Brussels, 21/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 21 March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) made €400 million available to Intesa Sanpaolo for financing the projects of small and medium-sized Italian enterprises (SMEs). This credit line will be managed by two banks in the Intesa group: Mediocredito Italiano and Leasint. New and ongoing projects will be eligible for financing. The maximum amount granted to individual projects will be €12.5 million, possibly covering up to 100% of the investment cost. The loans will serve to finance: restructuring and upgrading schemes; the acquisition, construction and extension of buildings; the acquisition of plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles; the costs, ancillary expenses and intangible assets relating to investments, including research, development and innovation costs; ongoing working capital requirements. Small businesses in all productive sectors - agriculture, crafts, industry, trade, tourism and services - will be able to apply for the loans. (O.L./transl.fl)