Merck KGaA

The general partner E. Merck KG holds around 70% of the total capital of Merck KGaA (equity interest); the shareholders hold the remainder, which is divided into shares (share capital). E. Merck KG is excluded from the management of business activities. The general partners with no equity interest (Executive Board) manage the business activities. Nevertheless, due to its substantial capital investment and unlimited personal liability, E. Merck KG has a strong interest in the businesses of Merck KGaA operating efficiently in compliance with procedures, and exercises its influence accordingly. Merck KGaA’s participation in the profit/loss of E. Merck KG in accordance with Articles 26 et seq. of the Articles of Association further harmonizes the interests of the shareholders and of E. Merck KG. E. Merck KG appoints and dismisses the Executive Board. In addition, E. Merck KG has created bodies – complementing the expertise and activities of the Supervisory Board – to monitor and advise the Executive Board. This task applies primarily to the Board of Partners of E. Merck KG. Based on the provisions of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Articles of Association of Merck KGaA and the rules of procedure of the various committees, Merck KGaA has a set of rules for the Executive Board and its supervision that meet the requirements of the Code. The investors, who bear the entrepreneurial risk, are protected as provided for by the Code.

The General Meeting of Merck KGaA

The eighteenth General Meeting of Merck KGaA was held on April 26, 2013 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. At 67.54%, the proportion of share capital represented at the meeting was stable, exceeding the proportion of 63.5% in 2012.

In particular, the Annual General Meeting passes resolutions concerning the approval of the annual financial statements, the appropriation of net retained profit, the approval of the actions of the Executive Board members and the Supervisory Board members, as well as the choice of the auditor. Changes to the Articles of Association likewise require the adoption of a resolution by the General Meeting.

The shareholders of Merck KGaA exercise their rights at the General Meeting. They may exercise their voting rights personally, through an authorized representative, or through a proxy appointed by the company. The proxy is in attendance throughout the duration of the General Meeting. All the documents and information concerning upcoming General Meetings (including a summary explanation of shareholder rights) are posted on our website. Moreover, the General Meeting is webcast live on the Internet from its commencement until the end of the speech by the Chairman of the Executive Board. The introductory speeches by the Chairman of the Executive Board and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board are recorded in order to make them available to interested members of the public at any time after the meeting. In this way, we are satisfying the high transparency requirements of the Merck Group.