DSM could possibly sell iodine business

18/01/06 Royal DSM N.V. and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) confirm that they are discussing the possible sale of the DSM business unit Minera to SQM. DSM Minera is a business unit of the DSM Fine Chemicals business group and includes iodine and iodine derivatives facilities in Chile. Should parties come to an agreement, then the market will be informed accordingly.

DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The company creates innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life. DSM's products are used in a wide range of end markets and applications such as human and animal nutrition and health, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). DSM's strategy, named Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. Market-driven growth, innovation and increased presence in emerging economies are key drivers of this strategy. The group has annual sales of approximately EUR 8 billion and employs around 23,000 people worldwide. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas.