Independent Auditor’s Report

To Vonovia SE, Bochum

Report On The Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and of the Group Management Report

Audit Opinions

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Vonovia SE, Bochum, and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2023, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of profit or loss, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2023, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy information. In addition, we have audited the group management report of Vonovia SE, which is combined with the Company’s management report, for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2023. In accordance with the German legal requirements, we have not audited the content of those parts of the group management report listed in the “Other Information” section of our auditor’s report.

In our opinion, on the basis of the knowledge obtained in the audit,

• the accompanying consolidated financial statements comply, in all material respects, with the IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § [Article] 315e Abs. [paragraph] 1 HGB [Handelsgesetzbuch: German Commercial Code] and, in compliance with these requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, and financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2023, and of its financial performance for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2023, and
• the accompanying group management report as a whole provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position. In all material respects, this group management report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements, complies with German legal requirements and appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future development. Our audit opinion on the group management report does not cover the content of those parts of the group management report listed in the “Other Information” section of our auditor’s report.

Pursuant to § 322 Abs. 3 Satz [sentence] 1 HGB, we declare that our audit has not led to any reservations relating to the legal compliance of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report.

Basis for the Audit Opinions

We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report in accordance with § 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation (No. 537/2014, referred to subsequently as “EU Audit Regulation”) in compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] (IDW). We performed the audit of the consolidated financial statements in supplementary compliance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those requirements, principles and standards are further described in the “Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and of the Group Management Report“ section of our auditor’s report. We are independent of the group entities in accordance with the requirements of European law and German commercial and professional law, and we have fulfilled our other German professional responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. In addition, in accordance with Article 10 (2) point (f) of the EU Audit Regulation, we declare that we have not provided non-audit services prohibited under Article 5 (1) of the EU Audit Regulation. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report.

Key Audit Matters in the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2023. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our audit opinion thereon; we do not provide a separate audit opinion on these matters.

In our view, the matters of most significance in our audit were as follows:

• Measurement of investment properties
• Measurement of property in development or under construction
• Recoverability of goodwill

Our presentation of these key audit matters has been structured in each case as follows:

• Matter and issue
• Audit approach and findings
• Reference to further information

Hereinafter we present the key audit matters:

Measurement of investment properties

Investment properties amounting to EUR 81,120.3 million are reported in the consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2023 of Vonovia SE. Vonovia SE exercises the option set out in IAS 40.30 of accounting for investment properties amounting to EUR 80,816.2 million using the fair value model in accordance with IFRS 13. Accordingly, changes in market value realized when properties are sold, as well as unrealized changes in market value, are recognized at fair value through profit or loss. In the past financial year, impairment losses of EUR 10,844.2 million in unrealized changes in market value were recognized through profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

When determining the fair value of investment property, it is assumed that the current use corresponds to the highest and best use of the property. Fair values are determined using a measurement model developed internally by the Company which uses the discounted cash flow method. Under that model, expected net cash inflows from the management of the properties (e.g., actual rent and market rent per m², planned maintenance per m²) are estimated, taking into account future vacancy rates, among other things, and corresponding present values are determined based on the discount and capitalization rates as derived from the real estate market. A market value is determined for properties with no positive net cash inflows (usually vacant buildings) using a liquidation valuation method. Undeveloped land is usually measured based on an indirect comparison of indicative land values.

To the extent possible, the Company uses data directly observable on the market to determine fair value (sources include property market reports prepared by expert committees and public and subscriptions-based market databases). In addition, a valuation report for the entire portfolio is prepared by independent appraisers and is used to verify the plausibility of internal calculations.

The fair value of the care homes is determined based on valuation reports prepared by an external appraiser. This appraiser determines the fair value analogously using the discounted cash flow method as well as, to the extent possible, information that is observable on the market.

The measurement of investment properties is based on a large number of relevant parameters which are normally subject in some respects to uncertainties with regard to estimates and judgments by the executive directors. Even small changes in the measurement parameters can result in material changes in fair value. Against this background, this matter was of particular significance in the context of our audit.

