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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2005

Registration No. 333-122764

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

2800 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

52-2277366 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

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100 Overlook Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
(609) 514-0300
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)

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Thomas J. Riordan, Esq.
Senior Vice President, Law & Administration
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
100 Overlook Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
(609) 514-0300

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

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With copies to:

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

        If the securities being registered on this form are being offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o

        If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

        If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434 under the Securities Act, please check the following box. o

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        The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion. Dated May 13, 2005.

                    Shares

Rockwood Holdings, Inc.

Common Stock

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        This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. All of the             shares of common stock are being sold by Rockwood Holdings, Inc.

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $              and $               . Rockwood Holdings, Inc. intends to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ROC".

        See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of the common stock.

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        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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        To the extent that the underwriters sell more than             shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional             shares from Rockwood Holdings, Inc. at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.

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        The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on             , 2005.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.		Credit Suisse First Boston
Lehman Brothers		UBS Investment Bank

Deutsche Bank Securities

                        First Analysis Securities Corporation

JPMorgan

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Prospectus dated             , 2005.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus, including the historical and pro forma financial data and related notes, before making an investment decision. This summary contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements."

        In this prospectus, unless we indicate otherwise or the context otherwise requires, any references to "we," "our," and "us" refer to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, and any references to the "issuer" refers to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. In addition, when the context so requires, we use the term "Rockwood" to refer to our historical operations prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition (described below) and the term "Dynamit Nobel" to refer to the historical operations of the businesses of Dynamit Nobel AG that we acquired from mg technologies ag in July 2004. The historical financial statements and related notes (other than our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 which include the results of operations of the acquired Dynamit Nobel businesses during the five-month period ended December 31, 2004) presented in this prospectus are separate financial statements and related notes of Rockwood and Dynamit Nobel.

Our Company

        We are a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, high value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials. We believe we have leading market positions in most of our businesses, including lithium compounds, fiber anatase titanium dioxide, color pigments and services, ceramic-on-ceramic components used in hip joint prostheses systems and next generation wood protection products.

        We have a number of higher growth businesses such as Advanced Ceramics, Specialty Chemicals and Performance Additives, which are complemented by a diverse portfolio of businesses that historically have generated predictable, stable revenues. Our margins, strong cash flow generation, capital discipline and ongoing productivity improvements provide us with a platform to capitalize on the market growth opportunities.

        We operate globally, manufacturing our products in over 99 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries and selling our products and providing our services to more than 60,000 customers, including some of the world's preeminent companies. Our products, consisting primarily of inorganic chemicals and solutions and engineered materials, are often customized to meet the complex needs of our customers and to enhance the value and performance of their end products.

        We generally compete in niche markets in a wide range of end-use markets, including construction, life sciences (including pharmaceutical and medical markets), electronics and telecommunications, metal treatment and general industrial and consumer products markets. No single end-use market accounted for more than 19% of our $2,913.0 million 2004 pro forma net sales.

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        Following the acquisition of Dynamit Nobel in July 2004, we operate our business through seven segments:

Our Competitive Strengths

        Leading market positions.    We believe that we hold leading market positions within most of our businesses, including, based on our 2004 pro forma net sales:

Segment		Products		Market Position
Performance Additives		• synthetic iron oxide pigments		one of top 3 globally
		• wood protection products		one of top 3 globally
Specialty Chemicals		•  lithium compounds and chemicals		#1 globally
		•  metal surface treatment chemicals and related services		#2 globally
Titanium Dioxide Pigments		•  anatase titanium dioxide pigment for the synthetic fiber manufacturing industry		#1 globally
Advanced Ceramics		•  ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in hip joint prostheses systems		#1 globally
		• ceramics cutting tools		#1 in Europe

        Specialty businesses in niche markets with significant barriers to entry.    We believe that nearly all of our businesses operate in niche markets protected by significant barriers to entry. We believe that many of our customers would experience significant disruption and costs if they were to switch to another supplier.

        Diverse customer and end-use market base.    We operate a diverse portfolio of distinct specialty chemicals and advanced materials businesses that cover a wide variety of industries and geographic areas. Of our 2004 pro forma net sales, 50% were shipments to Europe, 34% to North America and 16% to the rest of the world. No customer accounted for more than 2% of such net sales, and our top ten customers represented only approximately 11% of such net sales.

        Limited exposure to raw materials and energy prices.    We have a broad raw material base consisting primarily of inorganic (non-petrochemical) materials, most of which are readily available and whose prices follow their own individual supply and demand relationships and have historically shown little correlation to each other. Our exposure to energy prices is limited.

        Leading technologies and strong brand names.    We believe we are recognized for our use of our technological know-how and expertise to improve, develop and manufacture customized product and process innovations that meet specific customers' performance requirements.

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        Experienced and proven management team with significant equity interests.    Since joining us in 2001, Seifi Ghasemi, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Zatta, our senior vice president and chief financial officer, together with other members of our senior management team, have implemented a series of improvement initiatives designed to increase sales, improve productivity, reduce costs and expand margins. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the cash flow and profitability of Rockwood's historic businesses.

Our Business Strategy

        Building on these strengths, we plan to continue our existing strategy to grow revenue and cash flow and increase profitability as follows:

        Capitalize on expected market growth opportunities.    We expect our businesses to benefit from a number of growth trends, including:

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Advanced Ceramics—a growing trend toward replacing plastics and metals with high-performance ceramics.



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Specialty Chemicals—increased demand for lithium-based batteries for mobile electronic applications.



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Performance Additives—a growing trend toward the use of color in concrete paving stones and other home remodeling.



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Titanium Dioxide Pigments—sales of newly-introduced nano-particle titanium dioxide pigments that are used to provide ultraviolet light protection for plastics and coatings.

        Achieve profitable growth through selective acquisitions.    We intend to continue to selectively pursue cash flow accretive acquisitions and strategic alliances in order to strengthen and expand our existing business lines and enter into complementary business lines.

        Apply our proven improvement initiatives to the Dynamit Nobel businesses.    We are currently in the process of applying the management initiatives successfully applied to Rockwood's historic businesses to the acquired Dynamit Nobel businesses. Among other improvements, we expect that we will achieve total annual cost savings of approximately $17.0 million, of which we already realized $3.0 million in 2004, in connection with cost-reducing measures.

        Reduce financial leverage.    We intend to reduce our financial leverage by using a significant portion of the net proceeds from this offering and a significant portion of cash flow from operations after required capital expenditures and payments to service our debt. We believe that our strong cash flow generation will be further strengthened by organic growth opportunities within our existing markets, cost-reduction programs applied to the Dynamit Nobel businesses and improved working capital management.

Risks Relating to Our Business Strategy

        We may not be able to continue our product innovation, demand for our products may not develop as expected, and regulation of our raw materials, products and facilities may change in a way that is detrimental to our business. In addition, we have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2004, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering, we would have had approximately $2,992.8 million of long-term debt outstanding and total stockholders' equity of approximately $1,059.1 million. This substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants, make payments on our indebtedness and operate our business. Any of these factors or other factors described in this prospectus under "Risk Factors" may limit our ability to successfully execute our business strategy.

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Acquisitions

        On April 19, 2004, we entered into a sale and purchase agreement with mg technologies ag to acquire its wholly-owned specialty chemicals and advanced materials business, Dynamit Nobel. We paid approximately $2,274.0 million (based on the July 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2040), including assumed debt of $315.1 million and cash acquired of $9.6 million, for the businesses acquired. This price remains subject to a possible post-closing adjustment. The acquisition was consummated on July 31, 2004.

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we received an equity contribution of $425.0 million from affiliates of KKR and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P. and its affiliated funds, or DLJMB. In addition, members of our management and certain other employees made cash equity investments of approximately $7.0 million from September 2004 to December 2004. In this prospectus, we refer to this investment as the 2004 management equity program.

        In September 2004, one of our subsidiaries acquired the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. for a purchase price of approximately $47.1 million and in connection with this acquisition borrowed $50.4 million (based on the September 27, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2029) under a term loan of the senior secured credit facilities.

        In December 2004, in connection with the combination of the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment (now known as our Groupe Novasep segment) with Groupe Novasep SAS, one of our subsidiaries acquired 69.4% of the stock of Groupe Novasep SAS for a total purchase price of approximately $148.2 million, including assumed debt of $48.6 million, cash acquired of $14.6 million and the exchange of the remaining 30.6% of the stock of Groupe Novasep SAS for stock in our acquiring subsidiary. As a result of this transaction, we own approximately 79% of the new Groupe Novasep. We used cash on hand to finance this transaction.

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        In this prospectus, we refer to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and related equity and debt financings and Fall 2004 debt refinancings, the pigments and dispersions acquisition and related financing, the Groupe Novasep combination and this offering collectively as the Transactions.

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        Rockwood Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware corporation that was formed in September 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Our telephone number is (609) 514-0300. Our website address is www.rocksp.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website as part of this prospectus.

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The Offering

Common Stock Offered		shares
Common Stock Outstanding After the Offering		shares
Percentage of Common Stock Represented by Shares of Common Stock Offered		%
Use of Proceeds		We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $465.0 million, assuming the shares are offered at $            per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
		We intend to use:
		•		approximately $60.4 million of the net proceeds to repay the outstanding principal amount of the 15% pay-in-kind loans due 2011 and pay a prepayment premium, and approximately $121.7 million of the net proceeds to redeem the outstanding principal amount of the 15% pay-in-kind notes due 2015 and pay a redemption premium;
		•		approximately $82.8 million of the net proceeds to redeem the outstanding principal amount of the 12% senior discount notes due 2011, which are held by an affiliate of KKR;
		•		approximately $148.3 million of the net proceeds to redeem $131.3 million, or 35%, of the 105/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011, which we refer to as the 2011 notes, and pay a redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest;
		•		approximately $         million of the net proceeds to redeem all outstanding shares of our redeemable convertible preferred stock, which are held by an affiliate of KKR, and pay accumulated dividends. This amount includes approximately $         million to pay a redemption premium which amount is equal to 1% of the product of the price per share at which shares of our common stock are offered in this offering multiplied by the number of fully diluted shares of our common stock excluding certain shares;
		•		$10.0 million of the net proceeds to terminate the management services agreement with affiliates of KKR and DLJ Merchant Banking III, Inc., or DLJMB III; and
		•		approximately $7.5 million of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

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		Except with respect to the pay-in-kind loans, these amounts are based on the accreted value, the outstanding principal amount, the accrued and unpaid interest and the accumulated and unpaid dividends on the applicable securities being repaid or redeemed as of December 31, 2004. The actual amounts we pay to repay or redeem the securities will increase from the amounts shown above. Except with respect to the pay-in-kind loans and notes, each of these repayments and redemptions is voluntary.
		$127.1 million of the net proceeds will be paid to our affiliates, which are affiliates of KKR and DLJMB and our executive officers. Five of the eight members of our current board of directors are affiliated with KKR; two are affiliated with DLJMB; one, our chairman, is our chief executive officer. Our board of directors voted unanimously to approve the offering.
		We intend to use any net proceeds we receive from any shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, for general corporate purposes.
Dividend Policy		We do not anticipate paying any periodic dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy."
Proposed New York Stock Exchange Symbol		ROC

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        Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus:

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assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase             additional shares;



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excludes shares of common stock that are reserved for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries, as amended (which we refer to in this prospectus as the stock plan), including             shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at an exercise price of $             per share, of which approximately             are vested, and             shares of common stock underlying vested restricted stock units held by our chairman and chief executive officer, Seifi Ghasemi;



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excludes                          shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by an affiliate of KKR at an exercise price of $         per share; and



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assumes a             for 1 stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock to be effected prior to the closing of this offering.

Risk Factors

        Investing in our common stock involves substantial risk. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific factors set forth under "Risk Factors" in deciding whether to invest in our common stock.

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Rockwood Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data

        Set forth below is summary historical financial and summary pro forma financial data of Rockwood, in each case, at the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 have been derived from Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are presented to illustrate the estimated effects of the Transactions on our historical results of operations and financial condition based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2004 of €1.00=$1.3593 for the pro forma balance sheet and weighted average exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2669 for the pro forma statement of operations.

        As described above, the Transactions include, among other things, the equity and debt financings and Fall 2004 debt refinancings related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Specifically, in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, in addition to the equity investments from KKR and DLJMB of $425.0 million in July 2004 and members of our management and certain other employees of $7.0 million from September 2004 to December 2004, certain of our subsidiaries, including Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. (which we refer to as Group), entered into senior secured credit facilities and a senior subordinated loan facility. In addition, our direct wholly-owned subsidiary exchanged its outstanding dollar-denominated pay-in-kind notes for euro-denominated pay-in-kind notes. In this prospectus, we refer to these related financings collectively as the acquisition financings.

        In October 2004, Group refinanced a portion of its borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility with additional term loan borrowings under an amendment to the senior secured credit facilities. In November 2004, Group refinanced the remaining borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility with proceeds from the issuance of senior subordinated notes due 2014, which we refer to as the 2014 notes. In December 2004, Group refinanced all of its borrowings under one tranche of term loans under its senior secured credit facilities with borrowings under a new tranche of term loans of the same aggregate principal amount bearing a lower interest rate in order to reduce its interest expense. In this prospectus, we refer to these three refinancings collectively as the Fall 2004 debt refinancings.

        The unaudited pro forma balance sheet gives effect to the offering as if it had occurred on December 31, 2004. The unaudited pro forma statement of operations data and other pro forma financial data give effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004.

        The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is based on the audited consolidated financial statements of Rockwood, our audited consolidated financial statements and the audited and unaudited combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the Transactions.

        The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. Such information is not intended to be indicative of the financial condition and the results of operations that would have been achieved had the Transactions for which we are giving pro forma effect actually occurred on the dates referred to above or the financial condition and the results of operations that may be expected in the future. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based upon currently available information and assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Such currently available information and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate over time.

        The summary historical and pro forma financial data presented below should be read together with "Selected Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," Rockwood's consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements, our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and Dynamit Nobel's combined financial statements and the notes to those statements, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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													Pro Forma As Adjusted for Year Ended December 31, 2004
				Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
				2002			2003			2004
Statement of operations data:
Net sales:
	Performance Additives			$	443.8		$	477.3		$	630.9		$	674.8
	Specialty Compounds				168.8			176.4			200.4			200.4
	Electronics				147.3			143.6			168.1			168.1
	Specialty Chemicals				—			—			321.1			759.6
	Titanium Dioxide Pigments				—			—			175.7			422.0
	Advanced Ceramics				—			—			146.3			349.5
	Groupe Novasep				—			—			101.0			338.6
Total net sales					759.9			797.3			1,743.5			2,913.0
Cost of products sold					542.5			581.4			1,267.6			2,008.8
Gross profit					217.4			215.9			475.9			904.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses					112.9			118.0			327.7			615.9
Impairment charges(1)					50.0			35.0			11.0			11.0
Restructuring charges					1.2			1.8			1.1			1.1
Operating income					53.3			61.1			136.1			276.2
Other income (expenses):
	Interest expense, net(2)				(108.2	)		(112.3	)		(162.1	)		(200.2	)
	Foreign exchange loss(3)				(24.6	)		(18.5	)		(126.4	)		(125.7	)
	Refinancing expenses(4)				—			(38.3	)		(27.1	)		(27.1	)
	Loss on receivables sold				(1.2	)		—			—			—
	Stamp duty tax and other(5)				—			—			(4.3	)		(0.9	)
Loss before taxes and other adjustments					(80.7	)		(108.0	)		(183.8	)		(77.7	)
Income tax (benefit) provision					(12.5	)		(16.3	)		32.3			82.9
Net loss				$	(68.2	)	$	(91.7	)	$	(216.1	)	$	(160.6	)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders(6)				$	(68.2	)	$	(96.8	)	$	(220.3	)	$	(160.6	)
Net loss per share data (unaudited)(7):
	Basic net loss per common share:
		Net loss per common share
		Weighted average shares
	Diluted net loss per common share:
		Net loss per common share
		Weighted average shares
Cash flow data:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities				$	(4.1	)	$	42.6		$	179.3
Net cash used in investing activities					(30.4	)		(48.5	)		(2,249.9	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities					(18.9	)		(1.7	)		2,134.4
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash					2.6			3.8			5.6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents				$	(50.8	)	$	(3.8	)	$	69.4
Other financial data:
Depreciation and amortization				$	46.3		$	52.4		$	115.2		$	179.8
Capital expenditures					36.0			34.3			112.8			211.5
EBITDA(8)					73.8			56.7			93.5			302.3
Non-cash charges and gains included in EBITDA(9)					74.6			91.8			151.6			150.9
Other special charges and gains included in EBITDA(10)					2.0			2.4			87.3			86.7

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($ in millions)		As of December 31, 2004			Pro Forma As Adjusted as of December 31, 2004
Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	111.3		$	126.0
Working capital(11)			494.0			569.1
Property, plant and equipment, net			1,580.9			1,580.9
Total assets(1)			5,429.7			5,439.9
Long-term debt(12)			3,380.6			2,992.8
Redeemable convertible preferred stock			34.3			—
Stockholders' equity			625.0			1,059.1

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(1)

As part of our impairment testing in late 2002, 2003 and 2004, we determined that there were goodwill impairments of $50.0 million, $19.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in our Electronics segment. We also determined that there was a property, plant and equipment impairment of $15.7 million and $7.0 million in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in our Electronics segment.

(2)

For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, interest expense, net included (losses) gains of $(11.6) million, $(6.0) million and $6.0 million, respectively, representing the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of our interest rate derivative instruments for the periods. In addition, interest expense, net for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 are mark-to-market (loss) gain of $(10.5) million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to cross-currency interest rate swaps entered into in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing. Interest expense, net also includes $8.0 million, $6.1 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, of amortization expense related to deferred financing costs.

(3)

Represents the non-cash translation impact on our euro-denominated debt resulting from the strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar during the applicable periods. In the year ended December 31, 2004, this amount also included a $10.9 million mark-to-market realized loss on foreign currency derivative agreements that we entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

(4)

In July 2003, we wrote off $36.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the July 2003 debt refinancing. In December 2003, we expensed $1.4 million of investment banking and professional fees in connection with the December 2003 refinancing of borrowings under the then new senior credit facilities. In July 2004, we wrote off $2.8 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the acquisition financings. In October 2004, we wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the first amendment of the senior secured credit agreement. In November 2004, we wrote off $17.2 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the repayment of the senior subordinated loan facility with the proceeds of the offering of the 2014 notes. In December 2004, we expensed $1.0 million in connection with the second amendment of the senior secured credit agreement.

(5)

Represents the tax on certain assets transferred in the United Kingdom in connection with the KKR acquisition of $4.0 million plus $0.3 million related to disposal of property, plant and equipment.

(6)

Represents the net loss applicable to common shareholders after reducing net loss by the amount of accumulated and unpaid dividends and the accretion to the redemption value of the redeemable convertible preferred stock for the respective period.

(7)

Net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common shares by the weighted average shares outstanding. Unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per

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common share has been calculated in accordance with the SEC rules for initial public offerings. These rules require that the weighted average share calculation give retroactive effect to any changes in our capital structure as well as the number of shares whose sale proceeds will be used to repay any debt as reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Therefore, pro forma weighted average shares for purposes of the unaudited pro forma basic net loss per common share calculation, adjusted for the             for 1 stock split to be effected prior to the completion of this offering, are comprised of approximately    million shares of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering and             million shares of our common stock being offered in this offering.

(8)

EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not intended to be an alternative to net (loss) income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements.

The amounts shown for EBITDA in this prospectus differ from the amounts calculated under the definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements. The definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements permits further adjustments for certain cash and non-cash charges and gains; the indentures governing the 2011 notes and the 2014 notes exclude certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement. EBITDA as adjusted is used in our debt agreements to determine compliance with financial covenants and our ability to engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional debt and making certain payments. In addition to covenant compliance, our management also uses EBITDA as adjusted, calculated using the same definition as used in our senior secured credit agreement, to assess our operating performance, and to calculate performance-based cash bonuses and determine whether certain performance-based stock options vest, as both such bonuses and options are tied to EBITDA as adjusted targets. For a discussion of the adjustments, uses and the limitations on the use of EBITDA as adjusted, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA for the periods indicated.

(9)

EBITDA, as defined above, contains the following non-cash charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, each of which is

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described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(10)

In addition to non-cash charges and gains, EBITDA contains the following other special charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, each of which is described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(11)

Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

(12)

Includes the current portion of long-term debt of $47.2 million on an actual and pro forma as adjusted basis.

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Dynamit Nobel Summary Financial Data

        The summary financial data of Dynamit Nobel presented below as of and for the years ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, and the three months ended December 31, 2002 and the year ended December 31, 2003 have been derived from its audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data of Dynamit Nobel presented below for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 have been derived from its unaudited condensed combined financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and include all adjustments, which are normally recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for any other interim period or for an entire year.

        In September 2002, Dynamit Nobel changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, which resulted in a short financial year from October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002.

        The summary financial data presented below should be read together with Dynamit Nobel's combined financial statements and the notes to those statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Dynamit Nobel" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Year Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended December 31, 2002						Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in millions)											Year Ended December 31, 2003
		2001			2002									2003			2004
Statement of operations data:
Net sales		$	1,446.5		$	1,421.9		$	336.9		$	1,595.9		$	800.0		$	885.5
Cost of sales			(949.5	)		(914.7	)		(219.3	)		(1,060.0	)		(524.9	)		(587.0	)
Gross profit			497.0			507.2			117.6			535.9			275.1			298.5
Operating expenses(a)			(286.4	)		(300.9	)		(84.6	)		(353.2	)		(171.3	)		(194.3	)
Operating income			210.6			206.3			33.0			182.7			103.8			104.2
Other income, net(a)			4.9			3.8			2.2			5.8			0.8			0.5
Interest expense, net			(24.2	)		(22.8	)		(6.9	)		(25.2	)		(13.6	)		(14.4	)
Income before taxes and other adjustments			191.3			187.3			28.3			163.3			91.0			90.3
Income tax provision			94.1			80.4			11.8			61.7			34.2			32.1
Other adjustments(1)			1.3			3.4			0.3			(0.7	)		1.1			—
Net income		$	98.5		$	110.3		$	16.8		$	100.9		$	57.9		$	58.2
Cash flow data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	128.0		$	142.1		$	42.1		$	267.0		$	57.6		$	(18.2	)
Net cash used in investing activities(2)			(60.3	)		(62.5	)		(23.8	)		(102.7	)		(9.0	)		(45.0	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(3)			(82.3	)		(95.9	)		(30.9	)		(196.8	)		(56.6	)		71.7
Exchange-rate-related change in cash and cash equivalents			8.3			15.1			10.2			33.3			6.1			(6.9	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		$	(6.3	)	$	(1.2	)	$	(2.4	)	$	0.8		$	(1.9	)	$	1.6
Other financial data:
Depreciation and amortization		$	103.3		$	83.1		$	21.1		$	94.6		$	45.7		$	52.0
Capital expenditures			125.1			112.0			26.3			122.0			39.4			58.2
EBITDA(4)			320.1			295.8			56.6			282.7			151.7			156.7
Non-cash charges and gains included in EBITDA(5)			(2.7	)		(3.4	)		(1.6	)		(2.4	)		(6.0	)		(1.1	)
Other special charges and gains included in EBITDA(6)			(58.2	)		(20.4	)		2.6			31.8			8.3			2.7

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		As of September 30,						As of December 31,
($ in millions)														As of June 30, 2004
		2001			2002			2002			2003
Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	10.7		$	9.5		$	7.0		$	7.8		$	9.5
Working capital deficiency(7)			(67.9	)		(139.6	)		(56.2	)		(103.6	)		(153.2	)
Property, plant and equipment			663.3			723.9			766.2			918.2			886.2
Total assets			1,596.7			1,732.5			2,144.7			2,431.6			2,430.7
Long-term debt(8)			137.9			94.1			201.6			231.6			203.3
Investment by mg technologies ag			599.8			602.6			966.3			1,036.7			1,037.8

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(a)

Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to Rockwood's historical presentation.

(1)

Other adjustments include earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, cumulative effects from changes in accounting principles and minority interest.

(2)

Net cash used in investing activities primarily represents capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions of businesses and fixed assets.

(3)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities primarily represents net changes in external debt and the net change in intercompany balances with Dynamit Nobel's parent, mg technologies ag.

(4)

EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not intended to be an alternative to net (loss) income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements.

The amounts shown for EBITDA in this prospectus differ from the amounts calculated under the definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements. The definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements permits further adjustments for certain cash and non-cash charges and gains; the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes exclude certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement. EBITDA as adjusted is used in our debt agreements to determine compliance with financial covenants and our ability to engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional debt and making certain payments. In addition to covenant compliance, our management also uses EBITDA as adjusted, calculated using the same definition as used in our senior secured credit agreement, to assess our operating performance, and to calculate performance-based cash bonuses and determine whether certain performance-based stock options vest, as both such bonuses and options are tied to EBITDA as adjusted targets. For a discussion of the adjustments, uses and the limitations on the use of EBITDA as adjusted, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

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The following is a reconciliation of Dynamit Nobel's net income to EBITDA:

(5)

EBITDA, as defined above, contains the following non-cash charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, which are described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(6)

In addition to non-cash charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, our EBITDA contains the following other special charges and gains, which are described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(7)

Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

(8)

Excludes the current portion of long-term debt.

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following factors and the other information in this prospectus before deciding to purchase any shares of our common stock.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

Substantial Leverage—Our available cash and access to additional capital may be limited by our substantial leverage.

        We are highly leveraged and have significant debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2004, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering, we would have had approximately $2,992.8 million of long-term debt outstanding and total stockholders' equity of approximately $1,059.1 million.

        This high level of indebtedness could have important negative consequences to us and you, including:

•

we may have difficulty obtaining financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions;



•

we will need to use a substantial portion of our available cash flow to pay interest and principal on our debt, which will reduce the amount of money available to finance our operations and other business activities;



•

some of our debt, including borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities, will have variable rates of interest, which will expose us to the risk of increased interest rates;



•

our debt level increases our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse industry conditions;



•

our debt level could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in our industry in general;



•

our substantial amount of debt and the amount we need to pay to service our debt obligations could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and



•

our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our debt instruments which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and limit our ability to incur debt and sell assets, could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could cause our lenders to terminate commitments under our debt agreements, declare all amounts, including accrued interest, due and payable, and enforce their rights in respect of collateral.

        Our pro forma cash interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $194.3 million. At December 31, 2004, on an actual basis we had $1,863.0 million of variable rate debt. After including the notional amounts of variable to fixed interest rate swaps, the variable amount was $556.0 million. A 1% increase in the average interest rate would increase future interest expense by approximately $5.6 million per year. Our debt service for 2005 is expected to be $236.9 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity—Contractual Obligations" for years beyond 2005.

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Additional Borrowings Available—Despite our substantial leverage, we and our subsidiaries will be able to incur more indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks described above, including our ability to service our indebtedness.

        We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although Group's senior secured credit facilities and indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, such restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and under certain circumstances, indebtedness incurred in compliance with such restrictions could be substantial. As of April 30, 2005, the revolving credit facility under the senior secured credit facilities provided for additional borrowings of up to $181.1 million, after giving effect to $50.0 million of borrowings and $18.9 million of letters of credit issued on our behalf. To the extent new debt is added to our debt levels, the substantial leverage risks described above would increase.

Restrictive Covenants in Our Debt Instruments—Our debt instruments contain a number of restrictive covenants which may limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or engage in other business activities that may be in our interest.

        Group's senior secured credit agreement and indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes impose, and the terms of any future indebtedness may impose, operating and other restrictions on us. Such restrictions will affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to take certain actions. See "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Secured Credit Facilities—Negative Covenants," "—2011 Notes—Negative Covenants" and "—2014 Notes—Negative Covenants." In addition, Group's senior secured credit facilities also require us to achieve certain financial and operating results and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. Our ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond our control. The restrictions and financial covenants contained in Group's senior secured credit agreement and indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, acquisitions, investments or strategic plans or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.

        A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under the senior secured credit facilities and/or the indentures. If an event of default occurs under the senior secured credit facilities, which includes an event of default under the indentures, the lenders could elect to:

•

declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable;



•

require us to apply all of our available cash to repay the borrowings; or



•

prevent us from making debt service payments on the 2011 notes and 2014 notes;

any of which would result in an event of default under the 2011 notes and 2014 notes. The lenders will also have the right in these circumstances to terminate any commitments they have to provide further financing. If we were unable to repay or otherwise refinance these borrowings when due, our lenders could sell the collateral securing the senior secured credit facilities, which constitutes substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets.

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Structural Subordination—Because the issuer does not conduct any business operations of its own, it depends upon the performance of its subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions to it. Accordingly, in the event of the issuer's dissolution, bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, you will not be entitled to receive ratably any assets available for distribution to our stockholders until after the payment in full of the claims of the creditors of these subsidiaries.

        The issuer is a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of its own. The issuer's principal asset is common stock of its subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc., which, indirectly through other subsidiaries, owns operating subsidiaries. As a result, the issuer is dependent upon cash dividends and distributions or other transfers from its subsidiaries to make dividend payments on its common stock and to meet any obligations. The ability of the issuer's subsidiaries to pay dividends and make payments to the issuer will depend on their operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, applicable corporate, tax and other laws and regulations, agreements of those subsidiaries, such as the senior secured credit agreement, the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes and agreements governing any future indebtedness the issuer or its subsidiaries may incur.

        In addition, because the issuer is a holding company, your claims as stockholders will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations (whether or not for borrowed money) of its subsidiaries, including obligations under Group's senior secured credit facilities and indentures. Accordingly, in the event of the issuer's dissolution, bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, the issuer's assets and those of its subsidiaries will be available for distribution to our stockholders only after all of the issuer's and its subsidiaries' liabilities and obligations have been paid in full. The issuer would not be able to make distributions to its stockholders until after the payment in full of the claims of the creditors of its subsidiaries.

Risks Associated with Acquisitions—We may not be able to successfully integrate Dynamit Nobel, Groupe Novasep SAS or other acquisitions we may make in the future.

        The process of combining the businesses of Dynamit Nobel or any of our recent acquisitions or combinations, including Groupe Novasep SAS, or any other future acquisitions, and Rockwood involves risks. We are currently in the process of integrating the businesses of Dynamit Nobel and Groupe Novasep SAS. We may face difficulty completing the integration of the new operations, technologies, products and services of Dynamit Nobel or any of our recent acquisitions or combinations, including Groupe Novasep, or any other future acquisition, and may incur unanticipated expenses related to those integrations. The difficulties of combining operations may be magnified by integrating personnel with differing business backgrounds and corporate cultures. Completion of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition required, and the continuing integration of Dynamit Nobel with Rockwood requires, a substantial amount of management's time. Failure to successfully manage and integrate these acquisitions with our existing operations could lead to the potential loss of customers of the acquired business, the potential loss of employees who may be vital to the new operations, the potential loss of business opportunities or other adverse consequences that could affect our financial condition and results of operations. Even if integration occurs successfully, failure of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the Groupe Novasep combination or any future acquisition to achieve levels of anticipated sales growth, profitability or productivity comparable with those achieved by our existing operations, or otherwise not perform as expected, may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, certain liabilities and expenses in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the Groupe Novasep combination, our recent acquisitions or combinations or any future acquisitions or combinations.

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Limited Relevance of Financial Information—Our historical and pro forma financial information may not be representative of our results as a combined company.

        The historical financial information included in this prospectus (other than our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, which include the results of operations of the Dynamit Nobel businesses during the five-month period ended December 31, 2004) consists of separate financial statements of Rockwood and Dynamit Nobel for periods prior to the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Furthermore, the historical financial statements of Dynamit Nobel are derived from the historical accounting records of mg technologies ag and are presented on a "carve-out" basis to include the historical operations applicable to Dynamit Nobel as operated under mg technologies ag. The historical financial information of Dynamit Nobel includes all revenues and costs directly attributable to Dynamit Nobel as operated under mg technologies ag, including compensation for executives of Dynamit Nobel, costs for facilities, functions and services used by Dynamit Nobel at mg technologies ag's sites and costs for certain functions and services performed by centralized mg technologies ag's financial and cash management systems. In addition, the pro forma financial information presented in this prospectus is based on certain assumptions regarding the integration of Dynamit Nobel, as well as the other components of the Transactions, that we believe are reasonable. Our assumptions may prove to be inaccurate over time. Accordingly, the historical and pro forma financial information included in this prospectus may not reflect what our results of operations and financial condition would have been had we been a combined entity during the periods presented, or what our results of operations and financial condition will be in the future.

