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May 06, 2026 - 01:30 pm
Bad Homburg, Germany
We value open communication and strive to create an environment in which patients, employees, members of local communities, business partners, or other potentially affected persons can report human rights violations or non-compliance with environmental regulations. To this end, we have set up whistleblower systems.
The following graphic illustrates the steps for processing reports, starting from the acknowledgment of receipt to the feedback provided to the person filing the report, using the example of two fictional protagonists: Kate and Aditi.*
*The persons and stories depicted in this image are purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons is purely coincidental and unintentional.
Additional information on our grievance mechanisms and the protection of whistleblowers can be found in the process descriptions of the respective companies:
Fresenius SE:
https://www.fresenius.com/grievance-mechanism
Fresenius Kabi:
https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/responsibility/business-ethics
Fresenius Helios:
https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/menschenrechte
Quirónsalud:
https://www.quironsalud.com/en/group/whistleblowing-channel
Have you ever had the feeling that something isn’t quite right? Perhaps you noticed something that shouldn’t be the way it is, or you yourself were affected by such a situation. That’s when it’s time to report a grievance.
Watch the video to find out how to report a grievance, to learn why reporting grievances is so important, and to see what happens to a report after you submit it.
The metrics describe the reports received through our reporting systems in the reporting year that were related to human rights – broken down into those affected in our own operations and those in our value chain. Of the 24 (2024: 28) reports received, 1 (2024: 4) proved to be a human rights violation. No report was related to a severe human rights incident in the upstream or downstream value chain or in Fresenius’ own operations.1
| Own operations | Value chain | |
|---|---|---|
Reports received with human rights relevance | 23 | 1 |
Of which are violations | 1 | - |
Of which are severe human rights violations | - | - |
1Severe human rights violation include incidents of forced labor, incidents of human trafficking, incidents of child labor as well incidents involving a large number of people or affecting a large area. This categorization is based, for example, on the definitions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
The Group-wide Sustainability Report 2025 (CSRD Report) contains detailed information on the substantiated cases and the remedial and preventive measures implemented in the chapters “Own workforce” and “Workers in the value chain”.
At Fresenius, we attach great importance to taking appropriate account of the interests of whistleblowers and those of potentially affected persons in the processing of reports. We achieve this through a transparent, fair and comprehensive examination of all incoming complaints by specially trained staff.
Our aim is to ensure that the concerns of those affected are taken seriously and processed in accordance with the applicable legal and internal company requirements. In doing so, we ensure that all relevant information and perspectives are included in the decision-making process to find a balanced and appropriate solution.
Through feedback from those affected, we analyze how our process is accepted in practice and where there is potential for optimization. This input is incorporated into the further development of our processes to ensure that the interests of those affected are taken into account even better in future.
The results of our risk analysis and the findings on potential target groups of our grievance and whistleblower channels are incorporated into the further development of our grievance mechanism and the processing of respective reports. Based on our findings, we review the effectiveness of the procedure on an annual basis, or more frequently if required. Where necessary, we make appropriate adjustments and changes with regard to accessibility and process.
Human Rights at Fresenius
Our Human Rights ProgramContact
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Else-Kröner-Str. 1
61352 Bad Homburg
Germany
humanrights@fresenius.com
Human Rights Program
Our Human Rights Program Group-wide Governance & Responsibilities Risk Assessment & Impact Preventive & Remedial ActionYou want to file a report?
Reports on possible human rights violations or other types of compliance violations can be reported around the clock, either anonymously or by name, via our whistleblower system*:
Whistleblower system
https://freseniusgroup.ethicspoint.com
By telephone*
+49 (0) 800 181 1338
By mail
Fresenius SE & Co. KGgaA Business Integrity
Else-Kröner-Str. 1
61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H. Deutschland
By e-mail:
humanrights@fresenius.com
* The prices of your mobile or landline contract apply.