As part of our audit, with the collaboration of our specialists for process audits we recorded the internal controls in place relating to the measurement of investment property and assessed their appropriateness and effectiveness, among other things. In addition, in collaboration with our specialists for property valuation, we assessed the measurement models used by the Company with respect to their compliance with IAS 40 in conjunction with IFRS 13, the homogeneity of the properties being valued, the accuracy and completeness of the property portfolio data used and the appropriateness of the valuation parameters used, such as the expected net cash inflows, the assumed vacancy rate as well as the discount and capitalization rate. We also carried out analytical audit procedures and tests of details with respect to the material parameters having an influence on value. Furthermore, we checked the results at the portfolio level by comparing them against our expectations as regards changes in value.

As part of our audit, we furthermore prepared a property-specific comparison calculation on a test basis using the discounted cash flow method and conducted inspections of selected properties.

With regard to the care homes, we furthermore assessed the valuation reports obtained and the professional qualifications of the external experts and the calculation of fair value. We also assessed the respective valuation technique applied and the valuation parameters used.

The valuation technique applied by the executive directors of the Company is appropriately designed as a whole and suitable in general the measurement of investment property.

The Company’s disclosures relating to investment property are contained in section D28 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Measurement of property in development or under construction

In the consolidated financial statements of Vonovia SE as at 31 December 2023 properties in development or under construction are reported as investment property at an amount of EUR 304.1 million and as property inventories at an amount of EUR 1,957.7 million. Inventories comprise properties in connection with the sales-related project development business.

Properties in development or under construction are classified as investment property in accordance with IAS 40 if they are intended to be used as a financial investment upon completion, and are initially recognized at cost. The fair value model is generally applied for the purposes of subsequent measurement, provided a reliable fair value can be determined for the properties. Due to the inherent risks that exist during the construction phase, development projects are generally carried at cost (cost model) until completion. The recoverability of development projects is generally assessed in accordance with the value in use concept. The option also provided for in accordance with IAS 36 to use fair value less costs to sell is not considered due to the uncertainty in relation to fair value. Upon completion of the construction phase, the property is initially recognized in accordance with the fair value model.

Due to the intention to sell inventories stemming from the sales-related project development business, these are carried at the lower of amortized cost and net realizable values in accordance with IAS 2 as part of subsequent measurement if there are no customer orders for the residential units held for sale.

Regardless of whether the respective development projects are classified as investment property or as inventory, the cost for every project is determined on the basis of an individual project calculation that includes the planned costs yet to be incurred as well as the actual costs incurred at the level of the individual trades.

The net realizable values and the values in use are determined depending on the use of the development project upon completion on the basis of a sales estimate regarding the sales prices per square meter that are expected to be realized or based on the projected net cash inflows from the management of the properties which are derived using the discounted cash flow method. Undeveloped land is usually measured based on an indirect comparison of indicative land values.

The measurement of properties in development and under construction is based on a large number of relevant parameters that are generally subject to specific uncertainties with regard to estimates and judgments. Significant measurement parameters include in particular the planned costs yet to be incurred as well as for the purposes of determining the net realizable values and/or values in use the expected cash flows as well as discount and capitalization rate. Even small changes in the measurement parameters can result in material changes in the net disposal proceeds and/or the value in use. In our view, this matter was of particular significance in the context of our audit because the measurement of properties in development and under construction is generally subject to substantial judgments and estimation uncertainties, and there is the risk that the planned net disposal proceeds and/or value in use do not fall within an appropriate range and no corresponding impairment loss is recognized.

