[8] Currency translation 

The functional currency concept applies to the translation of financial statements of consolidated companies prepared in foreign currencies. The subsidiaries of the Merck Group generally conduct their operations independently. The functional currency of these companies is normally the respective local currency. Assets and liabilities are measured at the closing rate, and income and expenses are measured at weighted average annual rates in euros, the reporting currency. Any currency translation differences arising during consolidation of Group companies are taken directly to equity. If Group companies are deconsolidated, existing currency differences are reversed and recognized in income. The local currency is not the functional currency at only a few subsidiaries.

When the financial statements of consolidated companies are prepared, business transactions that are conducted in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded using the current exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items (cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables) in the year-end financial statements of the consolidated companies prepared in the functional currency are translated at the respective closing rates. Exchange differences from the translation of monetary items are recognized in the income statement with the exception of net investments in a foreign operation. Hedged items are likewise carried at the closing rate. The resulting gains or losses are eliminated in the income statement against offsetting amounts from the fair value measurement of derivatives.

Currency translation was based on the following key exchange rates: