DSM, requested by the French COB (Commission des Opérations de Bourse) to state its position on press comments about DSM breaking off its contacts regarding Rhodia, has the following statement to make:

• The quotes attributed to a DSM source, as first published on Saturday December 1 and subsequently repeated, are incorrect.
• In the context of its Vision 2005 strategy DSM has contacts with various companies, amongst others with Aventis and Rhodia.

None of these contacts would presently lead us to deviate from our policy not to comment on rumours and speculations and to make announcements only if and when appropriate.