SKion exceeds threshold of 95 percent of the ALTANA shares and makes squeeze out request

The SKion GmbH has informed ALTANA that it is holding 129,342,421 shares, i.e. 95,04 percent of the ALTANA Shares. At the same time, SKion is requesting ALTANA AG to convene a shareholders meeting pursuant to § 327a Section 1 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). In this Shareholders Meeting a resolution on the transfer of the shares held by the remaining shareholders to SKion GmbH in return for an appropriate cash compensation shall be passed (so called "Squeeze out").

Already on November 9, 2009 SKion had made another revised improved voluntary public offer to the shareholders of ALTANA AG offering them to acquire their shares in ALTANA AG at a purchase price of € 14,- per share being valid until expiration of the acceptance period ending on December 14, 2009. On the basis of this voluntary offer and by means of further acquisitions of shares, SKion GmbH had been able to continuously increase its shareholding in ALTANA AG to the current percentage of ownership. Ms. Susanne Klatten is the sole shareholder of SKion GmbH. She is also acting as Vice Chairwoman in the Supervisory Board of ALTANA AG.

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 35 production facilities and 47 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group 4,600 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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.

Source: ALTANA