22 Contingent liabilities
|
2007
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases and rents
|
34
|
36
|
|
Guarantee obligations on behalf of associates and third parties
|
58
|
53
|
|
Outstanding orders for projects under constructions
|
15
|
13
|
|
Other
|
9
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
116
|
114
|
Most of the outstanding orders for projects under construction will be completed in 2008. Property, plant and equipment under operating leases primarily concern catalysts, buildings and various equipment.
The commitments for operating leases and rents are spread as follows:
|
2008
|
10
|
|
2009
|
6
|
|
2010
|
4
|
|
2011 and 2012
|
6
|
|
After 2012
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
34
|
The investigations into possible restrictive and/or concerted practices involving a number of EPDM producers, including DSM, which had been launched at the end of 2002 by the European Commission, the United States Department of Justice and the Canadian Competition Bureau were closed mid 2006 without charges of any kind being brought against DSM or its affiliates. Several civil actions in the United States and Canada are still ongoing.
DSM has a process in place to monitor legal claims periodically and systematically.