Neo Performance Materials Inc. announced that the board of directors of Neo (the "Board") has formed a Special Committee of independent directors to lead a comprehensive strategic review process to consider opportunities to maximize shareholder value. The Special Committee intends to retain an independent financial advisor, in addition to other advisors it may retain, to support the strategic review process. The Special Committee, aided by its advisors and the Company's management team, will oversee the evaluation of Neo's current strategy, assets, operations, and capital structure.

The strategic review will consider various strategic alternatives for Neo. These could include, among other things, the sale, divestiture, merger or other business combination of a portion of Neo's business-unit assets, strategic investments, partnerships or joint ventures, changes in Neo's capital structure, capital allocation, or other transactions. The review will also encompass the Company's compensation plans and practices, to ensure that they appropriately align management incentives with the interests of shareholders.

Neo also announced, that following constructive engagement and lengthy consultation with Hastings Technology Metals Ltd. ("Hastings"), a significant shareholder of the Company, the Board has determined to appoint Dr. John McGarva to the Board before the Company releases its second quarter 2024 results. Hastings and Dr. McGarva have confirmed that he is independent of Hastings. The strategic review process is not being undertaken at the request of Hastings.

Dr. McGarva is a seasoned leader in product development and manufacturing, with experience spanning healthcare, industrial, and consumer electronics industries. His extensive international experience includes leadership roles across Europe, Southeast Asia, and China. Dr. McGarva recently retired as Head of Engineering at Dyson, where he led the design engineering of the company's entire haircare product line, guiding teams in Singapore, the Philippines, and the UK.

Under his leadership, Dyson's Haircare business evolved from a single product to a significant business unit. A key element of Dyson haircare products is the integration of permanent magnets and this expertise positions Dr. McGarva to offer customer insights and strategic direction to Neo. Prior to his tenure at Dyson, he held several high-profile leadership roles in technology and innovation companies, specialising in design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Dr. McGarva's knowledge and practical experience of product development and manufacturing will be an exceptional asset to Neo's board.