Net Loss—We have a history of losses and may experience losses in the future and we cannot be certain that our net operating loss carryforwards will continue to be available to offset our tax liability.

        We have incurred net losses in the past and we may incur net losses in the future. We incurred net losses of $68.2 million, $91.7 million and $216.1 million in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, and $160.6 in 2004 on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the Transactions.

        We may not achieve profitability in the future and we may not generate cash flow sufficient to make dividend payments or meet debt service obligations and other capital requirements, such as working capital and maintenance capital expenditures.

        As of December 31, 2004, we had deferred tax assets of $136.4 million related to net operating loss carryforwards for which we had valuation allowances of $120.7 million. If our operating performance deteriorates in the future in the relevant tax jurisdictions, we may be unable to realize these net operating loss carryforwards and we may be required to record an additional valuation allowance.

Currency Fluctuations—Because a significant portion of our operations is conducted in foreign currencies, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.

        Our operations are conducted by subsidiaries in many countries. The results of their operations and financial condition are reported in the local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. The exchange rates between some of these currencies and the dollar in recent years have fluctuated significantly and may continue to do so in the future. As a result of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, a significantly larger portion of our net sales and cost of products sold is now denominated in euros. Approximately 40% of our 2004 pro forma net sales would have been derived from subsidiaries

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whose sales are denominated in euros. This increases the impact of the fluctuation of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

        Furthermore, because a portion of our senior secured credit facilities and 2014 notes are denominated in euros, we are subject to fluctuation in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the euro, which may have an adverse effect on the carrying value of our debt and may also affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. For example, the dollar-euro noon buying rate announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York decreased from $1.00=€1.065 on December 31, 2000 to $1.00=€0.7357 on December 31, 2004. In addition, because our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars, the translation effect of such fluctuations has in the past significantly impacted, and may in the future, significantly impact the carrying value of our debt and results of operations and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. We also incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into either a purchase or sale transaction using a currency other than the local currency of the transacting entity.

        We may not be able to effectively manage our currency translation and/or transaction risks and volatility in currency exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on the carrying value of our debt and results of operations.

Regulation of Our Raw Materials, Products and Facilities—Our business could be adversely affected by regulation to which our raw materials, products and facilities are subject.

        Some of the raw materials we handle, and our products and facilities, are subject to government regulation. These regulations affect the manufacturing processes, uses and applications of our products.

        In addition, some of our subsidiaries' products contain raw materials, such as arsenic pentoxide, carbon disulfide, lithium carbonate, telrahydrofucan, copper, chromic acid, silica, zinc chromate and lead, that are deemed hazardous materials in certain situations. The use of these materials is regulated and some of these regulations require product registrations, which also are subject to renewal and potential revocation. These regulations may affect our ability to market certain chemicals we produce.

        There is also a risk that other key raw materials or one or more of our products may be found to have, or be recharacterized as having, a toxicological or health-related impact on the environment or on our customers or employees. If such a discovery or recharacterization occurs, the relevant materials, chemicals or products, including products of our customers incorporating our materials or chemicals, may be recalled or banned or we may incur increased costs in order to comply with new regulatory requirements. Change in regulations, or their interpretation, may also affect the marketability of certain of our products.

Manufacturing Hazards—Hazards associated with chemical manufacturing could adversely affect our results of operations.

        Due to the nature of our business, we are exposed to the hazards associated with chemical manufacturing and the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and wastes in our manufacturing facilities or our distribution centers, such as fires, explosions and accidents. These hazards could lead to an interruption or suspension of operations and have an adverse effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility or on our company as a whole. Other hazards include:

•

piping and storage tank leaks and ruptures;



•

mechanical failure;

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•

employee exposure to hazardous substances;



•

chemical spills and other discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases; and



•

inclement weather and natural disasters.

        These hazards may cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of the environment, which could lead to government fines or work stoppage injunctions and lawsuits by injured persons. For example, our subsidiaries had been named as defendants in a wrongful death suit filed by the family of an employee who was fatally injured in an accident in our Clay-based Additives facility in Gonzales, Texas. While we are unable to predict the outcome of this case and other such cases, if determined adversely to us, we may not have adequate insurance to cover such claims and, if not, we may not have sufficient cash flow to pay for such claims. Such outcomes could adversely affect our customer goodwill, cash flow and results of operations.

Raw Materials—Fluctuations in costs of our raw materials or our access to supplies of our raw materials could adversely affect our results of operations.

        Although no single raw material represented more than 5% of our pro forma cost of products sold in 2004, raw material costs generally account for a high percentage of our total costs of products sold. In 2004, raw materials constituted approximately 48% of our pro forma cost of products sold. We generally purchase raw materials based on supply agreements linked to market prices and therefore our results of operations are subject to short-term fluctuations in raw materials prices. These fluctuations limit our ability to accurately forecast future raw material costs and hence our profitability.

        Many of the raw materials we use are commodities, and the price of each can fluctuate widely for a variety of reasons, including changes in availability, major capacity additions or reductions or significant facility operating problems. Historically, there have been some price increases we have not been able to pass through to our customers. This trend may continue in the future.

        In addition, titanium-bearing slag used in our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment is our largest raw material (in terms of dollars) and is sourced primarily from one supplier in Canada. If our supplier is unable to meet its obligations under our present supply agreement or we are unable to enter into new supply arrangements on competitive terms when our existing short-term supply arrangements expire, we may be forced to pay higher prices to obtain these necessary raw materials. Furthermore, certain of our raw materials, such as cesium and lithium salts, are sourced from countries where political, economic and social conditions may be subject to instability. In addition, one of our raw materials, lithium brine, requires a period of gestation before it can be used to produce lithium compounds. In the event there is an increase in market demand for lithium products, we may not be able to respond to such market demand on a timely basis. Any interruption of supply or any price increase of raw materials could result in our inability to meet demand for our products, loss of customer goodwill and higher costs of producing our products.

Energy Costs—Fluctuations in energy costs could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

        Energy purchases in 2004 constituted approximately 4% of Rockwood's historical cost of products sold and 5% of Dynamit Nobel's historical cost of products sold. Fluctuations in the price of energy limit our ability to accurately forecast future energy costs and consequently our profitability. For example, in 2004, natural gas prices were volatile in North America and have been increasing in the first quarter of 2005. Energy costs increases have been mainly due to global

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political conditions and extreme weather conditions. Rising energy costs may also increase our raw material costs. If energy prices fluctuate significantly, our business, in particular, our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, or results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, rising energy costs also negatively impact our customers and the demand for our products. These risks will be heightened if our customers or production facilities are in locations experiencing severe energy shortages.

Environmental, Health and Safety Regulation—Compliance with extensive environmental, health and safety laws could require material expenditures or changes in our operations.

        Our operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations at national, international and local levels in numerous jurisdictions. In addition, our production facilities and a number of our distribution centers require operating permits that are subject to renewal and, in some circumstances, revocation. The nature of the chemicals industry exposes us to risks of liability under these laws and regulations due to the production, storage, transportation, disposal and sale of chemicals and materials that can cause contamination or personal injury if released into the environment. In 2004, on a pro forma basis, our capital expenditures for safety, health and environmental matters was approximately $23.9 million. We expect such capital expenditures to be approximately $25.0 million in 2005. We may be materially impacted in the future by the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, or REACH, program proposed by the European Union.

        Compliance with environmental laws generally increases the costs of registration/approval requirements, the costs of transportation and storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, damages, criminal or civil sanctions and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations, for violations arising under these laws or permit requirements. Furthermore, environmental laws are subject to change and have tended to become stricter over time. Such changes in environmental laws or their interpretation, or the enactment of new environmental laws, could result in materially increased capital expenditures and compliance costs.

        In addition, the discovery of contamination arising from historical industrial operations at some of our former and present properties has exposed us, and in the future may continue to expose us, to cleanup obligations and other damages. For example, soil and groundwater contamination is known to exist at several of our facilities, including some that we acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. At December 31, 2004, we had approximately $51.9 million in reserves for estimated environmental liabilities, of which approximately $45.1 million is for estimated liabilities related to environmental matters in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Under the sale and purchase agreement, mg technologies ag is required to indemnify us for certain environmental matters, subject to certain limitations. See "Dynamit Nobel Acquisition—Sale and Purchase Agreement—Indemnity for Breaches of Representations and Warranties—Environmental Indemnity." However, mg technologies ag may not adhere to its indemnity obligations to us and the indemnity may not adequately cover any related environmental matters, and we may have to institute proceedings to pursue recovery for such matters. Such legal proceedings may be costly and may require a substantial amount of management attention.

Environmental Indemnities—We may be subject to environmental indemnity claims relating to properties we have divested.

        The discovery of contamination arising from properties that we have divested may expose us to indemnity obligations under the sale agreements with the buyers of such properties or cleanup

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obligations and other damages under applicable environmental laws. For example, we have obligations to indemnify the buyers of the former explosives business and automotive ignition systems business of Dynamit Nobel for certain environmental matters. Under such sale agreements, these indemnities are not limited as to amount. Furthermore, we have an obligation to indemnify the buyer of our former manufacturing sites at Troisdorf, Germany, for which we have reserved approximately $14.5 million, and Greenville, South Carolina where there has been a discovery of groundwater and soil contamination. We may not have adequate insurance coverage or cash flows to make such indemnity payments. Such payments may be costly and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Product Liability—Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages arising out of product liability claims.

        The sale of our products involves the risk of product liability claims. For example, some of the chemicals or substances that are used in our businesses, such as arsenic pentoxide, have been alleged to represent potentially significant health and safety concerns. Class action suits had been filed in Louisiana, Florida and Arkansas, for example, naming one of our subsidiaries and a number of competitors of our Timber Treatment Chemicals business line in our Performance Additives segment, as well as treaters and retailers, as defendants. In addition, our subsidiary has been named as a defendant in personal injury suits in several jurisdictions with retailers and treaters named as other defendants. Furthermore, there are other similar suits, including putative class actions, pending against retailers, treaters and other formulators to which we may be eventually named as a defendant. These suits allege, among other things, product liability claims in connection with the use of timber products treated with CCA, which utilizes arsenic pentoxide as a raw material. In addition, a subsidiary in our Advanced Ceramics segment has been named as a defendant in several product liability lawsuits in Europe relating to broken artificial hip joints, which allege negligent manufacturing by our subsidiary of ceramic components used in the production of artificial hip joints. Further, a subsidiary in our Specialty Chemicals segment has been named as a defendant in several lawsuits in the United States regarding exposure to solvents and other chemicals contained in some of our products. We are unable to estimate our exposure, if any, to these lawsuits at this time.

        We may be subject to future claims with regard to these suits or others like them and we may not be able to avoid significant product liability exposure. A successful product liability claim or series of claims against us for which we are not otherwise indemnified or insured could materially increase our operating costs or prevent such operating subsidiary from satisfying its financial obligations. For example, for policies renewed on or after November 2002, our insurers excluded CCA from our insurance coverage under our general liability policies. We may not have sufficient cash flow from operations or assets to pay a judgment resulting from a product liability claim, if any, for which there is no or inadequate insurance coverage. Any such judgment could materially increase our operating costs or prevent such operating subsidiary from satisfying its financial obligations.

Product Liability—Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages arising out of certain indemnity claims.

        We may be subject to indemnity claims for product liability lawsuits relating to products we have sold. For example, our Timber Treatment Chemicals business has entered into indemnity agreements with various customers who purchased CCA-based wood protection products. Pursuant to those agreements, one of our subsidiaries agreed to defend and hold harmless those customers for certain causes of action, based on domestic mammalian, and in some cases, human, toxicity, caused by our CCA-based wood protection products, subject to certain conditions. Our Timber

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Treatment Chemicals business, and several of our customers were named as defendants in several suits, including putative class actions, relating to CCA-based wood protection products. Our Timber Treatment Chemicals business has received and may in the future receive claims for indemnity from customers in connection with litigation relating to CCA-based wood protection products and may be required to pay indemnity claims under such agreements to one or more of its customers. If our Timber Treatment Chemicals business is required to pay one or more indemnity claims, insurance or indemnity arrangements from Degussa (the successor to Laporte, from which the specialty chemicals business lines that formed Rockwood in the KKR acquisition were acquired) may not cover such claims and, if not, our subsidiary may not have sufficient free cash flow to pay such claims. We are unable to estimate our exposure, if any, to these claims and lawsuits at this time.

        In addition, our Specialty Chemicals segment's subsidiary which formerly manufactured insulating glass sealants, has been named as a defendant in several product liability lawsuits relating to alleged negligent manufacturing of these sealants. Pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement, one of our Specialty Chemicals' subsidiaries may be required to pay indemnity claims for a limited number of years. If such subsidiary is required to pay indemnity claims, our insurance may not cover such claims and, if not, our subsidiary may not have sufficient cash flow to pay such claims. One or more of these claims could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Cyclicality—Downturns in cyclical industries and general economic conditions could adversely affect our profitability.

        Our products are used in certain industries that are cyclical in nature, such as the automotive, data and communications and electronics industries. In addition, sales to the construction market are driven by trends in commercial and residential construction, housing starts and trends in residential repair and remodeling. Downturns in one or more of these industries could severely reduce demand for our products. For example, the telecommunications market has experienced a similar downturn, which has affected the results of operations of our Specialty Compounds segment, and in recent years the semiconductor market has experienced a severe downturn, which has affected the results of operations of our Electronics segment.

        In addition, downturns in general economic conditions, whether in a particular region or globally, could reduce demand for our products. An economic downturn in one or more of the markets or geographic regions in which we sell our products may result in a decline in our net sales.

Pharmaceutical Industry—We may not be able to renew our contracts with Groupe Novasep's pharmaceutical customers due to their manufacturing strategy, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

        Net sales of pharmaceutical intermediates or active ingredients by our Groupe Novasep segment, which accounted for approximately 12% of our 2004 pro forma net sales, may be adversely impacted by the manufacturing strategy of our customers in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical companies may establish back-up production facilities through a second supplier or manufacture these intermediates on their own if they have hazardous chemical production expertise in-house or are willing to make capital investments. Consequently, while we typically enter into long-term, requirement-based supply contracts with our pharmaceutical customers, we may not be able to renew these contracts upon expiration.

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FDA Regulation—Some of our manufacturing processes and facilities, pharmaceutical customers and medical device customers are subject to regulation by the FDA or similar foreign agencies. These events could adversely affect our results of operations.

        The manufacturing processes and facilities of our Novasep Synthesis business line of our Groupe Novasep segment, which specializes in commercial production of pharmaceutical intermediates, are subject to regulatory requirements of the FDA, including current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations or other applicable foreign regulatory agencies such as the central European agency for medicines. In addition, certain lithium compounds manufactured by our Fine Chemicals business line of our Specialty Chemicals segment are also subject to FDA regulation. Furthermore, the manufacture and supply of ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components for hip joint prostheses systems by our Advanced Ceramics segment may also be subject to the FDA's Quality System Regulation, which imposes current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements on the manufacture of medical devices.

        Pharmaceutical customers of our Groupe Novasep segment to whom we supply our pharmaceutical intermediates and medical device customers of our Advanced Ceramics segment to whom we supply our ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components are subject to FDA regulation, including premarket approval of their products and post market compliance requirements. The FDA may take three years or longer to grant premarket approval, if at all. Once approved, our customers' pharmaceutical products and total hip prostheses systems may be withdrawn from the market either voluntarily by our customers or as a result of the FDA's or a foreign equivalent's withdrawal of marketing approval or removal of such products for a number of reasons including safety, current Good Manufacturing Practice or Quality System Regulation problems with our products or our customers' final products. These factors relating to our customers in the pharmaceutical industry and medical devices industry could significantly limit our net sales generated by our Groupe Novasep segment and Advanced Ceramics segment, respectively, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Regulatory requirements of the FDA are complex, and any failure to comply with them could subject us and/or our customers to fines, injunctions, civil penalties, lawsuits, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, denial of government approvals, withdrawal of marketing approvals and criminal prosecution and could adversely impact our net sales, undermine goodwill established with our customers, damage commercial prospects for our products and materially adversely affect our results of operations.

Competition—Our industry is highly competitive. The end-use markets in which we compete are also highly competitive. This competition may adversely affect our results of operations.

        We face significant competition from major international producers as well as smaller regional competitors. Our most significant competitors include major chemicals and materials manufacturers and diversified companies, a number of which have revenues and capital resources exceeding ours.

        In addition, within the end-use markets in which we compete, competition between products is intense. Substitute products also exist for many of our products. Therefore, we face substantial risk that certain events, such as new product development by our competitors, changing customer needs, production advances for competing products, price changes in raw materials, our failure to secure patents or the expiration of patents, could result in declining demand for our products as our customers switch to substitute products or undertake manufacturing of such products on their own. If we are unable to develop and produce or market our products to effectively compete against our competitors, our results of operations may materially suffer.

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        We believe that our customers are increasingly looking for strong, long-term relationships with a few key suppliers that help them improve product performance, reduce costs, or support new product development. To satisfy these growing customer requirements, our competitors have been consolidating within product lines through mergers and acquisitions. We may also need to invest and spend more on research and development and marketing costs to strengthen existing customer relationships, as well as attract new customers. As a result, our substantial debt level could limit our flexibility to react to these industry trends and our ability to remain competitive.

Product Innovation—If we are not able to continue our technological innovation and successful commercial introduction of new products, our profitability could be adversely affected.

        Our industries and the end-use markets into which we sell our products experience periodic technological change and product improvement. Manufacturers periodically introduce new generations of products or require new technological capacity to develop customized products. Our future growth will depend on our ability to gauge the direction of the commercial and technological progress in all key end-use markets and upon our ability to fund and successfully develop, manufacture and market products in such changing end-use markets. We will have to continue to identify, develop and market innovative products on a timely basis to replace or enhance existing products in order to maintain our profit margins and our competitive position. We may not be successful in developing new products and/or technology, either alone or with third parties, or licensing intellectual property rights from third parties on a commercially competitive basis. Our new products may not be accepted by our customers. If we fail to keep pace with the evolving technological innovations in our end-use markets on a competitive basis, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Dependence on Intellectual Property—If our intellectual property were copied by competitors, or if they were to develop similar intellectual property independently, our results of operations could be negatively affected.

        Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to protect and preserve our intellectual property rights, which rights we own or use pursuant to licenses granted to us by third parties. The confidentiality and patent assignment agreements we enter into with most of our key employees and third parties to protect the confidentiality, ownership and use of intellectual property may be breached, may not be enforceable, may provide for joint ownership or ownership by a third party. In addition, we may not have adequate remedies for a breach by the other party, which could adversely affect our intellectual property rights.

        The use of our intellectual property rights or intellectual property similar to ours by others or our failure to protect such rights could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage we have developed, adversely affecting our net sales. If we must sue to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, any suits or proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of company resources and management attention, and we may not prevail in such action.

        We conduct research and development activities with third parties and license certain intellectual property rights from third parties and we plan to continue to do so in the future. For example, in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business, we developed the technology to produce ACQ pursuant to a license agreement with Domtar Inc. and through the acquisition of the Kemwood business from Kemira OY. We endeavor to license or otherwise obtain intellectual property rights on terms favorable to us. However, we may not be able to license or otherwise obtain intellectual property rights on such terms or at all. Our inability to license or otherwise obtain such intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our ability to create a competitive advantage

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and create innovative solutions for our customers, which will adversely affect our net sales and our relationships with our customers.

        The steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not provide us with any competitive advantage and may be challenged by third parties. We have been and currently are subject to oppositions of our patents and trademarks by third parties before regulatory bodies in certain jurisdictions. Our failure to defend these patents or registered trademarks may limit our ability to protect the intellectual property rights that these applications were intended to cover. In addition, a failure to obtain and defend our trademark registrations may impede our marketing and branding efforts and competitive position. A failure to protect our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and our net sales.

Risk of Intellectual Property Litigation—Our products or processes may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, which may cause us to pay unexpected litigation costs or damages or prevent us from selling our products.

        Although it is our intention to avoid infringing or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others, our processes and products may infringe or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of others. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims, including claims of alleged infringement by us or our licensees of the patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights of third parties. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming, regardless of the merits of any claim, and could divert our management's attention from operating our businesses.

        If we were to discover or be notified that our processes or products potentially infringe or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of others, we may need to obtain licenses from these parties or substantially re-engineer our products and processes in order to avoid infringement. We might not be able to obtain the necessary licenses on acceptable terms, or at all, or be able to re-engineer our products successfully. Moreover, if we are sued for infringement and lose the suit, we could be required to pay substantial damages and/or be enjoined from using or selling the infringing products or technology. Any of the foregoing could cause us to incur significant costs and prevent us from selling our products.

International Operations—As a global business, we are exposed to local business risks in different countries which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

        We have significant operations in many countries, including manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, sales personnel and customer support operations. Currently, we operate, or others operate on our behalf, facilities in countries such as, among others, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. 66% of our pro forma net sales in 2004 were shipments to countries outside North America. Our operations are affected directly and indirectly by global regulatory, economic and political conditions, including:

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new and different legal and regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions;



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managing and obtaining support and distribution for local operations;



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increased costs of, and availability of, transportation or shipping;



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credit risk and financial conditions of local customers and distributors;



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potential difficulties in protecting intellectual property;



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risk of nationalization of private enterprises by foreign governments;



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potential imposition of restrictions on investments;

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potentially adverse tax consequences, including imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;



•

capital controls; and



•

local political, economic and social conditions, including the possibility of hyperinflationary conditions and political instability in certain countries.

        In addition, our facilities may be targets of terrorist activities that could result in full or partial disruption of the activities of such facilities.

        We may not succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies to counter the foregoing factors effectively in each location where we do business. Our failure to do so could limit our ability to sell products, compete or receive payments for products sold in such locations.

Disaster Recovery Planning—If any of our facilities used in the Dynamit Nobel businesses are forced to shut down, we may incur significant remediation or reconstruction costs.

        If any of our facilities used by the Dynamit Nobel businesses are forced to shut down for a significant period of time due to natural disaster, power loss, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses or other similar events, our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient, and we may experience a significant disruption of our financial reporting systems or the manufacture and distribution of our products and services and/or damage to our relationships with customers.

Retention of Key Personnel—If we lose certain key personnel or are unable to hire additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to execute our business strategy.

        Our success depends, in part, upon the continued services of our highly skilled personnel involved in management, research, production, sales and distribution, and, in particular, upon the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and key employees. Although we believe that we are adequately staffed in key positions and that we will be successful in retaining key personnel, we may not be able to retain such personnel on acceptable terms or at all. Furthermore, if we lose the service of any executive officers or key employees, we may not be able to execute our business strategy. We do not have key-person life insurance covering any of our employees.

Relations with Employees—We are subject to stringent labor and employment laws in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, and our relationship with our employees could deteriorate, which could adversely impact our operations.

        A majority of our full-time employees are employed outside the United States, particularly in Germany where many of our Dynamit Nobel businesses are located. In certain jurisdictions where we operate, particularly in Germany, labor and employment laws are relatively stringent and, in many cases, grant significant job protection to certain employees, including rights on termination of employment. In addition, in certain countries where we operate, including Germany, our employees are members of unions or are represented by a works council as required by law. We are often required to consult and seek the consent or advice of these unions and/or respective works' councils. These regulations and laws coupled with the requirement to consult with the relevant unions or works' councils could significantly limit our flexibility in managing costs and responding to market changes.

        Furthermore, with respect to our employees that are subject to collective bargaining arrangements or similar arrangements (approximately 3,218 of our 9,443 full-time employees as of March 31, 2005), we may not be able to negotiate labor agreements on satisfactory terms and actions by our employees may disrupt our business. If these workers were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations

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and/or higher ongoing labor costs. In addition, if our other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations and/or higher ongoing labor costs.

Tax Liabilities—As a result of mg technologies ag's tax restructuring program in December 2002, we may incur tax liabilities.

        Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, mg technologies ag implemented a tax restructuring program in Germany. In the event that the resulting structure is challenged by the German tax authorities, we may be required to refund all or a portion of the benefits obtained by mg technologies ag and/or incur additional tax liabilities for current and future periods. Although under the sale and purchase agreement, mg technologies ag has agreed to substantially indemnify us for any such tax liabilities, a successful challenge by the German tax authorities combined with mg technologies ag's failure or inability to satisfy its indemnity obligations may result in our having to pay such tax liabilities.

Anticipated Capital Expenditures—Our required capital expenditures may exceed our estimates.

        Total combined capital expenditures of Rockwood, Dynamit Nobel and Groupe Novasep SAS for 2004 were $211.5 million, which consisted of maintenance expenditures and substantial investments in new equipment. Future capital expenditures may be significantly higher, depending on the investment requirements of each of our business lines. Future capital expenditures may also vary substantially if we are required to undertake certain actions to compete with new technologies in our industry. We may not have the capital necessary to undertake these capital investments. If we are unable to do so, we may not be able to effectively compete in some of our markets.

Control—Affiliates of KKR and DLJMB control us and may have conflicts of interest with us or you in the future.

        Upon the closing of this offering, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB will beneficially own approximately    % of our common stock (or    % if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option). In addition, representatives of KKR and DLJMB will occupy a majority of the seats on our board of directors. As a result, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB have control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction and will have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of our board of directors or the stockholders regardless of whether or not other members of our board of directors or stockholders believe that any such transactions are in their own best interests. For example, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB could cause us to sell revenue-generating assets, which could impair our long-term ability to declare dividends or grow our business. Additionally, KKR and DLJMB are in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. They may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as affiliates of KKR and DLJMB continue to hold a majority of our outstanding common stock, they will be entitled to nominate a majority of our board of directors, and will have the ability to control the vote in any election of directors. See "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—Stockholders' Agreement with Affiliates of KKR and DLJMB."

We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

        Upon the closing of this offering, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB will continue to control a majority of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under the New York Stock

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Exchange rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements, including:

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the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors;



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the requirement that we have a nominating/corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors;



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the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and



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the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating/corporate governance and compensation committees.

        Following this offering, we intend to utilize these exemptions. As a result, we will not have a majority of independent directors nor will our nominating/corporate governance and compensation committees consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.

Effectiveness of Internal Controls—Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business and reputation.

        We are evaluating our internal controls over financial reporting in order to allow management to report on, and our independent auditors to attest to, our internal controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which we refer to as Section 404. We are currently performing the system and process evaluation and plan to begin the testing required in late 2005 (and any necessary remediation) in an effort to comply with management certification and auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 that will initially apply to us in connection with our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

        We have identified weaknesses in internal controls within the financial reporting process mainly due to our dependence on external resources for data accumulation and analyses related to income taxes and pensions. In addition, we have identified other areas of internal controls that may need improvement, such as internal controls related to the segregation of duties at certain smaller locations, system access and user security profiles, operating policies and procedures and in each case particularly with respect to newly acquired businesses. As we are still in the evaluation process, we may identify additional conditions that may be categorized as significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future.

        We do not know the timing of completion of our evaluation, testing and any remediation actions or the impact of the same on our operations. If we are not able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC. As a result, there could be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. In addition, we may be required to incur costs in improving our internal control system and the hiring of additional personnel. Any such action could adversely affect our results of operations.

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Risk Factors Relating to This Offering

Absence of a Public Market—There is no existing market for our common stock, and an active trading market may not develop.

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. An active trading market may not develop and continue upon closing of this offering. The market price for our common stock may decline below the initial public offering price. The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined through negotiations among the underwriters and us and will be based on numerous factors and may not be indicative of the market price for our common stock after the initial public offering. Variations in our actual or anticipated operating results, changes in, or failure to meet, earnings estimates of securities analysts, regulatory actions and general economic and securities market conditions, among other factors, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline below the initial public offering price.

Future Sales—Future sales of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the possibility or perception of such future sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

        The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

        Sales of our common stock will be restricted by lock-up agreements that all of our directors and executive officers and affiliates of KKR and DLJMB will enter into with the underwriters, which will restrict them, subject to specified exceptions, from selling or otherwise disposing of any shares of our common stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Although there is no present intent or arrangement to do so, all or any portion of the shares may be released from the restrictions in the lock-up agreements and those shares would then be available for resale in the market.

        After this offering, we will have approximately             million shares of common stock outstanding. Of those shares, the             million shares we are offering will be freely tradeable. The approximately             shares that were outstanding immediately prior to this offering will be eligible for resale from time to time after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period, subject to contractual restrictions and restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Approximately             of those shares may be sold freely pursuant to Rule 144(k), approximately             of those shares may be sold subject to the volume, manner of sale and other conditions of Rule 144 and approximately     of those shares may be sold freely pursuant to Rule 144(k) once they have been held until the fifth anniversay of the investment date set forth in the applicable management stockholder's agreement, which in some instances is February 2006.

        Under the registration rights agreement, affiliates of KKR, which will beneficially own             shares after this offering, and DLJMB, which will beneficially own              shares after this offering, will have the right to request us to register the resale of their respective shares. In addition, affiliates of KKR, DLJMB, management stockholders and other stockholders can exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with other registered offerings.

        In addition, approximately             shares have been reserved for future issuance under the stock plan, including approximately             shares issuable upon the exercise of presently outstanding stock options (approximately               of which are currently vested) and             shares of common stock underlying vested restricted stock units held by our chairman and chief

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executive officer, Seifi Ghasemi. Furthermore, warrants to purchase             shares of common stock which are exercisable at any time have been issued to an affiliate of KKR and are presently outstanding. Following the closing of this offering, we intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the sale of shares issued or issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options. Subject to the exercise of issued and outstanding options and contractual restrictions, shares registered under the registration statement on Form S-8 will be available for sale into the public market after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up agreements.

        In the future, we may issue our common stock in connection with acquisitions, repayment of our debt or for other general corporate purposes. The amount of such common stock issued could constitute a material portion of our then outstanding common stock.

Anti-takeover Measures—Certain provisions in our certificate of incorporation may prevent efforts by our stockholders to change the direction or management of our company.

        Provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of our company, including through transactions, and, in particular, unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable. As a result, efforts by our stockholders to change the direction or management of our company may be unsuccessful.

Absence of Dividends—We may not pay dividends on our common stock at any time in the foreseeable future.

        We are a holding company, and our ability to pay dividends may be limited by restrictions upon transfer of funds by our subsidiaries, including those which are contained in Group's senior secured credit facilities, indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes and those of any future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries may incur. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. We currently have no intention to pay dividends on our common stock at any time in the foreseeable future.

Volatility of Market Price—The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

        Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of our common stock in spite of our operating performance. In addition, our operating results could be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, and in response, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. You may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the initial public offering price.

Dilution—Public investors will suffer immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of the shares purchased in this offering.

        The initial public offering price per share of our common stock is higher than our pro forma net tangible book value per share. Accordingly, if you purchase common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of your investment. Based upon the issuance and sale of             million shares of common stock by us at an assumed initial public offering price of $                                 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), you will incur immediate dilution of approximately $                                 in the pro forma net tangible book value per share if you purchase shares in this offering (or approximately $         per share if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). We also have a large number of outstanding stock options and warrants with an exercise price that is below the assumed initial public offering price of the common stock. To the extent that these options and/or warrants are exercised, there will be further dilution.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. We have used the words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "predict," "could," "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning, including references to assumptions, in this prospectus to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matter expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, these statements include, among other things, statements relating to:

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our business strategies;



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changes in demand for our products;



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fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates and currency values;



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availability and pricing of raw materials;



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fluctuations in energy prices;



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changes in the end-use markets in which our products are sold;



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changes in the general economic conditions in North America and Europe and in other locations in which we currently do business;



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technological changes affecting production of our materials;



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our high level of indebtedness;



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governmental and environmental regulations and changes in those regulations;



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hazards associated with chemicals manufacturing;



•

risks associated with negotiating, consummating and integrating acquisitions, especially relating to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition;



•

risks associated with competition and the introduction of new competing products, especially in the Asia-Pacific region; and



•

risks associated with international sales and operations.

        You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statements made by us in this prospectus or elsewhere speak only as of the date on which we make it. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this prospectus after the date of this prospectus.

