4.5.5Shareholders’ Equity

For an explanation of the shareholders' equity, reference is made to the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and note 4.3.23 Equity Attributable to Shareholders.

Legal reserve

The ’Investees equity non-distributable’ legal reserve relates mainly to non-distributable profits generated by the co-owned entities (refer to note 4.3.31 Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures and 4.3.32 Information on Non-controlling Interests). The agreed principle in the applicable shareholders’ agreements is that the shareholders shall procure that any available reserves are distributable after paying any expenses due and taking into account co-owned entity and applicable legal requirements. However, as unanimous decision of shareholders agreements in most of the co-owned entities is required to distribute the profits generated, the equity of these entities is classified as a non-distributable reserve under Dutch guidelines for financial reporting. On a regular basis the Company ensures that dividends are approved by the partners and distributed accordingly to the shareholders.