[15] Earnings per share Audited

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit after minority interest by the weighted average number of theoretical shares outstanding. The use of a theoretical number of shares takes into account the fact that the general partner’s capital is not represented by shares. In accordance with the division of the share capital in the amount of € 168.0 million into 64,621,126 shares, the general partner’s capital amounts to € 397.2 million or 152,767,813 theoretical shares. Overall, the total capital thus amounts to € 565.2 million or 217,388,939 theoretical shares. It should be noted that in accordance with IAS 33, the 8,000 shares issued in 2008 by the Merck stock option program may only be included in basic earnings per share on a time proportionate basis from the date of their conversion.

As of December 31, 2008, there were no potentially dilutive shares. Details on the stock option programs, which expired on April 8, 2008, can be found in Note [32] “Net equity” to these financial statements.