33

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that our net proceeds from the sale of             shares of common stock being offered in this offering, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $465.0 million, assuming the shares are offered at $                          per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

        We intend to use:

•

approximately $60.4 million of the net proceeds to repay the outstanding principal amount of the pay-in-kind loans and pay a prepayment premium, and approximately $121.7 million of the net proceeds to redeem the outstanding principal amount of the pay-in-kind notes and pay a redemption premium;



•

approximately $82.8 million of the net proceeds to redeem the outstanding principal amount of the senior discount notes, which are held by an affiliate of KKR;



•

approximately $148.3 million of the net proceeds to redeem $131.3 million, or 35%, of the 2011 notes and pay a redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest;



•

approximately $        million of the net proceeds to redeem all outstanding shares of our redeemable convertible preferred stock, which are held by an affiliate of KKR, and pay accumulated dividends. This amount includes approximately $              million for payment of a redemption premium which amount is equal to 1% of the product of the price per share at which shares of our common stock are offered in this offering multiplied by the number of fully diluted shares of our common stock excluding certain shares;



•

$10.0 million of the net proceeds to terminate the management services agreement with affiliates of KKR and DLJMB III; and



•

approximately $7.5 million of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

        Except with respect to the pay-in-kind loans, these amounts are based on the accreted value, the outstanding principal amount, the accrued and unpaid interest and the accumulated and unpaid dividends on the applicable securities being repaid or redeemed as of December 31, 2004. The actual amounts we pay to repay or redeem the securities will increase from the amounts shown above. Except with respect to the pay-in-kind loans and notes, each of these repayments and redemptions is voluntary.

        $127.1 million of the net proceeds will be paid to our affiliates, which are affiliates of KKR and DLJMB and our executive officers. This amount does not include underwriting discounts and commissions to be received by CSFB, an affiliate of DLJMB, in its capacity as underwriter. Five of the eight members of our current board of directors are affiliated with KKR; two are affiliated with DLJMB; one, our chairman, is our chief executive officer. Our board of directors voted unanimously to approve the offering.

        We intend to use any net proceeds we receive from any shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, for general corporate purposes.

        The pay-in-kind loans and pay-in-kind notes, which were incurred and issued by our direct subsidiary Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc., accrue interest at the rate of 15% per year and mature on November 20, 2011 and January 31, 2015, respectively. Interest is paid on the pay-in-kind loans and pay-in-kind notes by increasing the principal amount outstanding rather than making cash payments. The senior discount notes, which were issued by our indirect subsidiary Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., accrue interest at the rate of 12% per year, but do not require cash

34

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interest payment until 2007, and mature on August 15, 2011. The 2011 notes, which were issued by Group, accrue interest at the rate of 10⁵/8% per year and mature on May 15, 2011. The redeemable convertible preferred stock accumulates dividends at 15% per year of the sum of (i) $1,000 original issue price per share and (ii) accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the original issue date.

35

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        We do not currently intend to pay any periodic cash dividends on our common stock, and instead intend to retain earnings, if any, for future operation and expansion and debt repayment. We are a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of our own. As a result, we are dependent upon cash dividends and distributions and other transfers from our subsidiaries to make dividend payments on our common stock. The amounts available to us to pay cash dividends are restricted by our subsidiaries' debt agreements. Under Group's senior secured credit facilities and indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes, Group is generally restricted from making dividends or other distributions to us. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

36

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and consolidated capitalization as of December 31, 2004:

•

on an actual basis;



•

on a pro forma basis to give effect to the offering.

        This table should be read together with "Use of Proceeds," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

						As of December 31, 2004
($ in millions, except per share data)
						Actual			Pro Forma
Cash and cash equivalents						$	111.3		$	126.0
Long-term debt, including current portion:
	Senior secured credit facilities(1):
		Tranche A-1 and A-2 term loans(2)				$	284.8		$	284.8
		Tranche C term loans(3)					373.5			373.5
		Tranche D term loans					1,145.0			1,145.0
	2011 notes						375.0			243.7
	2014 notes(4)						709.7			709.7
	Assumed long-term debt(5)						236.1			236.1
	Pay-in-kind loans and notes						173.7			—
	Senior discount notes						82.8			—
			Total long-term debt			$	3,380.6		$	2,992.8
Redeemable convertible preferred stock ($.01 par value; $30.8 aggregate liquidation preference, 50,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding on an actual basis; no shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis)(6)							34.3			—
Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock, $.01 par value (2,200,000 shares authorized, 1,472,693 shares issued and 1,469,943 shares outstanding on an actual basis;              shares authorized,              shares issued and              shares outstanding on a pro forma basis)(7)						—			—
	Additional paid-in capital						688.5			1,153.5
	Accumulated other comprehensive income						402.0			402.0
	Accumulated deficit						(463.4	)		(494.3	)
	Treasury stock, at cost						(1.4	)		(1.4	)
	Other						(0.7	)		(0.7	)
			Total stockholders' equity				625.0			1,059.1
				Total capitalization		$	4,039.9		$	4,051.9

---

(1)

Group's senior secured credit facilities also include a $250.0 million revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2004, approximately $15.8 million of availability under the revolving credit facility was utilized by existing letters of credit issued on our behalf, leaving $234.2 million available. As of April 30, 2005, we had outstanding borrowings of $50.0 million under the revolving credit facility. The loans borrowed under the revolving credit facility may be denominated in dollars, euro or pounds sterling. See "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Secured Credit Facilities."

37

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(2)

Represents the approximate aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent of €39.1 million of borrowings under the tranche A-1 term loan and €170.4 million of borrowings under the tranche A-2 term loan (based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.3593).

(3)

Represents the approximate U.S. dollar equivalent of €274.8 million of borrowings under the tranche C term loans (based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate).

(4)

Represents the approximate aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent of €375.0 million of 2014 euro notes and $200.0 million of 2014 dollar notes (based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate).

(5)

Represents the approximate U.S. dollar equivalent of long-term debt which was assumed in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and the Groupe Novasep combination and remains outstanding under the existing arrangements. See "Description of Indebtedness—Other Long-Term Debt."

(6)

The redeemable convertible preferred stock accumulates dividends at 15% per year of the sum of (a) $1,000 original issue price per share and (b) accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the original issue date. When the redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemed, the holder will receive in cash, in addition to the $25.0 million aggregate issue price, all accumulated and unpaid dividends and 1% of the aggregate value of our common stock (other than excluded shares, as defined under "Description of Capital Stock—Preferred Stock—Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock"). As of December 31, 2004, the redemption price was $        million.

(7)

The amount does not include              shares of our common stock that are reserved for issuance under the stock plan, under which options to purchase               shares (of which                          are vested) and              shares underlying restricted stock units were outstanding as of December 31, 2004, and               shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2004.

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DILUTION

        Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of the common stock to be sold in this offering will exceed the pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock after the offering. The pro forma net tangible book value per share is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2004. After giving effect to the sale of             shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $                                 per share, the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses and applying the net proceeds as described in "Use of Proceeds," our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2004 would have been $                                 , or $                                 per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $                                 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $                                 per share to new investors.

        The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

Assumed initial public offering price per share						$
	Pro forma net tangible book value per share at December 31, 2004		$
	Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering
Dilution per share to new investors						$
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering assuming full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option
Dilution per share to new investors assuming full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option						$

        The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2004, the total number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by the existing stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares in this offering:

		Shares Purchased				Total Consideration
											Average Price Per Share
		Number		Percent		Amount			Percent
Existing stockholders					%	$				%	$
New investors
Total				100.00	%	$			100.00	%

        The tables and calculations above assume no exercise of outstanding options and warrants and no issuance of shares of common stock underlying vested restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2004, there were             shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at an exercise price of $                                 per share,              shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $                                 per share and             shares underlying vested restricted stock units. To the extent that these options and warrants are exercised and shares underlying restricted stock units are issued, there will be dilution to new investors of $       per share ($       per share after giving effect to the underwriters' over-allotment option).

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is presented to illustrate the estimated effects of the Transactions (which include the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and related equity and debt financings and Fall 2004 debt refinancings, the pigments and dispersions acquisition and related financing, the Groupe Novasep combination and this offering) on our historical financial condition and our results of operations based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2004 of €1.00=$1.3593 for the pro forma balance sheet and a weighted average exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2669 for the pro forma statement of operations.

        The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 gives effect to this offering and the application of the net proceeds as set forth under "Use of Proceeds" as if this offering occurred on December 31, 2004. No adjustment was required for the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and related equity and debt financing and Fall 2004 debt refinancings, the pigments and dispersions acquisition and related financing and the Groupe Novasep combination because they occurred on or prior to December 31, 2004 and therefore are already reflected in the December 31, 2004 balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information gives effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004.

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is based on the audited consolidated financial statements of Rockwood, our audited consolidated financial statements and the audited and unaudited combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma effects of the Transactions. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read together with "Selected Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," our and Rockwood's consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and Dynamit Nobel's combined financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based upon currently available information and assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Such currently available information and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate over time.

        The allocation of the purchase price of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition to the identifiable assets acquired is complete, except that the purchase price is subject to possible post-closing adjustments, including adjustments related to Closing Net Financial Debt and Closing Working Capital (as each term is defined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 2004). mg technologies ag has notified us of several adjustments which would result in our paying an additional €31.5 million ($42.8 million based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.3593); however, we have notified mg technologies ag of counterclaims in the aggregate of €34.7 million ($47.2 million). We believe the potential future consideration due to mg technologies ag ranges from $0 to approximately $30.0 million dollars. Given the complexities of the underlying claims, our inability to predict the success of negotiating a resolution and the possibility of eventual arbitration of some or all of the claims, we believe that no estimate within this range is better than another. Because the low end of this range is $0, we have not included any amount in goodwill and liabilities in the pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. We expect to finalize the post-closing adjustments within the next 12 months. The recorded amount of goodwill, net of tax, as applicable, may change when the post-closing adjustments are finalized.

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. Such information is not intended to be indicative of the financial condition and the results of operations that would have been achieved had the Transactions for which we are giving pro forma effect actually occurred on the dates referred to above or the financial condition and the results of operations that may be expected in the future.

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
as of December 31, 2004

($ in millions)			Rockwood Historical			Adjustments for This Offering			Pro Forma As Adjusted
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents			$	111.3		$	14.7	(a)	$	126.0
Accounts receivable, net				500.9						500.9
Inventories				476.9						476.9
Other current assets				144.5			11.4	(h)		155.9
	Total current assets			1,233.6			26.1			1,259.7
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET				1,580.9						1,580.9
GOODWILL				1,826.8						1,826.8
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET				655.3						655.3
OTHER ASSETS				133.1			(15.9	)(g)		117.2
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	5,429.7		$	10.2		$	5,439.9
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Other current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt			$	692.4		$	(1.8	)(a)	$	690.6
	Total current liabilities			692.4			(1.8	)		690.6
LONG-TERM DEBT, INCLUDING CURRENT PORTION:
Senior secured credit facilities:
Tranche A-1 and A-2 term loans				284.8						284.8
Tranche C term loans				373.5						373.5
Tranche D term loans				1,145.0						1,145.0
2011 notes				375.0			(131.3	)(a)		243.7
2014 notes				709.7						709.7
Assumed long-term debt and other debt				236.1						236.1
Pay-in-kind loans and notes				173.7			(173.7	)(a)		—
Senior discount notes				82.8			(82.8	)(a)		—
	Total long-term debt			3,380.6			(387.8	)		2,992.8
OTHER LIABILITIES				639.1						639.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES				4,712.1			(389.6	)		4,322.5
MINORITY INTEREST				58.3						58.3
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK				34.3			(34.3	)(a)		—
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock				—			—			—
Paid-in capital				688.5			500.0	(b)		1,153.5
							(25.0 (10.0	)(d) )(c)
Accumulated other comprehensive income				402.0						402.0
Accumulated deficit				(463.4	)		(10.0 (16.4 (15.9 11.4	)(e) )(f) )(g) (h)		(494.3	)
Treasury stock, at cost				(1.4	)					(1.4	)
Other				(0.7	)					(0.7	)
Total stockholders' equity				625.0			434.1			1,059.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY			$	5,429.7		$	10.2		$	5,439.9

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet

41

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

        

(a)

Use of proceeds of this offering as follows:

We expect to use the remaining proceeds to:

•

pay accreted value of $6.0 million, which represents accretion on the pay-in-kind loans from January 1, 2005 through November 20, 2005 calculated on a discount basis;



•

pay $1.2 million related to 30 days of accrued interest on the 2011 notes to be redeemed; and



•

with respect to the remaining $7.5 million, for general corporate purposes.

(b)

Represents equity to be issued in this offering.

(c)

Represents fee for termination of management services agreement.(1)

(d)

Estimated underwriters' fees.

(e)

Estimated other fees and expenses related to this offering.

(f)

This amount reflects pre-tax charges related to prepayment penalties and redemption premiums paid of approximately $16.4 million.(1)

(g)

This amount reflects pre-tax charges of approximately $15.9 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the debt to be repaid with the proceeds from this offering.(1)

(h)

Reflects the deferred tax impact of $11.4 million of adjustments to stockholders' equity, consisting of $5.7 million related to the prepayment penalties and redemption premiums paid and $5.7 million related to the deferred financing costs associated with the debt repaid with the proceeds from this offering.(1)

---

(1)

A similar adjustment was not made to the pro forma statement of operations as the adjustments are non-recurring in nature. These adjustments will be included in the statement of operations once the offering is complete.

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Information
for the Year Ended December 31, 2004

						January 1, 2004 thru July 31, 2004 Dynamit Nobel Historical						Adjustments (excluding this offering)
($ in millions)			Rockwood Historical(1)						Other Acquisitions(2)			Dynamit Nobel			Other Acquisitions			Pro Forma Total Prior to Offering			This Offering			Pro Forma As Adjusted
Statement of operations data:
NET SALES			$	1,743.5		$	1,030.3		$	137.9		$	—		$	1.3	(d)	$	2,913.0			—		$	2,913.0
COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD				1,267.6			674.7			91.4			(25.1	)(a)		0.2	(e)		2,008.8			—			2,008.8
GROSS PROFIT				475.9			355.6			46.5			25.1			1.1			904.2			—			904.2
OPERATING EXPENSES				339.8			239.7			32.9			16.4	(a)		0.7	(e)		629.2			(1.2	)(h)		628.0
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)				136.1			115.9			13.6			8.7			1.5			275.0			1.2			276.2
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
	Interest expense, net			(162.1	)		(17.0	)		(0.7	)		(72.8	)(b)		(2.0	)(f)		(254.6	)		54.4	(b)		(200.2	)
	Other income (expenses)			(157.8	)		3.4			0.7			—			—			(153.7	)		—			(153.7	)
Total other income (expenses), net				(319.9	)		(13.6	)		—			(72.8	)		(2.0	)		(408.3	)		54.4			(353.9	)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES				(183.8	)		102.3			13.6			(64.1	)		(1.3	)		(133.3	)		55.6			(77.7	)
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)				32.3			25.9			3.5			2.2	(c)		(0.5	)(g)		63.4			19.5	(g)		82.9
NET (LOSS) INCOME			$	(216.1	)	$	76.4		$	10.1		$	(66.3	)	$	(0.8	)	$	(196.7	)	$	36.1		$	(160.6	)
Redeemable convertible preferred stock dividends				(4.1	)																				—
Accretion of redeemable convertible preferred stock to redemption value				(0.1	)																				—
Net loss applicable to common shareholders			$	(220.3	)																			$	(160.6	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share data(i):
Net loss per common share
Weighted average shares

---

(1)

Includes the operations of Dynamit Nobel for the period from August 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 and the operations of the pigments and dispersions business from September 2, 2004 to December 31, 2004.

(2)

Represents the historical operations of the pigments and dispersions business from January 1, 2004 to September 1, 2004 and the historical operations of Groupe Novasep for the year ended December 31, 2004.

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined information.

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Information

        

(a)

The pro forma adjustment effect related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition of depreciation and amortization expense was calculated as follows:

---

(2)

Information obtained from the Dynamit Nobel financial statements as of July 31, 2004.



(3)

Represents the pro rata depreciation expense for seven months based on the estimated annual depreciation expense.

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(b)

The pro forma adjustment effect related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition of interest expense, net was calculated as follows:

---

(4)

Includes the tranche A-1 and A-2 term loan facilities that have interest rates that are, at our option, either Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.50% or, in the case of loans denominated in U.S. dollars, ABR plus 1.25%. ABR is the alternate base rate, which is the higher of Credit Suisse First Boston's prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%. The interest rate per year under the tranche C term loan facility is Adjusted LIBOR plus 3.00%. Adjusted LIBOR is the London inter-bank offered rate, adjusted for statutory reserves. The interest rate per year under the tranche D term loan facilities is, at our option, either Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.25% or ABR plus 1.00%. In each case, the interest rates per year (other than under the tranche C term loan facility) are subject to step-downs based on attaining certain financial convenant levels.

After including the notional amounts of variable to fixed interest rate swaps, a 1% increase in the average interest rate would increase future interest expense by approximately $5.6 million per year.

(5)

Excludes $48.6 million of debt assumed as part of the Groupe Novasep combination, the effect of which is included in the "Adjustments (excluding this offering)—Other Acquisitions" column.

(c)

Represents the federal statutory rate of 35% on the incremental pre-tax effect of the pro forma adjustments offset by the impact of valuation allowances on certain jurisdictional pro forma losses, primarily in the United States.

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(d)

Represents effect of change in pricing of certain contracts that were at below-market prices prior to the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business. Such contracts are with divisions of the former owner and have been increased to market level upon consummation of the acquisition.

(e)

Represents change in depreciation and amortization based upon fair values and estimated useful lives of stepped-up values of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, as determined by appraisal. Estimated useful lives are derived from the appraisal for major categories of property, plant and equipment (excluding land, which has no finite useful life and construction in progress which has not begun amortization) and intangible assets. In some cases, we have used shorter useful lives where management believes appropriate. Estimated average useful lives (in years) used for major categories are as follows:

Property, Plant and Equipment

        

•

Machinery and equipment—7



•

Buildings—25



•

Mining rights—14-50

Intangible assets other than goodwill

        

•

Customer relationships—10



•

Intellectual property and patents—7-15



•

Trade names and marks—25

(f)

Represents estimated increase in interest expense resulting from the acquisitions.

(g)

Assumes federal statutory rate of 35%.

(h)

Represents the elimination of the management services fee that is assumed to be terminated effective upon the closing of the offering.

(i)

Net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding. Unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share has been calculated in accordance with the SEC rules for initial public offerings. These rules require that the weighted average share calculation give retroactive effect to any changes in our capital structure as well as the number of shares whose sale proceeds will be used to repay any debt as reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Therefore, pro forma weighted average shares for purposes of the unaudited pro forma basic net loss per share calculation, adjusted for the         for 1 stock split to be effected prior to the completion of this offering, are comprised of approximately           million shares of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering and          million of our common stock being by the weighted average shares outstanding.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Rockwood Selected Financial Data

         The selected financial data of Rockwood presented below for the period from January 1, 2000 through November 20, 2000 have been derived from the audited combined financial statements of Rockwood's predecessor not included in this prospectus. The selected financial data of Rockwood presented below for the period from November 21, 2000 through December 31, 2000, as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 have been derived from Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The selected financial data of Rockwood presented below as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The selected financial data presented below should be read together with our and Rockwood's consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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				Predecessor			Successor or Rockwood
				Period From January 1, 2000 Through November 20, 2000			Period From November 21, 2000 Through December 31, 2000
										Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except per share data)
										2000(1)			2001			2002			2003			2004
Net loss per common share data (unaudited)(11):
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
		Net loss per common share
		Weighted average shares
Cash flow data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities				$	48.9		$	(0.5	)	$	48.4		$	113.8		$	(4.1	)	$	42.6		$	179.3
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities					9.9			(1,181.4	)		(1,171.5	)		(31.6	)		(30.4	)		(48.5	)		(2,249.9	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities					(104.2	)		1,207.2			1,103.0			(30.6	)		(18.9	)		(1.7	)		2,134.4
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash					(11.4	)		19.5			8.1			0.1			2.6			3.8			5.6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents				$	(56.8	)	$	44.8		$	(12.0	)	$	51.7		$	(50.8	)	$	(3.8	)	$	69.4
Other financial data:
Depreciation and amortization				$	61.6		$	10.6		$	72.2		$	74.7		$	46.3		$	52.4		$	115.2
Capital expenditures					45.0			6.5			51.4			34.5			36.0			34.3			112.8
EBITDA(12)					124.6			(15.1	)		109.5			122.5			73.8			56.7			93.5
Non-cash charges and gains included in EBITDA(13)					2.6			25.5			28.1			(0.6	)		74.6			91.8			151.6
Other special charges and gains included in EBITDA(14)					21.4			4.2			25.6			18.5			2.0			2.4			87.3

		Successor or Rockwood
		As of December 31,
($ in millions)
		2000			2001			2002			2003			2004
Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalent		$	44.8		$	96.5		$	45.7		$	41.9		$	111.3
Working capital(15)			127.5			70.7			73.2			110.6			494.0
Property, plant and equipment, net			407.5			391.2			407.0			418.6			1,580.9
Total assets(3)			1,537.3			1,431.0			1,425.3			1,460.7			5,429.7
Long-term debt(16)			993.3			954.1			982.5			1,054.4			3,333.4
Redeemable convertible preferred stock			—			—			—			30.1			34.3
Stockholders' equity			274.4			205.2			172.9			126.1			625.0

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(1)

This column represents the sum of the financial results of Rockwood's predecessor for the period from January 1, 2000 through November 20, 2000 and the period after the KKR acquisition (or successor period) of Rockwood from November 21, 2000 through December 31, 2000. Periods after the KKR acquisition reflect the effects of purchase accounting applied as a result of such acquisition. This column is not representative of what Rockwood's financial results would have been had Rockwood's predecessor been a stand-alone entity for the entire year as these periods are prepared on two different basis of accounting.

(2)

Net sales for our Performance Additives segment include net sales from our U.K. and Irish water treatment business, which we sold in December 2000, of $13.8 million in the full year 2000 on a combined basis.

(3)

As part of our impairment testing in late 2002, 2003 and 2004, we determined that there were goodwill impairments of $50.0 million, $19.3 million, and $4.0 million, respectively, in our Electronics segment. We also determined that there was a property, plant and equipment impairment of $15.7 million and $7.0 million in 2003 and 2004, respectively, in our Electronics segment.

(4)

Restructuring charges include certain expenses incurred in connection with severance charges and asset write-offs related to consolidations and cessations of certain of our operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges."

(5)

For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, interest expense, net included (losses) gains of $(11.6) million, $(6.0) million and $6.0 million, respectively, representing the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of our interest rate derivative instruments for the periods. In addition, interest expense, net for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 are mark-to-market (loss) gain of $(10.5) million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to cross-currency interest rate swaps entered into in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing. Interest expense, net also includes $8.0 million, $6.1 million, and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, of amortization expense related to deferred financing costs.

(6)

For the period from January 1, 2000 through November 20, 2000, represents losses (gains) incurred as a result of intercompany derivative contracts with Laporte. For the period from November 21, 2000 through December 31, 2000

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and subsequent periods, represents the non-cash translation impact on our euro-denominated debt resulting from the strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar during the applicable periods. In the year ended December 31, 2004, this amount also included a $10.9 million mark-to-market realized loss on foreign currency derivative agreements that we entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

(7)

In July 2003, we wrote off $36.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the July 2003 debt refinancing. In December 2003, we expensed $1.4 million of investment banking and professional fees in connection with the December 2003 refinancing of borrowings under the then new senior credit facilities. In July 2004, we wrote off $2.8 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the acquisition financings. In October 2004, we wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the first amendment of the senior secured credit agreement. In November 2004, we wrote off $17.2 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the repayment of the senior subordinated loan facility with the proceeds of the offering of the 2014 notes. In December 2004, we expensed $1.0 million in connection with the second amendment under the senior secured credit agreement.

(8)

Represents gain from the sale of an investment purchased by Laporte in 1999 and sold in October 2000.

(9)

Represents the tax on certain assets transferred in the United Kingdom in connection with the KKR acquisition of $4.0 million plus $0.3 million related to disposal of property, plant and equipment.

(10)

Represents the net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders after reducing net income (loss) by the amount of accumulated and unpaid dividends and the accretion to the redemption value of the redeemable convertible preferred stock for the respective period.

(11)

Net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding. Unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share has been calculated in accordance with the SEC rules for initial public offerings. These rules require that the weighted average share calculation give retroactive effect to any changes in our capital structure as well as the number of shares whose sale proceeds will be used to repay any debt as reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Therefore, pro forma weighted average shares for purposes of the unaudited pro forma basic net loss per share calculation, adjusted for the         for 1 stock split to be effected prior to the completion of this offering, are comprised of approximately           million shares of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering and          million shares of our common stock being offered in this offering.

(12)

EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not intended to be an alternative to net (loss) income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements.

The amounts shown for EBITDA in this prospectus differ from the amounts calculated under the definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements. The definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements permits further adjustments for certain cash and non-cash charges and gains; the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes exclude certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement. EBITDA as adjusted is used in our debt agreements to determine compliance with financial covenants and our ability to engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional debt and making certain payments. In addition to covenant compliance, our management also uses EBITDA as adjusted, calculated using the same definition as used in our senior secured credit agreement, to assess our operating performance and to calculate performance-based cash bonuses and determine whether certain performance-based stock options vest, as both such bonuses and options are tied for EBITDA as adjusted targets. For discussion of the adjustments, uses and the limitations on the use of Adjusted EBITDA, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the periods indicated.

(13)

EBITDA, as defined above, contains the following non-cash charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, each of which is described under "Management's Discussion and

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Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(14)

In addition to non-cash charges and gains, our EBITDA contains the following other special charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, each of which is described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(15)

Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

(16)

Excludes the current portion of long-term debt.

Dynamit Nobel Selected Financial Data

        The selected financial data of Dynamit Nobel presented below for the years ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, and as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and the year ended December 31, 2003 have been derived from Dynamit Nobel's audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected financial data of Dynamit Nobel presented below for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from Dynamit Nobel's unaudited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        In September 2002, Dynamit Nobel changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, which resulted in a short financial year from October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and include all adjustments, which are normally recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for any other interim period or for an entire year. The selected financial data presented below should be read together with Dynamit Nobel's combined financial statements and the notes to those statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Dynamit Nobel" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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		Year Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended December 31, 2002						Six Months Ended June 30,
											Year Ended December 31, 2003
($ in millions)
		2001			2002									2003			2004
Statement of operations data:
Net sales		$	1,446.5		$	1,421.9		$	336.9		$	1,595.9		$	800.0		$	885.5
Cost of sales			(949.5	)		(914.7	)		(219.3	)		(1,060.0	)		(524.9	)		(587.0	)
Gross profit			497.0			507.2			117.6			535.9			275.1			298.5
Operating expenses(a)			(286.4	)		(300.9	)		(84.6	)		(353.2	)		(171.3	)		(194.3	)
Operating income			210.6			206.3			33.0			182.7			103.8			104.2
Other income, net(a)			4.9			3.8			2.2			5.8			0.8			0.5
Interest expense, net			(24.2	)		(22.8	)		(6.9	)		(25.2	)		(13.6	)		(14.4	)
Income before taxes and other adjustments			191.3			187.3			28.3			163.3			91.0			90.3
Income tax provision			94.1			80.4			11.8			61.7			34.2			32.1
Other adjustments(1)			1.3			3.4			0.3			(0.7	)		1.1			—
Net income		$	98.5		$	110.3		$	16.8		$	100.9		$	57.9		$	58.2
Cash flow data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	128.0		$	142.1		$	42.1		$	267.0		$	57.6		$	(18.2	)
Net cash used in investing activities(2)			(60.3	)		(62.5	)		(23.8	)		(102.7	)		(9.0	)		(45.0	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(3)			(82.3	)		(95.9	)		(30.9	)		(196.8	)		(56.6	)		71.7
Exchange-rate-related change in cash and cash equivalents			8.3			15.1			10.2			33.3			6.1			(6.9	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		$	(6.3	)	$	(1.2	)	$	(2.4	)	$	0.8		$	(1.9	)	$	1.6
Other financial data:
Depreciation and amortization		$	103.3		$	83.1		$	21.1		$	94.6		$	45.7		$	52.0
Capital expenditures			125.1			112.0			26.3			122.0			39.4			58.2
EBITDA(4)			320.1			295.8			56.6			282.7			151.7			156.7
Non-cash charges and gains included in EBITDA(5)			(2.7	)		(3.4	)		(1.6	)		(2.4	)		(6.0	)		(1.1	)
Other special charges and gains included in EBITDA(6)			(58.2	)		(20.4	)		2.6			31.8			8.3			2.7

		As of September 30,						As of December 31,
($ in millions)														As of June 30, 2004
		2001			2002			2002			2003
Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	10.7		$	9.5		$	7.0		$	7.8		$	9.5
Working capital deficiency(7)			(67.9	)		(139.6	)		(56.2	)		(103.6	)		(153.2	)
Property, plant and equipment			663.3			723.9			766.2			918.2			886.2
Total assets			1,596.7			1,732.5			2,144.7			2,431.6			2,430.7
Long-term debt(8)			137.9			94.1			201.6			231.6			203.3
Investment by mg technologies ag			599.8			602.6			966.3			1,036.7			1,037.8

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(a)

Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to Rockwood's historical presentation.

(1)

Other adjustments include earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, cumulative effects from changes in accounting principles and minority interest.

(2)

Net cash used in investing activities primarily represents capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions of businesses and fixed assets.

(3)

Net cash used in financing activities primarily represents net changes in external debt and the net change in inter-company balances with Dynamit Nobel's former parent, mg technologies ag.

(4)

EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization. Our management believes EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not intended to be an alternative to net (loss) income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements.

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The amounts shown for EBITDA in this prospectus differ from the amounts calculated under the definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements. The definition of EBITDA used in our debt agreements permits further adjustments for certain cash and non-cash charges and gains; the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes exclude certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement. EBITDA as adjusted is used in our debt agreements to determine compliance with financial covenants and our ability to engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional debt and making certain payments. In addition to covenant compliance, our management also uses EBITDA as adjusted, calculated using the same definition as used in our senior secured credit agreement, to assess our operating performance and to calculate performance-based cash bonuses and determine whether certain performance-based stock options vest, as both such bonuses and options are tied to EBITDA as adjusted targets. For a discussion of the adjustments, uses and the limitations on the use of EBITDA as adjusted, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

The following table presents a reconciliation of Dynamit Nobel's net income to EBITDA:

(5)

EBITDA, as defined above, contains the following non-cash charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, which are described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(6)

In addition to non-cash charges and gains, our EBITDA contains the following other special charges and gains for which we believe adjustment is permitted under our senior secured credit agreement, which are described on "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations—Special Charges":

(7)

Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

(8)

Excludes the current portion of long-term debt.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations covers periods prior and subsequent to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition consummated on July 31, 2004. We also provide a discussion of Dynamit Nobel's historical results of operations separately under "—Dynamit Nobel." In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we entered into new financing arrangements and significantly altered our capital structure. The historical financial information of Rockwood during the periods prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition included in this prospectus does not reflect the significant impact the Dynamit Nobel acquisition has had and will have on us. The results of operations of Dynamit Nobel for the five-month period ended December 31, 2004 starting on the date the Dynamit Nobel acquisition was consummated are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.

        The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." You should read the following discussion and analysis together with "Selected Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information" and Rockwood's consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements and Dynamit Nobel's combined financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The Groupe Novasep combination was completed on December 31, 2004 and is included in our consolidated balance sheet as of that date; however, no results of operations are reflected in our income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004.

        Given the significance of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we have included a limited discussion of the results of our operations on a pro forma basis as if the Dynamit Nobel acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2004. See "—Pro Forma Net Sales, Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA" below. The results of operations on a pro forma basis also assumes the pigments and dispersions acquisition and the Groupe Novasep combination had occurred on January 1, 2004.

