Personnel expenses comprise the following:

XLS

EUR million

2010

2009

Wages and salaries

2,145.5

1,764.1

Compulsory social security contributions and special financial assistance

319.3

266.7

Pension expenses

132.1

98.1

 

2,596.9

2,128.9

As of December 31, 2010, the Merck Group had 40,562 employees (2009: 33,062). The average number of employees during the year was 36,347 (2009: 32,850).

The breakdown of personnel by function is as follows:

XLS

Average number of employees

2010

2009

Production

8,327

6,956

Logistics

1,927

1,773

Marketing and sales

11,541

10,582

Administration

4,378

3,750

Research & Development

4,116

3,627

Infrastructure and Other

6,058

6,162

Total

36,347

32,850