Clariant signs agreement to acquire Euromaster assets

Muttenz, December 9, 2009 - Clariant, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Euromaster, a limited liability company based in Russia specializing in the manufacture of masterbatches.

The planned transaction covers Euromaster's fixed assets including land, buildings and equipment, as well as current assets such as Euromaster's inventory. Also under the agreement, all 48 Euromaster employees will move to Clariant.

The transaction, which was approved by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation is for an undisclosed sum.

The planned acquisition will enable Clariant to further expand its portfolio of locally focused, service-driven businesses. It will enhance the company’s ability to service international accounts and local converters with a full range of locally produced masterbatches. Clariant also confirms its existing links with its Russian distributor EuroHim-I, Moscow.

With its headquarters in Nizhnekamsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, Euromaster Ltd manufactures masterbatches and special additives for the Russian market. Euromaster has a catalogue in excess of 1,500 colors and a nominal masterbatches manufacturing capacity of more than 1100 tons.

Notes for editors:

1. The legal entity for Clariant’s Masterbatches business in Russia is named LLC Clariant Masterbatches (RUS).