Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes and Origin Electric Co. Ltd. sign cross-licensing agreement

Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes and Origin Electric Co. Ltd. sign cross-licensing agreement Arnhem, the Netherlands, October 27, 2004 - Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes has signed a technology cross-licensing agreement for automotive plastic coatings with Origin Electric Co. Ltd. based in Tokyo. This agreement enhances Akzo Nobel's access to the Japanese vehicle manufacturing market for the supply of coatings used on plastic car parts, such as dashboards, bumpers and wing mirrors. In return, Origin Electric will benefit from better access to the European market, as well as Akzo Nobel's state-of-the-art waterborne technologies. Automotive manufacturers have stringent rules which state that the paint products from their suppliers must have specific technical approval. Origin Electric has acquired this technical approval and the new agreement gives Akzo Nobel access to their particular technology, so opening the door for the company's automotive plastic coatings to be sold to car makers. "In Origin Electric we have found a reputable partner with a strong technology base and a long-standing tradition as a supplier to the Japanese automotive industry," said Rinus Rooseboom, General Manager of Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes. "This technology cross-licensing agreement will benefit both companies and provides a stepping stone into the respective markets for each party." Added Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel's Board Member responsible for Coatings: "This agreement with Origin Electric provides an excellent opportunity to further develop our paint business in the Japanese automotive market. Asia is an area where we are strongly committed to expanding our activities and the agreement we have signed is of major strategic value to the company and the Car Refinishes business." The cross-licensing agreement relates to both the Japanese and European markets and includes interior, as well as exterior, plastic coatings technology for the automotive industry. - - - Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Contact: Marc Michelsen Akzo Nobel nv Velperweg 76 P.O. Box 9300 6800 SB Arnhem The Netherlands Tel +31 26 366 43 43 Fax +31 26 366 49 40 Note for the editor Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2003 totaled EUR 13 billion. The Company currently employs some 63,000 people in more than 80 countries. The financial results for 2004 will be published on February 4, 2005. Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes supplies paint, decals, services and software for car repair, commercial vehicle and automotive markets. The main brands include Sikkens® and Lesonal® in car repair, and Sikkens Autocoat® BT in commercial vehicles. Automotive plastic interior and exterior components customers are also served under Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes. Sales for 2003 totaled EUR 880 million. Origin Electric Co., Ltd. operates in three business segments: Electronics (53%), Mechatronics (27%) and Chemitronics (20%). Origin Electric's paint operation booked consolidated sales of 9.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.sikkenscr.com/sikkens/corporate; www.carrefinishes.com/carrefinishes/corporate 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, pensions, 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. * 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/2004/10/27/20041027BIT20210/wkr0001.pdf Pressmeddelandet som pdf