SUMMARY OF THE FISCAL YEAR

SALES

Consolidated sales increased by 5% to € 11,358 million in 2007. Excellent organic growth of 6% was achieved, while acquisitions contributed 6% to growth. Divestitures reduced sales by 2% and currency translation had a negative impact of 5%.

SALES BY REGION

In North America sales increased by 10% in constant currency due to a good organic growth of 5% and the full-year Renal Care Group consolidation.
In Europe sales grew by 7% with organic sales growth contributing 5%.
Strong organic growth rates were achieved in the emerging markets with 9% in Asia-Pacific, 10% in Latin America and 26% in Africa.

EARNINGS

Operating income (EBIT) grew by 11% and by 17% in constant currency to € 1,609 million (2006: € 1,444 million). All the business segments contributed to this excellent earnings growth with double-digit rates.

in million €	2007	2006	Change	Change in constant currency

EBIT	1,609	1,444	11%	17%
Net interest	-368	-395	7%	2%
Income taxes	-448	-414	-8%	-14%
Minority interest	-383	-305	-26%	-32%
Net income	410	330	24%	28%

The EBIT margin improved by 80 basis points to 14.2%.
Group net interest was € -368 million (2006: € -395 million, including one-time expenses of € 30 million for the early refinancing of Group debt).
Net income was € 410 million, an excellent increase of 24%. Earnings per ordinary and preference share rose by 23%.

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