• ACQUOS ACQUIRES CLARIANT MASTERBATCH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA.
• CLARIANT ACQUIRES ACQUOS MASTERBATCH BUSINESS IN NEW ZEALAND

20 March 2007

In Australia and New Zealand, Clariant and Acquos today announced transactions relating to their masterbatch
businesses that will enhance their ability to serve customers in both the Australian and New Zealand plastics markets.

In Australia, Acquos Masterbatch will acquire the assets of Clariant’s masterbatch business and with another
transaction in New Zealand, Clariant will acquire the assets of Acquos Masterbatch. These transactions will
allow both companies to gain operational efficiency. The transaction in New Zealand is subject to a consultation
period with the Acquos employees. Additionally, the two companies will enter into a joint distribution agreement.
Acquos will become the distributor for Clariant products sold into Australia and Clariant will become the
distributor for Acquos Masterbatch products sold outside of Australia.

Acquos Masterbatch’s capabilities to serve the Australian plastics market will be significantly strengthened by
the acquisition of Clariant’s masterbatch business. Acquos Masterbatch brings the benefits of local ownership with a commitment to the Australian market. “The transaction will allow Acquos to become a preferred customer contact for masterbatches in Australia." said Frank De Fazio (Director of the Acquos Masterbatch Group), "A new Acquos with its committed employees will focus on creating value for it’s customers by offering a complete product portfolio, efficient production sites, and high service levels from plants in Victoria and New South
Wales."

Acquos Masterbatch in Australia will be the leading company in the specification, technical design and
manufacture of masterbatch in Australia. Acquos Masterbatch will maintain a company with extraordinary
assets in people, technology, design, and manufacturing plants and will create the largest manufacturer of
masterbatch across the plastics landscape in Australia.
It should be noted that the fit between the two Australian businesses is extraordinary. Each of us brings unique
and complementary strengths to the business mix, and opportunities for synergy. We look forward to delivering
these benefits to the Australian plastics industry.
Clariant similarly will strengthen its operational capabilities in New Zealand. The company will continue to
deliver innovative solutions and services for customers in the plastics industry. "The acquisition of the Acquos
masterbatch business in New Zealand fits into our strategy to strengthen our position in the masterbatches and compound market. The improvement in operational capabilities will enhance our ability to provide high service
levels and innovative products.", said Hans Ulrich Kurtz, (Head of Clariant Masterbatches Asia Pacific). "We
reluctantly exit from the masterbatch business in Australia, but do so with the strong belief that Acquos is better positioned to serve the needs of the Australian market."

Both transactions should be completed by the end of April 2007.

Acquos is a locally owned business that is well positioned to support the needs of local plastics customers with excellent technology, efficient plants and streamlined business processes. By combining the former Ciba masterbatch with the newly acquired Clariant masterbatch business, Acquos can ensure excellent service and support for masterbatch customers in Australia.

Clariant is a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals and a world-wide leader in masterbatches with 55 sites in 34 countries. Headquartered in Muttenz near Basel, Switzerland, it generated sales of CHF 8.1 billion in
2006. Clariant’s businesses are organized in four divisions: Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals; Pigments & Additives; Masterbatches and Functional Chemicals. Strong business relationships, commitment to outstanding service and wide-ranging application know-how make Clariant a preferred partner for global customers.

• Acquos Masterbatch will be Australia’s largest masterbatch manufacturer concentrating solely to deliver to the Australian plastics marketplace.
• Acquos Masterbatch will remain 100% Australian owned.
• Acquos Masterbatch will be the premier contact point for masterbatch in Australia.