Chemie AG, an Austrian subsidiary of Neste Chemicals, have agreed on the transfer to
Kemira Chemie of the Krems aluminium sulphate business. The sale includes the
aluminium sulphate factory in Krems. It has a capacity of 30,000 tonnes a year.

Kemira Chemicals is a world's leading manufacturer of aluminium sulphate. The
acquisition will secure the production of aluminium sulphate in Austria and underline
Kemira Chemicals' presence on the local market. Aluminium sulphate is used in Austria
mainly by the pulp and paper industry in paper sizing and retention and in the treatment of
circulating water. It is also used in other industries and public utilities in the production of
drinking water and the treatment of waste water and sludge.

Kemira Chemie Ges.mbH has obtained a foothold in Austrian markets with its wide
range. The pulp and paper industries, the detergent industry and public water treatment
are the leading customers. Kemira Chemie also supplies chemicals for road maintenance
and phosphates for animal feeds.

Kemira Chemicals is part of the international Kemira Group with manufacturing plants
worldwide, currently over 20 countries. Kemira Chemicals list among its largest
customers the pulp and paper industry, public utilities (for water treatment and road
maintenance) and other industries. Its net sales in 1997 were FIM 3,461 million (USD
0,6 billion). ]]>