As part of our audit, in collaboration with specialists for process audits, we recorded the internal controls in place and assessed their appropriateness and effectiveness, among other things. In addition, in collaboration with our specialists for property valuation, we assessed the accuracy and completeness of the development project data used in the individual project calculations by Vonovia as well as the appropriateness of the measurement parameters used, such as the expected market rent per m², on the one hand, and the planned net disposal proceeds for the inventories and the determination of fair values for the investment properties on the other. We also carried out analytical audit procedures and tests of details with respect to the material parameters having an influence on value. We also analyzed the assumed production costs for various cost groups and compared these against external benchmarks. Furthermore, we conducted inspections of a selected sampling of development projects. During those visits, we noted the location and surroundings, including access, infrastructure, etc., in order to categorize the project. We also obtained an impression of the existence of the project and the current state of the buildings. For the purposes of assessing their plausibility, we compared the actual costs submitted and reviewed to the planned total investment costs. For larger projects, which are broken down into different construction areas and phases, the inspection served to better delimit and validate the calculation data. Impressions of quality (floors, tiles, sanitary facilities, outdoor facilities, etc.) were also possible, particularly in instances where construction work was at an advanced stage. In addition, the projects in the sampling were presented by the respective project managers at various meetings and key issues (schedule, construction status, award status of costs, changes to plans, leasing and sales status, etc.) were discussed with us.

The valuation technique applied by the executive directors of the Company is appropriately designed as a whole and suitable in general for accounting in accordance with IAS 40 and IAS 2.

The Company’s disclosures related to property in development or under construction reported as investment property are contained in section D28 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements and to inventories in section D36 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Recoverability of goodwill

In the Company’s consolidated financial statements goodwill amounting in total to EUR 1,392 million is reported under the “Intangible assets” balance sheet item. Goodwill is tested for impairment by the Company once a year or when there are indications of impairment to determine any possible need for write-downs. The impairment test is carried out at the level of the groups of cash-generating units to which the relevant goodwill is allocated. The carrying amount of the relevant cash-generating units, including goodwill, is compared with the corresponding recoverable amount in the context of the impairment test. The recoverable amount is generally determined using the value in use. The present value of the future cash flows from the respective group of cash-generating units normally serves as the basis of valuation. Present values are calculated using discounted cash flow models. For this purpose, the adopted medium-term business plan of the Group forms the starting point which is extrapolated based on assumptions about long-term rates of growth. Expectations relating to future market developments and assumptions about the development of macroeconomic factors are also taken into account. The discount rate used is the weighted average cost of capital for the respective group of cash-generating units. If the need to recognize a write-down is identified based on the value in use, it is analyzed whether the use of fair value less costs of disposal would result in a higher recoverable amount. The annual impairment test determined that no need to recognize a write-down. The impairment test triggered as of June 30, 2023 resulted in write-downs totaling EUR 138 million in respect of the groups of cash-generating units in the segment Development.

The outcome of this valuation is dependent to a large extent on the estimates made by the executive directors with respect to the future cash flows from the respective group of cash-generating units, the discount rate used, the rate of growth and other assumptions, and is therefore subject to considerable uncertainty. Against this background and due to the complex nature of the valuation, this matter was of particular significance in the context of our audit.

As part of our audit, we assessed the methodology used for the purposes of performing the impairment test, among other things. After matching the future cash flows used for the calculation against the adopted medium-term business plan of the Group, we assessed the appropriateness of the calculation, in particular by reconciling it with general and sector-specific market expectations. In addition, we assessed the appropriate consideration of the costs of Group functions. In the knowledge that even relatively small changes in the discount rate applied can have a material impact on the value in use calculated in this way, we focused our testing in particular on the parameters used to determine the discount rate applied, and assessed the calculation model. In order to reflect the uncertainty inherent in the projections, we reproduced the sensitivity analyses performed by the Company. We verified that the necessary disclosures were made in the notes to the consolidated financial statements relating to groups of cash-generating units for which a reasonably possible change in an assumption would result in the recoverable amount falling below the carrying amount of the cash-generating units including the allocated goodwill.

The valuation parameters and assumptions used by the executive directors are within the ranges considered by us to be reasonable.

