The ISPG / Rhodia offer on Albright & Wilson is successful

(Paris, may 17th 1999)
Under the conditions of the public offer made by ISPG with the support of Rhodia for Albright & Wilson shares, Rhodia has announced on may 17th that the total shares purchased or committed has now passed 50 % of Albright & Wilson's capital.

Rhodia will transfer to ISPG all of the shares it has purchased.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5 537 million Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.