Integration of industrial explosives operations

2007/5/25

(This document is an English translation of the Japanese language original.)

Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp.(Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Taketsugu Fujiwara) and Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichiro Shimada) have reached basic accord on the integration of their industrial explosives operations.
Discussions on the specifics of the integration will now advance.

The operating climate for industrial explosives in Japan is extremely challenging, structurally and long-term, with curtailment of investment in public works. The integration of operations will result in a more stable supply configuration for high-quality products, strengthening the operational base for industrial explosives as essential materials for the maintenance of Japan's infrastructure.