The Company’s disclosures relating to the “Intangible assets” balance sheet item and the impairment test are contained in section D 26 “Intangible assets” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Other Information

The executive directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the following non-audited parts of the group management report:

• the non-financial group statement to comply with §§ 315b to 315c HGB included in section “Non-financial Group Decleration” of the group management report
• the disclosures marked as unaudited included in sub-section “Management Model” of section “Management System” of the group management report

The other information comprises further

• the statement on corporate governance pursuant to § 289f HGB and § 315d HGB
• the annual report – excluding cross-references to external information – with the exception of the audited consolidated financial statements, the audited group management report and our auditor’s report

Our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report do not cover the other information, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion or any other form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit, our responsibility is to read the other information mentioned above and, in so doing, to consider whether the other information

• is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements, with the group management report disclosures audited in terms of content or with our knowledge obtained in the audit, or
• otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of the Executive Directors and the Supervisory Board for the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Group Management Report

The executive directors are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that comply, in all material respects, with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § 315e Abs. 1 HGB and that the consolidated financial statements, in compliance with these requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position, and financial performance of the Group. In addition, the executive directors are responsible for such internal control as they have determined necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud (i.e., fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets) or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the executive directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. They also have the responsibility for disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern. In addition, they are responsible for financial reporting based on the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or there is no realistic alternative but to do so.

Furthermore, the executive directors are responsible for the preparation of the group management report that, as a whole, provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position and is, in all material respects, consistent with the consolidated financial statements, complies with German legal requirements, and appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future development. In addition, the executive directors are responsible for such arrangements and measures (systems) as they have considered necessary to enable the preparation of a group management report that is in accordance with the applicable German legal requirements, and to be able to provide sufficient appropriate evidence for the assertions in the group management report.

The supervisory board is responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and of the Group Management Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and whether the group management report as a whole provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position and, in all material respects, is consistent with the consolidated financial statements and the knowledge obtained in the audit, complies with the German legal requirements and appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future development, as well as to issue an auditor’s report that includes our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with § 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation and in compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW) and supplementary compliance with the ISAs will always detect a material misstatement. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements and this group management report.

We exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls.
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of the consolidated financial statements and of arrangements and measures (systems) relevant to the audit of the group management report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an audit opinion on the effectiveness of these systems.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used by the executive directors and the reasonableness of estimates made by the executive directors and related disclosures.
• Conclude on the appropriateness of the executive directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in the auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements and in the group management report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our respective audit opinions. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to be able to continue as a going concern.
• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements present the underlying transactions and events in a manner that the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and financial performance of the Group in compliance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § 315e Abs. 1 HGB.
• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinions.
• Evaluate the consistency of the group management report with the consolidated financial statements, its conformity with German law, and the view of the Group’s position it provides.
• Perform audit procedures on the prospective information presented by the executive directors in the group management report. On the basis of sufficient appropriate audit evidence we evaluate, in particular, the significant assumptions used by the executive directors as a basis for the prospective information, and evaluate the proper derivation of the prospective information from these assumptions. We do not express a separate audit opinion on the prospective information and on the assumptions used as a basis. There is a substantial unavoidable risk that future events will differ materially from the prospective information.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with the relevant independence requirements, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter.

Other legal and regulatory requirements

Report on the Assurance on the Electronic Rendering of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Group Management Report Prepared for Publication Purposes in Accordance with § 317 Abs. 3a HGB

Assurance Opinion

We have performed assurance work in accordance with § 317 Abs. 3a HGB to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report (hereinafter the “ESEF documents”) contained in the electronic file Vonovia_SE_KA+LB_ESEF-2023-12-31.zip and prepared for publication purposes complies in all material respects with the requirements of § 328 Abs. 1 HGB for the electronic reporting format (“ESEF format”). In accordance with German legal requirements, this assurance work extends only to the conversion of the information contained in the consolidated financial statements and the group management report into the ESEF format and therefore relates neither to the information contained within these renderings nor to any other information contained in the electronic file identified above.

