IAS 39 AND IFRS 7

In October 2008, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, and IFRS 7, “Financial Instruments: Disclosures”, titled “Reclassification of Financial Assets”. The amendments to IAS 39 permit (1) certain reclassifications of non-derivative financial assets (other than those designated under the fair value option) out of the fair value through profit or loss category and (2) also allow the reclassification of financial assets from the available for sale category to the loans and receivables category in particular circumstances. The amendments to IFRS 7 introduce additional disclosure requirements if an entity has reclassified financial assets in accordance with the amendments to IAS 39. The amendments are effective retrospectively from July 1, 2008. The impact of the reclassifications permissible under the amendments was to increase income before income taxes by € 825 million. For further information, please refer to Amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7, “Reclassification of Financial Assets”.

IMPROVEMENTS TO IFRS

In May 2008, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS, which resulted from the IASB’s annual improvements project. They comprise amendments that result in accounting changes for presentation, recognition or measurement purposes as well as terminology or editorial amendments related to a variety of individual IFRS standards. Most of the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009, with earlier application permitted. While approved by the IASB, the standard has yet to be endorsed by the EU. The Group is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of the amendments will have on its consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 3 AND IAS 27

In January 2008, the IASB issued a revised version of IFRS 3, “Business Combinations” (“IFRS 3 R”), and an amended version of IAS 27, “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” (“IAS 27 R”). IFRS 3 R reconsiders the application of acquisition accounting for business combinations and IAS 27 R mainly relates to changes in the accounting for non-controlling interests and the loss of control of a subsidiary. Under IFRS 3 R, the acquirer can elect to measure any non-controlling interest on a transaction-by-transaction basis, either at fair value as of the acquisition date or at its proportionate interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree. When an acquisition is achieved in successive share purchases (step acquisition), the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree are recognized at fair value when control is obtained. A gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss for the difference between the fair value of the previously held equity interest in the acquiree and its carrying amount. IAS 27 R also requires the effects of all transactions with noncontrolling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control. Transactions resulting in a loss of control result in a gain or loss being recognized in profit or loss. The gain or loss includes a remeasurement to fair value of any retained equity interest in the investee. In addition, all items of consideration transferred by the acquirer are measured and recognized at fair value, including contingent consideration, as of the acquisition date. Transaction costs incurred by the acquirer in connection with the business combination do not form part of the cost of the business combination transaction but are expensed as incurred unless they relate to the issuance of debt or equity securities, in which case they are accounted for under IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. IFRS 3 R and IAS 27 R are effective for business combinations in annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009, with early application permitted provided that both Standards are applied together. While approved by the IASB, the standards have yet to be endorsed by the EU. The Group is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of IFRS 3 R and IAS 27 R will have on its consolidated financial statements.

IAS 32 AND IAS 1

In February 2008, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 32, “Financial Instruments: Presentation”, and IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements”, titled “Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation”. The amendments provide for equity treatment, under certain circumstances, for financial instruments puttable at fair value and obligations arising on liquidation only. They are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009, with earlier application permitted. While approved by the IASB, the standards have yet to be endorsed by the EU. The adoption of the amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.