Official Journal C 61/2008

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/2

Euro exchange rates (1)

5 March 2008

(2008/C 61/03)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,5196
JPY	Japanese yen	157,65
DKK	Danish krone	7,4493
GBP	Pound sterling	0,7685
SEK	Swedish krona	9,3627
CHF	Swiss franc	1,5807
ISK	Iceland króna	100,99
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,8565
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,048
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	263,01
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,6971
PLN	Polish zloty	3,5291
RON	Romanian leu	3,7185
SKK	Slovak koruna	32,369
TRY	Turkish lira	1,8383
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6405
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,5084
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	11,8362
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,9076
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,1129
KRW	South Korean won	1 441,11
ZAR	South African rand	11,7997
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	10,8015
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,2795
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	13 811,64
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,8376
PHP	Philippine peso	61,946
RUB	Russian rouble	36,512
THB	Thai baht	48,019
BRL	Brazilian real	2,5452
MXN	Mexican peso	16,2688

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/5

EMAS

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

List of registered sites in Norway in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2008/C 61/06)

Registration Number

Company name and address

Tel.

Fax

E-mail

Contact person

Industrial sector

NO-000005

Kraft Foods Norge AS

avd Disenå

N-2114 Disenå

(47) 62 96 82 00

(47) 62 96 82 85

hbreisjoeberg@krafteurope.com

Hanne Kari Breisjøberg

15.31

NO-000015

Rescon Mapei AS

Vallsetveien 6

N-2120 Sagstua

(47) 62 97 20 00

(47) 62 97 20 99

alan.ulstad@resconmapei.no

Alan K. Ulstad

24.66

NO-000016

Håg AS

Sundveien

N-7460 Røros

(47) 72 40 72 00

(47) 72 40 72 72

mbf@hag.no

Mai Britt Fjerdingen

36.11

NO-000017

Gyproc AS

Habornv 59

N-1631 Gamle Fredrikstad

(47) 69 35 75 00

(47) 69 35 75 01

gyprocno@gyproc.com

Jon Gjerløw

26.62

NO-000034

Savo AS

Fyrstikkbakken 7

N-0667 Oslo

(47) 22 91 67 00

(47) 22 63 12 09

bm@savo.no

Birgit Madsen

36.11

NO-000044

Hydro Aluminium Profiler AS, Magnor

Gaustadveien

N-2240 Magnor

(47) 62 83 34 15

(47) 62 83 33 00

oyvind.aasen@hydro.com

Øyvind Aasen

27.422

NO-000059

Ørsta Gruppen AS

N-6151 Ørsta

(47) 70 04 70 00

(47) 70 04 70 04

firmapost@orstastaal.no

Rolf O. Hjelle

28.1

NO-000063

Pyrox AS

N-5685 Uggdal

(47) 53 43 04 00

(47) 53 43 04 04

Eirik Helgesen

29.2

NO-000071

Forestia AS

Avd Kvam

N-2650 Kvam

(47) 62 42 82 00

(47) 61 29 25 30

kvam@forestia.com

Harvey Rønningen

20.200

NO-000083

Total E & P Norge AS

Finnestadveien 44

N-4029 Stavanger

(47) 51 50 39 18

(47) 51 50 31 40

firmapost@ep.total.no

Ulf Einar Moltu

11.100

NO-000085

Kährs Brumunddal AS

Nygata 4

N-2380 Brumunddal

(47) 62 36 23 00

(47) 62 36 23 01

knut.midtbruket@kahrs.com

Knut Midtbruket

20.200

NO-000086

Grøset Trykk AS

Grøset Herregård

N-2260 Kirkenær

(47) 62 94 65 00

(47) 62 99 65 01

mari.b@groset.no

Mari L Breen

22.22

NO-000090

AS Oppland Metall

Mattisrudsvingen 2

N-2827 Hunndalen

(47) 951 30 186

(47) 61 17 04 71

firmapost@opplandmetall.no

Knut Sørlie

37.00, 60.2

NO-000092

Forestia AS

Braskereidfoss

N-2435 Braskereidfoss

(47) 62 42 82 00

(47) 62 42 82 78

braskeriedfoss@forestia.com

Per Olav Løken

20.200

NO-000095

Grip Senter

Storgata 23 C

N-0184 Oslo

(47) 22 97 98 00

(47) 22 42 75 10

eva-britt.isager@grip.no

Eva Britt Isager

74.2

NO-000096

Gjøvik Land og Toten Interkommunale Avfallsselskap DA

Dalborgmarka 100

N-2827 Hunndalen

(47) 61 14 55 80

(47) 61 13 22 45