General

        We are a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, high value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials. We serve more than 60,000 customers across a wide variety of industries and geographic areas. Since the completion of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we operate through seven business segments: (1) Performance Additives; (2) Specialty Compounds; (3) Electronics; (4) Specialty Chemicals; (5) Titanium Dioxide Pigments; (6) Advanced Ceramics; and (7) Groupe Novasep. Of these seven segments, we acquired Specialty Chemicals, Titanium Dioxide Pigments, Advanced Ceramics and Groupe Novasep (then known as Custom Synthesis) in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Our net sales consist of sales of our products, net of sales discounts, product returns and allowances. Sales are primarily made on a purchase order basis.

        Our cost of products sold consists of variable and fixed components. Our variable costs are proportional to volume and consist principally of raw materials, packaging and related supplies, certain energy costs, and certain distribution costs including inbound, outbound, and internal shipping and transfer costs. Our fixed costs are not significantly impacted by production volume and consist principally of certain fixed manufacturing costs and other distribution network costs, including warehousing. Fixed manufacturing costs comprise headcount-related costs and overhead,

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including depreciation, periodic maintenance costs, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and certain energy costs.

        Our selling, general and administrative expenses include research and development costs, sales and marketing, divisional management expenses and corporate services including cash management, legal, benefit plan administration and other administrative and professional services.

        We financed the Dynamit Nobel acquisition primarily through the proceeds of equity investments of $425.0 million from KKR and DLJMB, term loans of approximately $1,454.2 million and a senior subordinated loan facility of approximately $854.5 million, as described in detail under "—Liquidity and Capital Resources" below. Subsequently, we refinanced significant portions of this indebtedness with indebtedness bearing lower interest rates. Nonetheless, as a result of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, our interest expense currently is, and will continue to be, higher than it was prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        We are focused on increasing sales, improving productivity, reducing costs, expanding margins and reducing debt. In connection with this focus, since the KKR acquisition, among other things:

•

we reduced overhead costs and eliminated management redundancies. We have begun to implement plans to cut costs, reduce overhead and eliminate duplicative positions in the acquired Dynamit Nobel businesses and the acquired pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. For example, we closed the former headquarters of Dynamit Nobel in Troisdorf, Germany and will close the New Lebanon, New York manufacturing facility of our Advanced Ceramics segment in May 2005 and implement other restructuring measures at our Specialty Chemicals and Groupe Novasep segments. In addition, we eliminated 37 positions in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business. In total, we expect to achieve annual cost savings of approximately $17.0 million, of which we already realized $3.0 million in 2004, in connection with these and other actions;



•

we reduced our net working capital as a percentage of net sales by implementing more effective systems to monitor working capital, augmenting further our "just-in-time" inventory management and creating incentives for managers to focus on working capital management; and



•

we implemented stringent controls to help ensure that maintenance capital expenditures are appropriate and that expansion capital is in line with both capacity and market demands. In 2000, Rockwood's capital expenditures as a percentage of net sales was 6.2%; in 2003, it was 4.3%. We intend to monitor capital expenditures in all of our segments.

Factors Which Affect Our Results of Operations

Our Markets

        Because the businesses in our segments generally serve many unrelated end-use markets, we discuss the principal market conditions on a segment basis rather than a consolidated basis. The principal market conditions in our segments and regions in which we operate that impacted our results of operations during the periods presented include the following:

Performance Additives

        

•

Although there was a slight improvement in 2002, global political instability and the continued economic slowdown that began in 2001 contributed to a generally soft sales environment in most of 2003. During 2004, a general economic improvement resulted in improved sales by our Performance Additives segment.

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•

The continued growth in demand in certain North American end-use markets, such as construction, contributed to an increase in sales, specifically in our Color Pigments and Services and Timber Treatment Chemicals businesses. In particular, a continuing trend towards the increased use of colored concrete products in the North American construction market has had a positive effect on our Color Pigments and Services business line. Timber Treatment Chemicals also benefited from high levels of activity in home improvement areas, although growth in demand for treated wood has been impacted by the increasing use of wood substitutes and poor weather during the first quarter of 2005 in many regions.



•

Demand in certain European end-use markets over the last few years has slowed. This affected sales of Color Pigments and Services in the construction market, particularly in Germany, and, in certain regions, sales of Clay-based Additives in the coatings and paint markets. Demand in Europe improved in the second half of 2004 but we have experienced a decrease in volumes in our Color Pigments and Services business in early 2005.



•

The change in the market to environmentally advanced wood treatment chemical products, such as alkaline copper quaternary, or ACQ, and the phase out of chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, for residential use have had a positive impact on our Timber Treatment Chemicals business, which is a leading supplier of these higher margin products.



•

In recent years, we exited a number of lower margin product lines in our Clay-based Additives business, which negatively impacted our net sales. We are now focusing on increasing high margin specialty applications to offset these lost sales.



•

Raw material costs have increased in general in the Performance Additives segment in 2004 and continue to trend upward currently, particularly in the Timber Treatment Chemicals and Color Pigments and Services businesses. Increased raw material costs for copper and mono-ethanolamine, primary components in the ACQ production process, are expected to continue to increase in the near future. Our ability to pass on some or all of these increases is uncertain.

Specialty Compounds

        

•

Our largest product line in the Specialty Compounds segment is wire and cable compounds. Sales within this product line are dependent upon the telecommunications market and related sectors, specifically demand for high-end voice and data communication wire and cable, for which our Specialty Compounds segment is a significant provider of sheathing materials. A sustained downturn in the telecommunications market and related sectors caused a significant decline in the volume of our products sold during the first half of 2002. Sales of these products have been relatively stable in 2003 and the first half of 2004 with demand improving moderately in the second half of 2004 and continued moderate gains in the first quarter of 2005.



•

Most of the other end-use markets for which Specialty Compounds' products are used generally track growth of gross domestic product and as a result, our net sales were negatively impacted during 2002 and were relatively flat in 2003 and 2004. We are focusing more of our efforts towards increasing high margin specialty applications to offset this impact, in particular, thermoplastic elastomers, and less of our efforts in regulated packaging because we have been unable to successfully penetrate this market to date.



•

As a result of declining or flat sales, we significantly rationalized our cost structure in the Specialty Compounds segment through headcount reductions and other cost cutting measures.

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•

Raw material costs have increased in the Specialty Compounds segment during 2004 and continue to trend upward in 2005. This is particularly true with respect to PVC resin and plasticizers, primary components in the production of wire and cable products. Also, the price of ammonium octamolybdate, another key raw material used in the production of wire and cable products, has increased in 2005 and we expect this trend to continue. Our ability to pass on some or all of these increases is uncertain.

Electronics

        

•

Demand for our Electronics products generally follows the activity levels of semiconductor and printed circuit board manufacturers. The global semiconductor and printed circuit board markets are cyclical in nature. These markets witnessed a sustained downturn in 2002 and most of 2003, which significantly impacted the volume of our products sold in the three business lines within our Electronics segment. Although the timing and severity of such impact generally varied among the business lines during this period, due to the unusually long duration of that downturn, volumes sold in most of our Electronics business lines (most notably our Wafer Reclaim business line and, to a lesser extent, our Photomasks and Electronic Chemicals business lines) declined through 2003. Market conditions generally improved during 2004, resulting in higher volumes in 2004 as compared to 2003. However, general electronic market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005 appear to indicate that demand for Electronics products has declined.



•

The price of certain of our products is insulated to some degree from the effect of changes in the price of semiconductors and printed circuit boards due to the fact that the cost of these products is generally a small component of the cost of the end product. Despite this, in 2004 and continuing into 2005 there has been heavy pricing pressure in certain businesses, particularly wafer reclaim and photomasks, due to very aggressive competition.

Specialty Chemicals

        

•

Demand for our Surface Treatment products of our Specialty Chemicals segment generally follows the activity levels of metal processing manufacturers, including the automotive supply, steel and aircraft industries. Overall market conditions for Surface Treatment products in the industries served improved in 2003, following a downturn in 2002 that reflected the slow world economy. During 2004, less favorable global market conditions in the automotive and aircraft industries were offset by more favorable conditions in the steel industry. Despite the less favorable automotive conditions, we have been able to sustain sales growth due to market penetration.



•

Demand for our lithium products in the Fine Chemical business line of our Specialty Chemicals segment is generally driven in part by demand of lithium carbonate in industrial applications, the aluminum business, battery products and higher general demand in China. Sales of lithium products specifically used in life science applications depend on the trends in drug development and growth in pharmaceuticals markets as well as generic competition. Market conditions for lithium products in the industries served have been stable in 2003 and 2004. Through the first quarter of 2005, we have experienced price increases related to a key raw material used in producing metal sulfides.



•

Pricing for lithium products is very competitive, particularly in the butyllithium market.

Titanium Dioxide Pigments

        

•

Demand for our titanium dioxide products in anatase form is driven mainly by demand in the synthetic fiber industry, while demand for titanium dioxide products in rutile form and our

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functional additives is driven by demand in the coatings, paper and plastics industries. Volumes sold of our titanium dioxide products in anatase form increased from mid-2002 through 2004. In contrast, volumes sold of our titanium dioxide products in rutile form decreased during 2002 due to continued weak global conditions and remained flat in 2003 and 2004. We have experienced a decrease in volume in our titanium dioxide business line in early 2005 due, in part, to the lower cost of cotton, which has negatively affected demand for synthetic fibers and in turn our products. In addition, a significant portion of our sales generated in Asia are denominated in euro, and the strengthening of the euro may negatively impact our net sales in this region in 2005 by either resulting in pricing pressure or loss of customers.

•

Although price levels of titanium dioxide products in anatase form remained relatively stable globally in 2003, we experienced pricing pressure in Europe from global suppliers and in Asia from Chinese suppliers during 2004. Although price levels of titanium products in rutile form gradually increased in 2003, we experienced pricing pressures during 2004.

Advanced Ceramics

•

Demand for our ceramic medical devices is mainly tied to the aging population in Europe and the U.S. As a result of this demographic as well as our market share penetration, the volume of our products used in medical device applications sold have experienced double-digit growth each year since 2001. We expect demand for ceramic components in artificial hip joints to continue to increase.



•

Beginning in 2003, the markets for our electronic products stabilized, although we experienced less demand as a result of the shift in the market focus to Asia. We have experienced some pricing pressure in our electronic products business in early 2005. Similarly, sales of ceramic products for use in cutting tool products and mechanical applications have been negatively impacted by strong pricing pressure from Asian competitors in 2003 and 2004. We also experienced lower market growth as these applications are for more mature industries.

Groupe Novasep

        

•

Demand for our custom synthesis chemistries and processes depends to a large extent on the pipeline and lifecycles of pharmaceutical products. The decrease of annual FDA approvals in recent years reflects the slowdown of the development of new molecules in the life-sciences industry. In addition, the average development time of a new drug has increased in recent years, despite pharmaceutical manufacturers' attempts to decrease this development period. Further, merger and acquisition activity in the pharmaceutical industry and overcapacity in the custom synthesis industry has adversely affected the demand for and prices of our products. We also expect demand to be adversely affected by the migration of certain manufacturing processes to China. This trend toward lower demand has been partially offset in recent years, however, by increased demand for pharmaceuticals caused by a growing population worldwide and an aging population in the United States.

Global Exposure

        We operate a geographically diverse business. Of our 2004 pro forma net sales, 50% were shipments to Europe, 34% to North America (predominately the United States) and 16% to the rest of the world. We estimate that we sold to customers in more than 25 countries during this period. Currently, we serve our diverse and extensive customer base with over 99 manufacturing facilities in

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25 countries. Consequently, we are exposed to global economic and political changes, particularly currency fluctuations that could impact our profitability.

        Our sales and production costs are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars or euros. Therefore, our results of operations and financial condition have been historically impacted primarily by the fluctuation of the euro against our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. The recent increase in the value of the euro has had a positive impact on our net sales, gross profit and operating income reported in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, as a result of our euro-denominated operations being translated into U.S. dollars, but has had a negative impact on the "foreign exchange gain (loss)" component of "other (expenses) income" as a result of our euro-denominated debt being translated into U.S. dollars. Historically, however, our pro forma operating margins have not been significantly impacted by currency fluctuations because, in general, sales and costs of products sold are generated or incurred in the same currency, subject to certain exceptions, particularly in our Groupe Novasep segment.

Raw Materials

        Raw materials constituted approximately 48% of our 2004 pro forma cost of products sold. We have a broad raw material base, with the cost of no single raw material representing more than 5% of our pro forma cost of products sold in 2004. Nonetheless, the significant price fluctuations our raw materials have experienced in the past during periods of high demand have had an adverse impact on our results of operations business. We cannot accurately predict the impact of any future price increases for raw materials or any raw material shortages on our business as a whole or in specific geographic regions. In addition, we may not be able to pass on raw material price increases to our customers.

Energy Costs

        In 2004, energy purchases represented approximately 4% of Rockwood's historical cost of products sold and 5% of Dynamit Nobel's historical cost of products sold. However, within certain business lines, such as our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment and the Color Pigments and Services and Clay-based Additives businesses of our Performance Additives segment, energy costs are more significant. The cost of products sold for certain of our businesses, including Color Pigments and Services and Clay-based Additives, increases when the price of natural gas in North America rises. In 2004, natural gas prices were volatile in North America and have been increasing in the first quarter of 2005. Energy cost increases have been mainly due to global political conditions and extreme weather conditions. In contrast, natural gas prices in Europe, where our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment is located, have historically been relatively stable.

Income Taxes

        As of December 31, 2004, we have global tax loss carryforwards (excluding state and local amounts) of approximately $387.3 million, of which $184.9 million expire in years 2005 through 2024 and $202.4 million have no current expiration date. For financial reporting purposes, a valuation allowance has been recognized to reduce the deferred tax assets related to certain tax loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. Our net deferred tax assets include certain amounts of tax loss carryforwards as well as certain tax deductible temporary differences which we believe are realizable through a combination of future taxable income, reversal of deferred tax liabilities and anticipated tax planning strategies. Failure to achieve future taxable income might affect the ultimate realization of any remaining recorded net deferred tax assets. In addition, a significant issuance of our common stock or a significant shift in ownership of our currently outstanding common stock may result in an ownership

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change under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that may subject our federal net operating loss carryforwards to an annual usage limitation, which could limit our ability to use our federal net operating loss carryforwards to offset our post-ownership-change taxable income.

Acquisitions

        Since February 2002, pursuant to our business strategy of achieving profitable growth through selective acquisitions, we have acquired seven businesses at purchase prices ranging from approximately $3.0 million (a Canadian color pigments asset acquisition by our Performance Additives segment) to $2,274.0 million (the four businesses of Dynamit Nobel); and combined the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment (now known as our Groupe Novasep segment) with the businesses of Groupe Novasep SAS.

        We accounted for the Dynamit Nobel acquisition using the purchase method of accounting. We have allocated the estimated total purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Dynamit Nobel based on management's estimates of their fair values. We retained independent valuation specialists to assist in the determination of fair value of a significant portion of these assets, including property, plant and equipment and identified intangible assets. The consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 reflect the results of operations of the Dynamit Nobel businesses since July 31, 2004. See notes 2, 6 and 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information.

        The allocation of the purchase price of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition to the identifiable assets acquired is complete, except that the purchase price is subject to possible post-closing adjustments, including adjustments related to Closing Net Financial Debt and Closing Working Capital (as each term is defined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 2004). mg technologies ag has notified us of several adjustments which would result in our paying an additional €31.5 million ($42.8 million based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.3593); however, we have notified mg technologies ag of counterclaims in the aggregate of €34.7 million ($47.2 million). We believe the potential future consideration due to mg technologies ag ranges from $0 to approximately $30.0 million dollars. Given the complexities of the underlying claims, our inability to predict the success of negotiating a resolution and the possibility of eventual arbitration of some or all of the claims, we believe that no estimate within this range is better than another. Because the low end of this range is $0, we have not included any amount in goodwill and liabilities in the pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. We expect to finalize the post-closing adjustments within the next twelve months. The recorded amount of goodwill, net of tax, as applicable, may change when the post-closing adjustments are finalized. The excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired at closing has been allocated to goodwill and this indefinite-lived asset is subject to annual impairment review. Goodwill in the transaction totaled $931.6 million at December 31, 2004.

        In September 2004, one of our subsidiaries acquired the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. and in connection therewith borrowed €41.9 million (or $50.4 million based on the September 27, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2029) under a term loan of the senior secured credit facilities.

        In December 2004, we completed a combination of the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment (now known as our Groupe Novasep segment) with Groupe Novasep SAS. Pursuant to this transaction, one of our subsidiaries acquired 69.4% of the stock of Groupe Novesep SAS from outside investors and Groupe Novasep SAS management for a total purchase price of approximately $148.2 million, including assumed debt of $48.6 million; cash acquired of $14.6 million and the exchange of the remaining 30.6% of the stock of Groupe Novasep SAS for stock in our acquiring subsidiary, valued at $39.7 million. As a result of the combination, we own

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approximately 79% of the new Groupe Novasep. We believe this combination strengthens this segment by joining together Groupe Novasep SAS' proprietary separation technologies with our capabilities of developing and manufacturing advanced intermediates and active ingredients for the pharmaceutical and performance chemical industries, which we expect will position us better in this highly competitive market.

        We accounted for the Groupe Novasep combination using the purchase method of accounting. We have not finalized the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed other than inventory, identified intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment. We expect to complete our research and fair value estimates on remaining purchase price components by the third quarter of 2005. Based on the preliminary allocation of the total estimated purchase price, goodwill in the transaction totaled $60.9 million at December 31, 2004. We expect this amount will change at a subsequent date when we finalize the purchase accounting for the Groupe Novasep combination.

Special Charges

        During the periods presented, we have incurred certain special charges, substantially in connection with the process of refocusing and restructuring the historic Rockwood businesses after the completion of the KKR acquisition and the establishment of the post-acquisition corporate entity that incorporates the four business segments acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. These items include the following:

•

Non-recurring charges/gains:



—

Systems/organization establishment expenses: These expenses include:



•

costs of $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $0.3 million in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, that arose in connection with the KKR acquisition and our resulting organization as a stand-alone company and expenses primarily relating to the amortization of sign-on compensation arrangements for key executives;



•

costs of $2.1 million incurred during 2004 relating to the integration of the business acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. We expect to incur additional integration costs in 2005;



•

professional fees of $1.9 million incurred during 2004 in connection with the initial implementation of systems and internal control documentation in connection with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have previously estimated non-recurring costs of approximately $3.5 million to complete initial Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. However, this estimate was prepared based on our original compliance timetable of the year ending December 31, 2005. Given the recent extension of the compliance deadline until the year ended December 31, 2006, and the expectations articulated in SEC Release 33-8545 that announced this extension, we are reevaluating the scope and estimated cost of our documentation and initial compliance plan; and



•

additional expenses of $0.5 million within the business segments during 2004.



—

Inventory write-up reversal: Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, Business Combinations, all inventories acquired in an acquisition must be revalued to "fair value."



•

In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we allocated approximately $55.4 million of the total purchase price to inventory to reflect manufacturing profit in inventory at the date of the acquisition. This resulted in a consequential

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reduction in gross profit, including currency effects, of $60.1 million during 2004, as the inventory was sold in the normal course of business.

•

We have also included for 2004 the $1.0 million impact from the reversal of inventory step-ups from the pigments and dispersions acquisition in the Performance Additives segment.



—

Stamp duty tax: In June 2004, we paid a stamp duty tax of $4.0 million on certain assets transferred in the United Kingdom in connection with the KKR acquisition.



—

Business interruption costs and insurance recovery: We recorded gains in 2002 and 2003 for fire insurance settlements received in connection with fire related costs in our Electronics segment incurred in 2001.



—

Costs incurred related to debt modifications: In December 2003, we expensed $1.4 million in connection with a modification of our then senior credit agreement resulting in a 75 basis point interest rate reduction on $290.0 million of our senior debt. In July 2004, we expensed $1.0 million related to debt refinancing. In December 2004, we expensed $1.0 million related to the second amendment of the senior secured credit agreement resulting in a 25 basis point interest rate reduction on our tranche D term loans.



—

Cancelled acquisition and disposition costs: We incurred cancelled acquisition and disposition costs in connection with non-consummated acquisitions and dispositions.



•

Non-cash charges:



—

Impairment charges: As part of our annual impairment testing, we determined that there were asset impairments in certain businesses within our Electronics segment. These impairments resulted from a significant decline in earnings and operating cash flows, both historical and prospective, based on global economic conditions common to significant competitors, including overcapacity, as well as the erosion of the Electronics segment's business lines' relative competitive position due to continued industry concentration and resulting pricing pressure. Accordingly, we recorded non-cash asset impairment charges to goodwill of $50.0 million, $19.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Also, we recorded non-cash impairment charges to property, plant and equipment of $15.7 million and $7.0 million in 2003 and 2004, respectively.



—

Deferred debt issuance costs:



•

In July 2003, we wrote off $36.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the July 2003 debt refinancing.



•

In July 2004, we wrote off $1.8 million of deferred debt issuance costs relating to our previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the acquisition financings.



•

In October 2004, we wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the first amendment of the senior secured credit agreement.



•

In November 2004, we wrote off $17.2 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the repayment of the senior subordinated loan facility with the proceeds of the offering of the 2014 notes.



—

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain: During all periods presented, we have recorded foreign exchange loss related to our long-term debt. These amounts reflect $115.5 million

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during 2004 for the non-cash translation impact on our euro-denominated debt resulting from the strengthening or weakening of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

•

Losses on asset sales:



—

Loss on receivables sold: During 2002, we entered into two receivables sales agreements for which losses were recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 140 Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. We did not enter into such transactions during 2003 or 2004.



—

Loss on disposed business: During 2004, we incurred a loss of $0.8 million in connection with the disposition of a business in our Groupe Novasep segment.



•

Restructuring charges: A net charge of $1.2 million was recorded in 2002 to reflect the difference between estimated and actual costs of the 2001 restructuring programs. Additional restructuring charges of $1.8 million and $1.1 million were recorded in 2003 and 2004, respectively, for miscellaneous restructuring activities.



•

Expenses paid in connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition: We incurred foreign exchange losses of $10.9 million on foreign currency derivative agreements that we entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        In addition, Dynamit Nobel incurred special charges during the periods presented prior to July 1, 2004, largely in connection with implementing certain business portfolio changes in an effort to streamline and strengthen its core assets, including the divestiture of its traditional low-growth explosives business, and to concentrate a greater proportion of its resources on higher growth life science applications. Other related portfolio changes were implemented, including the closure of certain operations within the Advanced Ceramics segment and the sale of certain non-core businesses within the Specialty Chemicals segment. In addition, Dynamit Nobel performed certain restructuring actions that resulted in the closure of certain operations and headcount reductions. These actions resulted in a number of charges and gains that are non-recurring that significantly affected Dynamit Nobel's historical results. Dynamit Nobel also incurred non-recurring charges related to certain events deemed not to be part of the ongoing business. These non-recurring charges related to discretionary bonus payments made to employees in the Specialty Chemicals segment; two discrete technical production incidents in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment; and non-recurring losses in connection with a contract that was subsequently cancelled in the Advanced Ceramics segment. Finally, Dynamit Nobel incurred certain non-cash charges related to plant capacity issues in the Groupe Novasep segment and net foreign exchange gains in the Specialty Chemicals segment related to an intercompany loan.

Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the SEC as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. From time to time in this management's discussion and analysis, we disclose non-GAAP financial measures, primarily Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below.

Definition of Adjusted EBITDA

        All presentations of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA contained in this prospectus are calculated using the definition set forth in the senior secured credit agreement. Adjusted EBITDA, which is referred to under the senior secured credit agreement as "Consolidated EBITDA," is defined in the senior secured credit agreement as consolidated earnings (which, as defined in the senior secured credit agreement, equals income (loss) before the deduction of income taxes of Rockwood

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Specialties Group, Inc. and the Restricted Subsidiaries (as such term is defined in the senior secured credit agreement), excluding extraordinary items) plus:

•

interest expense;



•

depreciation expense;



•

amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees;



•

extraordinary losses and non-recurring charges;



•

non-cash charges;



•

losses on asset sales;



•

restructuring charges or reserves (including severance, relocation costs and one-time compensation charges and costs relating to the closure of facilities);



•

expenses paid by us or any of our subsidiaries in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the senior secured credit agreement, the granting of liens under the security documents (as such term is defined in the senior secured credit agreement), the indenture governing the 2014 notes and the offering of the 2014 notes and any other related transactions;



•

any expenses or charges incurred in connection with any issuance of debt or equity securities;



•

any fees and expenses related to permitted acquisitions;



•

any deduction for minority interest expense; and



•

items arising in connection with litigation related to our Timber Treatment Chemicals business of our Performance Additives segment;

less:

•

extraordinary gains and non-recurring gains;



•

non-cash gains; and



•

gains on asset sales,

in all cases, subject to certain exclusions.

        With respect to entities acquired, we include Adjusted EBITDA for such entities in calculating our pro forma Adjusted EBITDA. The adjustments made to the income from continuing operations before income taxes and extraordinary items of such entities directly correlate to the adjustments to net income in calculating Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis pursuant to the senior secured credit agreement.

Management's Uses

        We use Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis to assess our operating performance. We believe this financial measure on a consolidated basis is helpful in highlighting trends in our overall business because the items excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA have little or no bearing on our day-to-day operating performance. It is also the most significant criterion in our calculation of performance-based cash bonuses and our determination of whether certain performance-based stock options vest, both of which are tied to Adjusted EBITDA targets.

        We also use Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis as a liquidity measure. We believe this financial measure on a consolidated basis is important in analyzing our liquidity because our senior

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secured credit agreement and indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes contain financial covenants that are determined based on Adjusted EBITDA. These covenants are material terms of these agreements, which are material because they govern substantially all of our long-term debt, which in turn represents a substantial portion of our capitalization. Non-compliance with these financial covenants under our senior secured credit facilities—our maximum total leverage ratio and our minimum interest coverage ratio, in particular—could result in the lenders requiring us to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. Any such acceleration could also lead to the noteholders accelerating the maturity of the 2011 notes and the 2014 notes. In addition, if we cannot satisfy these financial covenants in the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes, we cannot engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness or making certain payments. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA is critical to our assessment of our liquidity.

        We also use Adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis as the primary measure used by our chief decision maker to evaluate the ongoing performance of our business segments and reporting units. On a segment basis, we define Adjusted EBITDA as operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash gains and charges, certain other special gains and charges determined by our senior management to be non-recurring gains and charges and certain items deemed by our senior management to have little or no bearing on the day-to-day operating performance of our business segments and reporting units. The adjustments made to operating income directly correlate with the adjustments to net income in calculating Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis pursuant to the senior secured credit agreement.

Limitations

        Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be viewed in isolation and is not a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures of earnings and cash flows. Material limitations associated with making the adjustments to our earnings and cash flows to calculate Adjusted EBITDA, and using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, include:

•

the cash portion of interest expense, net, income tax (benefit) provision, and restructuring as well as non-recurring charges related to securities issuance, acquisition activities, and systems/organization establishment, generally represent charges (gains) which may significantly affect funds available to use in our operating, investing and financing activities;



•

non-operating foreign exchange gains (losses), although not immediately affecting cash used in investing activities, may affect the amount of funds needed to service our debt if those currency impacts remain in place as we meet our future principal repayment obligations; and



•

depreciation, amortization, non-cash (gains) charges and impairment charges, though not directly affecting our current cash position, represent the wear and tear and/or reduction in value of the plant, equipment and intangible assets which permit us to manufacture and/or market our products; these items may be indicative of future needs for capital expenditures, for development or acquisition of intangible assets or relevant trends causing asset value changes.

        An investor or potential investor may find any one or all of these items important in evaluating our performance, results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Management compensates for the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures by using them only to supplement our U.S. GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

        Adjusted EBITDA is not an alternative to net (loss) income or operating income or cash flows from operating activities as calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for any such U.S. GAAP financial measures. We strongly urge you to review the reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to GAAP financial measures and other financial information, in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus. We also strongly urge you not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

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Results of Operations

Actual Results of Operations

        The following table presents the major components of our operations on an actual basis and Adjusted EBITDA (the reconciliation to net loss is set forth below), including as a percentage of net sales, for the periods presented. See note 3 to our and Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for segment information and reconciliation to consolidated net income.

			Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
			2002			2003			2004
Net sales:
Performance Additives			$	443.8		$	477.3		$	630.9
Specialty Compounds				168.8			176.4			200.4
Electronics				147.3			143.6			168.1
Specialty Chemicals										321.1
Titanium Dioxide Pigments										175.7
Advanced Ceramics										146.3
Groupe Novasep										101.0
Total net sales				759.9			797.3			1,743.5
Gross profit				217.4			215.9			475.9
				28.6	%		27.1	%		27.3	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses				112.9			118.0			327.7
				14.9	%		14.8	%		18.8	%
Impairment charges				50.0			35.0			11.0
Restructuring charges				1.2			1.8			1.1
Operating income (loss):
Performance Additives				81.7			84.1			115.4
				18.4	%		17.6	%		18.3	%
Specialty Compounds				19.2			16.1			20.7
				11.4	%		9.1	%		10.3	%
Electronics				(29.7	)		(24.8	)		(3.2	)
				(20.2	%)		(17.3	%)		(1.9	%)
Specialty Chemicals										16.3
										5.1	%
Titanium Dioxide Pigments										16.0
										9.1	%
Advanced Ceramics										2.8
										1.9	%
Groupe Novasep										4.8
										4.8	%
Corporate costs				(17.9	)		(14.3	)		(36.7	)
	Total			53.3			61.1			136.1
Other (expenses) income:
Interest expense, net				(108.2	)		(112.3	)		(162.1	)
Foreign exchange loss, net				(24.6	)		(18.5	)		(126.4	)
Refinance expenses				—			(38.3	)		(27.1	)
Other, net				(1.2	)		—			(4.3	)
Loss before taxes				(80.7	)		(108.0	)		(183.8	)
Income tax (benefit) provision				(12.5	)		(16.3	)		32.3
Net loss			$	(68.2	)	$	(91.7	)	$	(216.1	)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Performance Additives			$	106.4		$	112.5		$	149.2
				24.0	%		23.6	%		23.6	%
Specialty Compounds				26.0			23.9			28.8
				15.4	%		13.5	%		14.4	%
Electronics				33.4			24.8			28.9
				22.7	%		17.3	%		17.2	%
Specialty Chemicals										60.0
										18.7	%
Titanium Dioxide Pigments										37.8
										21.5	%
Advanced Ceramics										35.8
										24.5	%
Groupe Novasep										23.0
										22.8	%
Corporate costs				(15.4	)		(11.7	)		(31.1	)
Total Adjusted EBITDA			$	150.4		$	149.5		$	332.4

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        The following tables present the changes in the major components of our operations on a historical basis in dollars and percentages.

