The principles of values-based and transparent company management and control have become much more significant in the evaluation and appraisal of listed companies. In September 2001, the German Federal Ministry of Justice took up this issue with the establishment of the German Corporate Governance Code regulatory committee, chaired by Dr Gerhard Cromme. The committee approved the Code on 26 February 2002 and has since modified it. The Code has a legal basis in the statement of compliance pursuant to Section 161 of the Stock Corporation Act (incorporated as a result of the Transparency and Disclosure Act, which came into effect on 26 July 2002). As a result of Section 161 of the Stock Corporation Act, all listed companies are required to disclose their compliance with the requirements of the Code and explain any potential non-conformities (comply or explain). In particular, this should meet the expectations of international investors.
You can download and read or print out the current version of the German Corporate Governance Code on the home page here.
