Thanks Canadian! The part about distorting competition was what i was unsure about whether the Ricoh deal would pass the test ...
"The most important aspect of this last part of the test is whether the selective advantage conferred on the undertaking has the potential to distort competition. There is no requirement for an actual distortion to be proved. As a general rule therefore, this part of the test is easy to satisfy and more often than not the selective advantage will be found to have the potential to distort competition."
Interesting that the authors (a very well respected law firm, if that isn't an oxymoron) cite disposal of land or buildings at below market value as an example of state aid.
Just have to wait and see if the EC take it beyond their current preliminary investigation, at which point Reeves et al and Eastwood will need a trip to the bathroom, i should imagine! Fingers crossed!!