Brussels, September 24, 2002 - As part of ongoing rationalisation and restructuring, Basell is implementing a number of changes in its distribution network in Europe.

"Our overall objective is a Europe-wide network of partners providing customers with a consistently high standard of service and the ability to supply a broad range of plastics products," said Freddy Van Hauwermeiren, Vice President Distributor PP/PE Europe.

Lars Adler, who coordinates distributor sales for Advanced Polyolefins in Europe, added, "Our distribution network allows us to manage small order quantities and to meet differentiated customer needs across our range of APO products."

The current phase of restructuring is linked to the formation of the new distribution group Ultrapolymers, in which Ravago S.A is the leading shareholder. Main features of the current changes are:

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) grades will be distributed by Albis and Ultrapolymers.

In Germany, Advanced Polyolefins (APO) will be distributed by K.D.Feddersen GmbH & Co. (PP compounds) and Ultrapolymers (Catalloy process resins and PB-1).

In Austria and Switzerland, APO will be distributed by Omya AG (PP compounds) and Ultrapolymers (Catalloy process resins and PB-1).

In Benelux, PE, PP and APO will be distributed by Ultrapolymers.

In Portugal and Spain, the distribution network remains unchanged. However, Ultrapolymers now owns Margo and Nordisa. In Italy, the current distribution network remains unchanged. The situations in France, UK, Scandinavia and Greece will be finalised soon.

Basell develops, produces and markets polypropylene, polyethylene, advanced polyolefin materials and polyolefin catalysts, and also develops and licenses polyolefin processes. Basell's corporate centre is located in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands; the company has regional offices in Wilmington, Delaware. USA; Brussels, Belgium; Mainz, Germany; Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Hong Kong, as well as manufacturing facilities and sales offices in the major markets around the globe. Basell’s Internet address is www.basell.com.

For additional information contact:

Freddy Van Hauwermeiren at +322 715 8116 or freddy.vanhauwermeiren@basell.com
Lars Adler at +49 6131 207 269 or lars.adler@basell.com

Catalloy is a trademark owned by Basell.