RPT-EU's McCreevy hopes for quick ruling on Autostrade

(Repeats story published on Oct 13)

PRAGUE, Oct 13 (Reuters) - The European Commission hopes to rule on the takeover of Italy's toll-road operator Autostrade <AUTS.MI> by Spain's Abertis <ABE.MC> soon, EU Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said on Friday.

"That is currently under consideration, we have been negotiating with Italian authorities and we hope to reach a decision in the very near future," he said during a visit to Prague.

The Commission has criticised Italy for hindering the 14 billion euro ($17.59 billion) deal, which would create the world's largest toll-road operator.

McCreevy would not comment when asked about the Commission's stance on the deal.

Rome fears the merger would sap infrastructure investments, and has introduced new rules for road operators which provoked protests from Autostrade's key shareholder.

The EU is also expected to object to a provision in the new rules allowing building companies to take stakes in Autostrade but limiting their voting rights to 5 percent. ((Reporting by Jan Korselt, writing by Jan Lopatka, editing by Sue Thomas; prague.newsroom@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: jan.lopatka.reuters.com@reuters.net; +420-224 190 474)) ($1=.7960 Euro)

Keywords: TRANSPORT EU AUTOSTRADE