THE European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced two loans that will allow Romanian and Slovenian companies to lease commercial and passenger vehicles.

As part of its general remit to develop Eastern Europe, the bank will lend E10 million to Romania's BCR Leasing, which will on-lend the money to small businesses 'to purchase cars or equipment that will support their business development'.

EBRD Romania director Hildegard Gacek said: 'As the country's leasing sector grows it is important that entrepreneurs gain sufficient access to finance to meet their demands'.

Meanwhile, the bank is lending E10 million to Slovenia's SKB Leasing, also for on-lending to small businesses, largely to help them lease commercial and industrial equipment.

SKB Leasing general manager Borut Vujcic said: 'This loan is a welcome opportunity for us to deepen co-operation with Slovenian enterprises and to make the local leasing market more accessible.'