Interests and Views of Stakeholder Groups

United   Internet’s business depends on continuous dialog and successful cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders. Close contact with a range of stakeholder groups is particularly vital with respect to its impact on society and the environment, and for identifying material sustainability aspects during the double materiality assessment, developing the sustainability strategy, setting targets, and determining target achievement. United   Internet is in dialog with stakeholders via a variety of different platforms and formats so as to further enhance communication and cooperation and take their interests into account:

• Customers: United   Internet focuses systematically on customer needs and satisfaction, obtaining feedback in numerous areas. It also engages in an ongoing dialog with customers using surveys and during service calls, among other things. United   Internet’s products serve as an information platform, providing customers with internet access. In addition, the Company’s portals offer specially prepared editorial content. A large proportion of the energy consumed on United   Internet’s platforms is due to customers using the Company’s products. This means that their footprint is also influenced by United   Internet’s business decisions. In relation to access products, customers also benefit offered from the fact that United   Internet makes the necessary hardware available; if this were not the case they would have to source this equipment themselves at higher cost and effort, and with a higher risk of technical complications.


• Equity providers/shareholders: Shareholders are an important stakeholder group for United   Internet. Investor Relations and the Management Board are in regular contact with them during one-on-one discussions and road shows. Open, transparent reporting strengthens shareholder trust. Investors participate in United   Internet’s business success through the distribution of dividends and through share buy-backs.


• Debt capital providers/banks: Another material stakeholder group in addition to the Company’s shareholders are its debt capital providers. Corporate Finance engages in active dialog with debt capital providers so as to ensure adequate liquidity at all times and to guarantee the Group’s financial independence. Group financing is primarily based on the operating units’ strategic business plans. In line with this, United   Internet monitors trends relating to financing options on the financial markets on an ongoing basis, so as to ensure adequate flexibility for additional growth. Sustainability criteria are playing an increasingly important role for debt capital providers, since they are included in risk assessments and can positively impact the terms and conditions for loans.


• Employees: United   Internet’s employees are the key to the Group’s success. Only by leveraging their knowledge, skills, and dedication can United   Internet continue to develop and to achieve long-term success. Since employee feedback is vital for United   Internet, the Company regularly conducts surveys, uses these as the basis for defining measures to be taken, and then provides information on their implementation and the progress made within the Group. In addition, the Management Board uses a virtual format to engage directly with employees about specific issues.


• Business partners: United   Internet’s business requires it to work together with a large number of business partners and supplier companies. These include wholesale service partners, hardware suppliers, call center service providers, and shipping partners, for example. Personal discussions are one of the mechanisms used with these partners, while United   Internet also supports call center service providers that are training workers.


• Politicians and associations: United   Internet maintains a dialog with political decision-makers and government authorities so as to create a framework for a successful and responsible digital economy in Germany. One particular issue is ensuring competition, which acts as a driver for innovation, investment, and consumer benefits. This is why United   Internet is a member of associations such as Bitkom ¹, BREKO ², the BVDW ³, eco ⁴ and the VATM ⁵. In addition, individual departments play an active role in other relevant associations and bodies.


• Nongovernmental organizations: United   Internet has worked with the United Nations’ Children’s Fund since 2006 in the United   Internet for UNICEF foundation to collect donations and recruit new sustaining members.