diff --git a/src/db/db/dbRegion.cc b/src/db/db/dbRegion.cc
index 9dfff7aca..a3161329d 100644
--- a/src/db/db/dbRegion.cc
+++ b/src/db/db/dbRegion.cc
@@ -111,8 +111,8 @@ Region &Region::transform (const T &trans)
 }
 
 //  explicit instantiations
-template <> Region &Region::transform (const db::ICplxTrans &);
-template <> Region &Region::transform (const db::Trans &);
+template Region &Region::transform (const db::ICplxTrans &);
+template Region &Region::transform (const db::Trans &);
 
 template <class Sh>
 void Region::insert (const Sh &shape)