KonzernabschlussRichtlinie

Konzernabschluss, also known as consolidated financial statements, is the set of financial statements for a corporate group prepared as if the group were a single economic entity. It aggregates the assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses of the parent and its subsidiaries, while eliminating intercompany transactions and balances to avoid double counting. The purpose is to provide stakeholders with a true and fair view of the group’s overall financial position and performance, beyond the stand-alone results of the parent company.

Typically a Konzernabschluss includes a consolidated balance sheet, a consolidated income statement, a consolidated cash flow statement, and notes, along with a consolidated statement of changes in equity. It may also present segment information and details on non-controlling interests. Accounting policies and the methods used for consolidation are disclosed in the notes.

Consolidation is normally performed using full consolidation for subsidiaries, with elimination of intercompany transactions and balances. Non-controlling interests are shown within equity or liabilities depending on the standard applied. For associates and joint ventures, the equity method is used under many standards such as IFRS; national rules may differ.

Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction. In many countries, including Germany, a Konzernabschluss is mandatory for groups that exceed size thresholds or that are publicly listed. It is typically subject to independent audit and must be published or filed with authorities, providing a basis for investors, creditors, and regulators to assess the group as a whole.