Plastics and Processing Additives divests Lead Stabilisers business

December 5, 2001- Following the announcement in August of this year, regarding its intention to discontinue its lead stabilizers and related rigid plastic applications business, Akzo Nobel’s business unit Plastics and Processing Additives, which trades as Akcros Chemicals, has signed an agreement for a Management Buy-Out (MBO) by a team of key personnel on December 3, 2001. The MBO-team will form a new company under the name of Allstab, which will continue the Akcros Chemicals operations in Dueren, Dahlem (Germany) and Roermond (Netherlands). Akcros Chemicals will keep responsibility for the Rigids Stabilisers business during the first quarter of 2002 and will transfer the business to Allstab in April 2002.

The lead and calcium based stabilisers concerned are for use in the manufacure of PVC window profiles, cables and pipes. The business also includes lead oxide, manufactured in Roermond, which is used both as a raw material for lead stabilisers and the crystal glass industry.

“The lead stabilizers business represents only one third of the Akcros business” explains Akcros Business Unit Manager, Kees van Nierop. “The remainder of the Akcros business, PVC additives for flexible and rigid foil applications and polysulphide chemicals used in aerospace and building applications, looks very positive. We can now concentrate on growing our leading world positions in these products”.

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