EXPANSION INTO SOUTH AMERICA

Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, a division of Ashland, Inc., has acquired 50 percent interest in ARA Quimica SA. Terms of the stock purchase agreement were not announced.

"This venture demonstrates Ashland's commitment to providing quality products and services to new and existing customers throughout Brazil and South America while further extending Ashland's enterprise into South America," said James A. Duquin, President of Ashland Specialty Chemical Company.

For more information, contact Stacie Noel, Ashland Specialty Chemical Co., 5200 Blazer Pkwy., Dublin, OH 43017, 614-790-4209, FAX 614-790-3503, Web: www.ashspec.com.