The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU's financing institution, is extending a EUR 120 mln global loan to Banca delle Marche S.p.A., Ancona (BMAR), for the financing throughout Italy of projects promoted by SMEs as well as small and medium-sized projects in infrastructure, energy, environmental protection and health. BMAR will channel EIB funds to final beneficiaries both directly and via Mediocredito Fondiario Centroitalia S.p.A. (MCFCI), its main banking subsidiary active in both leasing and term lending.
The loan was signed by EIB Vice President Massimo Ponzellini, BMAR's Director General Alberto Costantini and MCFCI's Director General Giuseppe Barchiesi.
"This loan, which represents the first direct operation with BMAR", said Ponzellini," is part of an EIB strategy aimed at further enlarging its network of regional banks in Italy. In particular the alliance with the main banking player in the Marche region will permit to enhance its support to the over 100,000 small and medium sized companies based in one of the most dynamic and productive areas of Central Italy.
"This global loan will sustain projects contributing to increase the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs, promote investments leading to a more rational use of energy, support projects concerned with environmental protection and reduction of pollution and promote small and medium-sized infrastructure investments of regional or Community interest, including those in the health and education sectors.