In our opinion, the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report contained in the electronic file identified above and prepared for publication purposes complies in all material respects with the requirements of § 328 Abs. 1 HGB for the electronic reporting format. Beyond this assurance opinion and our audit opinion on the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the accompanying group management report for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2023 contained in the “Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and on the Group Management Report” above, we do not express any assurance opinion on the information contained within these renderings or on the other information contained in the electronic file identified above.

Basis for the Assurance Opinion

We conducted our assurance work on the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report contained in the electronic file identified above in accordance with § 317 Abs. 3a HGB and the IDW Assurance Standard: Assurance Work on the Electronic Rendering, of Financial Statements and Management Reports, Prepared for Publication Purposes in Accordance with § 317 Abs. 3a HGB (IDW AsS 410 (06.2022)) and the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised). Our responsibility in accordance therewith is further described in the “Group Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Assurance Work on the ESEF Documents” section. Our audit firm applies the IDW Standard on Quality Management: Requirements for Quality Management in the Audit Firm (IDW QMS 1 (09.2022)).

Responsibilities of the Executive Directors and the Supervisory Board for the ESEF Documents

The executive directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the ESEF documents including the electronic rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report in accordance with § 328 Abs. 1 Satz 4 Nr. [number] 1 HGB and for the tagging of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with § 328 Abs. 1 Satz 4 Nr. 2 HGB.

In addition, the executive directors of the Company are responsible for such internal control as they have considered necessary to enable the preparation of ESEF documents that are free from material non-compliance with the requirements of § 328 Abs. 1 HGB for the electronic reporting format, whether due to fraud or error.

The supervisory board is responsible for overseeing the process for preparing the ESEF documents as part of the financial reporting process.

Group Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Assurance Work on the ESEF Documents

Our objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the ESEF documents are free from material non-compliance with the requirements of § 328 Abs. 1 HGB, whether due to fraud or error. We exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the assurance work. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material non-compliance with the requirements of § 328 Abs. 1 HGB, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform assurance procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain assurance evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our assurance opinion.
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the assurance work on the ESEF documents in order to design assurance procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an assurance opinion on the effectiveness of these controls.
• Evaluate the technical validity of the ESEF documents, i.e., whether the electronic file containing the ESEF documents meets the requirements of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 in the version in force at the date of the consolidated financial statements on the technical specification for this electronic file.
• Evaluate whether the ESEF documents provide an XHTML rendering with content equivalent to the audited consolidated financial statements and to the audited group management report.
• Evaluate whether the tagging of the ESEF documents with Inline XBRL technology (iXBRL) in accordance with the requirements of Articles 4 and 6 of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815, in the version in force at the date of the consolidated financial statements, enables an appropriate and complete machine-readable XBRL copy of the XHTML rendering.

Further Information pursuant to Article 10 of the EU Audit Regulation

We were elected as group auditor by the annual general meeting on 17 May 2023. We were engaged by the supervisory board on 27 October 2023. We have been the group auditor of the Vonovia SE, Bochum, without interruption since the financial year 2023.

We declare that the audit opinions expressed in this auditor’s report are consistent with the additional report to the audit committee pursuant to Article 11 of the EU Audit Regulation (long-form audit report).

Reference to an other Matter– Use of the Auditor’s Report

Our auditor’s report must always be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and the audited group management report as well as the assured ESEF documents. The consolidated financial statements and the group management report converted to the ESEF format – including the versions to be filed in the company register – are merely electronic renderings of the audited consolidated financial statements and the audited group management report and do not take their place. In particular, the “Report on the Assurance on the Electronic Rendering of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Group Management Report Prepared for Publication Purposes in Accordance with § 317 Abs. 3a HGB” and our assurance opinion contained therein are to be used solely together with the assured ESEF documents made available in electronic form.

German Public Auditor Responsible for the Engagement

The German Public Auditor responsible for the engagement is Michael Preiß.

Essen, March 13, 2024

Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft