ALTANA Acquires Additives Business of DyStar Group

The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA (Pink Sheets:AAAGY)(FWB:ALT)(GER:ALT) has acquired the high-performance additives business of the Frankfurt based DyStar group effective as of March 30, 2009. The acquired business with annual of sales of about €7.5 million will be integrated into the BYK Additives & Instruments division. It mainly comprises the technologies for the production of additives, for the processing of plastics compounds and the existing customer contacts. The production of the additives will be integrated into BYK´s main factory in Wesel.

"With the acquisition of the high-performance additives business of DyStar we continue our strategy to strengthen and further enhance the market position of our individual divisions through bolt-on acquisitions in a targeted manner," stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG. "With this step we underline that our growth ambitions remain unchanged, especially in economically difficult times, and create value."

"Through the acquisition of the high-performance additives business we significantly expand the already given know-how of our company in the rapidly growing market of additives for the plastics industry," said Dr. Roland Peter, President Division BYK Additives & Instruments. At the same time, so Dr. Peter, the future production at the existing production facilities in Wesel would strengthen BYK’s parent plant.

The press release is also available on www.altana.com/press

This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such statements have been made.

About ALTANA:
ALTANA develops and produces high-quality innovative products in the specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in Wesel/Germany, is a genuine "global player” with 83% of its sales generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions: BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.

ALTANA offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions with the matching specialty products for coating manufactures, paint and plastic processors, the printing and cosmetic industries, and the electrical and electronic industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins & varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.

At present, the ALTANA Group has 33 production facilities and 46 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group about 4,800 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2008, ALTANA achieved sales of about 1.3 billion euros. Its impressive earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful and innovative chemical groups worldwide.