Fresenius Medical Care renews long-term Collaborative Agreements with Kawasumi Laboratories in Japan

Bad Homburg, Germany - January 24, 2005 -- Fresenius Medical Care AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS_p), the world's largest provider of dialysis products and services, today announced that it has renewed its long-term collaborative agreement with Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc. relating to the production, distribution and further enhanced marketing activities of Fresenius Polysulfone dialyzers.

With this renewal Fresenius Medical Care and Kawasumi Laboratories intensify their long-term relationship which dates back to 1990 when the joint venture Fresenius Kawasumi was founded. With the renewed agreement, both companies aim to further expand the market share of dialyzers by utilizing their efficient manufacturing technologies as well as strong domestic sales network. Fresenius Polysulfone dialyzers have a market share of 16% at the end of 2004 in the Japanese market. The ownership ratio of the Fresenius Kawasumi joint venture remains unchanged: Fresenius Medical Care holding 70%, Kawasumi Laboratories holding 30%.

Roberto Fusté, Chief Executive Officer for the Asia-Pacific region, commented: "I am very pleased that both, Fresenius Medical Care and Kawasumi Laboratories will continue to provide the most advanced and biocompatible dialyzers to the Japanese renal market. Together we will demonstrate our position as one of the leading providers for high-quality dialyzers."

Background information Japan:
With approximately 250,000 patients Japan is the biggest dialysis market in Asia-Pacific. The patient growth rate is at around 4% p.a. In addition to its dialysis product business Fresenius Medical Care, through NephroCare Japan, also provides consulting services for dialysis centers. Private companies are currently not allowed to operate dialysis clinics in Japan. Japan accounts for approximately 37% of the revenue in the Asia-Pacific region today.