as well as the closure of Northern Rock’s branch in Denmark in June 2008.

| — | The Competitive Framework will continue to restrict the activities of BankCo for 12 months [...], although there will be some adjustments required to accommodate the revised lending strategy. Distortions of competition as a result of the aid will therefore continue to be minimised, and in reality the competitive impact of the arrangements in relation to Northern Rock are in any event likely to be eclipsed by the wider dislocations in the market for some time. |
| --- | --- |

—

The Competitive Framework will continue to restrict the activities of BankCo for 12 months [...], although there will be some adjustments required to accommodate the revised lending strategy. Distortions of competition as a result of the aid will therefore continue to be minimised, and in reality the competitive impact of the arrangements in relation to Northern Rock are in any event likely to be eclipsed by the wider dislocations in the market for some time.

4.   ASSESSMENT

4.1.   Existence of aid

| (39) | The Commission must assess whether the measures introduced or modified by the new restructuring plan constitute State aid. Article 87(1) EC lays down that any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods is, insofar as it affects trade between Member States, incompatible with the common market. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

The Commission must assess whether the measures introduced or modified by the new restructuring plan constitute State aid. Article 87(1) EC lays down that any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods is, insofar as it affects trade between Member States, incompatible with the common market.

| (40) | The UK Government intends to introduce new measures and to amend existing ones in favour of AssetCo and BankCo. As such, all measures described below (increased amount of government loans, working capital facility, guarantees and capital injections in favour of AssetCo and asset relief measure in favour of BankCo, see paragraph (45)) are financed through State resources. Before individually describing these measures in more detail and assessing whether they confer a selective advantage on AssetCo and BankCo, the Commission will first assess whether State support is able to distort competition and affect trade between the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The UK Government intends to introduce new measures and to amend existing ones in favour of AssetCo and BankCo. As such, all measures described below (increased amount of government loans, working capital facility, guarantees and capital injections in favour of AssetCo and asset relief measure in favour of BankCo, see paragraph (45)) are financed through State resources. Before individually describing these measures in more detail and assessing whether they confer a selective advantage on AssetCo and BankCo, the Commission will first assess whether State support is able to distort competition and affect trade between the Member States.

| (41) | Under the new plan, AssetCo will presumably not carry out any economic activities on markets where it will be in competition with other banks. It will not collect any new deposits and will not make any new loans. Instead, it will, according to the UK authorities, only realise its assets as they mature and use the proceeds of these to repay its debts as they become due and fund its ongoing operational requirements as well as any retained historic liabilities. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

Under the new plan, AssetCo will presumably not carry out any economic activities on markets where it will be in competition with other banks. It will not collect any new deposits and will not make any new loans. Instead, it will, according to the UK authorities, only realise its assets as they mature and use the proceeds of these to repay its debts as they become due and fund its ongoing operational requirements as well as any retained historic liabilities.

| (42) | The Commission considers that this fact does however not entail that the State measures in favour of AssetCo do not distort competition. Indeed, all the notified State measures in favour of AssetCo allow a [...] of the latter, meaning that the creditors of AssetCo will be repaid [...]. If the State were not to ensure the [...] of AssetCo, the creditors of AssetCo would not allow the transfer of the [...] assets and [...] liabilities to BankCo as it would reduce their chances of obtaining repayment of their claims by AssetCo. The notified State aids which are in favour of AssetCo are therefore necessary to facilitate the transfer to BankCo of AssetCo/NR’s retail deposits, mortgage writing platform and some of its good quality mortgages in order for it to continue to operate on the market (12). |
| --- | --- |

(42)

The Commission considers that this fact does however not entail that the State measures in favour of AssetCo do not distort competition. Indeed, all the notified State measures in favour of AssetCo allow a [...] of the latter, meaning that the creditors of AssetCo will be repaid [...]. If the State were not to ensure the [...] of AssetCo, the creditors of AssetCo would not allow the transfer of the [...] assets and [...] liabilities to BankCo as it would reduce their chances of obtaining repayment of their claims by AssetCo. The notified State aids which are in favour of AssetCo are therefore necessary to facilitate the transfer to BankCo of AssetCo/NR’s retail deposits, mortgage writing platform and some of its good quality mortgages in order for it to continue to operate on the market (12).

| (43) | The Commission therefore considers that the State measures ensuring a [...] of AssetCo are also directly benefiting BankCo, as it will be able to continue its activities relatively unburdened by possible impairments on the lower quality assets, since they would have been transferred to AssetCo. As a result, BankCo has an advantage over its competitors that are faced with impairments on lower quality assets, which they have to absorb, limiting the funds available for new lending. This leads to a distortion of competition. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

The Commission therefore considers that the State measures ensuring a [...] of AssetCo are also directly benefiting BankCo, as it will be able to continue its activities relatively unburdened by possible impairments on the lower quality assets, since they would have been transferred to AssetCo. As a result, BankCo has an advantage over its competitors that are faced with impairments on lower quality assets, which they have to absorb, limiting the funds available for new lending. This leads to a distortion of competition.

