THE European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending E10 million to Hungarian vehicle lease company Merkantil Car for on-lending to small businesses seeking help for leases of up to E125,000.

The EBRD loan complements E1 million in support from the European Commission to help Merkantil Car fund staff training and other costs. Part of Hungary’s largest banking group OTP, Merkantil Car will use the loan to increase market share and launch specialist services, said the EBRD.