Today, ALTANA AG (FSE: ALT) filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to deregister and terminate its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Effective upon the filing of this application, the reporting obligations to which ALTANA had been subject under the U.S. securities laws due to the registration of its shares with the SEC were suspended. The deregistration application is expected to take effect within 90 days after the filing date. At that point, ALTANA’s reporting obligations will terminate permanently.
However, ALTANA will continue to publish annual reports and certain other documents and communications in English in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 12g3-2 on its website www.altana.com.
Effective as of May 21, 2007, ALTANA had already delisted its shares from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). ALTANA’s American Depository Shares (ADRs) continue to be traded in the United States on the Over-the-Counter Market (OTC market).
ALTANA’s decision to delist and deregister reflects the fact that it now operates as a pure specialty chemicals company. ALTANA’s decision to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange in 2002 was due, in particular, to the U.S. activities of ALTANA Pharma, which was sold to Nycomed at the end of 2006.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. 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 83% 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 electronic 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 31 production facilities and 45 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group 4,500 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2006 ALTANA achieved sales of about 1.3 billion euros. Its impressive earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful and innovative chemical groups worldwide.