| (44) | It observes that BankCo will be a bank competing among others on the UK retail deposit market and on the UK mortgage lending market. In these two markets, some competitors are subsidiaries of foreign banks. The Commission concludes that since the State measures favouring AssetCo also directly favour BankCo, they distort competition and affect trade between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(44)

It observes that BankCo will be a bank competing among others on the UK retail deposit market and on the UK mortgage lending market. In these two markets, some competitors are subsidiaries of foreign banks. The Commission concludes that since the State measures favouring AssetCo also directly favour BankCo, they distort competition and affect trade between Member States.

| (45) | The State measures which confer a selective advantage on AssetCo are the following ones:






  (i) | The State plans to inject up to GBP [...] billion in AssetCo (in a stress case scenario). The Commission considers that the private investor test is not applicable to this capital injection since this transaction follows several aid measures in favour of NR/AssetCo and is implemented in parallel with several additional aid measures (13). In addition, if it were applicable, this test would not be fulfilled since AssetCo’s assets will be made of NR’s [...] mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial loans, which are all likely to show a significant rate of default in this period of severe recession. It is therefore unlikely to be profitable for a private investor to provide capital to AssetCo. This measure favours AssetCo by allowing it to have sufficient capital to meet the FSA requirement. This allows a [...] of AssetCo and therefore favours also BankCo, as explained above. On that basis, the Commission concludes that this measure constitutes aid and invites the UK authorities to provide more information on the size of the capital injection and its terms. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(45)

The State measures which confer a selective advantage on AssetCo are the following ones:

(i)

The State plans to inject up to GBP [...] billion in AssetCo (in a stress case scenario). The Commission considers that the private investor test is not applicable to this capital injection since this transaction follows several aid measures in favour of NR/AssetCo and is implemented in parallel with several additional aid measures (13). In addition, if it were applicable, this test would not be fulfilled since AssetCo’s assets will be made of NR’s [...] mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial loans, which are all likely to show a significant rate of default in this period of severe recession. It is therefore unlikely to be profitable for a private investor to provide capital to AssetCo. This measure favours AssetCo by allowing it to have sufficient capital to meet the FSA requirement. This allows a [...] of AssetCo and therefore favours also BankCo, as explained above. On that basis, the Commission concludes that this measure constitutes aid and invites the UK authorities to provide more information on the size of the capital injection and its terms.

| (ii) | The State guarantees covering the wholesale liabilities of AssetCo are likely to remain in place until State exit or liquidation. The Commission already concluded that these arrangements are State aid in the opening decision. The UK authorities are invited to provide details on the total exposures covered by these guarantee arrangements and their anticipated amortisation over time under the new plan. These State guarantees allow a [...] of AssetCo and therefore favour BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these measures constitute aid. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

The State guarantees covering the wholesale liabilities of AssetCo are likely to remain in place until State exit or liquidation. The Commission already concluded that these arrangements are State aid in the opening decision. The UK authorities are invited to provide details on the total exposures covered by these guarantee arrangements and their anticipated amortisation over time under the new plan. These State guarantees allow a [...] of AssetCo and therefore favour BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these measures constitute aid.

| (iii) | Government will provide AssetCo with a working capital facility of up to GBP [...] billion to ensure that it has adequate liquidity during the course of its [...]. The Commission invites the UK authorities to provide it with more information on this facility. More generally, the UK authorities intend to ensure a [...] of AssetCo and therefore intend to commit to provide any additional support necessary to AssetCo to allow it to [...]. This working capital facility and this State commitment of providing further aid if necessary allows a [...] of AssetCo. As explained above, this favours BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these State measures constitute aid. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Government will provide AssetCo with a working capital facility of up to GBP [...] billion to ensure that it has adequate liquidity during the course of its [...]. The Commission invites the UK authorities to provide it with more information on this facility. More generally, the UK authorities intend to ensure a [...] of AssetCo and therefore intend to commit to provide any additional support necessary to AssetCo to allow it to [...]. This working capital facility and this State commitment of providing further aid if necessary allows a [...] of AssetCo. As explained above, this favours BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these State measures constitute aid.

| (iv) | The State will increase the overall level and duration of its lending to NR/AssetCo. It will increase by between GBP [...] and GBP [...] billion and ultimate repayment will be deferred to beyond [...]. The delayed reimbursement allows a [...] of AssetCo. The increased lending allows AssetCo to transfer billions of cash to BankCo. It is therefore clear that the new tenor and amount of the State lending favour also BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these State measures constitute aid and requests the UK authorities to submit more information on these measures. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

The State will increase the overall level and duration of its lending to NR/AssetCo. It will increase by between GBP [...] and GBP [...] billion and ultimate repayment will be deferred to beyond [...]. The delayed reimbursement allows a [...] of AssetCo. The increased lending allows AssetCo to transfer billions of cash to BankCo. It is therefore clear that the new tenor and amount of the State lending favour also BankCo. On that basis, the Commission concludes that these State measures constitute aid and requests the UK authorities to submit more information on these measures.

