Brussels, 23/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 21 March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) made available to the UniCredit Group a new €400 million credit line designed to finance the activities of the group's leasing company in support of small and medium-sized Italian enterprises (SMEs).
New and ongoing SME projects will be financed. The loans, which may cover up to 100% of investment costs (with a maximum of €12.5 million per project) will target: the acquisition, construction, extension and refurbishment of buildings; the acquisition of plant, equipment, vehicles and machinery; the costs, ancillary expenses and intangible assets relating to projects, including research, development and innovation costs; ongoing working capital requirements. Projects undertaken by small businesses in all productive sectors - agriculture, crafts, industry, trade, tourism and services - will be eligible for financing. The financing operations will be managed by UniCredit leasing and UniCredit Fineco Leasing. On Monday, the EIB also agreed to a €400 loan to Intesa Sanpaolo to support SMEs (EUROPE 10341). (O.L./transl.fl)