Great Lakes increases antimony trioxide flame retardant prices

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA—Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK) today announced that effective for shipments after January 23, 2004, where contracts allow, the company will increase the price for all grades of antimony trioxide by $0.25/lb in the Americas and by $550/mt in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The price for other antimony derivatives will also increase dependent upon antimony content.

The price increase for antimony trioxide reflects increases in the London Metal Bulletin (LMB) value for antimony metal and its impact on the cost of finished antimony derivatives. Further tightening of raw material supply is anticipated through the balance of the year. Antimony trioxide, sold under the trade names TMS®, Timonox®, Trutint® and Microfine®, is used as a synergist, along with brominated flame retardants, in flame retardant polymer formulations widely used in electrical and electronics applications. Antimony trioxide is also an effective flame retardant in high performance PVC applications.

Through its Polymer Additives division, Great Lakes offers an extensive line of

bromine-, phosphorus-, and antimony-based flame retardants and other synergists, as well as a full line of UV stabilizers, antioxidants, blends and optical monomers. For more information about these product lines, please visit the Great Lakes Polymer Additives web site at www.pa.greatlakes.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that affect the company’s operations as discussed in Great Lakes Chemical Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, there is no assurance the company’s expectations will be realized.

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