| (46) | As indicated above, all the State measures ensuring a [...] of AssetCo allow the separation of AssetCo/NR branches, its mortgage writing platform, some of its [...] mortgage loans and the retail deposits into BankCo. Taking into account all the above considerations, the Commission considers that the effect of the measures in favour of AssetCo is equivalent, from an economic point of view, to a purchase of the assets of Northern Rock by the State for the following reasons. Firstly, a private operator would not have been able to structure such an operation. Indeed, it seems that the State had to make use of its prerogative powers to structure this operation. Indeed, any private operators placed in a similar situation as NR would not have been able to separate the good assets from the bad and to maintain NR economic activity without a significant capital increase. Secondly, the operation of the State [...] of AssetCo’s liabilities can be considered from an economic point of view to be equivalent to a purchase of non-performing assets of NR, which would allow BankCo to continue to pursue NR’s economic activities. Indeed, the Commission considers that, although BankCo is newly created, it continues NR’s economic activities since it provides services to the whole existing back book of NR before the operation. In particular, the customer relationship and the management of performing assets are all confined to BankCo. As confirmed by the reduced capital required by the FSA, the Commission considers that AssetCo could be seen as a State-owned vehicle whose aim is to reduce the capital requirements for BankCo pursuing NR’s economic activities. Finally, the Commission considers that the State aid in the present case is not aimed at liquidating a financial institution in difficulty and limiting the State exposure by auctioning the economic activity and/or financial institution’s assets on the market, but at reducing the capital injection that the State would have had to carry out otherwise as the unique shareholder of NR. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

As indicated above, all the State measures ensuring a [...] of AssetCo allow the separation of AssetCo/NR branches, its mortgage writing platform, some of its [...] mortgage loans and the retail deposits into BankCo. Taking into account all the above considerations, the Commission considers that the effect of the measures in favour of AssetCo is equivalent, from an economic point of view, to a purchase of the assets of Northern Rock by the State for the following reasons. Firstly, a private operator would not have been able to structure such an operation. Indeed, it seems that the State had to make use of its prerogative powers to structure this operation. Indeed, any private operators placed in a similar situation as NR would not have been able to separate the good assets from the bad and to maintain NR economic activity without a significant capital increase. Secondly, the operation of the State [...] of AssetCo’s liabilities can be considered from an economic point of view to be equivalent to a purchase of non-performing assets of NR, which would allow BankCo to continue to pursue NR’s economic activities. Indeed, the Commission considers that, although BankCo is newly created, it continues NR’s economic activities since it provides services to the whole existing back book of NR before the operation. In particular, the customer relationship and the management of performing assets are all confined to BankCo. As confirmed by the reduced capital required by the FSA, the Commission considers that AssetCo could be seen as a State-owned vehicle whose aim is to reduce the capital requirements for BankCo pursuing NR’s economic activities. Finally, the Commission considers that the State aid in the present case is not aimed at liquidating a financial institution in difficulty and limiting the State exposure by auctioning the economic activity and/or financial institution’s assets on the market, but at reducing the capital injection that the State would have had to carry out otherwise as the unique shareholder of NR.

Aid at the level of BankCo

| (47) | Taking into account the above considerations, BankCo is a “good bank” which will operate the healthy assets of NR and will be freed from all the bad assets of NR. Under the Communication from the Commission on the Treatment of Impaired Assets in the Community Banking Sector
   (14) (‘the Impaired Assets Communication’), the aid element in such a transaction is the difference between the market value of the assets guaranteed or purchased by the State and the price at which these assets have been guaranteed or purchased. In the present case, the aid element to BankCo is therefore the difference between the market value of the assets remaining in AssetCo and their value in the books of AssetCo (15). The Commission therefore invites the UK authorities to provide this information. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

Taking into account the above considerations, BankCo is a “good bank” which will operate the healthy assets of NR and will be freed from all the bad assets of NR. Under the Communication from the Commission on the Treatment of Impaired Assets in the Community Banking Sector
   (14) (‘the Impaired Assets Communication’), the aid element in such a transaction is the difference between the market value of the assets guaranteed or purchased by the State and the price at which these assets have been guaranteed or purchased. In the present case, the aid element to BankCo is therefore the difference between the market value of the assets remaining in AssetCo and their value in the books of AssetCo (15). The Commission therefore invites the UK authorities to provide this information.

| (48) | In addition to the foregoing measures granted to AssetCo, the Government also intends to inject up to GBP [...] billion (in a stress case scenario) of capital in BankCo. It is not excluded that BankCo will be a profitable company, since it will have a portfolio of good quality mortgages and a lot of cash to make new lending. It is therefore possible that this investment will be profitable and that even a private investor could have done such investment. However, the Commission considers that the private investor test is not applicable to this capital injection since this transaction follows several aid measures in favour of NR (16) and is implemented in parallel with several additional aid measures. The measure can therefore not be assessed separately from the rest of the state interventions in favour of NR/AssetCo, which allows the transfer to BankCo of the good assets and liabilities of NR and a significant amount of cash. The selective measures in favour of BankCo therefore constitute aid. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

In addition to the foregoing measures granted to AssetCo, the Government also intends to inject up to GBP [...] billion (in a stress case scenario) of capital in BankCo. It is not excluded that BankCo will be a profitable company, since it will have a portfolio of good quality mortgages and a lot of cash to make new lending. It is therefore possible that this investment will be profitable and that even a private investor could have done such investment. However, the Commission considers that the private investor test is not applicable to this capital injection since this transaction follows several aid measures in favour of NR (16) and is implemented in parallel with several additional aid measures. The measure can therefore not be assessed separately from the rest of the state interventions in favour of NR/AssetCo, which allows the transfer to BankCo of the good assets and liabilities of NR and a significant amount of cash. The selective measures in favour of BankCo therefore constitute aid.

| (49) | Finally, in order for the Commission to properly assess the aid measures, the UK authorities are invited to present, in addition to the information on the notified measures, a full list of the measures already granted or planned to be granted to Northern Rock under any existing aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

Finally, in order for the Commission to properly assess the aid measures, the UK authorities are invited to present, in addition to the information on the notified measures, a full list of the measures already granted or planned to be granted to Northern Rock under any existing aid scheme.

4.2.   Compatibility of the aid

4.2.1.   The legal basis for the compatibility assessment of the aid

| (50) | In its first opening decision of 2 April 2008, the Commission’s position was that the measure could at that stage not be found compatible with the common market pursuant to Article 87(3)(b) EC, because the aid did not seem to tackle a disturbance in an entire Member State, but instead aimed to address individual problems specific to the situation of NR. (17) In particular, the Commission observed in the opening decision that, although a bankruptcy of NR would have had negative spill-over effects for other banks, the information provided by the UK had not convinced it at that point in time that these negative consequences could have reached a size constituting a serious disturbance in the economy of the UK within the meaning of Article 87(3)(b) EC. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

In its first opening decision of 2 April 2008, the Commission’s position was that the measure could at that stage not be found compatible with the common market pursuant to Article 87(3)(b) EC, because the aid did not seem to tackle a disturbance in an entire Member State, but instead aimed to address individual problems specific to the situation of NR. (17) In particular, the Commission observed in the opening decision that, although a bankruptcy of NR would have had negative spill-over effects for other banks, the information provided by the UK had not convinced it at that point in time that these negative consequences could have reached a size constituting a serious disturbance in the economy of the UK within the meaning of Article 87(3)(b) EC.

| (51) | In the meantime, the Commission has acknowledged in its three Communications (18) and in its various approvals of the measures undertaken by the UK to combat the financial crisis (19), that there is serious disturbance in the UK economy and that measures supporting banks are apt to remedy serious disturbance in the UK economy. Therefore the legal basis for the assessment of the aid measures shall be Article 87(3)(b) EC. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

In the meantime, the Commission has acknowledged in its three Communications (18) and in its various approvals of the measures undertaken by the UK to combat the financial crisis (19), that there is serious disturbance in the UK economy and that measures supporting banks are apt to remedy serious disturbance in the UK economy. Therefore the legal basis for the assessment of the aid measures shall be Article 87(3)(b) EC.

| (52) | As the Commission has set out in the three Communications adopted in the context of the current financial crisis (20), aid measures granted to banks in the context of the ongoing financial crisis should be assessed in line with the principles of the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines, while taking into consideration the particular features of the systemic crisis in the financial markets (21). That means that the principles of the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines may have to be adapted when applied to the restructuring of Northern Rock in the present crisis, which is assessed on the basis of Article 87(3)(b) EC. Within this context attention should be given to the rules set out in the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines for own contribution. Given the fact that the external financing for Northern Rock has dried up and that the 50 % requirement set in rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines appears unfeasible in the current economic setting, the Commission accepts that during the crisis in the financial markets it may not be appropriate to request that the own contribution represents a predefined proportion of the costs of restructuring. Furthermore the design and implementation of measures to limit distortion of competition may also need to be reconsidered in so far as Northern Rock may need more time for their implementation due to the current market circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

As the Commission has set out in the three Communications adopted in the context of the current financial crisis (20), aid measures granted to banks in the context of the ongoing financial crisis should be assessed in line with the principles of the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines, while taking into consideration the particular features of the systemic crisis in the financial markets (21). That means that the principles of the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines may have to be adapted when applied to the restructuring of Northern Rock in the present crisis, which is assessed on the basis of Article 87(3)(b) EC. Within this context attention should be given to the rules set out in the rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines for own contribution. Given the fact that the external financing for Northern Rock has dried up and that the 50 % requirement set in rescue and restructuring aid Guidelines appears unfeasible in the current economic setting, the Commission accepts that during the crisis in the financial markets it may not be appropriate to request that the own contribution represents a predefined proportion of the costs of restructuring. Furthermore the design and implementation of measures to limit distortion of competition may also need to be reconsidered in so far as Northern Rock may need more time for their implementation due to the current market circumstances.

| (53) | As the Commission has indicated in previous guidance, the depth of restructuring required to return to viability should at least be in direct proportion on the one hand to the scope and volume of the aid provided to NR and on the other to the fragility of its business model. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

As the Commission has indicated in previous guidance, the depth of restructuring required to return to viability should at least be in direct proportion on the one hand to the scope and volume of the aid provided to NR and on the other to the fragility of its business model.