post@glt-avfall.no

Bjørn E. Berg

NO-000097

Hydro Polymers AS

Rafnes

N-3966 Stathelle

(47) 35 00 60 42

(47) 35 00 62 98

harald.meloy@hydro.com

Harald Meløy

24.140

NO-000098

Norsk Metallfragmentering AS

Mattisrudsvingen 2

N-2827 Hunndalen

(47) 951 30 186

(47) 61 17 04 71

firmapost@opplandmetall.no

Knut Sørlien

37.1

NO-000099

Elektrogjenvinning Møre AS

N-6170 Vartdal

(47) 70 04 04 60

(47) 70 06 71 18

elektrogj.more@adsl.no

Hans Andreas Bakke

37.1

NO-000100

Elektrogjenvinning Norge AS

Mattisrudsvingen 2

N-2827 Hunndalen

(47) 61 18 76 90

(47) 61 18 76 98

firmapost@elektrogjenvinning.no

Hans Andreas Bakke

37.1

NO-000101

Elektrogjenvinning Nord-Norge AS

Skaudalsveien 6

N-9409 Harstad

(47) 952 08 199

(47) 77 03 13 71

jon.skog@hrs.no

Jon Skog

37.1

NO-000102

Elektrogjenvinning Romsdal AS

Årøsætherveien 53

N-6422 Molde

(47) 415 24 038

(47) 61 17 04 71

ev-roms@online.no

Hans Andreas Bakke

37.1

NO-000103

Raufoss Metall AS

Raufoss industripark, Bygning 365

N-2831 Raufoss

(47) 951 30 186

(47) 61 17 04 71

anders-frisinger@raufoss.com

Knut Sørlie

27.5

NO-000104

Toten Metall AS

Blili

N-2854 Eina

(47) 951 30 186

(47) 61 17 04 71

post@totenmetall.no

Knut Sørlie

37.1

NO-000105

Oppland Metall Transport AS

Mattisrudsvingen 2

N-2827 Hunndalen

(47) 951 30 186

(47) 61 17 04 71

tord.linnerud@opplandmetall.no

Knut Sørlie

60.24

NO-000106

Norsk Industriolje AS

Østerdalsgt 1 J

N-0602 Oslo

(47) 22 66 04 00

(47) 22 66 04 01

jostein.urnes@relekta.no

Jostein Urnes

51.510

NO-000107

Relekta Import AS

Østerdalsgt 1 J

N-0602 Oslo

(47) 22 66 04 00

(47) 22 66 04 01

jostein.urnes@relekta.no

Jostein Urnes

51.820

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/8

STATE AID — FRANCE

State aid C 1/08 (ex N 283/07) — Aid scheme for companies processing and marketing fisheries and aquaculture products (FISIAA)

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty and Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 88 of the EC Treaty

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 61/07)

By letter dated 14 January 2008, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified France of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the above aid scheme.

Interested parties may submit their comments within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

Directorate D — Legal Unit

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 19 42

These comments will be communicated to France. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

SUMMARY

On 24 April 2007, the French authorities notified the Commission of their intention to establish an aid scheme to provide companies processing and marketing fisheries and aquaculture products with similar subsidies as those granted in the agriculture sector under aid scheme N 553/03, approved by the Commission on 27 July 2004.

The aim of this scheme is to grant aid to companies other than small and medium-sized enterprises, so that they can enjoy — from purely national funds — the same support as that available to the SMEs under Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 on the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The aid will come from a Fonds d'Intervention Stratégique des Industries Agro-Alimentaires (FISIAA) (agri-food industries strategic intervention fund).

The investigation of this aid scheme according to the guidelines for the investigation of State aid in fisheries and aquaculture refers to the criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 on the EFF. However, the measures provided for by the EFF as regards the processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products only cover SMEs, while this aid scheme is geared specifically to companies other than SMEs.

Consequently, the Commission considers that there is some doubt as to the compatibility of the aid with the common market.

TEXT OF LETTER

‘La Commission a l'honneur d'informer le gouvernement de la France qu'après avoir examiné les informations fournies par ses autorités sur la mesure citée en objet, elle a décidé d'ouvrir la procédure formelle d'examen prévue par l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE et par l'article 6 du règlement (CE) no 659/1999 du Conseil du 22 mars 1999 portant modalités d'application de cet article (1).

1. Procédure

(1)

Le 24 avril 2007, les autorités françaises ont notifié à la Commission leur intention de mettre en place un régime d'aides visant à subventionner des entreprises du secteur de la transformation et de la commercialisation des produits de la pêche et de l'aquaculture. Dans le cadre de l'examen préliminaire prévu à l'article 4 du règlement (CE) no 659/1999, une demande de renseignements complémentaires a été adressée à la France le 7 juin 2007, afin notamment d'obtenir des précisions sur les bénéficiaires de l'aide et la base juridique de ce régime. Les autorités françaises ont répondu le 11 juillet 2007. La Commission leur a adressé une nouvelle demande de renseignements complémentaires le 11 septembre 2007, à laquelle la France a répondu le 26 octobre 2007. La Commission, ayant constaté, au vu des éléments en sa possession, que le régime d'aide notifié suscitait des doutes sur sa compatibilité avec le marché commun, a décidé d'ouvrir la procédure formelle d'examen.

2. Description

(2)

Selon les informations contenues dans la notification, le régime d'aide dont il est question vise à subventionner, par des fonds publics uniquement nationaux, des entreprises actives dans le domaine de la transformation et de la commercialisation des produits de la pêche et de l'aquaculture.

Son objectif est d'accorder des aides aux entreprises autres que petites et moyennes, afin de faire bénéficier ces entreprises des mêmes aides que celles dont les petites et moyennes entreprises peuvent bénéficier dans le cadre du règlement (CE) no 1198/2006 du Conseil du 27 juillet 2006 relatif au Fonds Européen pour la Pêche (FEP) (2).

(3)

Les aides seraient financées par un Fonds d'Intervention Stratégique des Industries Agro-Alimentaires (FISIAA). Ce fonds, créé par les autorités françaises, consiste en une inscription budgétaire au budget de l'État, dont la gestion relève du ministère de l'agriculture et de la pêche. L'ensemble des entreprises actives dans le domaine de l'agriculture et de la pêche, et non pas seulement celles actives dans le domaine de la pêche et de l'aquaculture, peuvent bénéficier de subventions octroyées par ce fonds. Il est prévu qu'en 2007, les aides soient réservées aux seules entreprises de plus de 750 salariés ou de plus de 200 Mio EUR de chiffre d'affaires. D'après les explications fournies par la France, il paraît vraisemblable que cette priorité serait maintenue pour les aides accordées après 2007.

(4)

La notification est accompagnée d'un appel à projets lancé le 2 mars 2007, en vue de sélectionner les projets correspondants aux objectifs du Fonds d'intervention stratégique des industries agroalimentaires (FISIAA). Cet appel à projets ne concerne que les entreprises actives dans le secteur de l'agriculture, et le cahier des charges n'est donné qu'“à titre d'exemple” des conditions dans lesquelles seraient octroyées les aides aux entreprises actives dans le secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture.

(5)

Selon les autorités françaises, le FISIAA est actuellement défini par son cadre d'intervention, c'est-à-dire le régime d'aide applicable aux entreprises actives dans le secteur agricole enregistré sous le numéro N 553/03 et approuvé par décision de la Commission européenne du 28 juillet 2004. La notification du présent régime d'aide a ainsi pour objet d'élargir ce cadre d'intervention aux entreprises actives dans le secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture.

(6)

Le budget indiqué pour ce fonds est de 13 Mio EUR pour l'année 2007 pour l'ensemble des secteurs bénéficiaires (agriculture d'une part et pêche et aquaculture d'autre part). Dans la mesure où il est ouvert à l'ensemble des entreprises actives dans ces deux secteurs, il n'est pas possible à ce stade, selon les autorités françaises, de prévoir quelle est la part de ce montant qui reviendrait effectivement à des entreprises du secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture.

