The Executive Board of the Hannover Re Group assesses the development of business in 2012 as highly satisfactory. The Group improved significantly on the previous year in all key indicators – premium income, investment income, operating result (EBIT) and Group net income. Especially given the challenging situation on international capital markets and the overall decline in interest rates, we are exceptionally satisfied with our investment income. On account of the favourable net income the development of the Hannover Re Group’s shareholders’ equity was very pleasing, pushing the total policyholders’ surplus to a new record high. At the time of preparing the management report the favourable business position of the Hannover Re Group remains unchanged; the Group’s financial strength is on a high level and has been further reinforced.