4.2.2.   Compatibility assessment under Article 87(3)(b) EC

| (54) | In view of the above it follows that in order to assess the compatibility of the aid to NR on the basis of Article 87(3)(b) EC, the Commission has to assess (i) whether the restructuring plan is able to restore the long-term viability, (ii) whether the aid is limited to the minimum and (iii) whether the negative spill-over effects of the aid is limited. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

In view of the above it follows that in order to assess the compatibility of the aid to NR on the basis of Article 87(3)(b) EC, the Commission has to assess (i) whether the restructuring plan is able to restore the long-term viability, (ii) whether the aid is limited to the minimum and (iii) whether the negative spill-over effects of the aid is limited.

| (55) | More generally, and in line with paragraph (47) above, the Commission invites the UK authorities to present all the necessary information justifying that the measure is consistent with the guidance set out in the Impaired Assets Communication. In particular, the UK authorities are invited to present more information on the national legal basis of the measure, whether the assets retained in AssetCo fulfilled the eligibility conditions and whether the valuation and pricing of the measure is consistent with these requirements. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

More generally, and in line with paragraph (47) above, the Commission invites the UK authorities to present all the necessary information justifying that the measure is consistent with the guidance set out in the Impaired Assets Communication. In particular, the UK authorities are invited to present more information on the national legal basis of the measure, whether the assets retained in AssetCo fulfilled the eligibility conditions and whether the valuation and pricing of the measure is consistent with these requirements.

(i)   Restoration of long-term viability

| (56) | With regard to the restoration of long term viability, the new restructuring plan seems to ensure the long term viability of BankCo. Indeed under the plan BankCo will not inherit the problems of NR. [...] loans of NR will remain with AssetCo. In addition, BankCo will initially have a very liquid balance sheet thanks to large amounts of cash received from AssetCo. Moreover, the about [...] % of the funding will come from retail deposits, thereby diversifying the sources of liquidity. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

With regard to the restoration of long term viability, the new restructuring plan seems to ensure the long term viability of BankCo. Indeed under the plan BankCo will not inherit the problems of NR. [...] loans of NR will remain with AssetCo. In addition, BankCo will initially have a very liquid balance sheet thanks to large amounts of cash received from AssetCo. Moreover, the about [...] % of the funding will come from retail deposits, thereby diversifying the sources of liquidity.

| (57) | It would seem therefore that BankCo, as a result of these measures, does not risk encountering the same liquidity problems as faced by NR due to its high dependence on wholesale funding combined with long term assets. Nevertheless, the Commission observes that the UK authorities have not provided a detailed business plan that explains how BankCo will become a viable entity on a sustainable basis over the medium to long term. At this stage, viability of BankCo therefore has not been demonstrated. The Commission therefore invites the UK authorities and third parties to comment on this issue. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

It would seem therefore that BankCo, as a result of these measures, does not risk encountering the same liquidity problems as faced by NR due to its high dependence on wholesale funding combined with long term assets. Nevertheless, the Commission observes that the UK authorities have not provided a detailed business plan that explains how BankCo will become a viable entity on a sustainable basis over the medium to long term. At this stage, viability of BankCo therefore has not been demonstrated. The Commission therefore invites the UK authorities and third parties to comment on this issue.

(ii)   Aid limited to the minimum/own contribution

| (58) | As regards the limitation of the aid to the minimum, the Commission observes that the aid is of such a type and quantity that it would allow BankCo to be freed of having to obtain expensive funding on the current market in order to absorb the losses on a large majority of high risk loans made by NR in the past. Therefore, it would not have to support the losses on these loans. Also, BankCo would be freed from having to pay back the government loans, as they would be transferred to AssetCo. BankCo would [...] receive the [...] assets of NR and will initially have a lot of cash. In other words, the aid seems to allow the creation of a very competitive new bank, instead of only restoring the long term viability of the existing bank. The Commission therefore strongly doubts that the aid is limited to the minimum. It seems that recapitalising NR would have requested less aid and of a much shorter duration. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

As regards the limitation of the aid to the minimum, the Commission observes that the aid is of such a type and quantity that it would allow BankCo to be freed of having to obtain expensive funding on the current market in order to absorb the losses on a large majority of high risk loans made by NR in the past. Therefore, it would not have to support the losses on these loans. Also, BankCo would be freed from having to pay back the government loans, as they would be transferred to AssetCo. BankCo would [...] receive the [...] assets of NR and will initially have a lot of cash. In other words, the aid seems to allow the creation of a very competitive new bank, instead of only restoring the long term viability of the existing bank. The Commission therefore strongly doubts that the aid is limited to the minimum. It seems that recapitalising NR would have requested less aid and of a much shorter duration.

