Brussels, 21/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - the European Commission has confirmed that the French authorities have informed it of a new recapitalization plan for the Bull group and welcomed the effort of the French groups to improve its financial situation, announced Tilman Lueder, spokesman for Commissioner Monti. The spokesman also said that it was too early to make a decision on this plan. "Restructuration of the debt is included in the more general aspects including an increase in capital…The question of abandoning claims is being examined but it its too early to say what the real repercussions will be". The recapitalization plan will include an increase in capital of EUR 44 million through the participation of current shareholders (France Telecom, NEC, Debeka, Axa Private Equity and the Artemis holding. It also includes a reduction in State debt (EUR 450) to the tune of 90% in exchange for a return to better fortunes clause" which around EUR 50 million will be refunded depending on bull's results. Private investors, those holding bond options are also called on to abandon 90% of their claims but could, on the other hand take part I the increase of the capital through options. The French Minister of the Economy and Finance has given his agreement in principle to the plan for which implementation will have to be agreed to by the European Commission and its decisions regarding State dept. The Commission decided in October to take bull to the European Court of Justice for not having sough a refund from Bull for a treasury loan agreed to in November 2002. In the follow up, Mr Lueder simply indicated that the applicant is still master of his investigation".