Overall assessment of the Group’s risk position

The Group faces significant risks relating to general operating conditions and liberalisation of the German mail market. The global financial crisis and fierce competition are also capable of significantly affecting Group earnings. The majority of the cost of restructuring the US business has already been recorded in 2008.

In the past financial year, there were no identifiable risks for the Group which, individually or collectively, cast doubt upon the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Nor are any such risks apparent in the foreseeable future. For a description of the risk position of Postbank please also refer to the Postbank Group’s risk report.