| (59) | As regards the limitation of the aid to the minimum, the Commission also notes that according to the Impaired Assets Communication, the State should guarantee or purchase impaired assets at a value not exceeding their real economic value. In the present case, the State accepts to fully finance and support the losses of the assets of AssetCo, whereas their book value seems significantly higher than their real economic value, since this book value does not take into account future losses on these risky loans which will be caused by the current recession. This seems to be an additional indication that the aid is above the minimum necessary and that there is no adequate burden sharing as requested in paragraph 5.2 of the Impaired Assets Communication. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

As regards the limitation of the aid to the minimum, the Commission also notes that according to the Impaired Assets Communication, the State should guarantee or purchase impaired assets at a value not exceeding their real economic value. In the present case, the State accepts to fully finance and support the losses of the assets of AssetCo, whereas their book value seems significantly higher than their real economic value, since this book value does not take into account future losses on these risky loans which will be caused by the current recession. This seems to be an additional indication that the aid is above the minimum necessary and that there is no adequate burden sharing as requested in paragraph 5.2 of the Impaired Assets Communication.

| (60) | Furthermore, the Commission’s doubts as regards the own contribution of NR to the restructuring have not been allayed by the UK authorities. The Commission observes that the restriction on new lending and the active redemption policy, which had allowed the accelerated redemption of the State loan in the last quarter, as planned in the original restructuring plan, has been abandoned and even reversed. Indeed, the AssetCo will draw additional resources under the loan facility. The Commission therefore doubts that the own contribution is sufficient and invites the UK authorities and third parties to comment on this issue. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

Furthermore, the Commission’s doubts as regards the own contribution of NR to the restructuring have not been allayed by the UK authorities. The Commission observes that the restriction on new lending and the active redemption policy, which had allowed the accelerated redemption of the State loan in the last quarter, as planned in the original restructuring plan, has been abandoned and even reversed. Indeed, the AssetCo will draw additional resources under the loan facility. The Commission therefore doubts that the own contribution is sufficient and invites the UK authorities and third parties to comment on this issue.

(iii)   Limiting negative spill-over effects and undue distortion competition/measures which limit the distortion of competition

| (61) | The funding provided to BankCo for the mortgage lending through the split-up of NR into BankCo and AssetCo could have negative spill-over effects on competitors. As a result of the funding, BankCo could increase its mortgage lending and consequently potentially increase its presence on that market at the expense of other competitors. The limits imposed by the Competitive Framework, as mentioned above, could contribute to limiting these negative spill-over effects. The Commission is interested to receive comments regarding this issue. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

The funding provided to BankCo for the mortgage lending through the split-up of NR into BankCo and AssetCo could have negative spill-over effects on competitors. As a result of the funding, BankCo could increase its mortgage lending and consequently potentially increase its presence on that market at the expense of other competitors. The limits imposed by the Competitive Framework, as mentioned above, could contribute to limiting these negative spill-over effects. The Commission is interested to receive comments regarding this issue.

| (62) | As regards the avoidance of undue distortions of competition, the Commission strongly doubts that sufficient measures are taken to offset the negative effects of the aid. Indeed, under the new plan, AssetCo will receive a very large amount of aid which will allow it to retain the large majority of NR’s assets on a solvent basis and to transfer to BankCo all the [...] assets and liabilities of NR. It will also transfer to it a large amount of cash. As a consequence of all this aid, it seems that BankCo will be a very competitive firm. This bank will not have to support the losses due to all the risky lending made by NR in the past. In addition, it will not have to finance these loans, which is difficult to do on a profitable basis due to increased borrowing costs on the financial markets. Conversely, under the service agreement with AssetCo, it will manage the loans of AssetCo. In other words, it will not have to support the disadvantages of the loans made by NR in the past, but will keep the advantages, namely the contacts with the existing clients. In this sense, it is doubtful that the fact that BankCo will have a small balance sheet is really a measure limiting its market presence and can be considered as a measure which limits the distortion of competition. The Commission would therefore also welcome comments on this point. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

As regards the avoidance of undue distortions of competition, the Commission strongly doubts that sufficient measures are taken to offset the negative effects of the aid. Indeed, under the new plan, AssetCo will receive a very large amount of aid which will allow it to retain the large majority of NR’s assets on a solvent basis and to transfer to BankCo all the [...] assets and liabilities of NR. It will also transfer to it a large amount of cash. As a consequence of all this aid, it seems that BankCo will be a very competitive firm. This bank will not have to support the losses due to all the risky lending made by NR in the past. In addition, it will not have to finance these loans, which is difficult to do on a profitable basis due to increased borrowing costs on the financial markets. Conversely, under the service agreement with AssetCo, it will manage the loans of AssetCo. In other words, it will not have to support the disadvantages of the loans made by NR in the past, but will keep the advantages, namely the contacts with the existing clients. In this sense, it is doubtful that the fact that BankCo will have a small balance sheet is really a measure limiting its market presence and can be considered as a measure which limits the distortion of competition. The Commission would therefore also welcome comments on this point.

