SWX Swiss Exchange - Clariant AG: No Violation Of Ad Hoc Publicity Rules

Within the scope of preliminary investigations, the SWX Swiss Exchange examined whether Clariant AG violated the provisions of Art. 72 of the Listing Rules in connection with a discussion, triggered by the business newspaper "Cash" in its issue dated 21 February 2003, with regard to a possible capital increase at Clariant.

This investigation has revealed that Clariant AG did not violate the rules governing ad hoc publicity. There are no indications whatsoever that the information alluding to a capital increase as presented in the "Cash" article is based on a decision of the company that would have had to be disclosed by Clariant. Only on 11 March 2003 did the company come to a decision with regard to a potential capital increase, namely that no motion for a capital increase would be proposed at the company's annual general meeting of shareholders. That decision was made public on the following morning prior to the start of trading. Thus, to the actual knowledge of SWX, equal treatment of all market participants was ensured. SWX has therefore ceased the investigative proceedings in this matter.