		Change: 2002 vs. 2003														Change: 2003 vs. 2004
($ in millions)		Total Change in $			Change in %		Foreign Exchange Effect(1)			Acquisitions & Divestitures, Net			Other			Total Change in $			Total Change in %		Foreign Exchange Effect(1)			Acquisitions & Divestitures, Net			Other
Net sales:
Performance Additives		$	33.5		7.5	%	$	16.2		$	9.7		$	7.6		$	153.6		32.2	%	$	14.6		$	32.4		$	106.6
Specialty Compounds			7.6		4.5			5.8			—			1.8			24.0		13.6			6.1			—			17.9
Electronics			(3.7	)	(2.5	)		6.6			—			(10.3	)		24.5		17.1			7.3			2.7			14.5
Specialty Chemicals																	321.1								321.1
Titanium Dioxide Pigments																	175.7								175.7
Advanced Ceramics																	146.3								146.3
Groupe Novasep																	101.0								101.0
Total net sales			37.4		4.9			28.6			9.7			(0.9	)		946.2		118.7			28.0			779.2			139.0
Gross profit			(1.5	)	(0.7	)		5.3			3.7			(10.5	)		260.0		120.4			4.5			208.7			46.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses			5.1		4.5			4.4			1.7			(1.0	)		209.7		177.7			5.6			181.0			23.1
Impairment charges			(15.0	)													(24.0	)
Restructuring charges			0.6														(0.7	)
Operating income (loss):
Performance Additives			2.4		2.9			1.1			2.0			(0.7	)		31.3		37.2			1.0			(0.6	)		30.9
Specialty Compounds			(3.1	)	(16.1	)		(0.3	)		—			(2.8	)		4.6		28.6			0.3			—			4.3
Electronics			4.9		(16.5	)		0.2			—			4.7			21.6		87.1			(1.8	)		(5.6	)		29.0
Specialty Chemicals																	16.3								16.3
Titanium Dioxide Pigments																	16.0								16.0
Advanced Ceramics																	2.8								2.8
Groupe Novasep																	4.8								4.8
Corporate costs			3.6		(20.1	)		(0.1	)		—			3.7			(22.4	)	156.6			(0.7	)		(6.6	)		(15.1	)
Total operating income			7.8		14.6			0.9			2.0			4.9			75.0		122.8			(1.2	)		27.1			49.1
Other (expenses) income:
Interest expense, net			(4.1	)	(3.9	)		(2.0	)		—			(2.1	)		(49.8	)	44.3			(1.7	)		(7.3	)		(40.8	)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net			6.1														(107.9	)
Refinancing expenses			(38.3	)													11.2
Other, net			1.2														(4.3	)
Loss before taxes			(27.3	)													(75.8	)
Income tax (benefit) provision			(3.8	)													48.6
Net (loss) income:			2.8
Performance Additives			(5.3	)													40.1
Specialty Compounds			10.1														(4.6	)
Electronics																	20.7
Specialty Chemicals																	(24.5	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments																	(4.2	)
Advanced Ceramics																	(22.0	)
Groupe Novasep																	(18.6	)
Corporate costs			(31.1	)													(111.3	)
Total net loss		$	(23.5	)													(124.4	)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Performance Additives		$	6.1		5.7	%	$	3.4		$	2.2		$	0.5		$	36.7		32.6	%	$	2.8		$	0.7		$	33.2
Specialty Compounds			(2.1	)	(8.1	)		0.9			—			(3.0	)		4.9		20.5			0.7			—			4.2
Electronics			(8.6	)	(25.7	)		1.1			—			(9.7	)		4.1		16.5			(0.4	)		(1.4	)		5.9
Specialty Chemicals																	60.0								60.0
Titanium Dioxide Pigments																	37.8								37.8
Advanced Ceramics																	35.8								35.8
Groupe Novasep																	23.0								23.0
Corporate costs			3.7		(24.0	)		(0.1	)		—			3.8			(19.4	)	165.8			(0.7	)		(6.4	)		(12.3	)
Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	(0.9	)	(0.6	)%	$	5.3		$	2.2		$	(8.4	)	$	182.9		122.3	%	$	2.4		$	149.5		$	31.0

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(1)

The foreign exchange effect was calculated based on the change in the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the applicable period.

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Year ended December 31, 2004 compared with year ended December 31, 2003

Overview

        Net sales increased $946.2 million, or 118.7%, as a result of the inclusion of five months of operations for the segments acquired as part of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition ($744.1 million), other acquisitions and favorable currency changes. The sales improvement was also a result of the strong performance of the Performance Additives segment largely stemming from higher North American sales of ACQ products versus CCA products as a result of the ACQ conversion. Specialty Compounds also had solid net sales growth primarily due to wire and cable sales volume increases. The Electronics segment experienced double-digit net sales percentage growth, primarily due to the general recovery in the Electronics sector, as well as the effects of favorable currency effects and acquisitions.

        We also experienced solid operating income and Adjusted EBITDA growth as well for 2004 as compared to 2003 primarily due to the net sales growth described above. Operating income was up $75.0 million, or 122.7%. Adjusted EBITDA was up $182.9 million, or 122.3%. This improvement was also primarily due to the strong performance of the Performance Additives segment (operating income and Adjusted EBITDA up $31.3 million, or 37.2%, and $36.7 million, or 32.6%, respectively), stemming from acquisitions and favorable currency changes and the higher ACQ sales in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business.

        Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA results were negatively impacted by rising raw material costs in several businesses including, among others, PVC in the Specialty Compounds segment and the cost of copper in the Timber Treatment Chemicals business of the Performance Additives segment.

Net sales

        Net sales were $1,743.5 million for 2004 as compared to $797.3 million for 2003. The 118.7% increase is largely due to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition from the inclusion of $744.1 million of five months of operations for the segments acquired as part of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Other acquisitions accounted for $35.1 million of net sales for 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Currency changes positively impacted net sales in 2004 by approximately $28.0 million. The remaining increase was $141.7 million, or 17.8% and is explained below in the segment discussion of net sales.

        Performance Additives.    Net sales for our Performance Additives segment increased $153.6 million, or 32.2%, over the prior period with favorable mix ($84.5 million) primarily in our Timber Treatment Chemicals products due to a greater mix of higher priced ACQ products versus CCA products as a result of the ACQ conversion in North America ($66.3 million). Selling prices were unfavorable by $7.0 million. Also, volume was higher in this segment including in our Color Pigments and Services business with stronger volume due to increased demand for construction products. Also included in net sales were $14.6 million from favorable currency changes and $32.4 million from the impact of acquisitions.

        Specialty Compounds.    Net sales for our Specialty Compounds segment increased $24.0 million, or 13.6%, over the prior period including the impact of more favorable sales volume ($16.8 million), primarily in our wire and cable compounds business. Also, selling prices increased $4.3 million in 2004 due to raw material cost increases. Favorable currency changes of $6.1 million were also experienced in 2004.

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        Electronics.    Net sales for our Electronics segment increased $24.5 million, or 17.1%, over the prior year period primarily due to increase in sales volumes. Pricing pressure ($8.0 million) offset this sales increase in certain businesses.

Gross profit

        Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.3% in 2004 and 27.1% in 2003. Gross profit increased by $260.0 million, primarily due to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Gross profit margin was partially impacted by a $61.1 million charge, or 3.5% of net sales, to cost of goods sold in 2004 primarily related to the portion of the purchase price allocated to inventory to reflect manufacturing profit in inventory on the date the Dynamit Nobel acquisition was consummated. This was recorded as the inventory was sold in the normal course of business during the five months of operations for the segments acquired.

        After recognizing the inventory charge discussed above, the remaining gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 30.8% in 2004, as compared to 27.1% in 2003 primarily due to more favorable mix in the Performance Additives segment ($27.1 million), primarily from ACQ product sales in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business and generally higher gross margins from the Dynamit Nobel businesses partially offset by higher raw material costs in the Performance Additives segment ($2.8 million), primarily in the Timber Treatment Chemicals business, higher PVC raw material costs in our Specialty Compounds segment ($4.2 million) and pricing pressures within our Wafer Reclaim and Photomasks' businesses of our Electronics segment discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

        Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, increased primarily due to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 18.8% in 2004 as compared to 14.8% in 2003. The increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales is partially attributable to income in 2003 from fire insurance proceeds of $4.5 million. Also, SG&A expenses in 2004 included $0.8 million of losses related to disposed businesses in the Groupe Novasep segment.

Impairment charges

        As part of our annual goodwill impairment testing in 2004 and 2003, we determined there were goodwill impairments of $4.0 million and $19.3 million, respectively, in certain business lines of our Electronics segment. These impairments resulted from a significant decrease in earnings and operating cash flows during the year of the applicable charge and estimated prospective earnings and operating cash flows based on projections prepared late in the same year. The decline in profitability and cash flows was due to global economic conditions common to significant competitors, including significant pricing pressure in part based on current industry overcapacity and eroding competitive position. We also reviewed these business lines for impairment of property, plant and equipment. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.0 million and $15.7 million, respectively, in 2004 and 2003 to our property, plant and equipment of our Electronics segment.

Restructuring charges, net

        We recorded $1.1 million and $1.8 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, of restructuring charges for miscellaneous restructuring actions.

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Operating income

        Operating income increased $75.0 million, or 122.7%. After taking into account the 2004 and 2003 special charges in gross profit and operating expenses, operating margins were 12.7% in 2004 versus 12.4% in 2003, despite increased depreciation and amortization expenses from fair value step-ups associated with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Performance Additives.    Operating income increased $31.3 million primarily due to the increase in net sales of Timber Treatment Chemicals due to a greater mix of ACQ products, partially offset by higher raw material costs of $2.9 million as discussed above.

        Specialty Compounds.    Operating income increased $4.6 million primarily due to the increase in net sales partially offset by higher PVC raw material costs as discussed above.

        Electronics.    Operating income increased $21.6 million primarily due to the net increase in sales from higher sales volume offset by certain pricing pressures in 2004 and the $4.5 million of fire insurance proceeds in 2003 as discussed above.

        Corporate.    Operating loss at Corporate increased $22.4 million primarily due to higher bonus accruals and higher central costs to operate the significantly larger business due to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Also, $5.6 million of special charges were incurred at Corporate in 2004 including costs related to the integration of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and initial costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Other income (expenses)

        Interest expense, net.    During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, interest expense, net, included a gain of $6.0 million and a loss of $6.0 million, respectively, representing the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of our interest rate and cross currency hedging instruments as well as $7.4 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to deferred financing costs. This amortization increased in 2004 due to the acquisition financings (see "—Liquidity and Capital Resources"), which substantially increased our deferred financing cost balance. Currency changes increased interest expense, net by $1.7 million. The remaining increase of $40.8 million was primarily due to higher debt levels from the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Foreign exchange loss.    During the year ended December 31, 2004, the foreign exchange loss reflected the non-cash currency impact on our euro-denominated debt of the strengthening of the British pound against the euro and also included a $10.9 million mark-to-market realized loss on certain foreign currency call options (see "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity—Foreign currency related transactions"). During the year ended December 31, 2003, the foreign exchange loss reflected the non-cash currency impact on our euro-denominated debt of the strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

        Other, net.    Primarily represents stamp duty tax of $4.0 million paid during 2004 in connection with the KKR acquisition.

Provision for income taxes

        The effective income tax rate for 2004 was 17.6%. The current year effective tax rate was negatively impacted by 4.4% due to foreign tax differential, 40.5% due to the expected inability to realize tax benefits on losses incurred in the United States, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom and by 2.9% due to certain costs incurred on derivatives in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition that are not deductible for tax purposes.

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Net loss

        Net loss for 2004 was $216.1 million as compared to a net loss of $91.7 million for 2003 for the reasons discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

        Performance Additives.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Performance Additives segment increased from $112.5 million to $149.2 million, or 32.6%, primarily due to the increase in sales of Timber Treatment Chemicals due to a greater mix of ACQ products, partially offset by higher raw material costs specifically in the third quarter of 2004. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was the same in 2004 as in 2003.

        Specialty Compounds.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Compounds segment increased from $23.9 million to $28.8 million, or 20.5%, primarily due to the increase in sales volume partially offset by higher PVC raw material costs as discussed above. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was higher in 2004 than in 2003.

        Electronics.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Electronics segment increased from $24.8 million to $28.9 million or 16.5% primarily due to the increase in net sales with higher sales volume offset by certain pricing pressures as discussed above. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was lower in 2004 than in 2003.

        Corporate.    Adjusted EBITDA loss at Corporate increased from $11.7 million to $31.0 million primarily due to higher professional fees and other costs related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

Overview

        Our net sales were flat in 2003 on a consolidated basis, after excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency exchange rate changes, decreasing $0.9 million, or (0.1%). Performance Additives sales were up $7.6 million, or 1.7%, excluding acquisitions and currency changes, due to a greater mix of ACQ products versus CCA products within the Timber Treatment Chemicals business, offset by the generally difficult global economic and political conditions in 2003 and the unusually severe weather, particularly impacting our Color Pigments and Services volume. Net sales in our Specialty Compounds segment were up slightly in 2003, increasing $1.8 million, or 1.1%, excluding acquisitions and currency changes, due to higher wire and cable product pricing. Net sales in our Electronics segment decreased $10.3 million, or 7.0%, excluding acquisitions and currency changes, due to the continued slowdown in the semiconductor and printed circuit board industries experienced in 2003.

        We had a $4.9 million, or 9.2%, increase in operating income in 2003. However, we had an $8.4 million, or 5.6%, decrease in Adjusted EBITDA excluding acquisitions and currency changes. Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for our Performance Additives segment were flat in 2003. Operating income decreased $0.7 million, or 0.9%, while Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.5 million, or 0.6%. The impact of the small sales increase was offset by generally higher energy, depreciation, and insurance costs as well as higher marketing costs related to the ACQ conversion and higher rent expense at our Water Treatment Chemicals business due to a sale/leaseback transaction. Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Compounds segment decreased $2.8 million, or 14.6%, and $3.1 million, or 11.9%, respectively, as higher PVC and insurance costs offset the impact of the small sales increase. Operating income for our Electronics segment increased $4.7 million as lower goodwill impairment charges offset the impact of the sales decrease. Adjusted EBITDA for our Electronics segment decreased $9.7 million due to the impact of the sales decrease and higher insurance costs. Corporate operating expense decreased

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$3.7 million, or 20.7%, due to lower bonus payments and lower discretionary spending. Corporate Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased $3.9 million, or 25.3%, for the same reason.

Net sales

        Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, principally due to currency changes and acquisitions, primarily Southern Color, within our Color Pigments and Services business in the Performance Additives segment. Included in this increase were 2003 sales aggregating $18.0 million. Included in 2002 net sales were sales aggregating $8.3 million from our pool and spa accessories business line within our Water Treatment Chemicals business in the Performance Additives segment which was divested in October 2002, and G.D. Holmes, a division of our Clay-based Additives business in the Performance Additives segment which was shut down in late 2002. The remaining decrease in net sales of $0.9 million represented an increase in our Performance Additives segment of $7.6 million, an increase in our Specialty Compounds segment of $1.8 million, and a decrease in our Electronics segment of $10.3 million.

        Performance Additives.    Net sales for our Performance Additives segment increased due primarily to currency changes and acquisitions (primarily Southern Color) offset by 2002 net sales from our divested pool and spa accessories business line and discontinued G.D. Holmes division. The remaining increase in net sales of $7.6 million was primarily due to a greater mix of ACQ products versus CCA products within the Timber Treatment Chemicals business line, offset in part by the generally difficult global economic and political conditions and the unusually severe weather, particularly impacting our Color Pigments and Services volume in 2003 as well as Timber Treatment Chemicals and Water Treatment Chemicals businesses, during certain portions of 2003.

        Specialty Compounds.    Net sales for our Specialty Compounds segment increased primarily due to currency changes with the remaining increase in net sales of $1.8 million primarily due to more favorable pricing of certain products in our wire and cable compounds business.

        Electronics.    Net sales for our Electronics segment decreased primarily due to the continued slowdown in the semiconductor and printed circuit board industries and the resulting pricing pressure and volume declines experienced particularly in our Wafer Reclaim business. Pricing pressure was also experienced in our Photomasks business. These declines were offset in part by currency changes. Conditions in certain of our Electronics businesses improved near the end of 2003 due to improvement in general market conditions in the industries served.

Gross profit

        Gross profit was 27.1% of 2003 net sales, as compared to 28.6% of 2002 net sales. Gross profit decreased $1.5 million in 2003 despite an increase of $5.3 million due to currency changes. Also, gross profit included in 2003 $4.9 million in the aggregate from acquisitions, primarily Southern Color, while gross profit in 2002 included $1.2 million in the aggregate from the divested businesses discussed above. In Performance Additives, we benefited from currency changes and our 2003 acquisitions offset by our divestitures mentioned above, and the greater mix of ACQ products in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business line largely offset by generally higher energy costs experienced in 2003, the impact of lower Titanium Dioxide Pigments volume and higher depreciation expenses. In Specialty Compounds, higher PVC raw material costs offset the improvement due to product sales mix discussed above and favorable currency impact. In Electronics, apart from the currency impact, we experienced the net sales decrease discussed above and higher depreciation expense.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses

        SG&A increased primarily due to currency changes but was essentially flat as a percentage of net sales. Included in 2003 SG&A was $2.3 million, primarily related to Southern Color, and 2002 SG&A included $0.6 million from our divested pool and spa accessories business line and discontinued G.D. Holmes division. Also included in SG&A in 2003 and 2002 was $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of net reductions in SG&A expense due to certain non-cash and non-recurring charges/credits. The non-cash and non-recurring charges related to the amortization of sign-on compensation arrangements for key executives in both periods, non-consummated acquisition efforts in 2003 and insurance recoveries on proceeds of $4.5 million and $2.2 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, from fire damage to one of our plants in 2001. The remaining decrease in SG&A resulted from lower bonus expense and discretionary spending offset in part by higher general insurance costs, higher marketing costs related to the ACQ conversion in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business and higher rent expense at our Water Treatment Chemicals business due to a sale leaseback transaction consummated at the end of the second quarter of 2002.

Impairment charges

        As part of our annual goodwill impairment testing in late 2003 and 2002, we determined there were goodwill impairments of $19.3 million and $50.0 million, respectively, in certain business lines within our Electronics segment. These impairments resulted from a significant decrease in earnings and operating cash flows during the year of the applicable charge and estimated prospective earnings and operating cash flows based on projections prepared late in the same year. The decline in profitability and cash flows was due to global economic conditions common to significant competitors, including significant pricing pressure in part based on current industry overcapacity and eroding competitive position. We also reviewed these business lines for impairment of property, plant and equipment. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $15.7 million in 2003 to our property, plant and equipment.

Restructuring charges, net

        We recorded $1.8 million of restructuring charges for miscellaneous restructuring actions covering all of the three reporting segments in 2003. In 2002, we recorded $1.2 million of restructuring expense for adjustments to restructuring reserves from the end of 2001, primarily pension-related.

Operating income

        Operating income increased primarily due to a $15.0 million reduction in asset impairment charges as well as currency changes. Included in 2003 operating income was $2.6 million of operating income, primarily related to Southern Color, offset by 2002 operating income aggregating $0.6 million from our divested pool and spa accessories business line and discontinued G.D. Holmes division. Also included in 2003 and 2002 operating income was $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively of net SG&A reductions due to certain non-cash and non-recurring charges/credits discussed above over 2002. Also included in 2003 operating income was $0.7 million of additional restructuring charges over 2002. The remaining operating income decrease of $9.9 million was comprised of decreases of $1.0 million in our Performance Additives segment, $2.4 million in our Specialty Compounds segment, $10.4 million in our Electronics segment, offset in part by a $3.9 million decrease in corporate costs.

        Performance Additives.    Operating income for our Performance Additives segment increased primarily due to currency changes, the operating income from the 2003 acquisitions net of operating income from 2002 divestitures and $0.5 million of lower restructuring charges. The

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remaining decrease of $1.0 million was due to higher general insurance costs, higher marketing costs related to the ACQ conversion in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business, higher depreciation expense and higher rent expense at our Water Treatment Chemicals business due to the sale leaseback transaction, offset in part by higher gross profit discussed above and lower bonus expense.

        Specialty Compounds.    Operating income for our Specialty Compounds segment, excluding currency changes and restructuring discussed above, decreased $2.4 million primarily due to lower gross profit discussed above and higher general insurance costs.

        Electronics.    Operating loss for our Electronics segment declined $10.1 million during 2003, excluding currency changes and the non-recurring charges discussed above, primarily due to the gross profit decrease discussed above along with higher general insurance costs.

        Corporate.    Corporate operating expense decreased due to lower bonus expense and discretionary spending.

Other income (expenses)

        Interest expense, net.    For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, interest expense, net, included $6.0 million and $11.6 million, respectively, representing the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of our interest rate and cross currency hedging instruments as well as $6.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to deferred financing costs. This amortization decreased in 2003 due to the effect of the July 2003 debt refinancing, which substantially reduced our deferred financing cost balance. Currency changes increased interest expense, net by $2.0 million. The remaining increase of $9.6 million was primarily due to the scheduled increase in the interest rate on our old senior subordinated loan prior to the July 2003 debt refinancing and the interest related to the senior discount notes that were issued in July 2003.

        Loss on receivables sold.    During 2002, we entered into certain receivables sales agreements for which losses of $1.2 million were recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 140 "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." We did not enter into any such transactions in 2003.

        Foreign exchange loss.    In both 2002 and 2003 foreign exchange losses reflected the non-cash currency translation impact on our euro-denominated debt of the strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

Provision for income taxes

        An income tax benefit of $16.3 million on a loss before taxes of $108.0 million in 2003 resulted in an effective income tax rate of 15.1%. This compared to an income tax benefit of $12.5 million on a loss before taxes of $80.7 million in 2002 resulted in an effective income tax rate of 15.5%. The difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory rate primarily related to the non-deductibility of the impairment charges in both years. The effective tax rate was also impacted in both years by foreign tax rate differentials, the inclusion of state taxes, and our expected inability to utilize certain tax loss carryforwards, particularly our tax loss carryforwards in 2003 in the United Kingdom.

Net loss

        A net loss of $91.7 million was incurred in the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a net loss of $68.2 million incurred in the year ended December 31, 2002 due to the reasons discussed above.

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Adjusted EBITDA

        Performance Additives.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Performance Additives segment increased primarily due to currency changes. Included in 2003 Adjusted EBITDA was $3.1 million primarily from Southern Color as well as the other small acquisitions. Included in 2002 Adjusted EBITDA was $0.9 million from our pool and spa accessories business line, which we sold during 2002, and G.D. Holmes division, which was discontinued in 2002. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Performance Additives net sales was lower in 2003 than 2002.

        Specialty Compounds.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Compounds segment decreased primarily due to the lower gross profit discussed above and higher general insurance costs, offset in part by currency exchange rate changes. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Specialty Compounds net sales was lower in 2003 than 2002.

        Electronics.    Adjusted EBITDA for our Electronics segment decreased primarily due to the gross profit decrease discussed above along with higher general insurance costs, offset in part by currency exchange rate changes. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Electronics net sales was lower in 2003 than 2002.

        Corporate.    Adjusted EBITDA loss at Corporate decreased primarily due to reductions in bonuses and discretionary spending including certain professional fees.

Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA

        Because we view Adjusted EBITDA on both a consolidated basis and segment basis as an operating performance measure, we use net income (loss) as the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The following table, which sets forth the applicable components of Adjusted EBITDA, presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:

($ in millions)		Performance Additives			Specialty Compounds			Electronics			Specialty Chemicals			Titanium Dioxide Pigments			Advanced Ceramics			Groupe Novasep			Corporate			Consolidated
Year ended December 31, 2004
Net income (loss)		$	84.1		$	12.4		$	(5.5	)	$	(24.5	)	$	(4.2	)	$	(22.0	)	$	(18.6	)	$	(237.8	)	$	(216.1	)
Income tax provision (benefit)			4.2			8.6			(4.6	)		17.4			4.5			8.2			17.6			(23.6	)		32.3
Interest, net			26.8			(0.7	)		5.4			24.3			15.7			16.6			5.5			68.5			162.1
Depreciation and amortization			32.0			7.7			20.8			17.4			15.0			11.5			9.8			1.0			115.2
Systems/organization establishment expenses			0.2			—			0.2			0.1			—			—			—			4.3			4.8
Inventory write-up reversal			1.0			—			—			25.4			6.6			20.8			7.3			—			61.1
Stamp duty tax			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			4.0			4.0
Costs incurred related to debt modifications			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			2.0			2.0
Cancelled acquisition and disposition costs			—			—			0.2			—			—			—			—			0.3			0.5
Impairment charges			—			—			11.0			—			—			—			—			—			11.0
Write-off of deferred debt issuance costs			0.4			0.2			0.1			—			—			—			—			24.4			25.1
Foreign exchange loss (gain)			0.3			—			1.4			(0.9	)		—			—			0.2			114.5			115.5
Loss on disposed business			—			—			—			—			—			—			0.8			—			0.8
Restructuring and related charges			0.5			0.3			—			0.3			—			—			—			—			1.1
Foreign exchange loss on foreign currency derivative			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			10.9			10.9
Other			(0.3	)		0.3			(0.1	)		0.5			0.2			0.7			0.4			0.4			2.1
Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	149.2		$	28.8		$	28.9		$	60.0		$	37.8		$	35.8		$	23.0		$	(31.1	)	$	332.4

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(a)

Includes $0.5 reflected in costs of product sold.

Pro Forma Net Sales, Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA

        Our company has changed significantly since the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Our historical results of operations on an actual basis for 2004, presented immediately prior to this pro forma information, include only the results of operations for the four segments acquired as part of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition since the consummation date of July 31, 2004 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which we refer to as U.S. GAAP in this prospectus. As such, we believe the following supplemental unaudited pro forma information is helpful in highlighting trends by segment and on a consolidated basis. The following supplemental pro forma net sales, net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA is prepared on a pro forma basis as if the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and related equity and debt financings and Fall 2004 debt refinancings, the pigments and dispersions acquisition and related financing and the Groupe Novasep combination had occurred at January 1, 2004; this unaudited pro forma information does not give effect to the offering. The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of the results that would have actually been attained had the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and related equity and debt financings and Fall 2004 debt refinancings, the pigments and dispersions acquisition and related financing and the Groupe Novasep combination occurred as of January 1, 2004 or that may be attained in the future. The supplemental unaudited pro forma information has been prepared based upon currently available information and assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Such currently available information and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate over time.

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        The following table presents net sales, net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2004 on a pro forma basis.

Pro forma year ended December 31, 2004

Pro Forma Net Sales

        Net sales on a pro forma basis were $2,913.0 million in 2004. This amount consisted of $674.8 million in the Performance Additives segment, $200.4 million in the Specialty Compounds segment, $168.1 million in the Electronics segment, $759.6 million in the Specialty Chemicals segment, $422.0 million in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, $349.5 million in the Advanced Ceramics segment and $338.6 million in the Groupe Novasep segment.

Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)

        Net loss on a pro forma basis was $196.7 million in 2004. This amount included $84.2 million pro forma net income in the Performance Additives segment, $12.2 million pro forma net income in the Specialty Compounds segment, $6.7 million pro forma net loss in the Electronics segment, $0.3 million pro forma net income in the Specialty Chemicals segment, $7.3 million pro forma net income in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, $13.8 million pro forma net loss in the Advanced Ceramics segment and $5.8 million pro forma net loss in the Groupe Novasep segment. Also included in net loss on a pro forma basis in 2004 were losses at Corporate of $274.4 million.

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA

        Adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis was $539.9 million in 2004. This amount included $154.9 million in the Performance Additives segment, $28.8 million in the Specialty Compounds segment, $28.9 million in the Electronics segment, $141.4 million in the Specialty Chemicals segment, $84.6 million in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, $80.3 million in the Advanced Ceramics segment and $61.1 million in the Groupe Novasep segment. Also included in Adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis in 2004 were losses at Corporate of $40.1 million.

        Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales on a pro forma basis was 18.5% in 2004. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales on a pro forma basis per segment in 2004 was 23.0% in the Performance Additives segment, 14.4% in the Specialty Compounds segment, 17.2% in the Electronics segment, 18.6% in the Specialty Chemicals segment, 20.0% in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, 23.0% in the Advanced Ceramics segment and 18.0% in the Groupe Novasep segment. Adjusted EBITDA loss at Corporate on a pro forma basis was (1.4)% of net sales in 2004.

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Reconciliation of Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) to Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA for the Year Ended December 31, 2004

        Because we view Adjusted EBITDA on both a consolidated and segment basis as an operating performance measure, we use net income (loss) as the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The following table, which sets forth the applicable components of Adjusted EBITDA, presents a reconciliation of pro forma net income (loss) to pro forma Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated and segment basis for the year ended December 31, 2004:

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(a)

Total Adjusted EBITDA does not include estimated annual cost savings from certain restructuring measures that were not realized as of December 31, 2004. In total, we expect to achieve annual cost savings of approximately $17.0 million, of which we already realized $3.0 million in 2004 through actions we have implemented or are in the process of implementing, such as the closure of the former headquarters of Dynamit Nobel in Troisdorf, Germany, the announced closure of the New Lebanon, New York manufacturing facility of our Advanced Ceramics segment and various restructuring measures at our Specialty Chemicals and Groupe Novasep segments, and the elimination of 37 positions in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc.

Dynamit Nobel

Separation from mg technologies ag

        Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, Dynamit Nobel was a division of mg technologies ag and historically did not prepare separate financial statements. The audited combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel have been prepared from mg technologies ag's historical accounting records and are presented on a "carve-out" basis to include the historical operations applicable to the acquired businesses of Dynamit Nobel in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The historical financial information of Dynamit Nobel presented in this prospectus does not necessarily reflect what the results of operations would have been had Dynamit Nobel been operated as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

Results of Operations

        The following table presents the major components of Dynamit Nobel's operations, including as a percentage of net sales, and Adjusted EBITDA (the reconciliation to Dynamit Nobel net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below) during the periods presented.

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			Year Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended December 31, 2002						Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in millions)												Year Ended December 31, 2003
			2001			2002									2003			2004
Net sales:
Specialty Chemicals			$	557.7		$	568.2		$	134.5		$	659.7		$	328.9		$	376.7
Titanium Dioxide Pigments				319.5			321.3			80.9			381.8			188.1			212.8
Advanced Ceramics				266.9			224.8			58.8			286.0			143.1			173.2
Groupe Novasep				302.4			307.6			62.7			268.4			139.9			122.8
Total net sales				1,446.5			1,421.9			336.9			1,595.9			800.0			885.5
Gross profit				497.0			507.2			117.6			535.9			275.1			298.5
				34.4	%		35.7	%		34.9	%		33.6	%		34.4	%		33.7	%
Operating expenses				(286.4	)		(300.9	)		(84.6	)		(350.3	)		(171.3	)		(194.3	)
				19.8	%		21.2	%		25.1	%		21.9	%		21.4	%		21.9	%
Operating income (loss):
Specialty Chemicals				108.0			102.7			14.6			100.7			54.3			58.2
				19.4	%		18.1	%		10.9	%		15.3	%		16.5	%		15.4	%
Titanium Dioxide Pigments				41.7			44.9			12.3			53.1			26.5			28.3
				13.1	%		14.0	%		15.2	%		13.9	%		14.1	%		13.3	%
Advanced Ceramics				42.5			31.7			6.3			34.2			18.2			28.1
				15.9	%		14.1	%		10.7	%		12.0	%		12.7	%		16.2	%
Groupe Novasep				40.3			37.3			7.1			16.9			14.9			1.1
				13.3	%		12.1	%		11.3	%		6.3	%		10.7	%		0.9	%
Corporate costs and eliminations				(21.9	)		(10.3	)		(7.3	)		(19.3	)		(10.1	)		(11.5	)
Total operating income				210.6			206.3			33.0			185.6			103.8			104.2
				14.6	%		14.5	%		9.8	%		11.6	%		13.0	%		11.8	%
Income from investments				4.9			3.8			2.2			2.9			0.8			0.5
Interest expense, net of similar income				(24.2	)		(22.8	)		(6.9	)		(25.2	)		(13.6	)		(14.4	)
Income before taxes and other adjustments				191.3			187.3			28.3			163.3			91.0			90.3
	Income tax provision			94.1			80.4			11.8			61.7			34.2			32.1
	Minority interests			—			0.8			0.1			(0.3	)		(0.3	)		—
	Income after taxes and before earnings from discontinued operations and cumulative effects from change in accounting principle			97.2			107.7			16.6			101.3			56.5			58.2
Earnings from discontinued operations				1.3			2.6			0.2			1.4			1.4			—
Income after taxes and before cumulative effects from change in accounting principle				98.5			110.3			16.8			102.7			57.9			58.2
Cumulative effects from changes in accounting principles				—			—			—			(1.8	)		—			—
Net income			$	98.5		$	110.3		$	16.8		$	100.9		$	57.9		$	58.2
Adjusted EBITDA:
Specialty Chemicals			$	112.1		$	119.9		$	21.6		$	133.5		$	67.5		$	71.3
				20.1	%		21.1	%		16.1	%		20.2	%		20.5	%		18.9	%
Titanium Dioxide Pigments				63.9			64.3			16.8			75.3			36.5			40.3
				20.0	%		20.0	%		20.8	%		19.7	%		19.4	%		18.9	%
Advanced Ceramics				62.0			50.5			10.9			65.3			31.4			38.6
				23.2	%		22.5	%		18.5	%		22.8	%		21.9	%		22.3	%
Groupe Novasep				40.2			52.5			13.4			54.5			28.4			16.9
				13.3	%		17.1	%		21.4	%		20.3	%		20.3	%		13.8	%
Corporate costs and eliminations				(19.0	)		(15.2	)		(5.2	)		(16.5	)		(9.8	)		(8.8	)
Total Adjusted EBITDA			$	259.2		$	272.0		$	57.5		$	312.1		$	154.0		$	158.3
				17.9	%		19.1	%		17.1	%		19.6	%		19.3	%		17.9	%

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        The following tables present the changes in the major components of Dynamit Nobel's operations on a historical basis in dollars and percentages.

