Degussa Consolidates Western European Sales Administration in Switzerland

NEW YORK, June 13 - Degussa, the world leader in specialty chemicals, is consolidating the administration of its Western European sales representatives in Switzerland under Degussa International AG (DIAG), reports Mario Brossi of the Swiss Foreign Investment Agency Location: Switzerland. DIAG facilities in Zurich will serve customers in Western Europe in their various respective languages, manage some 260 sales representatives, and centralize wage accounting, expense accounting, personnel management, and reporting, Mr. Brossi said.

DIAG Managing Director Dr. Volker Grunwald said bundling the company’s sales services in a single platform spanning multiple countries reduces its service costs and the complexity of its regional organization. The company expects business volume in Zurich to reach approx. € 5.5 billion ($7.055 billion) in 2006, he said.

Factors leading Degussa to Switzerland and Zurich include outstanding logistics and connections to the European traffic and transportation system, Dr. Grunwald said. “The region’s manpower is highly skilled and well-versed in foreign languages. Other key advantages include Switzerland’s flexible labor laws and business-friendly climate.”

Based in Dusseldorf, Degussa has 17 business units and four reporting segments, namely Technology Specialties, Construction Chemicals, Consumer Solutions and Specialty Materials. In fiscal 2005, the company generated sales of over € 11.8 billion ($15.125 billion) with some 44,000 employees. Almost three-quarters of this turnover originated outside Germany.

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Contacts:

DIAG - Dr. Volker Grunwald, Managing Director, volker.grunwald@degussa.com

Location: Switzerland – John Williamson +908 730-9622