DSM DYNEEMA AND SHIMANO COLLABORATE ON HIGH-TECH FISHING LINES TO HELP SPORTSMEN LAND THAT MOST WANTED CATCH

URMOND (NL), June 5, 2007 - At EFTTEX 2007 a new generation of sport fishing lines from Shimano featuring super-strong Dyneema® fiber from DSM Dyneema are being introduced. The new Aspire fishing lines have an astonishing strength to diameter ratio. They meet specific demands from sportsmen for thinner lines that are less visible to fish, provide better handling, and allow more line to be placed on the reel.

The use of Dyneema® high-modulus polyethylene fiber, makes it possible to create significantly thinner fishing lines while at the same time enhancing their strength. This combination of thinness and strength benefits sport fishermen in several ways. More line can be accommodated on the reel, giving the fisherman additional line to pay out when playing a game fish. In addition, enhanced strength means less risk of breakage when reeling in larger or more active fish.

The Aspire fishing lines feature an improved coating formulation that improves abrasion resistance and colorfastness compared to other premium braids. This smooth coating delivers improved durability and color retention over the life of the line, avoiding wear and color fading. As a result, fishermen will benefit from enhanced colors that can help their technique or make it easy to monitor their lines.

Mr Pierangelo Zanetta, European Director for Shimano, said, “We cooperated with DSM Dyneema to provide an enhanced product portfolio to our customers. Thanks to DSM Dyneema our new Aspire fishing lines provide improved strength, thinness and durability for a more satisfying sport fishing experience. Dyneema® fiber has clear, identifiable added value to the end products.

Rolf van Beeck, marketing manager Sports at DSM Dyneema, said, “We are happy with the contribution of Dyneema® fiber to the creation of a next-generation fishing line. This is just the latest in our cooperation with Shimano to develop innovations that meet changing market needs. We value this relationship highly and look forward to a successful launch of the Aspire product line by Shimano.”

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

About DSM

DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The company develops, produces and sells innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life. DSM’s products are used in a wide range of end-markets and applications, such as human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings and paint, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). DSM’s strategy, named Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company’s specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation plus an increased presence in emerging economies. The group has annual sales of over €8 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Shimano

Shimano Europe Fishing Holding is a leading fishing tackle company developing, & selling high quality fishing reels, rods & accessories. Shimano Europe Fishing Holding is part of Shimano Incorporate Japan. Shimano Incorporate Japan is a global market leader developing, manufacturing & selling high quality bicycle components, fishing tackle, cold forging products & snowboard equipment. Shimano Inc. has 14 manufacturing facilities located in 8 different countries. The Group has 34 sales & marketing bases in 21 countries. For 2006 Shimano Inc. reported a net sales of YEN 170.303 million employing 7.400 people.