The reporting on the respect for human rights for the year 2024 and following can be found in our Sustainability Report (CSRD Report). Further information on Fresenius' human rights program is available here: fresenius.com/en/human-rights
Human rights risks can change over time. We therefore conduct annual and event-related risk analyses. In the 2024 reporting period, this was done in the third and fourth quarters. An event-related risk analysis was not conducted.
Remark: The results of the risk analysis for the 2025 reporting year will be updated at a later stage.
Identifying and assessing human rights risks in our own company and in our value chain is a comprehensive process that consists of risk identification, risk analysis, and risk assessment. We follow a risk-based approach that can be divided into three phases and is explained below with the help of the fictional protagonist, John.*
*The persons and stories depicted in these images are purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons is purely coincidental and unintentional.
To weight and prioritize risks, we introduced a comprehensive methodology for assessing their impact and likelihood of occurring. Using this method, the risks are plotted on a matrix (4x4).
The evaluated impact on those affected ranges from “low” to “severe”. It is assessed using four evaluation criteria: scope, scale, possibility for remedial action, and company involvement.
Probability of occurrence ranges from “unlikely” to “almost certain”. It is assessed using three different evaluation criteria: process evaluation, evaluation of similar cases which have already arisen, and context factors which could increase the likelihood of the risks materializing.
We carry out a regular risk analysis of human rights topics for both our own businesses and our supply chains in accordance with the specific requirements of applicable international and national laws and regulations. As part of this risk analysis, we identify areas that we consider to have high priority due to the potential severity of possible violations and due to our ability to influence them.
The risk analysis for the 2024 reporting year confirmed the following existing prioritized risk areas for our own operations and revealed additional potential risks:
As a healthcare Group, we not only bear responsibility for the well-being of our patients, but also for the health and safety of our employees. We implemented a Group Policy on Social and Labor Standards. The guideline describes our global social and labor law minimum standards. We expect our employees and managers in all business segments of the Fresenius Group to comply with this guideline without exception. Lower standards are not acceptable. Should laws or practices in countries where we operate restrict or contradict the standards set out in this policy, we will apply the policy to the extent permitted by local laws . Moreover, the Fresenius Code of Conduct stipulates that we take the necessary measures to protect our employees and prevent work-related accidents and illnesses.
Creating a safe and healthy working environment is a priority for us. When it comes to health protection, prevention is our basic principle: We therefore provide our employees with comprehensive programs to promote their health and prevent work-related illnesses. The return of employees after an illness is regulated, for example, by the company integration management system.
We have introduced numerous management systems and measures throughout the Group and adapted them to the business models of the business segments. They focus on occupational health and safety in the production area as well as occupational health management for employees in healthcare facilities or in administration.
All locations are also subject to the respective local regulations and laws. Compliance with these regulations is ensured at local level. In addition to statutory regulations, internal guidelines and directives such as management manuals and standard operating procedures also play a significant role in occupational health and safety. In addition to the Group-wide Fresenius Code of Conduct, the business segments have their own guidelines that regulate occupational health and safety, e.g. the Clinical Code of Conduct for the rehabilitation and nursing units and medical personnel in the healthcare services market segment.
The internal requirements are supplemented by corresponding internationally recognized standards for management systems such as ISO 45001 at some locations as well as other certifications in accordance with ISO or national standards. The overarching aim of the ISO 45001 management system is to continuously improve occupational health and safety management, align it with internationally recognized methods and ensure the effectiveness of existing procedures and systems. To drive this forward, we are consistently expanding the number of entities certified to this standard.
Further Information can be found in the 2024 CSRD report from page 216.
To minimize potential human rights risks connected to our business activities, we have taken further preventive and mitigating measures. These include, for example, training that we offer to our workforce. The Fresenius Group, for instance, conducts regular occupational health and safety training to prevent incidents in its fields of operation.
To sustainably promote tolerance and appreciation within our teams in the long-term and to mitigate the risk of discrimination, it furthermore is not only necessary to have a corresponding culture that is exemplified by the management bodies; employees also receive training and further education on the topic of diversity.
The elimination of discrimination is both a component of our Group-wide compliance programs and a key element of our Human Rights Program. These concepts are supplemented by suitable controls, process documentation, training concepts, awareness-raising measures, and the use of whistleblower systems. In this way, we want to ensure that discrimination, including harassment, is prevented, contained, or combated in our operational business if we become aware of violations, risks, or impacts.
Another central element is the successive roll out of a company-wide human rights training for our employees. The training aims at educating our employees on this important topic – not only about their personal human rights, but also about the contribution that everyone can make in their daily work. It further imparts knowledge about individual rights and how to deal with possible human rights violations.
In addition, we have implemented individual and local measures to provide our employees with the best possible protection within our sphere of influence. For instance, at high-risk locations, we deploy more security staff than is typically found in hospitals to better protect our employees and patients around the clock. Furthermore, a monthly committee with participants from local management and employees has been established to strengthen the dialogue.
Further details on preventive and remedial measures, as well as on appropriateness and effectiveness, are available here.
The risk analysis for the 2024 reporting year confirmed the following existing prioritized risk areas for our value chain and revealed additional potential risks:
To counter the potentially negative effects, we have initiated and implemented further preventive measures in addition to existing ones. With the risk-based implementation of human rights and environmental clauses in contracts, we also agree with suppliers on specific requirements for cooperation and information obligations in the event of human rights violations.
Our Code of Conduct for Business Partners also sets out fundamental expectations regarding respect for human rights. To monitor compliance with these principles and use the results to provide industry-wide support, Fresenius Kabi, for example, prepared to join the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI) as an associate member in the reporting year (2024). In the future, the company will participate in the industry-wide audit pooling and thus contribute to greater transparency regarding working conditions and – where necessary – corresponding corrective or remedial measures in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Marco Kraemer, Director Supplier Quality Management & Human Rights Function, Fresenius Kabi
To further increase transparency in our upstream and downstream processes, we also plan to further expand the existing descriptions and visualizations of our value chains and carry out focus risk analyses on this basis. Further details on preventive and remedial measures, as well as on appropriateness and effectiveness, are available here.
Human Rights at Fresenius
Our Human Rights ProgramContact
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Else-Kröner-Str. 1
61352 Bad Homburg
Germany
humanrights@fresenius.com
Human Rights Program
Our Human Rights Program Group-wide Governance & Responsibilities Preventive & Remedial Action Grievance Procedure & HandlingWhistleblowing system
Reports on possible human rights or other types of compliance violations can be reported around the clock, either anonymously or by name, via our whistleblower system*:
Phone number: +49 (0) 800 181 1338*
https://freseniusgroup.ethicspoint.com
More infos about our grievance mechanism
*The prices of your mobile or landline contract apply
The reporting on the respect for human rights for the year 2024 and following can be found in our Sustainability Report (CSRD Report). Further information on Fresenius' human rights program is available here: fresenius.com/en/human-rights
S&P Global Ratings (S&P), a globally recognized credit rating agency today revised its credit outlook for Fresenius SE from stable to positive. The rating was affirmed at BBB. As part of its evaluation, S&P acknowledged the significant progress highlighting Fresenius’ strong operating performance, particularly within its growth vectors, ongoing cost base improvements, as well as a further reduction in the Company’s leverage. S&P also highlighted the sharpened and simplified portfolio, underscoring the Company’s resilience in the current operating environment.
“The revised outlook is another proof point that #FutureFresenius is paying off. It confirms our focus on long-term profitable growth and balance sheet strength, while at the same time preparing the business for future growth. Based on the strength of our operating businesses and the strong cash flow generation, we have significantly deleveraged the Company over the past years and expect to stay well within our self-imposed target leverage range,” says Fresenius CFO Sara Hennicken.
Fresenius is rated investment grade by the three leading credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings (BBB/positive), Moody’s (Baa3/stable) and Fitch (BBB-/stable). The company is committed to its investment grade rating and to its self-imposed target leverage range of 2.5 to 3.0x net debt/EBITDA1, which forms part of its capital allocation framework.
1 At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities and Fresenius Medical Care dividend, net debt adjusted for the valuation effect of the exchangeable bond
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany / Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11852
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch
General Partner: Fresenius Management SE
Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany / Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11673 Management Board: Michael Sen (Chairman), Pierluigi Antonelli, Sara Hennicken, Robert Möller, Dr. Michael Moser
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch
S&P Global Ratings (S&P), a globally recognized credit rating agency today revised its credit outlook for Fresenius SE from stable to positive. The rating was affirmed at BBB. As part of its evaluation, S&P acknowledged the significant progress highlighting Fresenius’ strong operating performance, particularly within its growth vectors, ongoing cost base improvements, as well as a further reduction in the Company’s leverage. S&P also highlighted the sharpened and simplified portfolio, underscoring the Company’s resilience in the current operating environment.
“The revised outlook is another proof point that #FutureFresenius is paying off. It confirms our focus on long-term profitable growth and balance sheet strength, while at the same time preparing the business for future growth. Based on the strength of our operating businesses and the strong cash flow generation, we have significantly deleveraged the Company over the past years and expect to stay well within our self-imposed target leverage range,” says Fresenius CFO Sara Hennicken.
Fresenius is rated investment grade by the three leading credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings (BBB/positive), Moody’s (Baa3/stable) and Fitch (BBB-/stable). The company is committed to its investment grade rating and to its self-imposed target leverage range of 2.5 to 3.0x net debt/EBITDA1, which forms part of its capital allocation framework.
1 At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities and Fresenius Medical Care dividend, net debt adjusted for the valuation effect of the exchangeable bond
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany / Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11852
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch
General Partner: Fresenius Management SE
Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany / Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11673 Management Board: Michael Sen (Chairman), Pierluigi Antonelli, Sara Hennicken, Robert Möller, Dr. Michael Moser
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch
May 06, 2026 - 01:30 pm
Bad Homburg, Germany
Fresenius has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Program in the United States. The ADRs are traded under the ticker symbol "FSNUY" in the over-the-counter market tier.
ADR information
Structure | Sponsored Level 1 ADR |
Ratio (ADR:ORD) | 4:1 |
Trading Location | OTC |
Ticker Symbol | FSNUY |
CUSIP | 35804M105 |
ISIN | US35804M1053 |
ADRs represent ordinary or common shares of a non-U.S. company. Four Fresenius ADRs are the equivalent of one Fresenius ordinary share. They are priced in U.S. dollars and traded in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market. J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A is acting as the depositary bank for this ADR program.
Contact details for ADR brokers & institutional investors:
U.S. Tel: +1 212 552 8926
Hong Kong Tel: +852 2800 1857
e-mail: drx_depo@jpmorgan.com
Contact details for registered ADR Holders:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A
General: +1 888-697-8018
From outside the US:+1-781-575-2844
For regular correspondence:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A
P.O. Box 43304 Providence, RI 0290-3304, USA
Email: web.queries@computershare.com
Website: www.computershare.com/investor
For delivery of stock certificates & overnight mail:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A
150 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Fresenius’ ADR program is administered by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. As the depositary bank, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A performs the following roles for registered ADR holders as further detailed in the Deposit Agreement:
For those holders who are not registered because their ADRs are held through a ‘Street name’ (nominee account), your nominee will from time to time receive Company documents from J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A to distribute to ADR holders. You need to make arrangements with your nominee if you wish to receive such documents and to be able to exercise your vote through the depositary bank at General Meetings (if applicable).
Contact
Director Investor Relations
T: +49 (0) 6172 608-5211
stefanie.drees@fresenius.com
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