(7)

S'agissant des dépenses pouvant être couvertes par la subvention, l'appel à projets précise que le fonds a pour objectif de soutenir des projets d'entreprises pouvant intégrer des investissements matériels et immatériels, et présentant “un caractère fortement structurant”, et/ou “un positionnement commercial renforcé”, et/ou “un caractère innovant”. Sont potentiellement éligibles l'ensemble des investissements concourant à la mise en œuvre du processus de stockage, de conditionnement, de transformation et/ou de commercialisation. En particulier ces investissements peuvent consister en dépenses d'acquisition de matériel neuf, ou d'acquisition et aménagement de biens immeubles liés au projet, en dépenses de personnes dédiés au projet, ou encore en prestations immatérielles telles que brevets, études, conseil, etc. L'intensité de l'aide du FISIAA n'excédera pas 15 % des dépenses éligibles pour les investissements matériels et 100 000 EUR pour les investissements immatériels.

3. Appréciation

(8)

Selon l'article 87, paragraphe 1, du traité, sont incompatibles avec le marché commun dans la mesure où elles affectent les échanges entre États-Membres, les aides accordées par l'État ou au moyen de ressources d'État sous quelque forme que ce soit, qui faussent ou menacent de fausser la concurrence en favorisant certaines entreprises ou certaines productions.

(9)	Ces aides, consistant en subventions financées par le budget national (voir point 3), constituent bien des aides accordées par l'État.

(10)	L'octroi de ces subventions étant décidé au niveau national, après sélection par les services du ministère de l'agriculture des projets soumis dans le cadre d'un appel à projets, l'aide est imputable à l'État.

(11)	Les mesures notifiées sont susceptibles d'affecter les échanges entre États Membres dans la mesure où elles favorisent la production nationale de produits transformés issus de la pêche au détriment de la production des autres États Membres.

(12)	Par conséquent, ces aides constituent des aides d'État au sens de l'article 87, paragraphe 1, du traité.

(13)	Etant donné qu'il s'agit d'aides au secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture, ces aides doivent être analysées à la lumière des lignes directrices pour l'examen des aides d'État destinées au secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture (3).

(14)

Ces lignes directrices renvoient, dans leur paragraphe 3.10, aux critères fixés par le règlement (CE) no 1595/2004 de la Commission du 8 septembre 2004 concernant l'application des articles 87 et 88 du traité CE aux aides accordées aux petites et moyennes entreprises actives dans la production, la transformation et la commercialisation des produits de la pêche (4), qui renvoie lui-même aux critères fixés par le règlement (CE) no 2792/1999 du Conseil du 17 décembre 1999 définissant les modalités et conditions des aides structurelles de la Communauté dans le secteur de la pêche (5).

(15)

Le règlement (CE) no 1595/2004 n'est plus d'application puisqu'il a expiré le 31 décembre 2006. Toutefois, en l'absence d'un nouveau règlement d'exemption et en l'absence d'autres dispositions des lignes directrices applicables au cas présent, la Commission considère qu'elle peut continuer à se référer aux critères définis par le règlement (CE) no 2792/1999.

(16)

Cependant, ce règlement a été abrogé, et remplacé par le règlement (CE) no 1198/2006, qui dispose, en son article 104, paragraphe 2, que “les références aux règlements abrogés s'entendent comme faites à ce règlement”. Par conséquent, c'est à la lumière du règlement (CE) no 1198/2006 que la compatibilité avec le marché commun du présent régime d'aide doit être examinée.

(17)	La Commission observe que les mesures prévues par le FEP dans le domaine de la transformation et de la commercialisation ne visent que les PME. Par conséquent la Commission considère que ce régime d'aide, qui ne s'adresse qu'aux entreprises autres que les PME, ne répond pas aux critères du FEP.

(18)

Les autorités françaises ne contestent pas cette analyse puisqu'elles indiquent que “l'appel à projets n o 2 s'adresserait aux grandes entreprises du secteur de la transformation et de la commercialisation des produits de la mer, c'est-à-dire aux entreprises de plus de 750 salariés et de plus de 200 Mio EUR de chiffre d'affaires, ces entreprises étant exclues du FEP, comme c'est le cas pour les entreprises de transformation des produits agricoles. (…) Les autorités françaises sont bien conscientes que la lecture des lignes directrices pêche et aquaculture de 2004 associée à celle de l'article 104 du Règlement (CE) n o 1198/2006 relatif au fonds européen pour la pêche amène la Commission à indiquer que les grandes entreprises ne peuvent bénéficier d'aides publiques”.

(19)

Cela étant, la France justifie le présent régime d'aide par le souci d'harmoniser la situation des entreprises actives dans le secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture au regard de l'octroi d'aides publiques avec la situation des entreprises actives dans le secteur agricole, pour lesquelles un régime d'aide similaire a été approuvé en 2004. Cependant, le fait qu'existe un régime d'aide de même nature qui est approuvé pour un autre secteur d'activité est en soi insuffisant pour conclure à la compatibilité d'un régime d'aides s'adressant au secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture pour lequel la Commission a adopté des lignes directrices spécifiques, adaptées aux particularités du secteur. Il doit donc être examiné au regard des règles applicables au secteur de la pêche et de l'aquaculture, et non par simple analogie avec un régime existant dans un autre secteur d'activité. Par conséquent, cet argument ne peut pas à ce stade être retenu.

4. Conclusion

(20)	Compte tenu de ce qui précède, la Commission considère qu'il existe, à ce stade de l'évaluation préliminaire telle qu'elle est prévue à l'article 6 du règlement (CE) no 659/1999, des doutes sur la compatibilité de cette mesure d'aide avec le marché commun.

(21)

C'est pourquoi la Commission, agissant dans le cadre de la procédure prévue à l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du Traité CE, demande à la France de lui présenter ses observations et de lui fournir tous les renseignements nécessaires pour apprécier l'aide en cause, dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la réception de la présente lettre.

(22)

Par la présente, la Commission avise la France qu'elle informera les intéressés par la publication de la présente lettre et d'un résumé de celle-ci au Journal Officiel des Communautés européennes. Elle informera également les intéressés dans les pays de l'AELE signataires de l'accord EEE par la publication d'une communication dans le supplément EEE du Journal Officiel, ainsi que l'autorité de surveillance de l'AELE en leur envoyant une copie de la présente. Tous les intéressés susmentionnés seront invités à présenter leurs observations à compter d'un mois à compter de la date de cette publication.’

(1) JO L 83 du 27.3.1999, p. 1.

(2) JO L 223 du 15.8.2006, p. 1.

(3) JO C 229 du 14.9.2004.

(4) JO L 291 du 14.9.2004, p. 3.

(5) JO L 337 du 30.12.1999, p. 10.

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/11

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5060 — Theodorus I/Theodorus II/EADS Astrium/Euro Heat Pipes)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 61/08)

On 27 February 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking EADS Astrium SAS (‘EADS Astrium’, France), belonging to the EADS group (‘EADS’, France and Germany) and the undertakings Theodorus SCA (‘Theodorus I’, Belgium) and Theodorus II SA (‘Theodorus II’, Belgium), both controlled by the Université Libre de Bruxelles (‘ULB’, Belgium) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation, joint control of Euro Heat Pipes (‘EHP’, Belgium) by way of purchase of shares.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	for Theodorus I and Theodorus II: investment funds controlled by ULB,

—	for ULB: French university in Brussels operating scientific parks and an academic hospital,

—	for EADS: commercial and military air sectors, civil and military helicopters, spacecrafts and electronic defence systems, as well as, through EADS Astrium, design, development and supply of space systems,

—	for EHP: design, development, production and testing of thermal control systems used in spacecrafts and satellites.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5060 — Theodorus I/Theodorus II/EADS Astrium/Euro Heat Pipes, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

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

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/12

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5074 — Bosch/Mahle/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 61/09)

On 21 February 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Robert Bosch GmbH (‘Bosch’, Germany) and Mahle GmbH (‘Mahle’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co.KG (‘JV’, Germany) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	for Bosch: a company active on a worldwide scale in the areas automotive engineering, industrial engineering, consumable goods engineering as well as building services engineering,

—	for Mahle: a company active on a worldwide scale and develops, produces and supplies components for the automotive industry,

—	for JV: Research and Development, manufacturing and supply of exhaust gas turbochargers.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

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

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/14

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5055 — AXA/Klépierre/Annecy Courier)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 61/11)

On 27 February 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking SCI Vendôme Commerces (‘Vendôme Commerces’, France) belonging to the AXA group (‘AXA’, France) and the undertaking Klépierre SA (‘Klépierre’, France) controlled by the group BNP Paribas (‘BNPP’, France) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the commercial centre Annecy Courier situated in the agglomeration of Annecy in France (‘Annecy Courier’) by way of purchase of assets.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	for AXA: insurance and related financial services, as well as the management of real estate in Europe and the rest of the world,

—	for BNPP: investment banking, retail banking, private banking and asset management, notably the management of commercial centres in Europe through its subsidiary Klépierre,

—	for Annecy Courier: commercial centre situated in the agglomeration of Annecy in France.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5055 — AXA/Klépierre/Annecy Courier, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

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

6.3.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 61/15

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

(2008/C 61/12)

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

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘GOUDA HOLLAND’

EC No: NL/PGI/005/0328/27.11.2003

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

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

1. Responsible department in the Member State:

Name:

Hoofdproductschap Akkerbouw

Address:

Postbus 29739

2502 LS 's-Gravenhage

Nederland

Tel.

(31-70) 370 87 08

Fax

(31-70) 370 84 44

E-mail:

plw@hpa.agro.nl

2. Group:

Name:

Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO)

Address:

Postbus 165

2700 AD Zoetermeer

Nederland

Tel.

(31-79) 343 03 00

Fax

(31-79) 343 03 20

E-mail:

info@nzo.nl

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3. Type of product:

Class 1.3: Cheese

4. Specification:

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

4.1. Name: ‘Gouda Holland’

4.2. Description: Gouda Holland is a full-fat (48+), naturally matured semi-hard cheese. It is produced in the Netherlands from cows' milk obtained from Dutch dairy farms and is matured to a consumer-ready product in Dutch maturing rooms.

Composition

Gouda Holland is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

milk, cream and skimmed or semi-skimmed cows' milk (exclusively cows' milk) from Dutch dairy farms.

Characteristic properties

The cheese is shaped like a flattened cylinder, a block or a loaf and weighs from 2,5 kg to 20 kg. A flattened cylindrical shape is a shape with convex sides that curve smoothly into a flat top and bottom and a height that is a quarter to a third of the diameter.

The fat content is a minimum of 48,0 % and a maximum of 52,0 % in dry matter. The (maximum) moisture content 12 days after the first day of manufacture is 42,5 % and the salt content in dry matter is a maximum of 4,0 %. The other characteristic properties are as follows:

Flavour: aromatic, pleasant and mild to strong, depending on its age. Cumin may be added.

Cross-section: after slicing the cheese, hole formation is visible but may not be evenly distributed over the cut surface. The colour of the cheese varies from ivory to yellow.

Rind: the rind is firm, smooth, dry, clean and has no fungal flora. It is produced by drying during the maturing stage.

Texture: the cheese is slightly soft to pliable at an age of four weeks. Once the cheese has matured further, it becomes firmer and tighter in structure. The cheese is easy to cut.

Maturing period: at least 28 days. Gouda Holland is a naturally matured cheese. Foil maturing is not permitted for Gouda Holland.

Maturing temperature: at least 12 °C.

Age: the shelf-life varies from a minimum of 28 days after manufacture to more than a year.

Special quality criteria

When they reach and are stored by the cheesemaker, the milk, cream or semi-skimmed milk have undergone either no heat treatment at all or a non-pasteurising heat treatment.

The cream and the skimmed or semi-skimmed milk should undergo pasteurisation immediately before being made into Gouda Holland so as to meet the following criteria:

—	phosphatase activity is undetectable, unless peroxidase activity is undetectable,

—	measured on the basis of the fat-free product, acidity levels for cream are no higher than 20 mmol NaOH per litre, unless the lactate content is 200 mg per 100 g of fat-free matter or less,

—	no coliform micro-organisms are detectable in 0,1 ml.

Immediately before being made into Gouda Holland, all raw materials must be pasteurised in such a way that the undenatured whey protein content does not deviate or deviates only slightly from that of unpasteurised raw material of a similar type and quality. Only non-genetically modified cultures of lactic-acid-forming and aroma-forming micro-organisms may be added when manufacturing Gouda Holland. These cultures consist of appropriate mesophilic starter cultures for Gouda Holland: Lactococcus and Leuconostoc L or LD, possibly in combination with thermophilic Lactobacillus and/or Lactococcus cultures. The available cultures are protected. Their use is mandatory in the production of Gouda Holland.

