Risk management and risk controlling

Responsible handling of risks by the Company constitutes a key element of good corporate governance. The systematic risk management anchored in value-based Group management permits the Company to identify and assess risks at an early stage and to optimize risk positions using appropriate measures. Ensuring appropriate risk management and controlling in the Company is a key task. The Audit Committee set up by the Supervisory Board regularly deals with the financial reporting processes, the effectiveness of the systems of internal control, risk management and internal audit, partly in consultation with the external auditors. The systems in place are continually enhanced and adapted to changing circumstances. By their nature, however, they cannot provide complete protection from losses resulting from business transactions or fraud. More information on the topic of systems of internal control, risk management and internal audit are provided in the Risk Report.