Brussels, 28/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Under an agreement signed in Luxembourg on Wednesday 23 November, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide a €275 million loan to Atlas Copco, one of the world leaders in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. As part of Atlas Copco's long-term funding programme, the loan will support the development of more efficient, more environmentally friendly and safer products. Atlas Copco's activities in research, development and innovation, mainly based in Sweden and Belgium, also involve close cooperation with European universities and research institutes, helping to disseminate cutting-edge technologies. The EIB loan will finance projects to develop cleaner, safer and more efficient manufacturing, construction and mining equipment. (OL/transl.rt)