Akzo Nobel opens International Paint Japan business

Akzo Nobel opens International Paint Japan business Arnhem, the Netherlands, November 1, 2004 - Akzo Nobel's International Paint business - the world's largest supplier of marine and protective coatings - has officially commenced full business operations in Japan. After more than 25 years of indirect involvement in Japan, the Company staged an inauguration ceremony in Tokyo today to formally announce the creation of International Paint Japan and confirm its status as a full member of the Japanese marine community. Speaking at the event, David French, International Paint's General Manager for Japan, Australasia and Korea, said: "Our commitment is to provide the level and quality of service which Japanese and worldwide marine customers have come to expect both locally and globally. Our aim is to fully understand individual customer requirements by working in close partnership with shipbuilders and ship operators to fulfill our global policy of providing customer focused solutions." Commented Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel's Board Member responsible for Coatings: "With offices in Kobe and Tokyo strengthening International's global network, this exciting new venture will complete their unrivalled network of product supply and client support systems worldwide. I am looking forward to International serving both existing and new customers through this new operation in a part of the world where we are continuing to establish a significant presence." International Paint will supply its full range of newbuilding, drydocking and seastores products and services to both local customers and foreign flag vessels. All products will be supplied from the Company's central warehouse near Kobe, or from regional depots. In addition to servicing newbuilding and repair yards direct, delivery of seastores products to owners' vessels can be made to 82 locations throughout Japan. The latest addition to the International Paint family, International Paint Japan K.K. was established as a legal entity on April 5, 2004, and currently has 23 employees. - - - Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Contact: Marc Michelsen 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. Internet: www.akzonobel.com 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/2004/11/01/20041101BIT20190/wkr0001.pdf Pressmeddelandet som pdf, med fotografi