Akzo Nobel settles additional Remeron court cases

Akzo Nobel settles additional Remeron court cases Arnhem, the Netherlands, October 1, 2004 - Akzo Nobel, the international pharmaceuticals, coatings and chemical company, confirmed today that it and its wholly owned subsidiary, Organon USA, have reached settlements in the Remeron® (mirtazapine) antitrust litigation pending in the United States. The settlements amount to a total of USD 59.8 million. The settlements resolve alleged direct purchaser claims brought by nine large chainstore and grocery store pharmacies and indirect purchaser claims brought by state attorneys general and by a class of consumers and third party payors (the "indirect purchaser class"). The state attorneys general and indirect purchaser class settlement is subject to certain conditions including approval by the Federal District Court of New Jersey (United States). The lawsuits alleged that the Company's conduct involving a patent relating to the use of Remeron in combination with so-called SSRIs delayed the market introduction of generic mirtazapine and violated the antitrust laws. Akzo Nobel continues to believe that its actions in obtaining and enforcing its intellectual property rights were appropriate. However, given the costs and risks of defending these actions, the Company took the opportunity to resolve these matters. In April, Akzo Nobel announced that it had settled the claims brought by generic manufacturers. A class action brought by other direct purchasers remains pending in the Federal District Court of New Jersey. A motion to certify the class has not yet been ruled upon. No trial date has been set. The Company will continue to defend this remaining claim vigorously. - - - Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Contact: Ian Cressie 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 almost 64,000 people in more than 80 countries. The financial results for the third quarter will be published on October 19, 2004. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.organonusa.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/2004/10/01/20041001BIT20140/wkr0010.pdf