Ashland announces new composites distribution agreement for the United Kingdom and Ireland with GRP Solutions Ltd.

Ashland announces new composites distribution agreement for the United Kingdom and Ireland with GRP Solutions Ltd.

BARCELONA, Spain - Ashland Performance Materials, a business unit of Ashland Inc., has appointed GRP Solutions Ltd. as its new distributor for the territories of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The new distribution agreement, which is effective immediately, includes all Ashland unsaturated polyester resin, gel coat, epoxy vinyl ester resins (Derakane^TM) and low-profile additives products.

"Our relationship with GRP Solutions represents a new chapter for the composites polymers team at Ashland," said Andrew Miller, sales director at Performance Materials. "We view this as an opportunity to build on the tremendous progress we have made following our strategic re-alignment in the past few years. The team at GRP Solutions has the experience and technical expertise to support the continued growth of Ashland's composites products across the UK and Ireland."

"This agreement represent a major step forward in our continued focus to deliver our customers with added value by providing them with world class products and services," said Brian Harpur, Managing Director, GRP Solutions. "We will continue to provide local expertise and service to ensure customers benefit from Ashland's comprehensive range of composites solutions."

About Ashland Performance Materials Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it offers leading chemical technologies in gelcoats, coatings, and intermediates and solvents. Key customers include: manufacturers of residential and commercial building products; infrastructure engineers; wind blade and pipe manufacturers; auto, truck, and boat builders. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

About Ashland In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our three business units - Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Specialty Ingredients, and Valvoline.

TM Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

GRP Solutions Ltd. Brian Harpur +44 (0) 2392 704019 sales@grp-solutions.com

Ashland Performance Materials Media Relations Michaela Neilson + 41 (0) 79 109 5840 mneilson@ashland.com