Rennet: only calf rennet is used to manufacture Gouda Holland. Other types of rennet may be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as if an animal disease makes it necessary. The rennet used will then have to comply with the Warenwetbesluit Zuivel (Dairy Products (Commodities Act) Decree).

The nitrite content of Gouda Holland, in terms of nitrite ions, is no higher than 2 mg per kg cheese.

4.3. Geographical area: The geographical area covered by the application is Holland, i.e. the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

4.4. Proof of origin: A mark made from casein is placed on each Gouda Holland cheese before the curds are pressed (see diagram). The mark contains the designation ‘Gouda Holland’, together with a combination of figures and letters that is unique for each cheese (in ascending alphabetical and numerical order).

The COKZ (the Dutch dairy inspection institute) keeps a register of these unique numbers, which also contains a record of all test data (including time and place). The indication is easily recognisable to consumers, and can be verified by an approval authority on the basis of the casein mark and the COKZ register.

4.5. Method of production: Gouda Holland cheese is made from milk obtained from dairy farms in the Netherlands. The milk is cooled on the farm to a maximum of 6 °C and stored in a cooling tank on the farm. It is transported to the cheese factory within 72 hours. When it arrives at the cheese factory, it is either processed immediately or thermised (a non-pasteurising, light heat treatment) and put into cold storage for a short period of time before being turned into cheese milk.

The fat content of the milk is standardised so that the fat/protein ratio is such that the cheese eventually produced has a fat content of between 48 % and 52 % fat in dry matter. The cheese milk is pasteurised at a temperature of at least 72 °C for 15 seconds. It is curdled at a temperature of approximately 30 °C. The separation and coagulation of the milk proteins that occurs during this process is typical of Gouda Holland.

The curds obtained by coagulation are separated from the whey and processed and washed to ensure that the moisture content and pH reach the desired levels. The curds are pressed into the correct shape and desired weight in vats. The resulting ‘cheese’ is then immersed in the brine bath. Gouda Holland is only ever matured naturally, i.e. it is left open to the air to mature and is regularly turned and checked. As the cheese matures, a dry rind forms. Time and temperature play an important role in ensuring that the enzymatic and ageing processes are given sufficient opportunity to allow the cheese to develop the physical and organoleptic quality that is so characteristic of Gouda Holland.

It can take more than a year for Gouda Holland to mature, depending on the type of flavour desired.

Gouda Holland may be cut and pre-packaged either in or outside the Netherlands, provided that the pre-packager has a comprehensive administrative monitoring system to ensure that the cut Gouda Holland can be traced by means of the unique combination of figures and letters on the mark and that the consumer can be sure of its origin.

4.6. Link: The geographical component of this product name is ‘Holland’. As is common knowledge, ‘Holland’ is a synonym of the more official name, ‘the Netherlands’. During the time of the Republic of the United Netherlands (from the 17th to the 19th century), Holland was the most influential of the seven provinces. Since then, the name has gradually come to refer to the whole territory of the Netherlands. In many countries, the Netherlands is better known or even exclusively known as ‘Holland’ (Ollanda, etc.).

It is largely the geographical position of the Netherlands (mostly below sea level), its climate (a maritime climate) and the composition of the grass that grows there (predominantly on sandy and clay soils) that make the milk so suitable for producing a high-quality cheese that is packed with flavour. The quality assurance systems in place on dairy farms and the intensive quality assessment system (each delivery of milk is tested and assessed according to various quality parameters) together guarantee the quality of the milk. Furthermore, there is an unbroken cold chain until the moment the milk is processed, with the milk being put into cold storage on the farm (maximum 6 °C) and transported to the factory in refrigerated tankers. The relatively short distances involved also help maintain the quality of the milk.

Historical background

Gouda Holland is an exponent of the Dutch tradition of cheese making, which stretches back to the Middle Ages and reached maturity as early as the 17th century (the Golden Age).

The cheese sold in Gouda became known as Gouda cheese from the 17th century onwards. Later, the name Gouda came to be associated with all full-fat cheeses produced in Holland and shaped like a flattened cylinder.