		Change: September 30, 2002 vs. September 30, 2001														Change: December 31, 2003 vs. September 30, 2002
($ in millions)		Total Change in $			Total Change in %		Foreign Exchange Effect(1)			Divestitures			Organic			Total Change in $			Total Change in %		Foreign Exchange Effect(1)			Divestitures			Organic
Net sales:
Specialty Chemicals		$	10.5		1.9	%	$	11.7		$	(19.7	)	$	18.5		$	91.5		16.1	%	$	85.9		$	—		$	5.6
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			1.8		0.6	%		10.2			—			(8.4	)		60.5		18.8	%		71.4			—			(10.9	)
Advanced Ceramics			(42.1	)	(15.8	)%		6.0			(16.1	)		(32.0	)		61.2		27.2	%		46.6			(6.3	)		20.9
Groupe Novasep			5.2		1.7	%		9.7			(40.1	)		35.6			(39.2	)	(12.7	)%		50.2			(96.6	)		7.2
Total net sales			(24.6	)	(1.7	)%		37.6			(75.9	)		13.7			174.0		12.2	%		254.1			(102.9	)		22.8
Gross profit			10.2		2.1	%		13.3			(18.7	)		15.6			28.7		5.7	%		84.7			(21.4	)		(34.6	)
Operating expenses			(14.5	)	5.1	%		(7.9	)		(35.4	)		28.8			(49.4	)	16.4	%		(56.0	)		21.4			(14.8	)
Operating (loss) income:
Specialty Chemicals			(5.3	)	(4.9	)%		2.2			(36.9	)		29.4			(2.0	)	(1.9	)%		13.2			—			(15.2	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			3.2		7.7	%		1.4			—			1.8			8.2		18.3	%		9.9			—			(1.7	)
Advanced Ceramics			(10.8	)	(25.4	)%		1.0			(1.2	)		(10.6	)		2.5		7.9	%		6.0			1.6			(5.1	)
Groupe Novasep			(3.0	)	(7.4	)%		1.2			(16.0	)		11.8			(20.4	)	(55.0	)%		3.2			(1.6	)		(22.0	)
Corporate costs and eliminations			11.6		(53.0	)%		(0.4	)		—			12.0			(9.0	)	87.4	%		(3.6	)		—			(5.4	)
Total operating (loss) income			(4.3	)	(2.0	)%		5.4			(54.1	)		44.4			(20.7	)	(10.1	)%		28.7			—			(49.4	)
Other income (expenses):
Income from investments			(1.1	)	(22.4	)%		0.1			—			(1.2	)		1.0		(26.3	)%		0.5			—			(1.5	)
Interest expense, net of similar income			1.4		(5.8	)%		(0.5	)		—			1.9			(2.3	)	10.1	%		(3.3	)		1.1			(0.1	)
Loss before taxes			(4.0	)													(24.0	)
Income tax provision			13.7														18.7
Minority interests			0.8														(1.1	)
Income from discontinued operations			1.3														(1.2	)
Cumulative effects from changes in accounting principles			—														(1.8	)
Net income (loss):
Specialty Chemicals			6.3														2.9
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			3.9														(0.7	)
Advanced Ceramics			(14.2	)													(5.2	)
Groupe Novasep			(2.8	)													(22.3	)
Corporate costs and eliminations			18.6														15.9
Total		$	11.8													$	(9.4	)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Specialty Chemicals		$	7.8		7.0	%	$	2.4		$	—		$	5.4		$	13.6		11.3	%	$	17.8		$	—		$	(4.2	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			0.4		0.6	%		2.0			—			(1.6	)		11.0		17.1	%		14.1			—			(3.1	)
Advanced Ceramics			(11.5	)	(18.5	)%		1.6			—			(13.1	)		14.8		29.3	%		11.4			—			3.4
Groupe Novasep			12.3		30.6	%		1.7			—			10.6			2.0		3.8	%		10.2			—			(8.2	)
Corporate costs and eliminations			3.8		(20.0	)%		(0.5	)		—			4.3			(1.4	)	9.2	%		(3.2	)		—			1.8
Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	12.8		4.9	%	$	7.2		$	—		$	5.6		$	40.0		14.7	%	$	50.3		$	—		$	(10.3	)

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(1)

The foreign exchange effect was calculated based on the change in the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the applicable period.

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		Change: Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 vs. June 30, 2003
($ in millions)		Total Change in $			Total Change in %		Foreign Exchange Effect(1)			Organic
Net sales:
Specialty Chemicals		$	47.8		14.5	%	$	26.7		$	21.1
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			24.7		13.1	%		21.4			3.3
Advanced Ceramics			30.1		21.0	%		15.3			14.8
Groupe Novasep			(17.1	)	(12.2	)%		12.3			(29.4	)
Total net sales			85.5		10.7	%		75.7			9.8
Gross profit			23.4		8.5	%		25.7			(2.3	)
Operating expenses:			(23.0	)	13.4	%		(16.8	)		(6.2	)
Operating income (loss):
Specialty Chemicals			3.9		7.2	%		4.3			(0.4	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			1.8		6.8	%		2.8			(1.0	)
Advanced Ceramics			9.9		54.4	%		2.7			7.2
Groupe Novasep			(13.8	)	(92.6	)%		0.1			(13.9	)
Corporate costs and eliminations			(1.4	)	13.9	%		(1.1	)		(0.3	)
Total operating income (loss)			0.4		0.4	%		8.8			(8.4	)
Other income (expenses):
Income from investments			(0.3	)	(37.5	)%		0.1			(0.4	)
Interest expense, net of similar income			(0.8	)	5.9	%		(1.1	)		0.3
Loss before taxes			(0.7	)
Income tax provision			2.1
Minority interests			0.3
Income from discontinued operations			(1.4	)
Cumulative effects from changes in accounting principles			—
Net (loss) income:
Specialty Chemicals			(10.5	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			1.3
Advanced Ceramics			7.8
Groupe Novasep			12.6
Corporate costs and eliminations			(10.9	)
Total income		$	0.3
Adjusted EBITDA:
Specialty Chemicals		$	3.8		5.6	%	$	5.1		$	(1.3	)
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			3.8		10.4	%		4.1			(0.3	)
Advanced Ceramics			7.2		22.9	%		3.7			3.5
Groupe Novasep			(11.5	)	(40.5	)%		1.7			(13.2	)
Corporate costs and eliminations			1.0		(10.2	)%		(0.9	)		1.9
Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	4.3		2.8	%	$	13.7		$	(9.4	)

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(1)

The foreign exchange effect was calculated based on the change in the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the applicable period.

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Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended September 30, 2002

Net sales

        Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased $174.0 million to $1,595.9 million from $1,421.9 million in the year ended September 30, 2002, primarily due to favorable currency changes net of divestitures. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, the remaining increase in sales of $22.8 million consisted of higher sales of $5.6 million in Specialty Chemicals, $20.9 million in Advanced Ceramics and $7.2 million in Groupe Novasep partially offset by lower sales of $10.9 million in Titanium Dioxide Pigments.

        Specialty Chemicals.    Net sales for the Specialty Chemicals segment increased $91.5 million primarily due to favorable currency exchange rate changes. Excluding currency changes, sales increased $5.6 million primarily due to increased sales volume of metal sulfides products offset by lower sales volume of lithium products in the Fine Chemicals business. Surface Treatment sales were relatively flat.

        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Net sales for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $60.5 million primarily due to favorable currency changes. Excluding currency changes, net sales decreased $10.9 million due to sales declines in the Titanium Dioxide business mainly from lower anatase-based pigment volume in Asia, lower volume and lower average selling prices in rutile-based pigment products resulting from weaker market conditions and cyclical price fluctuations, and lower sales in the Functional Additives business due to weaker demand in zinc and barium products. Zinc sales were also negatively impacted by pricing pressures. These decreases were offset in part by sales volume increases in Water Chemistry products due to the addition of several new customers.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Net sales for the Advanced Ceramics segment increased $61.2 million primarily due to favorable currency changes net of divestitures. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, an increase in net sales of $20.9 million resulted, primarily due to higher sales volume in medical related products and, to a lesser extent, electronic related products.

        Groupe Novasep.    Net sales for the Groupe Novasep segment decreased $39.2 million. Excluding unfavorable currency changes and divestitures, net sales increased $7.2 million due to increased sales volume of the segment's German operation offset by the loss of a large customer as a result of industry consolidation and lower sales volume at Rohner.

Gross profit

        Gross profit margin was 33.6% of 2003 net sales, as compared to 35.7% of 2002 net sales. Gross margin in 2003 was negatively impacted by certain non-recurring costs and restructuring costs aggregating $14.9 million. These charges included $8.1 million of losses ($5.1 million of cash charges and $3.0 million of depreciation) related to the actuator project at Advanced Ceramics for which significant start-up costs and high scrap rates were incurred in excess of selling prices. Gross margin in 2003 was also negatively impacted by $2.2 million of other non-recurring charges at Groupe Novasep primarily due to non-cash inventory and pension adjustments as well as $2.3 million of other non-recurring charges at Titanium Dioxide Pigments due to one-time problems in titanium dioxide production. Additionally, $1.8 million of restructuring costs at Rohner were incurred in 2003 due to a headcount reduction program as well as $0.5 million of restructuring costs relating to the closure of an Advanced Ceramics plant in Italy. In 2002, gross margin was negatively impacted by $1.6 million of restructuring costs at Advanced Ceramics. After these charges, gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 34.5% in 2003 as compared to 35.8% in 2002.

        The remaining decrease in gross profit margin percentage was primarily the result of lower margins in the Groupe Novasep segment due to the lower capacity utilization at the Rohner plant as well as currency effects affecting the Finorga plant which manufactures products in euros and

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generally sells those products in U.S. dollars. Additionally, margins were lower in Specialty Chemicals due to increased raw material costs and unfavorable product mix. The above negative margin impacts were offset in part by favorable mix in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment due to a greater percentage of higher margin anatase-based pigment product sales and lower titanium-bearing slag purchase prices, a key raw material used in Titanium Dioxide Pigments production.

        Gross profit increased $28.7 million in 2003 primarily due to currency changes net of divestitures. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, gross profit decreased $34.6 million due to lower gross margins from non-recurring and restructuring costs, as well as the other unfavorable items, described above.

Operating expenses

        Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were 21.9% in 2003 as compared to 21.2% in 2002. Operating expenses in 2003 included $19.8 million of net non-recurring costs primarily related to net closure costs/costs of discontinuing businesses/operations of $14.7 million, restructuring charges of $4.5 million and other net charges of $0.6 million. This amount consisted of $5.1 million in Advanced Ceramics related to $7.8 million of closure costs at divested businesses and $0.2 million of restructuring costs, offset by $1.7 million of gains on sales of businesses and $1.1 million of gains on land sales at closed businesses; $6.6 million in Groupe Novasep consisting of $5.6 million for environmental damage at a closed operation and $1.0 million of restructuring costs at Rohner due to a headcount reduction program; and $6.6 million in Specialty Chemicals with $3.9 million related to costs associated with divested businesses/operations, $2.3 million of other non-recurring costs and $1.0 million of restructuring costs offset by $0.6 million of gains on business sales. Operating expenses in 2003 also included $2.8 million of currency transaction gains related to intercompany financing denominated in a foreign currency at Specialty Chemicals. Operating expenses in 2002 included $21.9 million of non-recurring gains related to gains on sold or divested businesses and fixed assets net of restructuring charges and disposal costs of businesses. This amount consisted of $9.1 million of gains on disposed businesses in Groupe Novasep, $9.4 million of gains in Specialty Chemicals primarily related to fixed asset and building sales and $5.6 million of net gains in Corporate with $8.3 million of gains on disposed businesses offset by non-recurring charges of $1.9 million and $0.8 million of corporate restructuring charges. Advanced Ceramics had $1.4 million of charges related to closed businesses and $0.5 million of restructuring charges and Titanium Dioxide Pigments had $0.3 million of charges related to closed businesses. Operating expenses in 2002 also included $0.8 million from currency transaction gains.

Operating income

        Operating income decreased $20.7 million in 2003. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, operating income decreased $49.4 million. Non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges and other non-operational items, including divested businesses, caused a $53.0 million decline in operating income in 2003 as compared to 2002, including a $13.3 million increase in cost of goods sold in 2003 and a $39.7 million increase in operating expenses in 2003. The $13.3 million increase in cost of goods sold in 2003 versus 2002 consists of the non-recurring and restructuring charges to gross profit of $14.9 million in 2003 offset by the $1.6 million of restructuring charges to gross profit in 2002 discussed in detail in gross profit above. The $39.7 million increase in operating expenses includes the net $19.8 million of non-recurring costs recorded to operating expenses in 2003, offset by the $2.0 million net increase in currency transaction gains ($2.8 million in 2003 versus $0.8 million in 2002), and the $21.9 million of non-recurring gains recorded to operating expenses in 2002, all as described in further detail above. The remaining increase in operating income was $3.6 million.

        Specialty Chemicals.    Operating income for the Specialty Chemicals segment decreased $2.0 million in 2003. This decrease was $15.2 million excluding currency changes and divested businesses. This decrease includes the impact of non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges, disposal costs of businesses and other non-operational items of $3.9 million in 2003 as compared to a net gain of $10.2 million in 2002.

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        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Operating income for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $8.2 million, but decreased $1.7 million excluding currency changes in 2003. This decrease includes the impact of non-recurring net losses related to non-recurring charges, net of gains on sale of businesses and/or property, plant and equipment equaling $1.7 million in 2003 and $0.3 million in 2002.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Operating income for the Advanced Ceramics segment increased $2.5 million in 2003. Excluding currency changes and divested operations, operating income decreased $5.1 million. This decrease includes the impact of non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges, disposition costs of businesses and other items of $13.8 million in 2003 (including $3.0 million in depreciation) as compared to $3.4 million in 2002.

        Groupe Novasep.    Operating income for the Groupe Novasep segment decreased $20.4 million, $22.0 million decrease excluding currency changes and divested operations. Non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges, disposal costs of businesses, gains on sale of businesses and/or property, plant and equipment and other non-operational items caused $19.7 million of this decrease in operating income in 2003 as compared to 2002 as such charges were $10.7 million in 2003 as compared to income from these items of $9.1 million in 2002.

        Corporate.    Corporate operating loss increased $9.0 million, with a $5.4 million increase excluding currency changes. Non-recurring items related to restructuring charges, disposal costs of businesses, gains on sale of businesses and other non-operational activities resulted in $5.6 million of gain in 2002 as compared to $1.9 million of charges in 2003.

Income from investments

        For the years ended December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2002, income from investments decreased $0.9 million in 2003, or $1.4 million excluding currency changes.

Interest expense, net of similar income

        For the years ended December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2002, interest expense, net of similar income, increased $2.4 million, primarily due to favorable currency changes offset by divestitures. Excluding currency changes and divested operations, interest expense, net of similar income increased $0.2 million.

Income taxes

        Income taxes of $61.7 million on income before taxes of $163.3 million in 2003 resulted in an effective income tax rate of 37.8%. This compared to income taxes of $80.4 million on income before taxes of $187.3 million in 2002 which resulted in an effective income tax rate of 43.0%. The effective tax rate decreased in 2003 primarily due to reductions in the estimated valuation allowance needed for deferred tax assets including net operating loss carry-forwards.

Net income

        Net income was $100.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to net income of $110.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2002 due to the reasons discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

        Adjusted EBITDA increased $40.1 million in 2003. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $10.3 million due to lower Adjusted EBITDA in the Specialty Chemicals, Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Groupe Novasep segments offset by higher Adjusted EBITDA at Advanced Ceramics and lower Corporate Adjusted EBITDA losses.

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        Specialty Chemicals.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Specialty Chemicals segment increased $13.6 million in 2003. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $4.2 million primarily due to increased raw material costs, unfavorable product mix and lower income from equity investments offset in part by increased sales volume in Metal Sulfides products, net of lower sales volume in Lithium products.

        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $11.0 million due to currency changes. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $3.1 million due to sales declines in the Titanium Dioxide and Functional Additives products offset in part by sales volume increases in Water Chemistry products, an increased mix of higher margin anatase-based pigment product sales and lower titanium-bearing slag purchase prices, discussed above.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Advanced Ceramics segment increased $14.8 million primarily due to currency changes of $11.4 million. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA increased $3.4 million primarily due to higher sales volume in Medical products and Electronics.

        Groupe Novasep.    Adjusted EBITDA increased $2.0 million. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $8.2 million due to lower capacity utilization at the Rohner plant, currency effects at Finorga, the termination of certain contracts, as well as increased raw material costs and unfavorable product mix, offset partly by increased sales volume of the German business.

        Corporate.    Adjusted EBITDA expense decreased $1.3 million. Excluding a $3.2 million decrease due to currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA expense increased $1.9 million primarily due to the impact of miscellaneous cost reductions.

Three months ended December 31, 2002

Net sales

        Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $336.9 million, which included Specialty Chemicals segment net sales of $134.5 million, Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment net sales of $80.9 million, Advanced Ceramics segment net sales of $58.8 million and Groupe Novasep segment net sales of $62.7 million.

Gross profit

        Gross profit margin was $117.6 million or 34.9% of net sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2002. Gross margin was negatively impacted by $0.4 million due to restructuring costs at Advanced Ceramics.

Operating expenses

        Operating expenses was $84.6 million, or 25.1%, of net sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2002. Operating expenses included $2.0 million and $0.2 million of restructuring charges at Corporate and Advanced Ceramics, respectively, offset by currency transaction gains related to intercompany financing denominated in a foreign currency at Specialty Chemicals of $1.4 million.

Operating income

        Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $33.0 million, with Specialty Chemicals segment operating income of $14.6 million, Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment operating income of $12.3 million, Advanced Ceramics segment operating income of $6.3 million

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and Groupe Novasep segment operating income of $7.1 million. Corporate operating expense was $7.3 million.

Income from investments

        Income from investments for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $2.1 million, primarily related to equity investments in Specialty Chemicals.

Interest expense, net

        Interest expense, net, for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $6.9 million.

Income taxes

        Income taxes of $11.8 million on income before taxes of $28.3 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2002 resulted in an effective income tax rate of 41.7%.

Net income

        Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $16.8 million.

Adjusted EBITDA

        Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $57.5 million with Specialty Chemicals segment Adjusted EBITDA of $21.6 million, Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment Adjusted EBITDA of $16.8 million, Advanced Ceramics segment Adjusted EBITDA of $10.9 million and Groupe Novasep segment Adjusted EBITDA of $13.4 million. Corporate Adjusted EBITDA loss was $5.2 million.

Year ended September 30, 2002 compared to year ended September 30, 2001

Net sales

        Net sales for the year ended September 30, 2002 decreased $24.6 million to $1,421.9 million from $1,446.5 million in the year ended September 30, 2001. Excluding currency changes and divested operations, the remaining increase in sales of $13.7 million consisted of higher sales in Specialty Chemicals of $18.5 million and Groupe Novasep of $35.6 million, including a full year's impact of the Finorga acquisition, offset by lower sales in Titanium Dioxide Pigments of $8.4 million and in Advanced Ceramics of $32.0 million.

        Specialty Chemicals.    Net sales for the Specialty Chemicals segment increased $10.5 million. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, the remaining increase of $18.5 million was primarily due to higher Lithium sales within the life sciences market and higher overall Fine Chemicals product sales.

        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Net sales for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $1.8 million due to currency changes. Excluding currency changes, sales decreased $8.4 million due to sales declines in titanium dioxide and Functional Additives products caused by weaker demand and pricing pressures, offset in part by sales volume increases in the Water Chemistry business.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Net sales for the Advanced Ceramics segment decreased $42.1 million. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, the remaining decrease in sales of approximately $32.0 million was due in part to the economic downturn in the electronics and telecommunications industries offset in part by higher Medical application sales due to market share growth.

        Groupe Novasep.    Net sales for the Groupe Novasep segment increased $5.2 million. Excluding favorable currency changes and divested operations, the remaining increase in sales of

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$35.6 million was primarily due to sales from the Finorga operation which was acquired on March 1, 2001.

Gross profit

        Gross profit margin was 35.7% of 2002 net sales, as compared to 34.4% of 2001 net sales. The increase in gross profit margin was due to better product mix, particularly related to the Groupe Novasep segment with the addition of a greater mix of higher margin life sciences and agro market synthesis products due to a full year of Finorga operations in 2002 versus a half year in 2001, and the divestiture of lower margin businesses at the same time, as well as better mix in lithium products at Specialty Chemicals.

        In 2002 gross profit was negatively impacted by $1.6 million due to restructuring costs at Advanced Ceramics. Notwithstanding this, gross profit increased $10.2 million in 2002 primarily due to currency changes. Excluding currency changes, gross profit decreased $3.1 million. The decrease in the gross profit was due to the divestitures net of the acquisitions discussed above.

Operating expenses

        Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were 21.2% in 2002 as compared to 19.8% in 2001. Operating expenses in 2002 included $21.9 million of non-recurring gains related to gains on sold or disposed businesses and fixed assets net of restructuring charges and disposal costs of businesses. This amount consisted of $9.1 million of gains on disposed businesses in Groupe Novasep, $9.4 million of gains in Specialty Chemicals, primarily related to fixed asset and building sales, and $5.6 million of net gains in Corporate with $8.3 million of gains on disposed businesses offset by non-recurring charges of $1.8 million and $0.8 million of corporate restructuring charges. Advanced Ceramics had $1.4 million of charges related to closed businesses and $0.5 million of restructuring charges and Titanium Dioxide Pigments had $0.3 million of charges related to closed businesses. Operating expenses in 2002 also included $0.8 million from currency transaction gains related to intercompany financing denominated in a foreign currency at Specialty Chemicals. Operating expenses in 2001 included $58.1 million of non-recurring gains related to gains on sold or disposed businesses of $23.3 million in Groupe Novasep and $36.9 million in Specialty Chemicals. Sales of fixed assets yielded gains of $0.7 million at Corporate. Restructuring charges were $0.3 million at Advance Ceramics, $0.4 million at Specialty Chemicals and $1.7 million at Corporate. Also, disposal costs of $0.5 million were incurred at Corporate. Operating expenses in 2001 also included $1.4 million from currency transaction gains related to intercompany financing denominated in a foreign currency at Specialty Chemicals.

Operating income

        Operating income decreased $4.3 million in 2002. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, operating income increased $44.4 million. This increase is primarily due to non recurring net gains in 2002 and 2001 as well as items described in "Adjusted EBITDA" below.

        Specialty Chemicals.    Operating income for the Specialty Chemicals segment decreased $5.3 million. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, operating income increased $29.4 million. This increase is primarily due to non recurring net gains in 2002 and 2001 as well as items described in "Adjusted EBITDA" below.

        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Operating income for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $3.2 million in 2002, $1.8 million excluding currency changes. This increase includes the impact of $0.3 million of non-recurring charges in 2002 related to divested operations.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Operating income for the Advanced Ceramics segment decreased $10.8 million in 2002. Excluding currency changes and divestitures, operating income decreased

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$10.6 million, due to the impact of non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges, disposal costs of businesses and other non-operational items of $3.4 million in 2002 as compared to $0.1 million net in 2001.

        Groupe Novasep.    Operating income for the Groupe Novasep segment decreased $3.0 million in 2002, but increased $11.8 million excluding currency changes and divestitures. This increase is primarily due to non-recurring net gains in 2002 and 2001.

        Corporate.    Corporate operating loss decreased $11.6 million, with a $12.0 million decrease excluding currency changes. Non-recurring gains primarily related to business divestitures were $5.6 million in 2002 while non-recurring costs related to restructuring charges and net disposal costs of businesses were $1.4 million in 2001.

Income from investments

        For the years ended September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001 income from investments decreased $1.1 million primarily due to lower income from equity investments in the Specialty Chemicals and Advanced Ceramics segments.

Interest expense, net of similar income

        For the years ended September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001 interest expense, net of similar income, decreased $1.4 million.

Income taxes

        Income taxes of $80.4 million on income before taxes of $187.3 million in 2002 resulted in an effective income tax rate of 42.9%. This compared to income taxes of $94.1 million on income before taxes of $191.3 million in 2001 which resulted in an effective income tax rate of 49.2%. The effective tax rate decreased in 2002 due to certain lower unfavorable permanent differences.

Net income

        Net income of $110.3 million resulted in the year ended September 30, 2002 as compared to net income of $98.5 million in the year ended September 30, 2001 due to the reasons discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

        Adjusted EBITDA increased $12.8 million in 2002. After accounting for currency effects, Adjusted EBITDA increased $5.6 million due to higher Adjusted EBITDA in the Specialty Chemicals and Groupe Novasep segments along with lower Corporate Adjusted EBITDA losses offset by lower Adjusted EBITDA at Advanced Ceramics and Titanium Dioxide Pigments.

        Specialty Chemicals.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Specialty Chemicals segment increased $7.8 million in 2002. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA increased $5.4 million primarily due to higher Lithium sales within the Life Sciences markets and higher overall Fine Chemicals product sales along with better overall mix in Lithium products.

        Titanium Dioxide Pigments.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment increased $0.4 million despite $2.0 million of favorable currency changes. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.6 million due to sales declines in Titanium Dioxide and Functional Additives products caused by weaker demand and pricing pressures, offset in part by sales volume increases in the Water Chemistry business.

        Advanced Ceramics.    Adjusted EBITDA for the Advanced Ceramics segment decreased $11.5 million despite favorable currency changes of $1.6 million. Excluding currency changes,

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Adjusted EBITDA decreased $13.1 million primarily due to the impact of the economic downturn in the electronics and telecommunications industries offset in part by higher medical application sales due to market share growth.

        Groupe Novasep.    Adjusted EBITDA increased $12.3 million in 2002. Excluding currency changes, Adjusted EBITDA increased $10.6 million primarily due to the impact of a full year's sales from the acquisition of the Finorga, Switzerland operation, which was acquired on March 1, 2001.

        Corporate.    Adjusted EBITDA expense decreased $3.8 million. After accounting for a $0.5 million increase due to currency changes, the $4.3 million decrease to Adjusted EBITDA expense is primarily due to the impact of miscellaneous cost reductions including lower consulting fees in 2002.

        The following table, which sets forth the applicable components of Adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis, presents a reconciliation of Dynamit Nobel net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

($ in millions)		Specialty Chemicals			Titanium Dioxide Pigments			Advanced Ceramics			Custom Synthesis			Corporate and Eliminations			Consolidated
Six months ended June 30, 2004
Net income (loss)		$	28.1		$	19.9		$	21.8		$	(1.2	)	$	(10.4	)	$	58.2
Interest expense, net			8.3			1.8			0.9			2.9			0.5			14.4
Income tax (benefit) provision			22.0			6.8			5.4			(0.6	)		(1.5	)		32.1
Depreciation and amortization			14.0			11.8			10.4			15.5			0.3			52.0
Non-recurring charges			—			—			—			—			2.3			2.3
Foreign exchange gain			(1.1	)		—			—			—			—			(1.1	)
Restructuring and closure charges			—			—			0.1			0.3			—			0.4
Adjusted EBITDA		$	71.3		$	40.3		$	38.6		$	16.9		$	(8.8	)	$	158.3
Six months ended June 30, 2003
Net income (loss)		$	38.6		$	18.7		$	14.1		$	(13.8	)	$	0.3		$	57.9
Interest expense, net			8.0			1.4			0.6			2.6			1.0			13.6
Income tax (benefit) provision			12.4			6.4			3.2			26.2			(14.0	)		34.2
Depreciation and amortization			13.5			10.0			8.7			13.1			0.4			45.7
Non-recurring charges			2.2			—			3.4			—			—			5.6
Earnings from discontinued operations			(3.9	)		—			—			—			2.5			(1.4	)
Adjustment related to divested businesses			1.3			—			(0.8	)		—			—			0.5
Foreign exchange gain			(4.6	)		—			—			—			—			(4.6	)
Restructuring and closure charges			—			—			1.9			0.3			—			2.2
Minority interest			—			—			0.3			—			—			0.3
Adjusted EBITDA		$	67.5		$	36.5		$	31.4		$	28.4		$	(9.8	)	$	154.0

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Year ended December 31, 2003
Net income (loss)		$	75.8		$	41.4		$	25.6		$	8.2		$	(50.1	)	$	100.9
Interest expense, net			14.8			2.1			1.0			5.1			2.2			25.2
Income tax (benefit) provision			16.1			9.9			7.3			3.5			24.9			61.7
Depreciation and amortization			26.6			20.2			20.3			27.0			0.5			94.6
Non-recurring charges			2.3			2.8			5.2			2.3			—			12.6
Earnings from discontinued operations			(3.7	)		—			—			—			2.3			(1.4	)
Adjustment related to divested businesses			3.4			(1.1	)		(2.9	)		5.6			(0.4	)		4.6
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle			—			—			—			—			1.8			1.8
Foreign exchange gain			(2.8	)		—			—			—			—			(2.8	)
Restructuring and closure charges			1.0			—			8.5			2.8			2.3			14.6
Minority interest			—			—			0.3			—			—			0.3
Adjusted EBITDA		$	133.5		$	75.3		$	65.3		$	54.5		$	(16.5	)	$	312.1
Three months ended December 31, 2002
Net income (loss)		$	93.6		$	137.1		$	110.3		$	3.8		$	(328.0	)	$	16.8
Interest expense, net			4.2			0.6			0.3			1.3			0.5			6.9
Income tax (benefit) provision			(80.5	)		(125.2	)		(104.2	)		2.1			319.7			11.9
Depreciation and amortization			6.5			4.3			4.0			6.2			0.1			21.1
Earnings from discontinued operations			(0.8	)		—			—			—			0.6			(0.2	)
Foreign exchange gain			(1.4	)		—			—			—			—			(1.4	)
Restructuring and closure charges			—			—			0.6			—			2.0			2.6
Minority interest			—			—			(0.1	)		—			—			(0.1	)
Adjusted EBITDA		$	21.6		$	16.8		$	10.9		$	13.4		$	(5.1	)	$	57.6

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Year ended September 30, 2002
Net income (loss)		$	72.9		$	42.0		$	30.8		$	30.6		$	(66.0	)	$	110.3
Interest expense, net			14.9			1.6			0.4			4.1			1.8			22.8
Income tax (benefit) provision			21.0			1.8			1.8			2.8			53.0			80.4
Depreciation and amortization			25.0			18.6			14.9			24.1			0.5			83.1
Non-recurring charges			(3.8	)		—			—			—			1.9			(1.9	)
Earnings from discontinued operations			(3.7	)		—			—			—			1.1			(2.6	)
Adjustment related to divested businesses			(6.1	)		0.3			1.4			(9.1	)		(8.3	)		(21.8	)
Foreign exchange gain			(0.8	)		—			—			—			—			(0.8	)
Restructuring and closure charges			0.5			—			2.0			—			0.8			3.3
Minority interest			—			—			(0.8	)		—			—			(0.8	)
Adjusted EBITDA		$	119.9		$	64.3		$	50.5		$	52.5		$	(15.2	)	$	272.0
Year ended September 30, 2001
Net income (loss)		$	66.6		$	38.2		$	45.0		$	33.3		$	(84.6	)	$	98.5
Interest expense, net			18.3			1.8			(0.5	)		2.3			2.3			24.2
Income tax (benefit) provision			27.5			1.1			(0.7	)		4.8			61.4			94.1
Depreciation and amortization			38.5			22.8			18.1			23.4			0.5			103.3
Non-recurring charges			—			—			—			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
Earnings from discontinued operations			(1.3	)		—			—			—			—			(1.3	)
Adjustment related to divested businesses			(36.5	)		—			(0.2	)		(23.3	)		(0.3	)		(60.3	)
Foreign exchange gain			(1.4	)		—			—			—			—			(1.4	)
Restructuring and closure charges			0.4			—			0.3			—			1.7			2.4
Adjusted EBITDA		$	112.1		$	63.9		$	62.0		$	40.2		$	(19.0	)	$	259.2

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        The following table presents a reconciliation of Dynamit Nobel's net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA:

		Year Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended December 31, 2002						Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in millions)											Year Ended December 31, 2003
		2001			2002									2003			2004
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	128.0		$	142.1		$	42.2		$	267.0		$	57.6		$	(18.2	)
Changes in assets and liabilities net of the effect of foreign currency translation and acquisitions			(6.6	)		24.5			(9.5	)		(51.1	)		64.6			151.2
Cash interest expense, net			24.2			22.8			6.9			25.2			13.6			14.4
Current portion of income tax (benefit) provision			86.5			80.2			(1.5	)		53.5			19.9			18.0
Non-recurring charges			(0.3	)		(1.9	)		—			12.6			5.6			2.3
Adjustments related to divested business, net of gains excluded in cash flows			(10.5	)		(9.1	)		—			7.2			—			—
Restructuring and closure charges			2.4			3.3			2.6			14.6			2.2			0.4
Change in provisions			38.4			13.1			17.0			(17.0	)		(9.9	)		(9.1	)
Other, net			(2.9	)		(3.0	)		(0.1	)		0.1			0.4			(0.7	)
Adjusted EBITDA		$	259.2		$	272.0		$	57.6		$	312.1		$	154.0		$	158.3

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historic Rockwood Cash Flows (including five months of Dynamit Nobel in the year ended December 31, 2004)

        Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by operating activities was $179.3 million and $42.6 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities was $4.1 million in 2002. Net cash provided by operating activities increased in 2004 due to operating cash flows generated from the businesses acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition for the five-month period ended December 31, 2004 and the stronger operating results from the historical Rockwood segments. The change in cash flows from operating activities for 2003 as compared to 2002 was primarily due to a $50.0 million net use of cash in 2002 related to receivables sale transactions. Also, there was a smaller increase in working capital accounts in 2003 compared to 2002.

        Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities was $2,249.9 million in 2004, $48.5 million in 2003, and $30.4 million in 2002. Net cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2004 includes $2,137.9 million related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. and the Groupe Novasep combination. The remaining change in net cash used for investing activities for 2004 as compared to 2003 was primarily due to the 2003 acquisition of Southern Color partially offset by higher capital expenditures related to the businesses acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition for the five-month period ended December 31, 2004. The increase for 2003 as compared to 2002 was primarily due to the sale-leaseback of one of our subsidiaries' facilities in 2002 along with increases

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in cash used for acquisitions in 2003, partially offset by insurance proceeds from fire damage received in 2003.

        Financing Activities.    Net cash provided by financing activities was $2,134.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 due to net financing proceeds for the acquisitions discussed above of $3,194.8 million, primarily the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, and equity contributions of $425.0 million for the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, as well as management equity contributions of $7.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $1.7 million in 2003, and $18.9 million in 2002. Net cash used in financing activities during 2002 represented scheduled principal repayments on our then long-term debt.

Dynamit Nobel Cash Flows

        Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was ($18.2) million and $57.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities was $267.0 million in 2003, $42.1 million in the short fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, $142.1 million in fiscal 2002 and $128.0 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to six months ended June 30, 2003 was primarily due to a larger increase in working capital in 2004 compared to 2003 along with weaker operating results. The change in cash flows from operating activities for 2003 as compared to 2002 was primarily due to a significant decrease in working capital in 2003 versus a significant increase in working capital in 2002. The change between 2002 and 2001 primarily related to higher operating income in 2002 excluding gains on disposals as well as operating working capital changes.

        Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities was $45.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, $9.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, $102.7 million in 2003, $23.8 million in the short fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, $62.5 million in 2002 and $60.3 million in 2001. These amounts primarily represent cash used for capital expenditures net of cash received on disposed businesses and fixed assets. The increase in net cash used for investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to six months ended June 30, 2003 was primarily due to a larger increase in capital expenditures in the current year along with $17.8 million of proceeds from business disposals in 2003. The increase in cash used for investing activities for 2003 as compared to 2002 was primarily due to more cash flows generated from business and fixed assets disposals in 2002 versus 2003. The increase in cash used for investing activities for 2002 as compared to 2001 was primarily due to more cash flows generated from business and fixed assets disposals in 2001 versus 2002.

        Financing Activities.    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $71.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, ($56.6) million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, ($196.8) million in 2003, ($30.9) million in the short fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, ($95.9) million in 2002 and ($82.3) million in 2001. This amount for each period primarily related to net financing provided by mg technologies ag less third party debt activity.

Liquidity

        Our primary source of liquidity has been and will continue to be cash generated from operations. Our primary liquidity requirements are working capital, debt service, capital expenditures, contractual obligations and acquisitions. Our debt service requirements, and other contractual obligations and commitments over the next several years are significant and are substantially higher than historical amounts. We believe that our currently available sources of

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liquidity will be sufficient for these needs. Furthermore, any future acquisitions, business combinations or similar transactions will likely require additional capital resources. If our present operating performance and current market conditions continue, we believe that such resources will be available to us for small transactions. We would need to access alternative sources of liquidity for larger acquisitions such as through additional borrowings, equity issuances or other sources. We may not have access to these sources of cash for a variety of reasons. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business."

        We believe that based on current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our industry and markets, cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our revolving credit facility will be adequate for 2005 and the foreseeable future to make required payments of principal and interest on our debt and fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements. We are taking actions to reduce overhead and excess or unprofitable manufacturing capacity, in part to improve our long-term liquidity. As noted in "—General" above, we are also applying the same initiatives used after the KKR acquisition: reducing net working capital as a percentage of net sales through improved systems and manager incentives as well as the implementation of stringent controls to help ensure that maintenance capital expenditures are appropriate and that expansion capital expenditures are in line with both capacity and market demands. We expect this to further improve our short and long-term liquidity. If our cash flow from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility are insufficient to fund our currently existing liquidity requirements, we may be forced to use other means available to us, such as reduce or delay capital expenditures and seek additional capital. We may not have adequate capital for working capital, future acquisitions, business combinations or similar transactions.

        As of December 31, 2004, we had total indebtedness of $3,380.6 million. We incurred substantial amounts of debt in connection with the KKR acquisition, including amounts outstanding under our then existing senior credit facilities and our then existing senior subordinated loan facility. As part of the July 2003 debt refinancing, we repaid the borrowings under our then existing senior subordinated loan facility and repaid all amounts outstanding under our then existing senior credit facilities with the proceeds from the then new senior credit facilities and the private offering of the 2011 notes.

        We incurred substantial amounts of debt in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Specifically, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities of approximately $1,454.2 million and a new senior subordinated loan facility of $854.5 million (based on the exchange rate at July 31, 2004). We also received an equity contribution of $425.0 million from affiliates of KKR and DLJMB. $50.4 million of the term loan was undrawn at the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. The proceeds from the acquisition financings were used at the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition to finance the purchase price of the businesses acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, repay all amounts outstanding under our old senior credit facilities (which totaled approximately $442.2 million), repay assumed debt of approximately $129.0 million, fund approximately $20.0 million of cash settlement of derivative transactions related to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and pay related fees and expenses. We also assumed certain standby letters of credit and comparable obligations. Approximately $6.1 million of these obligations will have to be renewed upon expiration and will then reduce availability under the revolving credit facility.

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we also received equity contributions of approximately $7.0 million from management and certain other employees. Specifically, from September 2004 to December 2004, we sold 13,950 shares of our common stock to members of our management and certain other employees for gross proceeds of $7.0 million. In connection with the sale of these shares, pursuant to the stock plan, we granted stock options to purchase an

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aggregate of 61,120 shares of common stock to these members of our management and certain other employees.

        Subsequent to the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, on September 27, 2004, we drew the remaining $50.4 million of the term loans in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. In addition, on October 8, 2004, we amended the senior secured credit facilities to borrow an additional $160.0 million and €52.7 million (or $225.5 million in aggregate) of term loans and used the additional borrowings to repay a portion of its senior subordinated loan and to pay related fees. On November 10, 2004, we issued the 2014 notes and used the net proceeds to repay the remaining outstanding borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility of $260.1 million and €313.2 million (or $664.9 million in the aggregate), plus accrued interest on the remaining outstanding borrowings and pay related fees and expenses and fund general corporate purposes. On November 30, 2004, we repaid a portion ($15.9 million, or €12.8 million) of the assumed debt. On December 10, 2004, we refinanced all outstanding borrowings under the tranche B term loans with new tranche D term loans in order to reduce interest expense.

        On December 31, 2004, we assumed approximately €27.8 million ($37.8 million based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.3593) plus $10.8 million (or an aggregate of $48.6 million) of debt and approximately €10.7 million (or $14.6 million) in cash, in connection with the combination of the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment (now known as our Groupe Novasep segment) with Groupe Novasep SAS. As a result of the combination, our subsidiary Knight Specialite Synthese SAS acquired approximately 66% of the stock of Groupe Novasep SAS held by outside investors and approximately 3% held by the Groupe Novasep SAS management, and the Groupe Novasep SAS management contributed its remaining stock of 30.6% of Groupe Novasep SAS to Knight Specialite Synthese SAS in exchange for shares in Knight Specialite Synthese SAS. As a result of the transaction, we own approximately 79% of Knight Specialite Synthese SAS, which has now been renamed Groupe Novasep; management owns the remaining approximately 21%. We used cash on hand to finance this transaction.

        As of April 30, 2005, we had outstanding borrowings of $50.0 million under the revolving credit facility.

        We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering, among other uses, to repay the outstanding principal amount of pay-in-kind loans and redeem the outstanding principal amount of the pay-in-kind notes; redeem the outstanding principal amount of senior discount notes; redeem 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2011 notes; and redeem all outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock. See "Use of Proceeds."

Contractual Obligations

        As of December 31, 2004, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering, our aggregate indebtedness would have been $2,992.8 million. The following table sets forth our

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fixed contractual debt obligations, as described in detail in "Description of Indebtedness," as of December 31, 2004 on a pro forma basis as adjusted after giving effect to the offering.

($ in millions)		Total			Less than 1 Year			2-3 Years			4-5 Years			After 5 Years
Senior secured credit facilities		$	1,803.3		$	8.6		$	89.7		$	86.8		$	1,618.2
2011 notes			243.7			—			—			—			243.7
2014 notes			709.7			—			—			—			709.7
Assumed debt			236.1			38.7			51.1			61.8			84.5
Total fixed contractual debt obligations		$	2,992.8		$	47.3		$	140.8		$	148.6		$	2,656.1

        Senior secured credit facilities.    The senior secured credit facilities, as amended, consist of:

•

tranche A-1 term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €39.1 million (or approximately $53.2 million) and tranche A-2 term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €170.4 (or approximately $231.6 million), each maturing on July 30, 2011 and bearing interest at Group's option of either (i) Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.50% or (ii) ABR plus 1.25%;



•

tranche C term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €274.8 million (or approximately $373.5 million) maturing on July 30, 2012 and bearing interest of Adjusted LIBOR plus 3.00%;



•

tranche D term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,145.0 million maturing on July 30, 2012 and bearing interest at Group's option of either (i) Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.25% or (ii) ABR plus 1.00%; and



•

a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million maturing on July 23, 2010, bearing interest at Group's option of either (i) Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.50% or (ii) ABR plus 1.25%.

The U.S. dollar equivalents of term loans denominated in euros are shown based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2004 of €1.00=$1.3593. In each case, the interest rates per year (other than under the tranche C term loan facility) are subject to step-downs determined by reference to a performance test. Adjusted LIBOR is the London inter-bank offered rate adjusted for statutory reserves. ABR is the alternate base rate, which is the highest of Credit Suisse First Boston's prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Tranche A-1 and A-2 term loans are payable in January and July of each year at escalating percentages of the original principal amount. Tranche C and tranche D term loans are payable in January and July of each year at amounts equal to 0.5% of the original principal balance, with the remainder due at the final maturity date.

        Group's borrowings and the borrowings of Rockwood Specialties Limited under the senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed and secured by assets and pledges of capital stock as described under "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Secured Credit Facilities."

        In addition to the financial covenants described below under "—Covenant Compliance," Group's senior secured credit facilities contain various affirmative and restrictive covenants. The restrictive covenants limit Group's and Group's subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness and other liabilities; create liens; merge or consolidate; dispose of assets; make investments; pay dividends and make payments to shareholders; make payments on certain indebtedness or to amend documents related to certain indebtedness and to enter into sale leaseback transactions.

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        2011 notes and 2014 notes.    Group's 2011 notes will have, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering, an aggregate principal amount of $243.7 million, and mature on May 15, 2011 and Group's 2014 notes have an aggregate principal amount of €375.0 million (or approximately $509.7 million based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2004 of €1.00=$1.3593) in the case of the euro notes and $200.0 million in the case of the dollar notes, and mature on November 15, 2014. Interest on both the 2011 notes and 2014 notes are payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. Interest on the 2011 notes accrues at the rate of 10.625% per year, and interest on the 2014 notes accrues at the rate of 7.625% in the case of euro notes and 7.500% in the case of dollar notes. Certain of our domestic subsidiaries guarantee the 2011 notes and 2014 notes on a senior subordinated unsecured basis.

        Group's 2011 notes and 2014 notes contain various affirmative and restrictive covenants. The restrictive covenants limit Group's ability, and the ability of Group's restricted subsidiaries, to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness (as described below under "—Covenant Compliance"); pay dividends or make other equity distributions or repurchase capital stock (as described below under "—Covenant Compliance"); make investments or other restricted payments (as described below under "—Covenant Compliance"); create liens; transfer or sell assets; restrict dividends or other payments to us; engage in transactions with affiliates; and merge or consolidate with other companies or sell substantially all of our assets. See "Description of Indebtedness—2011 Notes" and "—2014 Notes."

        Covenant compliance.    In addition to the affirmative and restrictive covenants, Group's senior secured credit agreement contains the following financial covenants that are determined based on our Adjusted EBITDA:

•

a maximum total leverage ratio: for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2004, net debt to Adjusted EBITDA must be less than 6.95 to 1; for such period, our ratio equaled 5.48 to 1; and



•

a minimum interest coverage ratio: for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2004, Adjusted EBITDA to cash interest expense (interest expense, net excluding deferred debt issuance cost amortization and the movements in the mark-to-market value of our interest rate and cross-currency interest rate derivatives) must be at least 1.60 to 1; for such period, our ratio equaled 2.59 to 1.

        These covenants are material terms of the senior secured credit agreement. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in a default under the senior secured credit agreement and the lenders could elect to declare all amounts borrowed immediately due and payable. Any such acceleration would also result in a default under the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes, which could lead to the noteholders electing to declare the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the then outstanding notes immediately due and payable.

        The indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes prohibit us from incurring additional debt, subject to certain permitted incurrences, unless the fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA (as defined therein excluding certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement) to fixed charges (as defined therein), for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters is at least 2.00 to 1. In addition, the indentures prohibit us from making restricted payments (such as dividends or other equity distributions, repurchases of capital stock or restricted investments), subject to certain permitted payments, unless, among other things, the fixed charge coverage ratio for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters is at least 2.00 to 1. For the four-fiscal-quarter period ended December 31, 2004, the fixed charge coverage ratio equaled 2.59 to 1. These covenants are material terms of the indentures governing the 2011 notes and 2014 notes.

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        Given our use of Adjusted EBITDA as a liquidity measure, the following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA:

		Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
		2002			2003			2004
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(4.1	)	$	42.6		$	179.3
Changes in assets and liabilities net of the effect of foreign currency translation and acquisitions			25.3			21.4			(9.1	)
Interest expense, net, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs and unrealized losses on derivatives			70.3			75.5			128.1
Current portion of income tax (benefit) provision			7.8			9.3			21.6
Systems/organization establishment expenses			1.6			1.6			4.8
Inventory write-up reversal			—			0.1			—
Stamp duty tax			—			—			4.0
Business interruption costs and insurance recovery			(2.2	)		(4.5	)		—
Cancelled acquisition and disposition costs			0.2			1.9			0.5
Refinancing fees			—			1.4			2.0
Bad debt provision			(0.9	)		(1.7	)		(2.8	)
Net receivables sale activity			50.0			—			—
Loss on receivables sold			1.2			—			—
Loss on disposed business			—			—			0.8
Restructuring charges			1.2			1.9			1.1
Other			—			—			2.1
Total Adjusted EBITDA(a)		$	150.4		$	149.5		$	332.4

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(a)

Total adjusted EBITDA does not include estimated annual cost savings from certain restructuring measures that were not realized as of December 31, 2004. In total, we expect to achieve annual cost savings of approximately $17.0 million, of which we already realized $3.0 million in 2004, through actions we have implemented or plan to implement. Actions include the closure of the Troisdorf facility (the former headquarters of Dynamit Nobel), the announced closure of the New Lebanon, New York manufacturing facility of our Advanced Ceramics segment in May 2005 and various restructuring measures at our Specialty Chemicals and Groupe Novasep segments, and the elimination of 37 positions in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc.

        Assumed debt.    Certain of our subsidiaries acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition are borrowers under eight euro-denominated term loan facilities that provide aggregate outstanding borrowings of approximately €15.9 million as of December 31, 2004. These term loans mature between 2006 and 2009 and bear annual interest rates ranging between 2.50% and 4.25% or EURIBOR plus 1.45% or LIBOR plus 0.39%. On November 30, 2004, we repaid a portion (€12.8 million, or $15.9 million based on the November 30, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2422) of the assumed debt. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition are borrowers under eight term loan facilities denominated in other foreign currencies, including Swiss Francs, Taiwanese Dollars and Japanese Yen, providing for borrowings of an aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent amount of approximately $52.5 million as of December 31, 2004. These term loans mature between 2005 and 2011 and bear annual interest rates ranging between 1.38% and 4.02%. The term loan facilities described above contain customary events of default and some of them are secured by mortgages or accounts receivables.

        As part of the Groupe Novasep combination on December 31, 2004, we assumed additional gross debt of €27.8 million ($37.8 million based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.3593) plus $10.8 million for an aggregate $48.6 million. The assumed debt includes three tranches of bank debt at the Groupe Novasep parent level totaling €21.6 million ($29.3 million), each with a maturity date of 2010 and interest rates of EURIBOR plus 1.75% in the case of two of the tranches, and LIBOR plus 1.75% for the remaining tranche. In addition, there is bank debt at the Groupe Novasep subsidiary level totaling €6.3 million ($8.5 million) with maturity dates ranging from

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2006 to 2010 and interest rates ranging from EURIBOR plus 0.7% to EURIBOR plus 1.25%. The remaining amount of assumed debt of €8.5 million ($11.6 million) consists primarily of capital leases with maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2013.

        In addition, "Assumed long-term debt" shown in our capitalization table under the section "Capitalization" includes certain capitalized lease obligations, a full recourse receivables factoring arrangement and subsidiary preferred stock in addition to the long-term debt described in the preceding two paragraphs.

        The following table details Rockwood's fixed contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2004:

($ in millions)		Total			Less than 1 Year			2-3 Years			4-5 Years			After 5 Years
Debt, including current portion(1)		$	5,325.5		$	236.9		$	524.4		$	567.0		$	3,997.2
Operating leases			74.7			22.0			24.1			10.8			17.8
Purchase obligations(2)			227.6			124.6			102.3			0.7			—
Total(3)(4)		$	5,627.8		$	383.5		$	650.8		$	578.5		$	4,015.0

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(1)

Amounts represent the expected cash payments of our long-term debt and do not include any fair value adjustments or bond premiums or discounts. Includes estimated scheduled cash interest payments totaling $1,992.1 million. A portion of the debt balance outstanding as of December 31, 2004 contained a variable interest rate component. Therefore, interest was calculated on this portion based upon the average of the rates in effect as of December 31, 2004.

(2)

Purchase obligations consist of agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.

(3)

Statutory minimum funding requirements for 2005 for defined benefit pension plans are not included as such amounts have not been determined. For 2005, we expect to make contributions of approximately $7.2 million to pension trusts and $16.2 million directly to plan participants as benefit payments. Future contributions are not included as they are not fixed either as to timing or amount.

(4)

Obligations relating to eventual settlement of derivative contracts are not included as the timing and amounts are not fixed. These contracts are marked to market with the related liabilities ($38.7 million at December 31, 2004) reflected in "Other liabilities" in the balance sheet.

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Capital Expenditures

        The capital expenditures of Rockwood and Dynamit Nobel have averaged $61.0 million and $108.7 million, respectively, per year over the last three years. Rockwood's capital expenditures consisted primarily of replacements of worn, obsolete or damaged equipment as well as investments in new equipment, mostly for our Color Pigments and Services and Timber Treatment Chemicals business lines of our Performance Additives segment. In addition, Rockwood also made significant investments in new facilities to expand capacity across our business lines including expenditures made in connection with the expansion of our ACQ production capabilities in our Timber Treatment Chemicals business line, expansion and refurbishment of our wafer reclaim facility and production equipment in Greasque, France. In addition to maintenance capital expenditures, Dynamit Nobel's growth capital expenditures consisted of expansion of current Good Manufacturing Practice production lines and new equipment relating to multi-column chromatography in our Groupe Novasep segment, expansion of our titanium dioxide capacity for our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment and capacity expansion for our Advanced Ceramics segment.

        For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, our capital expenditures amounted to $27.5 million and $34.3 million, respectively, excluding capital expenditures of the acquired businesses of Dynamit Nobel. Capital expenditures of the acquired businesses of Dynamit Nobel during the five-month period from the date the Dynamit Nobel acquisition was consummated amounted to an additional $85.3 million.

        We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under safety, health and environmental laws. For the year December 31, 2004, our capital expenditures for SHE matters totaled approximately $23.9 million, excluding costs to maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For 2005 and 2006, we estimate capital expenditures for compliance with SHE laws to be at similar levels; however, because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to changes in and new SHE laws, we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures will be indicative of future amounts required to comply with these laws.

        We intend to apply our capital discipline and stringent controls to reduce our future capital expenditures as compared to historical levels for the acquired businesses of Dynamit Nobel. Our annual capital expenditures will increase in amount, but we do not believe they will change significantly from current levels in proportion to the size of the combined entity or as a percentage of net sales.

Foreign currency related transactions

        As of December 31, 2004, $1,436.3 million of the debt outstanding are denominated in euros. As of December 31, 2004, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering, there was $1,317.0 million of euro-denominated debt outstanding. In order to mitigate the effect of any exchange rate changes which may have taken place prior to the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we entered into call options, permitting us to purchase up to €750.0 million at a price of $1.225=€1.00. We recorded a mark-to-market loss of $2.9 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 on the call options. The options expired unexercised and we recorded an additional loss of $8.0 million in the third quarter of 2004. We also entered into a forward contract in July 2004 to purchase €1,057.0 million at a fixed U.S. dollar rate of $1.208=€1.00, which was utilized to pay for a portion of the purchase price at the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. We recorded a charge of approximately $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2004. See "—About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Risk."

Management and transaction fees

        Approximately $21.5 million and $9.0 million of the transaction fees, including reimbursable expenses, were paid to KKR or its affiliates and to DLJMB III, respectively. In addition, approximately $25.5 million of financing fees was paid to Credit Suisse First Boston or its affiliates.

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Effective with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, KKR and DLJMB III agreed to provide us consulting and management advisory services for an aggregate annual fee of $2.0 million. This management services agreement will be terminated in connection with this offering for an aggregate consideration of $10.0 million.

Commitments and Contingencies

        Legal Matters.    We are involved in various legal proceedings, including product liability, intellectual property and environmental matters, of a nature considered normal to our business. It is our policy to accrue for amounts related to these matters in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. It is our policy to disclose such matters when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred. In addition, we may be required to make indemnity payments in connection with certain product liability claims. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Product Liability—Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages arising out of product liability claims." Although we expect to continue to pay legal fees in connection with certain legal actions related to chromated copper arsenate, based on currently available facts, we do not believe that these actions will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, we do not believe that there is any other individual legal proceeding that is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

        Indemnities.    Under the business and share sale and purchase agreement, the deed of tax covenant and the environmental deed entered into in connection with the KKR acquisition, Degussa UK Holdings Ltd., or Degussa, as successor to Laporte, plc, or Laporte, is required to indemnify us for certain legal, tax and environmental liabilities and obligations that relate to the period prior to the closing of the KKR acquisition. In addition, under the sale and purchase agreement entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, mg technologies ag and MG North America Holdings Inc. are required to indemnify us for certain legal, tax and environmental liabilities and obligations that related to the period prior to the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. See "Dynamit Nobel Acquisition—Sale and Purchase Agreement." Pursuant to these agreements, we have made various claims for indemnification with Degussa, mg technologies ag and MG North America Holdings, Inc. In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, we do not expect the ultimate resolution of any of these claims to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. See "—Environmental Matters."

        Environmental Matters.    We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere at both the national and local level. Many of these laws impose requirements relating to clean-up of contamination, and impose liability in the event of damage to human beings, natural resources or property, and provide for substantial fines, injunctions and potential criminal sanctions for violations. Our products, including the raw materials we handle, are also subject to rigorous industrial hygiene regulations and investigation. The nature of our operations exposes us to risks of liability for breaches of these laws and regulations as a result of the production, storage, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury when released into the environment. Environmental laws are subject to change and have tended to become stricter over time. Such changes in environmental laws, or the enactment of new environmental laws, could result in materially increased capital, operating and compliance costs.

        We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable safety, health and environmental, or SHE, legal requirements, and our subsidiaries have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the SHE legal requirements applicable to our operations, enhance compliance with such requirements, ensure the safety of our employees,

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contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although SHE legal requirements are constantly changing and are often difficult to comply with, these SHE management systems are designed to assist us in meeting our compliance goals and minimizing overall risk to us.

        In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new European Union framework for chemicals known as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, or REACH. While it is uncertain as to whether, when and in what form REACH will be finalized and become law, REACH may eventually significantly expand the European Union's regulation of chemicals. As currently proposed, REACH would include requirements that certain manufacturers and importers of chemicals register those chemicals, perform health and environmental risk analyses of those chemicals, and in certain instances, obtain authorizations for the use of the chemicals. As a specialty chemicals company, it is possible that we are the only manufacturer of one or more substances to be regulated under REACH and thus could potentially bear the full cost of compliance with REACH for some or all of our products. We estimate we have over 400 products that might be subject to REACH.

        Under the European Union Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive, or IPPC, European Union member governments are to adopt rules and implement a cross-media (air, water and waste) environmental permitting program for individual facilities. While the EU countries are at varying stages in their respective implementation of the IPPC permit program, we have submitted all necessary IPPC permit applications required to date, and in some cases received completed permits from the applicable government agency. We expect to submit all other IPPC applications and related documents on a timely basis as the various countries implement the IPPC permit program. Although we do not know with certainty what each IPPC permit will require, we believe, based upon our experience with the permits received to date, that the costs of compliance with the IPPC permit program will not be material to our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

        Environmental laws have a significant effect on the nature and scope of any clean-up of contamination at current and former operating facilities, the costs of transportation and storage of chemicals and finished products and the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes. In addition, "Superfund" statutes in the United States as well as statutes in other jurisdictions impose strict, joint and several liability for clean-up costs on the entities that generated waste and/or arranged for its disposal at contaminated third party sites, as well as the past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites. Each responsible party may be required to bear some or all clean-up costs regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal or ownership of the disposal site.

        Environmental contamination is known to exist at certain of our present and former facilities, including our facilities located in Turin, Italy; St. Fromond, St. Cheron and Sens, France; Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Schlebusch, Stadeln, Duisburg, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Ronnenberg-Empelde and Langelsheim, Germany; Oss, The Netherlands; Kidsgrove, and Barrow, U.K.; Boksburg East, South Africa; Pratteln, Switzerland; and in the United States, in Valdosta, Georgia, Beltsville, Maryland, Harrisburg, North Carolina, Laurens, South Carolina, Silver Peak, Nevada and La Mirada, California. Soil contamination is also known to exist at our facilities at Freeport, Texas, Chasse-sur-Rhone, France and Sumperk in Czech Republic; however, no further regulatory remedial actions are currently required for these facilities and any liabilities arising from such contamination is covered by indemnity obligations or the previous owners of these facilities with the exception of Freeport. We are currently operating groundwater remediation systems at our Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Valdosta, and Silver Peak facilities. We also operate ground water remediation systems at our Schlebusch, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Stadeln and Laurens facilities, for which prior owners or insurers have assumed responsibility and a soil remediation project at our facility in St. Cheron, and we continue to monitor groundwater at the Beltsville facility, which was previously the subject of a soil removal action. Groundwater is also monitored at the St. Fromond and Barrow facilities due to prior spills and at the Harrisburg facility due to a landfill closure. We are also required to monitor

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groundwater quality at our facilities at Mourenx, France and New Johnsonville, Tennessee. We believe that additional environmental studies, and possibly environmental remediations, will be required at the Turin and Harrisburg facilities. We are also in the process of determining appropriate remedial actions with the regulatory authorities at the following locations: Duisburg, Pratteln, Langelsheim, Troisdorf and La Mirada. Furthermore, as a result of facility closings, divestitures and offsite disposal activities such as a former disposal site in Laurel, Maryland, we are responsible for the following other matters: contamination beneath divested portions of the manufacturing facility in Troisdorf; contamination at a closed Chemetall Oakite facility in Houston, Texas; contamination at a former Chemetall Foote facility in Sunbright, Virginia; contribution towards the clean-up of three industrial landfills in the Basel, Switzerland area; groundwater remediation at Stadeln and former sites operated by Dynamit Nobel's previously divested explosives business. We are also a de minimis participant in several Superfund matters.

        Although we cannot provide assurances in this regard, we do not believe that these issues will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition. Nonetheless, the discovery of contamination arising from present or historical industrial operations at some of our and our predecessor's former and present properties and/or at sites we and our predecessor disposed wastes could expose us to cleanup obligations and other damages in the future.

        During the course of our business, we may receive notices of violation, enforcement and other complaints from regulatory agencies alleging non-compliance with applicable SHE laws. Currently, we are party to a consent order with the Metropolitan Sewer District, or MSD, in Saint Louis, Missouri to reduce ammonia concentrations in wastewater discharge to a city treatment plant. The entry into the consent order resulted from violations of our wastewater discharge permit. The order is presently stayed pending MSD's negotiation of its own National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit with the State of Missouri. Although we may be required to make capital expenditures in connection with this matter, we do not believe that this issue will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition.

        Pursuant to the environmental deed entered into in connection with the KKR acquisition, Degussa, as successor to Laporte, is required to indemnify us and our subsidiaries for certain environmental matters that relate to the business as conducted prior to the closing of the KKR acquisition. The environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify us and our subsidiaries for claims for which notice is given within a period of two years for breaches of representations and warranties, which expired in 2002, and five years for claims related to the contamination of our properties or our subsidiaries' properties (inclusive of contamination which leaks or escapes from our properties or our subsidiaries' properties), which expires in September 2005. These indemnity obligations are subject to a minimum per matter loss of $175,000 and are further subject to a $5.0 million deductible for the indemnity to be available. In addition, the environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify us and our subsidiaries for claims relating to properties that were formerly owned, occupied or used as of November 20, 2000, as well as properties owned by third parties (inclusive of disposal of waste and certain other identified issues prior to November 20, 2000). The environmental deed provides that in this instance, Degussa will be responsible for reasonable costs and expenses incurred.

        In addition, pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, mg technologies ag and its subsidiary, MG North America Holdings Inc., are required to indemnify us and our subsidiaries for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to the contamination of our or our subsidiaries' properties, if notified within ten years. If mg technologies and MG North America Holdings' responsibility for contamination matters cannot be proven, a sliding scale reduces the percentage further for each year during the five-year period from year six to ten. mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are also obligated to indemnify us for 85% of claims related to legacy site matters, such as environmental

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matters relating to properties or businesses owned or operated by Dynamit Nobel prior to, but not on, the closing of Dynamit Nobel acquisition, if notified within ten years. In addition, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves for operational compliance matters, if notified by December 31, 2006, and 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to certain environmental damage claims unknown at the time of the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, if notified within ten years. All of these indemnity obligations are subject to different minimum per-claim thresholds depending on whether the matter was disclosed or not, and on the subject matter, ranging between €100,000 and €750,000 depending on the type of claim. The indemnity obligations are further subject to certain deductibles, exclusions and limitations. Furthermore, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for certain environmental risks arising from certain "shared site" structures for a duration of ten years. This indemnity obligation is not subject to the percentages, de minimis exclusions, deductibles and thresholds described above, and it is not subject to most of the general limitations.

        In the event we seek indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that mg technologies, MG North America Holdings, Degussa or any other party who may have obligations to indemnify us will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities. In addition, we may be required to make indemnity payments in connection with certain environmental matters. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Environmental Indemnities—We may be subject to environmental indemnity claims relating to properties we have divested." However, we do not believe that resolution of the known environmental matters subject to indemnification obligations owed to us or by us will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition.

