This report contains statements relating to the future, which are based on current evaluations of the management regarding future developments. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to factors that are beyond GILDEMEISTER’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as the future market environment and economic conditions. Such uncertainties may arise for GILDEMEISTER in particular as a result of the following factors: Changes in general economic and business conditions (including margin developments in the major business areas as well as the consequences of recession); the risk that customers may delay or cancel orders or become insolvent or that prices will be further depressed due to a constantly unfavourable market environment than we currently expect; developments in the financial markets including fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, in the price of raw materials, in borrowing and equity margins as well as the general financial situation; increasing volatility and further decline in the capital markets; a worsening of conditions for borrowing and, in particular, increasing uncertainty arising out of the mortgage, financial and liquidity crisis, as well as the future economic success of the core business areas in which we operate; challenges arising of the integration of major acquisitions and the implementation of joint ventures and the realisation of anticipated synergy effects and other significant portfolio measures; the introduction of competitive products or technologies by other companies; a lack of acceptance of new products and services in customer target groups of the GILDEMEISTER group; changes in corporate strategy; the outcome of public investigations and associated legal disputes as well as other official measures. Should one of these uncertainty factors or other unforeseeable event occur, or should the assumptions on which these statements are based prove incorrect, the actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these statements. GILDEMEISTER disclaims any intention or special obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in events or developments occurring after the reporting period. Forward-looking statements must not be understood as a guarantee or assurance of future developments or events contained therein.