[40] Contingent liabilities Audited

Most of the guarantees issued exist in connection with our pharmaceutical business in Italy, where pursuant to tax legislation, guarantees must be given for reimbursements of tax receivables from the Italian fiscal authorities as well as to secure the supply of products to public hospitals. As of December 31, 2009, these amounted to € 43.0 million. Other contingent liabilities include, among other things, collateral security given on property, plant and equipment, for example buildings and potential obligations from legal disputes, for which the probability of an outflow of resources did not suffice to recognize a provision as of the balance sheet date.