| the New Shares, each as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the New Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (nicht nachschusspflichtig). |
3. | The statements set forth under the heading “Taxation—German Taxation of ADSs” in the Registration Statement, insofar as such statements discuss the material German tax consequences for a U.S. holder of acquiring, owning and disposing of the ADSs, represent our opinion with respect to the matters referred to therein. |
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following qualifications:
(i) Pursuant to Sections 57 et seq. and 71a of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (AktG), except for dividends or unless explicitly permitted under the AktG, no payments, other distributions, financing arrangements, financial support, or other services of any kind may be made, directly or indirectly, by a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) to current or future shareholders in their capacity as such.
(ii) We have not verified, do not opine upon, and do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reasonableness of any statement contained in any offering material relating to the New Shares or the Company.
(iii) This opinion speaks as of its date and is confined to, and is given on the basis of, the laws of Germany as they exist at the date hereof; it is governed by the laws of Germany. We are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction. You may rely on the correctness of this opinion only in connection with the Offering and Listing.
(iv) With respect to the opinion statement no. 3., we note that such opinion statement may be affected by amendments to German tax law or to the regulations thereunder or by subsequent judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, which might be enacted or applied with retroactive effect for the current tax assessment period.
(v) We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading “Legal Matters” in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
-3-