Employees
Due to the anticipated expansion in business, we expect the number of employees to grow in all regions in the coming year, particularly at our dialysis clinics. By the end of 2011, the number of people working for Fresenius Medical Care is estimated to have increased to more than 78,000 (full-time equivalents). This would mean a rise of over 6% year-on-year. We also expect our workforce to continue to grow in 2012.
In line with our growth strategy, we believe that Asia holds particularly promising business prospects; as a result, the number of employees there is set to increase substantially. Nevertheless, we do not anticipate any major changes in the worldwide distribution of our employees: Most of them will continue to work in North America.