DISCLAIMER

Certain statements contained in the annual report 2008 and annual financial report 2008 constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements, which contain the words "believe", "intend", "expect", and words of a similar meaning, reflect the Executive Board’s beliefs and expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.

As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly announce the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made herein, except where it would be required to do so under applicable law.

The annual report 2008 and the annual financial report 2008 contain assumptions and forecasts which were based on the information available up to the copy deadline on February 26, 2009. If the premises for these assumptions and forecasts do not occur, or risks indicated in the chapter "Corporate Risks" and in the status report in the annual financial report 2008 do arise, actual results may vary from the forecasts made in the annual report 2008 and annual financial report 2008. Although the greatest caution was exercised in preparing data, all information related to the future is provided without guarantee.