The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA AG is donating €30,000 to the victims of the severe drought in East Africa. The money is destined to help alleviate the suffering of the people in the refugee camps in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

"People in the Horn of Africa have fallen on very hard times by no fault of their own. As a globally active company we wish to make our contribution to help ensure the survival of the refugees,“ stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG.

On a number of occasions in the past, the company and its employees have offered their help quickly and unbureaucratically in the event of natural disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti or after the recent earthquake in Japan. In addition, ALTANA supports selected projects for example in India, Tibet and Brazil, where young people receive vocational training. Furthermore, ALTANA is actively engaged in numerous regional and national educational and research projects.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such statements have been made.

About ALTANA:

ALTANA develops and produces high-quality, innovative products in the specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in Wesel/Germany, is a genuine “global player” with about 85% of its sales generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions: BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.

ALTANA offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions with the matching specialty products for coating manufactures, paint and plastic processors, the printing and cosmetic industries, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins & varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.

At present, the ALTANA Group has 41 production facilities and 48 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group more than 5,000 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2010, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 1.5 billion euros. Its impressive earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful and innovative chemical groups worldwide.