Donations

The general meeting of shareholders may resolve to grant a donation for non-profit or corresponding purposes, provided that the donation is reasonable in view of the company’s financial position and other circumstances. The Board of Directors may also use assets for similar purposes, to the extent that the amount can be regarded as insignificant in view of the company’s position. A donation that deviates from these restrictions may be regarded as unlawful distribution of funds. It should be noted that the restrictions apply only to so-called "genuinely gratuitous" donations that are not in any way related to the company's business. Several conventional donations to, for instance, charitable or benevolent purposes, may be regarded as also made for business purposes, for example to improve the company's public image or for promotion of scientific research closely related to the company’s operations. It is, ultimately, the management’s responsibility to determine whether a donation can be deemed permitted or not.