Kirkel – March 31, 2008. Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte Holding AG attributes much importance to the subject of corruption prevention. In order to prevent corruption and keep it away from routine business, the employees and business partners of the Praktiker Group are provided access to an external, independent ombudsman as contact with effect from April 1, 2008.

The Management Board and the Supervisory Board of Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte Holding AG have resolved to assign to the Frankfurt-based lawyer Wolfgang Gerhards the function of an ombudsman. Gerhards, who is a member of Görling Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH in Frankfurt/Main, was minister of justice of the German State of North-Rhine Westphalia until 2005.

Business partners and employees may turn to the external ombudsman whenever they have the suspicion that within or in the environment of Praktiker a case of bribery, taking or granting personal advantage has occurred. Whistle-blowers need not be afraid of any personal retribution or career disadvantage. The ombudsman is committed to professional secrecy as applicable to lawyers. So, on request, the informant’s identity will remain anonymous. It will also be up to the informant to decide to what extent information may be disclosed.

The appointment of an ombudsman is designed to strengthen the anticorruption system within Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermärkte Holding AG. The Management is fully aware of its responsibility for transparent and honest business conduct. Consequently, any indication in this respect will be taken seriously and followed up consistently.

The ombudsman’s primary function is to take note of indications of corruption. He is not to be used as a contact point for general complaints or for airing displeasure.