54Moreover, as is clear from paragraph 44 of this judgment, the fourth paragraph of point 4.2.1 of the SME Guidelines and point 1.4 of the Multisectoral Framework, the Commission is not bound to approve aid to SMEs which exceeds the level of regional investment aid it has authorised for large enterprises in the area. Accordingly, if an enterprise concerned does not in reality suffer from the handicaps typical of an SME, the Commission is entitled to refuse such increased aid. Approving increased aid for enterprises which, although meeting the formal criteria defining an SME, do not suffer from the handicaps typical of an SME would be contrary to Article 87 EC, since, as pointed out by the Advocate General in point 43 of his Opinion, such an increase in aid is likely to produce more severe distortions of competition and thus adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest within the meaning of Article 87(3)(c).
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