OREANDA-NEWS. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is granting Raiffeisenlandesbank Nieder?sterreich-Wien AG (RLB N?-Wien) a global loan of up to EUR 50 million. At least 70 percent of the loan will be provided to SMEs and Mid-Caps, whilst the remainder will be dedicated to priority sector infrastructure investments in areas of environmental protection, knowledge economy, energy, health and education. Under the agreement, RLB N?-Wien undertakes to match EIB’s EUR 50 million loan with the same amount. The transaction is the third global loan with RLB N?-Wien in the past 10 years in addition to numerous bank intermediated investment loans.

EIB Vice-President Andrew McDowell, responsible for operations in Austria, stressed that «SMEs and Mid-Caps are important drivers of growth, employment and innovation in Austria as well as in Europe as a whole. They represent well over 90% of businesses and employ two thirds of the active working population. Supporting long-term financing on very favorable terms to SMEs and Mid-Caps is a top priority for the EU bank.» And the Vice President added: «We are delighted to sign this new transaction with Raiffeisenlandesbank Nieder?sterreich-Wien. This demonstrates our very successful relationship with Raiffeisen in Austria.»

Reinhard Karl, Board Member of Raiffeisenlandesbank Nieder?sterreich-Wien in charge of Corporate Banking, emphasised: «As a regional bank, we strive to meet our customers’ financing needs in a quick, flexible and reliable manner. For us, it’s essential to focus on contributing to the success of small and medium-sized firms and Mid-Caps in our region. This EIB global loan will enable us to continue providing professional support for investment projects in Eastern Austria.»