| (63) | The Commission in this context also observes that the amount of aid received by NR is so large that it is not certain that sufficient measures [...] implemented to avoid undue distortion of competition, [...]. [...]. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

The Commission in this context also observes that the amount of aid received by NR is so large that it is not certain that sufficient measures [...] implemented to avoid undue distortion of competition, [...]. [...].

| (64) | Furthermore, the Commission observes that some of the most relevant measures which aim to limit the distortion of competition proposed in the original restructuring plan have been amended. Under the new plan, aid is granted to allow the bank to make new loans of GBP 5 billion in 2009 and GBP 9 billion in 2010 (compared to GBP 5 billion each year in the original plan). In addition, NR has ceased the active redemption of maturing mortgages under its redemption programme. This programme, which has been operated by NR since 2008, has had the effect of further reducing the net supply of mortgage loans by NR. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

Furthermore, the Commission observes that some of the most relevant measures which aim to limit the distortion of competition proposed in the original restructuring plan have been amended. Under the new plan, aid is granted to allow the bank to make new loans of GBP 5 billion in 2009 and GBP 9 billion in 2010 (compared to GBP 5 billion each year in the original plan). In addition, NR has ceased the active redemption of maturing mortgages under its redemption programme. This programme, which has been operated by NR since 2008, has had the effect of further reducing the net supply of mortgage loans by NR.

| (65) | The Commission acknowledges that in the context of the current financial crisis, a severe reduction of NR’s offer of new mortgage loans combined with its active retail mortgage redemption programme, in a period when there is already a general reduction of the supply of loans due to the other banks’ difficulties may increase a risk that NR contributes to worsen the situation. However, this does not release NR from the obligation to enact measures which aim to limit the distortion of competition to offset the distortions of competition. The Commission invites the interested parties to comment on this issue and to indicate to what extend a reduction in NR’s mortgage lending, taking into account its market share and presence, contributes to the problems on mortgage lending and until when they expect supply of mortgage loans to be constrained. Also, the Commission invites the UK to provide evidence concerning the problems regarding the supply of mortgages to the market. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

The Commission acknowledges that in the context of the current financial crisis, a severe reduction of NR’s offer of new mortgage loans combined with its active retail mortgage redemption programme, in a period when there is already a general reduction of the supply of loans due to the other banks’ difficulties may increase a risk that NR contributes to worsen the situation. However, this does not release NR from the obligation to enact measures which aim to limit the distortion of competition to offset the distortions of competition. The Commission invites the interested parties to comment on this issue and to indicate to what extend a reduction in NR’s mortgage lending, taking into account its market share and presence, contributes to the problems on mortgage lending and until when they expect supply of mortgage loans to be constrained. Also, the Commission invites the UK to provide evidence concerning the problems regarding the supply of mortgages to the market.

5.   CONCLUSION

| (66) | The Commission doubts at this stage that the aid measures included in the new restructuring plan are compatible with the common market. In particular, on the basis of the information available to it, the Commission cannot ascertain whether the notified aid is limited to the minimum necessary and the distortions of competition outweigh the positive effects of the aid. |
| --- | --- |

(66)

The Commission doubts at this stage that the aid measures included in the new restructuring plan are compatible with the common market. In particular, on the basis of the information available to it, the Commission cannot ascertain whether the notified aid is limited to the minimum necessary and the distortions of competition outweigh the positive effects of the aid.

DECISION

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission has decided to extend the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty with respect to the measures notified on 2 April 2009. The Commission requires the UK, within one month of receipt of this letter, to provide in addition to all documents already received, all the relevant information and data needed for the assessment of these measures.

In particular, the Commission would wish to receive comments on the points on which it raised doubts. The UK is requested to forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipient of the aid immediately.

The Commission wishes to remind the UK that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has suspensory effect, and would draw your attention to Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.

The Commission warns the UK that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Communities. It will also inform interested parties in the EFTA countries which are signatories to the EEA Agreement, by publishing a notice in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities, and will inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month of the date of such publication.»

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(1)  Informazioni riservate. Laddove possibile, i dati numerici sono stati sostituiti da ordini di grandezza tra [parentesi].

1

(2)  Si tratta di conti bancari a nome della struttura di cartolarizzazione Granite detenuti presso NR.

2

(3)  OJ C 135, 3.6.2008, p. 21.

3

(4)  Gross lending is total advances, and net lending is advances less redemptions and repayments.

4

(5)  OJ C 43, 16.2.2008.

5

(6)  Business secret, where possible, figures have been replaced by ranges in [brackets].

6

(7)  NR has registered a pre-tax loss of approximately GBP 1,4 billion over 2008 and the reserves decreased significantly if compared to the end of 2007 as stated in its 2008 annual accounts http://companyinfo.northernrock.co.uk/downloads/2008_annual_report.pdf

7

(8)  UK term for each lender’s standard variable mortgage lending rate.

8

(9)  The total cash transfer that is necessary to ensure that the value of the liabilities transferred to BankCo does not outweigh the value of the assets transferred will be funded principally through the extension of the current loan to Northern Rock (liability for which will rest with AssetCo).

