Compared with 31 December 2008 equity attributable to Deutsche Post shareholders rose by €350 million to €8,176 million. The increase was primarily due to the consolidated net profit for the period, whereas the dividend payment for financial year 2008 served to decrease this item. The significant €1,929 million decline in minority interests to €97 million is due to the deconsolidation of Postbank.

The sale of Postbank was also the key factor behind the reduction in non-current and current liabilities. All of Postbank’s liabilities and provisions were reported under liabilities associated with assets held for sale as at 31 December 2008 and were recognised in full as disposals following its deconsolidation. This resulted in a net decline of €227,736 million. Financial liabilities increased from €4,874 million to €7,439 million. Current financial liabilities were reduced from €1,422 million to €740 million, primarily because bank loans were repaid and liabilities from foreign currency derivatives fell. By contrast, non-current financial liabilities increased from €3,452 million to €6,699 million, as a mandatory exchangeable bond was subscribed as part of the Postbank sale and the put options were collateralised. Non-current and current provisions declined from €10,836 million to €9,677 million due in particular to the utilisation of provisions for restructuring measures and lower deferred tax liabilities. Trade payables amounted to €4,861 million as at 31 December 2009 and were therefore slightly below the previous year (€5,016 million). Other current and non-current liabilities also fell by €253 million, from €4,299 million to €4,046 million.