Consolidated Financial Statements Notes 17. Other accrued expenses 
Accruals for personnel expenses mainly refer to bonus, severance payments, contribution of partial retirement and holiday entitlements.
In 2001, Fresenius Medical Care recorded a US$ 258 million special charge to address legal matters relating to transactions pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of February 4, 1996 by and between W.R.Grace & Co. and Fresenius AG (Merger), estimated liabilities and legal expenses arising in connection with the W.R.Grace & Co. Chapter 11 proceedings (Grace Chapter 11 Proceedings) and the cost of resolving pending litigation and other disputes with certain commercial insurers. During the second quarter of 2003, the court supervising the Grace Chapter 11 Proceedings approved a definitive settlement agreement entered into among Fresenius Medical Care, the committee representing the asbestos creditors and W.R.Grace & Co. Under the settlement agreement, Fresenius Medical Care will pay US$ 115 million (€ 78 million), without interest, upon plan confirmation (see Note 26, Commitments and contingent liabilities). With the exception of the proposed US$ 115 million settlement payment, all other matters included in the special charge have been resolved.
