Dow Polyurethanes Continues Growth in Asia Pacific


Dow to Acquire Remaining Joint Venture Shares of Pacific Plastics (Thailand) Ltd.

Midland, MI - November 13, 2007

Dow Polyurethanes, a business group of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), announced today that Dow will acquire the remaining shares of Pacific Plastics (Thailand) Limited (PPTL). A joint venture between Dow, Siam Cement Group (SCG) and two other minority partners, PPTL represents ownership of the polyols and polyurethane systems facility located in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. Dow is acquiring the remaining 51 percent ownership in the joint venture directly for an undisclosed sum. Once the transaction is completed, the polyols and polyurethane systems facility will be wholly owned by Dow.

"In line with Dow's strategy of investing in its downstream Performance businesses, Dow Polyurethanes has been expanding globally through acquisitions and geographic expansions," said Pat Dawson, president of Dow Polyurethanes. "This action exemplifies our commitment to the Asia Pacific region. The Dow-owned polyols and polyurethane systems facility at Map Ta Phut will enable Dow to accelerate the growth of our Polyols and PU Systems businesses' capabilities at the site to better supply customers throughout Asia with the quality and service that help them succeed in their industries."

The acquisition is consistent with Dow's commitment to continually assess the Company's joint ventures to ensure they support the overall business strategy. Dow has a long-standing successful business relationship with SCG. The two companies signed their first joint venture agreement in 1987, and have since formed a total of five joint venture companies, producing polyols, synthetic latex, polystyrene, styrene monomer and polyethylene at the Map Ta Phut site. Dow's acquisition of PPTL supports the strategic goals of both joint venture partners and the companies will continue to collaborate on various projects such as the liquids cracker in Thailand announced in October of 2006, which is expected to commence operations in 2010.

About Dow Polyurethanes

Dow Polyurethanes, a business group within The Dow Chemical Company, is the world's largest producer of polyether polyols, a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI and TDI, and a major supplier of propylene oxide, an essential component of polyether polyols. Dow's polyurethane products and fully formulated polyurethane systems are used for a broad range of applications including construction, automotive, appliance, furniture, bedding and shoe soles to decorative molding, athletic equipment, and more. The business manufactures and markets rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers and binders. Dow also offers the latest in polyol technology with RENUVA(TM) Renewable Resource Technology and VORANOL(TM) VORACTIV(TM) polyols, part of an ongoing initiative by Dow to lead the industry in providing high-performance products. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com, www.dowpg.com, www.dowpo.com, www.pusystems.com, www.dowrenuva.com and www.voractiv.com.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of innovation, science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company offers a broad range of products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $49 billion and employs 43,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For Editorial Information:
Myra Dean
The Dow Chemical Company
1-989-638-6969

Urszula Murphy
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
1-212-697-2600 ext. 296
umurphy@gibbs-soell.com

All Topics