Clariant and Ashland complete sale of ASK Chemicals JV to Rhône

Muttenz/Covington, KY, July 1, 2014 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced the closing of the previously announced sale of their joint venture ASK Chemicals, headquartered in Hilden, Germany, to investment funds affiliated with Rhône, a London and New York-based private equity investment firm on 30 June 2014.

The enterprise value of the transaction before debt and assumed liabilities amounts to CHF 310 million (EUR 257 million). After adjustments for debt and assumed liabilities, total pre-tax proceeds to the sellers will be approximately CHF 180 million (EUR 149 million), which includes CHF 155 million (EUR 128 million) in cash and a CHF 25 million (EUR 21 million) buyer note. Proceeds will be split evenly between Ashland and Clariant under terms of the 50/50 joint venture.

"The divestment of our stake in ASK Chemicals is part of our continuous active portfolio management to reallocate capital towards our more profitable growth areas," said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant.

With 1,800 employees in 25 countries ASK Chemicals is a leading foundry chemicals manufacturer. Its portfolio encompasses an exceptionally broad and innovative range of foundry resources such as binders, coatings, feeders, filters and release agents, as well as metallurgical products including inoculants, inoculation wires and master alloys for iron casting. In full-year 2013 ASK Chemicals generated revenues of EUR 513 million.