Compliance
Code of Conduct
Executive Board
Supervisory Board
Articles of Association
Internal code on inside information
Whistleblowers' procedure

On 9 December 2003, the Dutch Corporate Governance Committee, also known as the Tabaksblat Committee, released the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.  The Dutch Corporate Governance Code contains 21 principles and 113 best practice provisions for executive boards, supervisory boards, shareholders and general meetings of shareholders, financial reporting, auditors, disclosure, compliance and enforcement standards.

Dutch companies listed on a government-recognized stock exchange, whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere, are required under Dutch law to disclose in their annual reports whether or not they apply the provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code that relate to the executive board or supervisory board and, if they do not apply, to explain the reasons why.  The Dutch Corporate Governance Code provides that if a company’s general meeting of shareholders explicitly approves the corporate governance structure and policy and endorses the explanation for any deviation from the best practice provisions, such company will be deemed to have applied the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. 

We acknowledge the importance of good corporate governance.  The Executive Board and Supervisory Board have reviewed the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, generally agree with its basic provisions, and have taken and will take any further steps they consider appropriate to implement the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.