Fresenius Medical Care resolves FCPA investigation

In 2012, Fresenius Medical Care had voluntarily notified the U.S. government about internal investigations into conduct in countries outside the U.S. that might violate the FCPA. Fresenius Medical Care will pay a combined total in disgorgement and penalties of approximately USD 231.7 million to the two US agencies in connection with these resolutions, which was reserved and announced by the company last year. Given these accruals already made, the resolutions will have no effect on the company’s 2019 and 2020 outlook. The company has also agreed to engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of two years, after which it will self-report for one year. Rice Powell, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care, said: “We are pleased to have concluded these investigations and to have resolved the issues that we identified and voluntarily disclosed to the U.S. authorities. Since the investigation began we have taken extensive steps to further a culture of ethical business behavior throughout the entire company and to strengthen our compliance programs and internal controls. And we will continue to do so in close cooperation with the authorities. Enhancing these programs is an ongoing effort that will also help us to improve our service to our patients, which is our primary mission.”