From its beginnings in farm-based production, Gouda Holland has developed, by way of production in local factories, to become a nationally produced product of worldwide renown, and is an important, stable factor in optimising the quality of farm milk. At the beginning of the 20th century, national laws were introduced on Gouda cheese, and the name of Gouda Holland was established in the Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten (Agricultural Quality Decision on Cheese Products).

Gouda Holland's image among European consumers

A large-scale survey carried out in six European countries showed that European consumers see the Netherlands as the most important producer of Gouda and Edam. Furthermore, the reputation and standing of Gouda and Edam are associated with the Netherlands. Gouda (and Edam) are symbols of Dutch cultural heritage. European consumers regard Gouda (and Edam) cheese as brands. Market research (carried out on a representative sample of 1 250 respondents per Member State, with 97,5 % reliability) in the six Member States where Gouda (and Edam) consumption is highest shows that:

there is a strong association between Gouda and the Netherlands,

Gouda Holland is more popular than Gouda produced outside the Netherlands,

almost half of consumers in the Member States surveyed believe that all Gouda is produced in the Netherlands (which is potentially misleading for European consumers, because this is not the case),

Gouda Holland scores significantly higher on the variables ‘excellent quality’, ‘traditionally manufactured’ and ‘the original product’.

Gouda (and Edam) are synonymous with Dutch quality. Over a number of centuries, various measures and laws have been introduced, both by the Dutch Government and by the industry, to ensure that the very high quality of Gouda (and Edam) is maintained. Moreover, the Dutch dairy industry has invested a substantial amount of money in meeting these high quality standards and opening up, cultivating and maintaining markets. Since 1950, more than NLG 1,4 billion (EUR 635 million) has been invested in advertising, awareness-raising and promotion in Europe (excluding investment in the Netherlands).

4.7. Inspection body:

Name:

Stichting Centraal Orgaan voor Kwaliteitsaangelegenheden in de Zuivel (COKZ)

Address:

Kastanjelaan 7

3833 AN Leusden

Nederland

Tel.

(31-33) 496 56 96

Fax

(31-33) 496 56 66

E-mail:

productcontrole@cokz.nl

4.8. Labelling: ‘Gouda Holland’ is a European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

This indication must be displayed in a prominent position on all whole cheeses on the label applied to the flat side of the cheese and/or on the band around the cheese. This is not compulsory if the cheese is sold in pre-cut and pre-packaged form as described in Section 4.5. In that case, ‘Gouda Holland’ must be displayed on the packaging.

A clear distinguishing mark must be displayed on the packaging to enable consumers to identify Gouda Holland on the shelves. By using the name ‘Gouda Holland’, developing an own identity and displaying the EU's PGI symbol, it must be made clear to consumers that Gouda Holland is a different product from all other ‘Gouda’ cheeses. The aim of the application is to prevent European consumers from potentially being misled.

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

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 61

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 51 6 March 2008

Notice No	Contents	page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 061/01	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4839 — AREVA NP/MHI/ATMEA) ( 1 )	1

2008/C 061/02	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4971 — MPC/VIGA-Villacero/MAN/Coutinho & Ferrostaal (JV)) ( 1 )	1

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 061/03	Euro exchange rates	2

2008/C 061/04	Notice to importers — Imports into the Community of products from Montenegro	3

2008/C 061/05	Communication to tobacco producers about the transfer of tobacco aid to the Community Tobacco Fund for the years 2008 and 2009	4

	NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA
	Standing Committee of the EFTA States
2008/C 061/06	EMAS — The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme — List of registered sites in Norway in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council	5

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY
	Commission
2008/C 061/07	State aid — France — State aid C 1/08 (ex N 283/07) — Aid scheme for companies processing and marketing fisheries and aquaculture products (FISIAA) — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty and Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 88 of the EC Treaty ( 1 )	8

2008/C 061/08	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5060 — Theodorus I/Theodorus II/EADS Astrium/Euro Heat Pipes) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	11

2008/C 061/09	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5074 — Bosch/Mahle/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	12

2008/C 061/10	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4980 — ABF/GBI Business) ( 1 )	13

2008/C 061/11	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5055 — AXA/Klépierre/Annecy Courier) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	14

	OTHER ACTS
	Commission
2008/C 061/12	Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs	15

	Corrigenda
2008/C 061/13	Corrigendum to the Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations (Consolidated version) (OJ C 334, 30.12.2005)	20