9

(10)  These are bank accounts in the name of the Granite securitisation structure that are held with NR.

10

(11)  Aid to Bradford & Bingley in late September 2008, introduction of a recapitalisation scheme and a of a credit guarantee scheme in October 2008, announcement of an asset protection scheme on 19 July 2009.

11

(12)  This is consistent with the Commission’s analysis in the Bradford and Bingley decision, NN41/2008, Bradford and Bingley, OJ C 290 13.11.2008, p. 1.

12

Bradford and Bingley

(13)  Since AssetCo is the existing company Northern Rock plc, the Commission can at this stage not exclude that the injection of capital into AssetCo is the implementation of the commitment made by HM Treasury that it will ensure that NR will operate above the minimum capital requirements (this commitment was discussed in paragraph 91 of the opening decision). The Commission invites the UK authorities to provide their comments on that issue. If this capital injection is the implementation of the prior commitment, this would entail that the aid was granted already at that date but this would not affect the qualification of the measure as constituting aid or not.

13

(14)  OJ C 72, 26.3.2009, p. 1.

14

(15)  Indeed, AssetCo will be financed, capitalised and guaranteed by the State. In other words, any loss incurred on the assets of AssetCo compared to the current book value will be supported by the State. The Commission therefore considers the transfer value in the meaning of the Impaired Asset Communication to be the current book value of the assets of AssetCo.

15

(16)  It is recalled that BankCo will be created on the basis of the retail deposit balances and the mortgage lending platform of NR.

16

(17)  Paragraphs 100 and 101 of the first opening decision.

17

(18)  Banking Communication, OJ C 270, 25.10.2008 p. 8, Recapitalisation Communication, OJ C 10, 15.1.2009 p. 2, and Impaired Assets Communication (see footnote 7 above).

18

(19)  See amongst others Commission Decisions regarding: Financial support measures to banking sector in the UK (N 507/2008), OJ C 290 13.11.2008 p. 1 and the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme (N 111/2008) to be published in OJ.

19

(20)  Communication from the Commission — Application of the State Aid rules to measures taken in relation to financial institutions in the context of the current global financial crisis, OJ C 270, 25.10.2008, p. 8. points 10, 32, 42; Communication from the Commission — Recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition, OJ C 10, 15.1.2009, p. 2, point 44. Communication from the Commission on the Treatment of Impaired Assets in the Community banking sector, OJ C 72, 26.3.2009, p. 1, point 17 and 58 et seq.

20

(21)  See explicitly the Banking Communication — Application of the State Aid rules to measures taken in relation to financial institutions in the context of the current global financial crisis, OJ C 270, 25.10.2008, p. 8. point 42.

21

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| 1.7.2009 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 149/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.7.2009

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 149/27

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Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione

(Caso COMP/M.5551 — F2i/Finavias/ERG)

Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2009/C 149/10

| 1. | In data 23 giugno 2009 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione le imprese F2i Fondi Italiani per le Infrastrutture S.G.R. S.p.A. («F2i», Italy) e Finavias S.à.r.l. («Finavias», Lussemburgo), appartenente al gruppo AXA, acquisiscono ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo in comune della maggioranza delle azioni della impresa ENEL Rete Gas S.p.A. («ERG», Italia) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote. |
| --- | --- |

1.

In data 23 giugno 2009 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione le imprese F2i Fondi Italiani per le Infrastrutture S.G.R. S.p.A. («F2i», Italy) e Finavias S.à.r.l. («Finavias», Lussemburgo), appartenente al gruppo AXA, acquisiscono ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo in comune della maggioranza delle azioni della impresa ENEL Rete Gas S.p.A. («ERG», Italia) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote.

| 2. | Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:






  — | F2i: fondo comune di investimento specializzato nel settore delle infrastrutture, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:

—

F2i: fondo comune di investimento specializzato nel settore delle infrastrutture,

| — | Finavias: private equity e gestione patrimoniale, |
| --- | --- |

—

Finavias: private equity e gestione patrimoniale,

| — | ERG: distribuzione di gas ad alta e bassa pressione. |
| --- | --- |

—

ERG: distribuzione di gas ad alta e bassa pressione.

| 3. | A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la concentrazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia, si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa. |
| --- | --- |

3.

A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la concentrazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia, si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa.

| 4. | La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.
  Le osservazioni devono pervenire alla Commissione entro dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (+32 2 2964301 o 2967244) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.5551 — F2i/Finavias/ERG, al seguente indirizzo:





  Commissione europea |
| --- | --- |
| Direzione generale della Concorrenza |
| Protocollo Concentrazioni |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.

Le osservazioni devono pervenire alla Commissione entro dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (+32 2 2964301 o 2967244) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.5551 — F2i/Finavias/ERG, al seguente indirizzo:

Commissione europea

Direzione generale della Concorrenza

Protocollo Concentrazioni

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(1)  GU L 24 del 29.1.2004, pag. 1.

(2)  GU C 56 del 5.3.2005, pag. 32.

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