Note 27 - Contingent liabilities and commitments

	2007	2006
	DKK million	DKK million
Commitments
Rental commitments expiring within the following periods from the balance sheet date:

Within 1 year	38	40
Between 1 and 2 years	32	29
Between 2 and 3 years	27	24
Between 3 and 4 years	24	21
Between 4 and 5 years	19	20
After 5 years	65	83
Rental commitments at December 31	205	217

Of which commitments to affiliated companies at December 31, 2007 amount to DKK 42 million, compared with DKK 51 million at December 31, 2006. The above rental commitments relate to non-cancelable operational leasing contracts, primarily for buildings and offices.

The following amounts have been recognized in the consolidated income statement in respect of rental	64	60

Other liabilities

Contractual obligations to third parties relating to investments in assets, etc.	72	83

Other guarantees

Other guarantees and commitments to affiliated companies	79	85

Other guarantees and commitments	71	157


Pending litigation and arbitration
Novozymes is engaged in certain legal proceedings. In the opinion of the Board of Directors and Management, settlement or continuation of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the Group's financial position. A liability has been recognized under Provisions in case the risk of a loss should arise.

Contract conditions
Several of the partnership contracts to which Novozymes is a party could be terminated by the opposite party in the event of significant changes concerning ownership or control of Novozymes. Furthermore a few contracts contain provisions that restrict Novozymes´ licenses to specific forms of technology in such situations.

Liability for the debts and obligations of Novo Nordisk A/S
As a result of the Demerger of Novo Nordisk A/S into two companies, Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S are jointly and severally liable in accordance with Section 136, subsection 2 of the Danish Companies Act for debts and obligations arising after January 1, 2000 but relating to the period before January 1, 2000 which cannot be clearly attributed to either Novo Nordisk A/S or Novozymes A/S. Liability will be distributed proportionally between the two companies.