Indicate why and to what extent the agreement, while restricting competition, may nevertheless qualify for exemption from its prohibition, indicating in particular in which way the agreement: (a) contributes to improving the conditions of supply on the market; (b) brings substantial benefits to consumers.

Indicate whether these effects make the undertakings sufficiently competitive internationally and whether the effects are obtained by: a) increasing production, b) improving the quality of production, c) improving the quality of distribution, and d) technical or technological progress.

State the reasons why restrictions on competition are strictly necessary to attain the purposes referred to in the first paragraph above, and why these effects could not be achieved without this agreement.

Explain how, following authorisation, a certain level of competitiveness is retained in each substantial part of the market.