Clariant targets profitable growth with an EBITDA margin above 17% in 2015

Muttenz, 7 June 2011 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has raised today its 2011 sales and margin targets on the occasion of its capital markets event. The company expects sales growth in the high single-digit range in local currency compared to 2010 and an EBITDA margin between 13.5-14.5%. For 2015, Clariant targets sales above CHF 10 billion and an EBITDA margin before exceptional items above 17%.

Based on its four pillars strategy and supported by the continuous improvement initiative “Clariant Excellence”, Clariant is well underway to meet its 2015 targets. A consequent implementation of performance optimization measures in the current portfolio, the build-up of an efficient R&D and Innovation organization, the elimination of geographical and technological gaps as well as M&A transactions are key to achieve the ambitious goals.

CEO Hariolf Kottmann commented: “With the beginning of 2011, Clariant has switched from restructuring to growth. Our well-positioned traditional businesses have further potential to improve their performance while the newly to be integrated Süd-Chemie businesses will drive higher sales growth and help to improve our margins. Applying our value-based performance management approach, we are confident to achieve our mid-term targets until 2015, using both organic growth and portfolio management.”

Clariant also reconfirmed its policy of paying a stable dividend going forward, with the intention to resume dividend payments for the full-year 2011.