Validation of a restructuring plan for EC arbitration

CONTEXT

• The Competition Directorate of the European Commission asks for expert support, as it needs to examine a large industrial restructuring plan, and validate the compliance of French state aid with EEC regulatory standards

OBJECTIVES

• To assess, for the Commission, the probability of success of the restructuring plan per se
• To help the Commission evaluate the criticality/legitimacy of the planned state aid and the relevance of the counter-offer made by the Group

TASKS

• Assessment of the plan’s strategy and financial feasibility in each market segment considered
• Evaluation of the impact of French state aid on the competitive dynamics of each market segment, and assessment of the overall acceptability of the proposal

OUTCOME

• Validation, subject to extension, of the divestment program proposed as a counterpart
• Justification of the rational for state aid and full case documentation for the Directorate