Important Questions

Where and when will the next Annual Stockholders' Meeting take place?
The next Annual Stockholders' Meeting is being held on May 26, 2003, in Frankfurt.

Can any stockholder take part in the Annual Stockholders' Meeting?
The Annual Stockholders' Meeting is a stock corporation's supreme body at which stockholders can exercise their right to vote and ask questions. All stockholders are entitled to take part in the Annual Stockholders' Meeting directly or by proxy as long as they register in time.

How and where can stockholders register to attend the Annual Stockholders' Meeting?
Before the Annual Stockholders' Meeting, stockholders are sent an invitation via their depositary banks including the agenda for the Annual Stockholders' Meeting. Using the reply form provided by the depositary bank, stockholders can either authorize the bank to exercise their voting rights or request an admission ticket from the depositary bank for themselves or a proxy. The invitation to the Annual Stockholders' Meeting is published in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). From the day of publication in the Federal Gazette, the invitation can also be accessed on the internet.

What can stockholders do who have registered for the Annual Stockholders' Meeting in time but not received admission tickets?
Stockholders who have registered in time but not received admission tickets can still attend the Annual Stockholders' Meeting. If an admission ticket has been issued but e.g. has gone astray in the mail, the stockholder in question is still included on the registration list. This list is checked in the foyer of the venue and a replacement ticket issued to allow participation.

Can stockholders bring a guest?
Stockholders can bring a guest, but an additional admission ticket must be requested from the depositary bank when ordering the stockholders' admission ticket.

Is it possible to leave the Annual Stockholders' Meeting temporarily and return later?
Stockholders can leave the Annual Stockholders' Meeting temporarily via the exit barrier. They are entitled to re-enter by presenting their blocks of voting cards. When leaving, stockholders must check out at the exit barrier and check in again on their return so that the list of participants can be updated.

Can stockholders transfer voting rights?
In general it is possible for stockholders to transfer their voting rights. If stockholders are unable to attend, they can authorize another person beforehand on the admission ticket. They can also authorize a bank or stockholders' association to vote on their behalf. If stockholders leave the Annual Stockholders' Meeting before the end but would like their stock to continue to be represented, they can authorize another stockholder or a Company employee to exercise their voting rights.

Is there a full documentary record or a complete video/audio recording of the Annual Stockholders' Meeting for stockholders?
No, neither a full documentary record nor video/audio recordings of the Annual Stockholders' Meeting are made. However, the Supervisory Board chairman's opening address to the Annual Stockholders' Meeting and the keynote address by the chairman of the Executive Board will be boardcast on the internet (German only). No, these forms of participation are not possible. Under German Stock Corporation Law stockholders must be physically present or represented by a proxy to exercise their stockholder rights.