Risk management and risk controlling

Responsible handling of risks by the Group constitutes a key element of good corporate governance. The systematic risk management anchored in value-based Group management permits the Group 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 Group is a key task. The Audit Committee set up by the Supervisory Board regularly monitors the financial reporting process, the effectiveness of the systems of internal control, risk management and internal audit, and the audit of the financial statements. The external auditor is also involved in the audit. 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 systems of internal control, risk management and audit are provided in the Risk report.