Akzo Nobel acquires specialty plastic coatings company TCI

Akzo Nobel acquires specialty plastic coatings company TCI Arnhem, the Netherlands, September 11, 2003 - Akzo Nobel has signed a contract with Belgium-based Techni-Coat International N.V. (TCI), to acquire its specialty plastic coatings business. The company produces lifestyle-driven plastic coatings for consumer electronics, cosmetic packaging, and sports and leisure goods. TCI posted total sales in 2002 of around EUR 10 million. "From a strategic point of view, this acquisition fits perfectly into Akzo Nobel Coatings' strategy of growing our Specialty Plastics business," said Rudy van der Meer, Member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management responsible for Coatings. "It presents an opportunity to significantly enhance our worldwide growth in this niche segment and it will considerably strengthen our competences with regard to design, color and fashion." A preferred supplier of one of the leading companies in mobile communications, TCI is an established coatings company with significant creative and color expertise which will boost Akzo Nobel's existing commercial technology in areas such as UV, water-based coatings, laser etching and 3-D printing. "TCI is an innovative provider of coating solutions for plastic components, with an admirable history of growth and profitability," added Alex Maaghul, General Manager of Akzo Nobel Specialty Plastics. "The value of the company also lies in its skilled development team, its 22 employees - who will all transfer to Akzo Nobel - and its state-of- the-art Design and R&D center." Akzo Nobel's coatings for specialty plastics are used on a wide variety of products, such as lipstick cases, golf clubs, household appliances, computers, ski equipment and furniture components. Note for the editor Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2002 totaled EUR 14 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 66,000 people in more than 80 countries. Financial results for the third quarter will be published on October 17, 2003. Internet: www.akzonobel.com www.techni-coat.com Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Derek Welch, Director Corporate Strategy, tel. +31 26 366 4321 Safe Harbor Statement* This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please refer to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of which can be found on the Company's website www.akzonobel.com. *Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/09/11/20030911BIT00060/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/09/11/20030911BIT00060/wkr0002.pdf