        We have established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology, past experience and, in some instances where the remediation costs are being paid directly by our insurers, insurance recoveries, and are generated by several means, including State-mandated schedules, environmental consultants and internal experts, depending on the circumstances. On a consolidated basis, we have accrued approximately $51.9 million and $6.5 million for known environmental liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, all of which are classified as other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets for such periods. In certain cases, our remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years.

        We believe these accruals are adequate based on currently available information. We may incur losses in excess of the amounts accrued, however, based on currently available information we do not believe the additional amount of potential losses would have a material effect on our long-term results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. We are unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise our estimates based on new information becoming available.

        We are obligated to undertake soil remediation at two of our facilities in Europe in the event manufacturing operations are discontinued there at some future date. We do not contemplate any such action occurring in the foreseeable future, as these facilities' remaining lives are indefinite. Given the indeterminate useful life of these facilities and the corresponding indeterminate settlement date of any soil remediation obligations we do not have sufficient information to estimate a range of potential settlement dates for the obligations. Consequently, we cannot employ a present value technique to estimate fair value and, accordingly, we have not accrued for any related costs.

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        We believe that these environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on our long-term results of operations and/or financial condition. However, these matters may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows in any given accounting period.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        None.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates include assessing, among other things:

•

the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations;



•

the use and recoverability of inventory;



•

the valuation of deferred tax assets;



•

impairment of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets; and



•

the useful lives of tangible and intangible assets.

We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        See note 1 to our and Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements included for a summary of our significant accounting policies. We believe the following to be the most critical accounting policies and estimates affecting preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

        Revenue Recognition.    We recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete. Product sales are recognized when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the terms of the contract of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred and collectibility is reasonably assured. We believe that we have adequate credit granting procedures in place and operating effectively so that collectibility is reasonably assured. We have a low incidence of uncollectible accounts. Additionally, credit insurance is purchased at times by certain of our businesses, particularly in Europe, to protect against collection risk. Accruals are made for sales returns based on our experience and for other allowances based on the terms of allowance programs put in place. Although we believe that sufficient experience and history exists to make reasonable estimates as to such accruals and allowances, actual results can differ depending on market conditions.

        Impairment Accounting.    The recoverability of goodwill is reviewed on an annual basis during the fourth quarter. Additionally, the recoverability of goodwill, long-lived tangible, and certain intangible assets is reviewed when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.

        Initial goodwill impairment review begins with the estimate of fair value of each reporting unit generally based on an industry metric such as the ratio of enterprise value (commonly defined as market capitalization, plus long-term debt, less cash) to Adjusted EBITDA for the current year and the following year budget. If potential impairment is identified, we may expand the review to take into account expected future cash flows in subsequent years. Similarly, when we test for impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill we initially review the estimated future undiscounted cash

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flows to be derived from the asset or asset group (collectively "asset"). If it appears that the asset is impaired based on undiscounted cash flows, the estimated fair value of the asset is calculated on a present value basis by multiplying the estimated future annual cash flows of the asset by the then current enterprise value ratio (a discounted measure) or by a discount factor appropriate to the related reporting unit, in accordance with paragraph 23 of SFAS 144. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the asset or goodwill exceeds the discounted cash flow (or other measure of) fair value.

        These calculations are based on inherent assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and appropriate benchmark peer companies or groups. Subsequent changes in these assumptions could result in future impairment. Although we consistently use the same methods in developing the assumptions and estimates underlying the fair value calculations, such estimates are uncertain by nature and can vary from actual results. For example, if the peer group multiples used in 2004 had been 10% lower, no additional goodwill impairment would have been recorded. However, if the peer group multiples used in 2003 had been 10% lower, we might have had an additional goodwill impairment of approximately $8.0 million in one of our reporting units. As noted above, if we had discovered such a potential impairment we might have expanded the review to prepare more detailed estimates of future cash flows in subsequent years which might have resulted in a different impairment assessment.

        We have not to date had circumstances occur that caused us to review the values of individual long-lived assets for impairment. However, in 2004 and 2003 we did review for impairment the assets of an entire reporting unit within our Electronics segment. Had the calculation multiple in 2003 or the future cash flow estimates in 2004 been 10% lower, we would have recorded an additional impairment in this reporting unit of approximately $3.5 million in 2003 and $1.1 million in 2004.

        Business Combinations — We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting as required by SFAS 141 Business Combinations. Under the purchase method of accounting we are required to allocate the purchase price to the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Examples of material estimates from our previous acquisitions are:

•

The fair values of work-in-process and finished goods inventories are estimated based on selling price less selling profit. The calculation of selling profit requires a judgment on the relative margins derived from manufacturing vs. marketing efforts.



•

The fair value of property, plant and equipment can be estimated by a variety of methods taking into account market values, replacement cost, and remaining useful life. Although market value and replacement cost is sometime readily obtainable, often this requires judgment, as does determining the estimated remaining useful life. When we believe that property, plant and equipment acquired will be material to our overall balance sheet, or that fair value might represent a significant difference from the historical cost (net of accumulated depreciation) of such assets, we have engaged an independent appraiser to provide us with expert advice on such estimates, as we have done in our recent acquisitions of Dynamit Nobel and Groupe Novasep. However, it is not uncommon for appraisers to differ on the valuation of items (such as manufacturing equipment) where a ready secondary market does not exist.



•

The fair value of identifiable intangible assets such as patents and other intellectual property, customer lists, and trademarks, can be estimated by discounted cash flow and return on royalties. The process utilized to identify intangible assets is consistent with the requirements of SFAS 141. When considered material, we have engaged an independent appraiser to provide expert advice in the identification of intangible assets acquired, valuation of such assets and determination of the estimated useful life. An independent appraiser, with

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management's oversight and input, is required to make judgments and estimates that could cause such appraisals to differ from those of other appraisal experts.

•

In order to determine the fair value of intangible assets and other long terms assets, a discount rate and royalty rate is determined in conjunction with our independent appraiser. As we

are not a publicly traded company, the discount rate is based on the capital structure and a beta analysis of our closest peers in order to determine the weighted average cost of capital. The royalty rate is based on professional judgment taking into consideration the type of product, market and perceived strength. The discount rate and royalty rate has a material impact on the determination of the fair value.

•

Purchase accounting often involves the same critical estimates that are required in our ordinary course of business including estimates of the following items:



•

Deferred tax asset or liability



•

Pension liability



•

Restructuring liability



•

Legal and environmental reserves

        We use many of the same criteria and outside expert advice when determining the range of potential amounts as their counterparts described below.

        Goodwill is an intangible asset that represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While goodwill itself does not represent an estimate, under SFAS 141 we must assign goodwill to one or more reporting units. Allocation of goodwill to reporting units requires judgments about the relative fair values of reporting units including the fair value of their identifiable assets and estimates as to the present value of future cash flows expected from the reporting units as adjusted by a weighted average and or risk-adjusted costs of capital. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually.

        Some of our business combinations have complex terms that may result in conflicting claims between buyer and seller concerning the purchase price itself. Management is required to assess the probability and amount (or range of amounts) of such claims, and, where possible, determine the most likely amount due. For example, in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, management is currently aware of several claims which could result in an increased purchase price and has estimated a range of $0 to approximately $30.0 million possibly due for such claims, which we expect to finalize during the next twelve months.

        Legal Matters.    We are involved in various legal proceedings, including commercial, product liability, intellectual property and environmental matters, of a nature that can be expected in our business. It is our policy to accrue for amounts related to these matters in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. The probability that a contingent liability has been incurred is regularly assessed by our legal staff, based on periodic reviews of available facts and circumstances for our legal matters, with senior operating and finance management both at the business accountable for the potential liability and at our corporate offices. This is supplemented where applicable by consultation with outside counsel. We do not believe it is informative to quantify past experience at assessing probability or estimating exposure since material matters of this nature at Rockwood often represent unique situations with little applicability to the assessment of probability or estimation of potential liability regarding other legal matters. It is our policy to disclose such matters when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred.

        Environmental Matters.    We accrue costs of a non-capital nature related to environmental clean-up when those costs are believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.

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Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized, and expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or present operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible are immediately expensed. The quantification of environmental exposures requires an assessment of many factors, including changing laws and regulations, advancements in environmental technologies, the quality of information available related to specific sites, the assessment stage of each site investigation and the length of time involved in remediation or settlement. As such, it can be extremely difficult to accurately estimate such costs. We do not include anticipated recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties in our accruals for environmental liabilities.

        We have estimated and established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs. On a consolidated basis, we have accrued approximately $51.9 million for known environmental liabilities as of December 31, 2004. Included in the $51.9 million as of December 31, 2004 is $8.8 million that is discounted using 5.0% discount rate (undiscounted amount equals $13.5 million), and $3.3 million that is discounted using 5.5% discount rate (undiscounted amount equals $5.2 million). Some of these liabilities were assumed as part of business combinations, others resulted from charges to operations when the underlying costs were probable and could be reasonably estimated. Given that these obligations may be paid/relieved over extended time periods (30 years in some cases), charges or credits to operations may be required as information is gathered and estimates refined.

        We have evaluated our total environmental exposure based on currently available data and believe that such environmental matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations. If matters previously identified by management are resolved in a manner different from original estimates, there is the potential for a material adverse effect on operating results or cash flows in any one accounting period. See "—Commitments and Contingencies."

        Restructuring.    We record restructuring charges from time to time that represent expenses incurred in connection with consolidations and cessations of certain of our operations as well as headcount reduction programs. These charges consist primarily of write-offs of surplus assets and severance costs. These charges are based on various factors including the employee's length of service, contract provisions, salary levels and local governmental legislation. At the time a related charge is recorded, we calculate our best estimate based upon detailed analysis. Although significant changes are not expected, actual costs may differ from these estimates.

        For example, we had a headcount restructuring program, initiated in late 2001, with an original estimated charge to operations of $6.6 million. In 2002, after many of the specific restructuring actions took place, we took an additional charge of $1.3 million to refine our estimate. Similarly, we have accrued liabilities of $33.7 million to cover restructuring liabilities for employee severance and facility closure costs in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Although under the rules of purchase accounting, this is not charged to operations, in the event that our estimates of such costs are too low, an additional charge to operations would be required.

        Deferred Taxes.    We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence weighted toward evidence that is objectively verifiable. While we consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances, if we were to determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would increase income (or decrease goodwill for any net deferred tax assets acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition) in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our recorded net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax

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asset would decrease income (or increase goodwill for any net deferred tax assets acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition) in the period such determination was made.

        We have cumulative net operating loss carryforwards in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom. We have fully reserved for net operating loss carryforwards in the United States, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom and certain states in the United States as we have concluded realizability of these net operating loss carryforwards is not more likely than not. The full valuation allowance on the United States federal deferred tax assets was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2004, in accordance with our policy. We have not recorded valuation allowances on our German net operating loss carryforwards as we have considered positive evidence such as forecasted future taxable income based on historical taxable income adjusted for charges which are not indicative of future operations and as the carryforward period is indefinite.

        SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, or SFAS 109, paragraph 105, "requires consideration of future taxable income and other available evidence when assessing the need for a valuation allowance." Various assumptions and strategies (including elections for tax purposes) are implicit in estimates of forecasted future taxable income.

        We believe that, in situations in which future realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on taxable income from future operations, SFAS 109 requires the relative significance of cumulative losses be addressed within the guidance provided in paragraphs 24 and 103. Accordingly, in assessing the realization of United States jurisdiction net operating loss carryforwards for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and, considering future taxable income, we have identified the key elements of both positive and negative evidence and evaluated such evidence by applying the guidance provided by paragraphs 24 and 103 of SFAS 109.

        December 31, 2002—We were not in a three-year cumulative loss position at December 31, 2002, and accordingly used our operating budgets and forecasts in evaluating taxable income expected to be available in future years to overcome the negative evidence of current and prior period losses. Our 2003 operating budgets and forecasts indicated that we would generate taxable income in excess of the minimum amount necessary in order to fully recover the United States federal deferred tax asset. Additionally, our predecessor had been in operation for many years and was profitable in all periods prior to the KKR acquisition and our related recapitalization in November 2000.

        December 31, 2003—As of December 31, 2003, we had three years of net cumulative losses in the United States. Our policy to determine income from future operations is based on determining the normalized annual taxable income, averaged over the last three years. The steady-state analysis used to determine the amount of future taxable income available to utilize the United States federal net operating losses, or NOL, adjusts items included in the financial pre-tax loss which are not taxable (permanent items), represent items considered to be non-recurring items. The steady-state analysis includes material management assumptions that relate to the appropriateness of including non-recurring items. For 2003, non-recurring adjustments in our analysis included:

•

fundamental change in the Timber Treatment Chemicals division of the Performance Additives segment from the EPA-mandated change from CCA to ACQ resulting in an increase in the expected profit margin on the change in underlying sales volume from CCA to sales volume of ACQ;



•

the restructuring charge incurred during 2001 in connection with the KKR acquisition and its resulting organization as a stand-alone company of $9.7 million;



•

the write-off of deferred financing charges related to the 2003 debt refinancing of $38.3 million; and

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•

the temporary differences related to the interest expense associated with the pay-in-kind loans and notes and senior discount notes (the temporary difference is excluded from the steady-state analysis and included as part of the scheduling exercise as an expense in the year in which the temporary difference is estimated to reverse).

        We use this steady-state analysis to determine whether any valuation allowance is required. A partial valuation allowance would be required if there is an excess amount of the net deferred tax asset over the cumulative normalized taxable income during the statutory recovery period; a full valuation allowance would be required in the event the steady-state analysis results in a tax loss. In determining whether there is an excess of deferred tax assets, the measurement period for recovery of the asset begins when the underlying temporary differences become tax deductible.

        As of December 31, 2003, based on our policy and the steady-state analysis, we determined that no valuation allowance was required on the deferred tax assets related to the United States federal net operating loss carryforwards of $78.7 million as the analysis resulted in steady-state taxable income sufficient to generate the minimum amount of taxable income of $3.9 million necessary in order to fully recover the deferred tax asset.

        December 31, 2004—For 2004, based on our policy and the steady-state analysis, we determined during the fourth quarter that a full valuation allowance was required on the deferred tax assets related to the United States federal net operating loss carryforwards of $137.8 million because the analysis resulted in a steady-state taxable loss. In addition, we have recorded a full valuation allowance during the fourth quarter on the deferred tax assets related to interest on the pay-in-kind loans and notes and the senior discount notes. During the fourth quarter, the further weakening of the dollar resulted in significant foreign exchange losses on our euro-denominated debt resulting in a three-year steady-state taxable loss.

        Tax Planning Strategy—We also identified a tax planning strategy as part of our evaluation of evidence needed to rebut the presumption that a full valuation allowance was required for United States NOL carryforwards at December 31, 2002 and 2003. Specifically, we identified the sale of an appreciated non-core business. While the existence of a qualifying strategy often provides more objectively determinable evidence of realization and may be given more weight than a forecast of future taxable income, in our analysis we did not rely entirely on the potential sale because we had other sources of taxable income which were sufficient for us to conclude that no valuation allowance was required at December 31, 2002 and 2003.

        We are committed to buying and selling businesses within our portfolio of businesses as opportunities arise to enhance our overall results. We are committed to selling assets which are non-core and which would generate a taxable gain in the event of expiring United States federal NOL's.

        Stock-Based Compensation.    The sales of common stock and grants of stock options during the year ended December 31, 2004, which are listed in note 12—Stock Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements, were made to management and certain other employees as part of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Accordingly, our board of directors determined that sales and grants would be made at the same purchase price and related exercise price per share paid by KKR and DLJMB. We and KKR had negotiated this price with DLJMB on an arm's-length basis based on our financial condition, historical results of operations and forecasts of the combined entity resulting from the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Determination of Fair Value—At the time the shares of common stock were sold and the stock options were granted, our board of directors determined that the price per share paid by DLJMB as part of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition provided objective evidence of the fair value of the common stock sold and options granted in the 2004 management equity program, and thus did not obtain a contemporaneous valuation by an unrelated valuation specialist.

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        Our board of directors further determined the fair value of the common stock sold and options granted did not change from July 31, 2004 (the date of consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition) to November 30, 2004 (the date the 2004 management equity program was substantially completed) because, among other reasons:

•

our operations and forecasts had not changed in any material respect, largely due to the proximity in time to the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition;



•

uncertainty and risk surrounded the integration of the acquired Dynamit Nobel businesses with our historical businesses; and



•

at the time of the sales of common stock and the grants of stock options, we had not yet completed the Groupe Novasep combination which was subject to numerous closing conditions.

        Subsequently, we performed a valuation of our common stock as of November 30, 2004 using a retrospective approach consistent with the valuation techniques applied in connection with the July 2004 equity investment by KKR and DLJMB. The results of this valuation approach were materially consistent with our board of director's conclusion that the fair value of the common stock on the date of sale or grant was the same as the price per share paid by DLJMB.

        Additionally, we performed an implied market value analysis based on the stock price performance of our eight most comparable peers. In calculating this implied market value, we applied the percentage change in market value of these peers on a monthly basis beginning with July 31, 2004. This analysis further validated the conclusion that the fair value of the common stock on the date of sale or grant at $500 per share was reasonable.

        Based on an expected initial public offering price of $         , the intrinsic value of the options outstanding at December 31, 2004, was $          million, of which $          million related to vested options and $          million related to unvested options.

        Significant Factors, Assumptions, and Methodologies Used in Determining Fair Value—In determining the fair value of our common stock, we are required to make complex and subjective judgments. This determination represents a critical accounting estimate. Specifically, we retrospectively determined fair value as of November 30, 2004 by multiplying the adjusted EBITDA of the combined company on a pro forma last twelve months basis by the same multiple at which KKR and DLJMB valued the combined Rockwood and Dynamit Nobel businesses in July 2004. The enterprise value of the combined company was then determined by subtracting from this amount the combined company's long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, as of November 30, 2004. This resulting enterprise value was then divided by the outstanding number of shares as of November 30, 2004 to determine the estimated fair value per share.

        Significant Factors Contributing to the Difference between Fair Value as of the dates of each grant and Estimated IPO Price—As disclosed more fully in note 12 to our consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2004, we granted 61,120 stock options, each with an exercise price of $500 per share which we also determined to be the fair value of our common stock. We believe the difference between $500 per share and the estimated public offering price is due to several factors that were not anticipated on the dates of the common stock sales and stock option grants and certain events that have occurred, or are expected to occur, and have resulted, or are expected to result, in an increased fair value of our common stock in connection with the initial public offering. They include:

•

Market factors

Successful Initial Public Offerings by Two Chemical Companies—Two chemical companies successfully completed an initial public offering in November 2004 and January 2005. This return of chemical companies to the public equity markets in an initial public offering context bolsters our equity value by significantly increasing our chances of successfully

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completing an initial public offering. Based on the successful initial public offering in the United States of one of these companies, previously listed in Germany, the likelihood of a successful U.S. initial public offering of a chemicals company with significant European operations, such as Rockwood, increased significantly.

Completion of the Initial Public Offering—The completion of an initial public offering will increase the value of our common stock due to the resulting significant increase in liquidity and marketability. In addition, due to the planned repayment of our pay-in-kind loans and redemption of our pay-in-kind notes and senior discount notes, which have a high rate of interest and due to the significant reduction in the cost of equity as a public company, we believe our weighted average cost of capital will decline contributing to a higher valuation of our common stock.

•

Business factors

Reduced Leverage—The application of a substantial portion of the net proceeds of the initial public offering to reduce our substantial leverage will improve our liquidity significantly. This will positively affect the "net equity value," increasing the overall fair value of the common stock.

Successful Integration of Dynamit Nobel.    The integration risk associated with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition has been largely eliminated since the time of the sales of common stock and grants of stock options.

Completion of the Groupe Novasep Combination.    On December 31, 2004, one of our subsidiaries completed the Groupe Novasep combination. We believe this combination improved the value of this segment and our overall value.

        There have been no stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 2004 through the date of this filing.

        Pensions, Postemployment and Postretirement Costs.    In connection with the KKR acquisition, the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, and the acquisition of the pigments and dispersion business of Johnson Matthey as well as the Groupe Novasep combination, Rockwood assumed responsibility for the pension and postretirement benefits for substantially all of the employees of the businesses acquired that were active as of the date of the applicable acquisition or combination. For the KKR and pigments and dispersion business acquisitions, obligations related to retired and terminated vested employees as of such date remained the responsibility of the seller, and accordingly, these obligations are not reflected in our financial statements. Defined benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions. Postretirement benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Postemployment benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 112, Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits.

        The measurement of our pension obligations, costs and liabilities is dependent on a variety of assumptions used by our actuaries. These assumptions include estimates of the present value of projected future pension payments to all plan participants, with consideration to the likelihood of potential future events such as salary increases (due to marketplace conditions and/or inflation) and demographic experience (such as retirement and mortality rates). These assumptions may have an effect on the amount and timing of future contributions or benefit payments. For funded plans, the plan trustee obtains an independent valuation of the fair value of pension plan assets and prepares estimates of expected returns based on target asset allocations multiplied by current marketplace rates of return for comparable assets. We base the discount rate assumption on investment yields available at year-end on AA-rated corporate long-term bonds. The effects of actual results differing from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and therefore are likely to

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affect our recognized expense in those periods. We cannot predict these bond yields or investment returns and therefore cannot reasonably estimate whether adjustments to our stockholders' equity for minimum pension liability in subsequent years will be significant.

        Estimated sensitivity of our pension funded status and stockholders' equity and annual pension expense to a 0.25% increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption is shown below as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004. The estimates were based on inquiries of the actuaries of plans representing approximately 80% of total pension funded status as of December 31, 2004. Remaining plans are assumed to have similar sensitivities. The December 31, 2004 funded status and stockholders' equity are affected by assumptions as of December 31, 2004 while 2004 annual pension expense is affected by December 31, 2003 assumptions:

		As of December 31, 2004
($ in millions)		U.S. Plans Funded Status		Non-U.S. Plans Funded Status		Equity		2004 Pension Expense
Impact of a Change in Discount Rate*
+25 basis points		1.2		21.4		(12.6	)	(0.5	)
-25 basis points		(1.2	)	(22.2	)	13.7		0.5

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*

Based on sensitivities provided by actuaries for the main German and United Kingdom schemes. Other counties plan are assumed to have similar sensitivities.

         As shown above, changes in the discount rate can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans and stockholders' equity. As noted above, the funded status and stockholders' equity of our funded plans might also be significantly affected by assumptions concerning expected return of plan assets. However, given that most of our pension obligations do not require funding, such sensitivity would be significantly less.

Effects of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        On July 31, 2004, we implemented SFAS 150 and Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") interpretation ("FIN") 46R. We implemented these as a result of the completion of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition on that same date; the Company did not previously implement these because they were not relevant prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. Implementation of these accounting standards has had no significant impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. These instruments are reported as a liability and accounted for at their fair value. Stock options and convertible bonds issued as remuneration are exempted from this standard. SFAS 150 is applicable to financial instruments issued or modified after May 31, 2003. The valuation rules pertaining to certain financial instruments are not applicable until further notice owing to FASB Staff Position No. 150-3 Effective Date Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest under FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. FIN 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (revised) provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved though means other than through voting rights ("variable-interest entity") and how to determine when an entity is the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate a variable-interest entity.

        We plan to implement the financial accounting standards listed below on January 1, 2006. We do not expect any significant impact on our financial position, results of operation, or cash flows

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from the implementation of SFAS 151 and SFAS 153, although we are still in the process of evaluating SFAS 123R as to its potential impact, if any.

SFAS 151		Inventory Costs
SFAS 153		Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets
SFAS 123R		Share Based Payment

        SFAS 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This standard requires such items be recognized as current-period charges and is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005.

        SFAS 153 eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This standard is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005.

        SFAS 123R revises SFAS 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R requires entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. This standard eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for share based payments as previously provided in APB 25. This standard is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2006. As we are not yet a publicly traded equity company, we will apply SFAS 123R on a prospective basis. As such, new awards, modifications to existing awards, repurchases or cancellations subsequent to February 11, 2005 (the date on which we filed our Form S-1) will be accounted for in accordance with SFAS 123R on the modified prospective basis.

        In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 106-2 Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. This guidance supersedes FSP 106-1 issued in January 2004 and clarifies the accounting and disclosure requirements for employers with postretirement benefit plans that have been or will be affected by the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act"). The Act introduces two new features to Medicare that an employer needs to consider in measuring its obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit costs. The effective date for the new requirements was the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004. The adoption of FSP 106-2 did not have a material impact on us.

About Market Risk

        We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through regular operating and financing activities and through the use of derivatives. When used, derivatives are employed as risk management tools and not for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

        We had $556.0 million of variable rate debt (after hedging) outstanding as of December 31, 2004 at the then applicable exchange rate. Any borrowings under our revolving credit facility will also be at a variable rate. We are not required under the terms of any of our long-term debt facilities to hedge, or otherwise protect against interest rate fluctuation in our variable rate debt. In August 2004, we entered into two derivative contracts to hedge interest rate risk, which currently cover notional amounts of $652.6 million and €486.0 million. These derivative contracts effectively

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convert the senior secured credit facilities to fixed rate obligations, currently at weighted average interest rates of 6.14% and 6.37%, respectively. The maturity date of the U.S. dollars hedge is July 2007, and the maturity date of the euro hedge is July 2008. We may in the future consider adjusting the amounts covered by these derivative contracts to better suit our new capital structure. Each 0.125% increase or decrease in the assumed weighted average interest rate would change the annual pro forma interest expense by $0.7 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

        We conduct operations in many countries around the world. Our results of operations are subject to both currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. We operate a geographically diverse business, with 50% of our pro forma net sales in 2004 generated from customers in Europe, 34% in North America (predominately in the United States) and 16% from the rest of the world based upon customer ship-to locations. Our diverse and extensive customer base is served by over 99 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries. Although we sell and manufacture our products in many countries, our sales and production costs are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars and euros. Our results of operations and financial condition are therefore impacted by the fluctuation of the euro against our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. As a result of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, a significantly larger portion of our sales and production costs is now denominated in euros. This increases the impact of the fluctuation of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

        We incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into either a purchase or sale transaction using a currency other than the local currency of the transacting entity. Gains and losses on currency transactions are included in operating income and do impact our operating margins. With respect to currency translation risk, our financial condition and results of operations are measured and recorded in the relevant domestic currency and then translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. Gains and losses on currency translations are recorded in our financial statements as a component of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and do not impact our operating margins. Exchange rates between these currencies and U.S. dollars in recent years have fluctuated significantly and may do so in the future.

        Our financial results are subject to the effect of currency fluctuations on the translation of our euro-denominated debt. Our senior secured credit facilities currently include €484.3 million (or $658.3 million) of euro-denominated debt, based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2004. Gains and losses on the translation of debt denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the borrower are included as a separate component of "other income (expenses)" in our statement of operations and "accumulated other comprehensive income" in our balance sheet. We had previously entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps, with a June 30, 2004 notional amount of $75.0 million that effectively converted U.S. dollar LIBOR-based debt into euro LIBOR-based debt. Gains and losses on these swaps have been included in interest expense. We settled $53.4 million of these swaps simultaneously with the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

        Also, in connection with the offering of the 2014 notes, we entered into cross currency interest rate swaps with a five year term and a notional amount of €155.6 million that effectively convert the U.S. dollar fixed rate debt in respect of the 2014 dollar-denominated notes sold into euro fixed rate debt. We designated this contract as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in its euro-denominated operations.

Commodity Price Risk

        We are subject to commodity price risk for certain of our raw materials. We have not materially hedged this commodity price exposure to date.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL ACQUISITION

        The following contains a summary of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and the sale and purchase agreement that Group entered into in contemplation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. The description of the sale and purchase agreement is generalized and not complete.

        On April 19, 2004, certain subsidiaries of Group entered into a sale and purchase agreement with mg technologies ag and its subsidiary, MG North America Holdings Inc., to acquire its wholly-owned specialty chemicals and advanced materials business, Dynamit Nobel. We paid approximately €1,635.0 million (or $1,968.5 million based on the July 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.2040), in cash, and assumed debt of $315.1 million and cash acquired of $9.6 million for the businesses acquired. This price remains subject to a possible post-closing adjustment. The acquisition was consummated on July 31, 2004.

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, Group entered into senior secured credit facilities and a senior subordinated loan facility, and we received an equity contribution of $425.0 from affiliates of KKR and DLJMB. In addition, Rockwood Specialties International, Inc. exchanged its outstanding dollar-denominated pay-in-kind notes (including additional pay-in-kind notes issued in connection with interest payments on these notes) for euro-denominated pay-in-kind notes, after the repayment in cash of $20.0 million of such additional pay-in-kind notes with part of the proceeds of the equity contribution from affiliates of KKR and DLJMB.

        In October 2004, Group refinanced a portion of its borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility with additional term loan borrowings under an amendment to the senior secured credit facilities and in November 2004, refinanced the remaining borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility with proceeds from the issuance of the 2014 notes. In December 2004, Group refinanced all of its borrowings under the tranche B term loans with new borrowings of the same aggregate principal amount bearing lower interest rate under the tranche D term loans in order to reduce its interest expense.

        In addition, in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, pursuant to the 2004 management equity program, members of our management and certain other employees have made cash equity investments of approximately $7.0 million in us. As a result of these equity contributions, affiliates of KKR, DLJMB and members of our management and certain other employees currently hold approximately 69.6%, 19.7% and 8.8%, respectively, of our common stock, on a fully-diluted basis and, after giving effect to this offering, would hold approximately    %,    % and    %, respectively.

Sale and Purchase Agreement

        The sale and purchase agreement contains customary seller representations and warranties of mg technologies ag and MG North America Holdings Inc., limited buyer representations and warranties of certain of our subsidiaries that are parties and customary covenants and other agreements between mg technologies and MG North America Holdings and the buyers.

        The sale and purchase agreement contains several indemnification provisions for certain liabilities relating to the companies, businesses and assets that we acquired.

Indemnity for Breaches of Representations and Warranties

        The sale and purchase agreement provides that mg technologies will and, in the event that a representation or warranty of MG North America Holdings Inc. turns out to be inaccurate, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings will indemnify us against damages arising from breaches of their representations and warranties.

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        The sale and purchase agreement does not allow us to make a claim for indemnification for any loss or damage relating to a breach of a representation or warranty unless the losses or damages for any claim or series of related claims exceed €250,000 (other than for losses relating to specified representations and warranties). The sellers' indemnification obligations with respect to breaches of representations and warranties are subject to a deductible for the first €20.0 million in damages (other than for losses relating to breaches of specified representations and warranties not subject to the deductible) and a cap of €400.0 million (other than for losses relating to breaches of specified representations and warranties not subject to this cap).

        The indemnification obligations are limited in certain respects. In particular, we are not able to seek indemnification based on a claim of breach of a representation or warranty if the extent of such breach (inaccuracy of the representation or warranty) was disclosed in the due diligence materials provided to us.

        The sale and purchase agreement further provides that mg technologies will be strictly liable for indemnifying us against any claims, losses and damages incurred by us after the date of the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition arising out of:

•

any parts of the business that were sold or carved-out of the acquired businesses with effect between December 31, 2003 and the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition;



•

obligations or liabilities of any of the companies acquired by us to pay any brokerage or finder's fees;



•

mg technologies' non-compliance with any of the pre-closing covenants; or



•

claims for damages made against any of the companies acquired by us by the government of Singapore in relation to the sale of short-range anti-armor weapons.

Tax Indemnity

        The sale and purchase agreement provides for a tax indemnity pursuant to which mg technologies ag and its subsidiary, MG North America Holdings Inc., among other things, are obligated to indemnify us, subject to certain limits and exclusions, for certain tax liabilities that arise as a consequence of actions occurring prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, as well as certain other events.

Environmental Indemnity

        The sale and purchase agreement provides for an environmental indemnity setting out environmental related matters in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. The environmental indemnity provides that mg technologies ag and MG North America Holdings Inc., will indemnify us and our subsidiaries for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to the contamination of our or our subsidiaries' properties, if notified within ten years. If mg technologies' and MG North America Holdings' responsibility for contamination matters cannot be proven, a sliding scale reduces the percentage further for each year during the five-year period from year six to ten. mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are also obligated to indemnify us for 85% of claims related to legacy site matters, such as environmental matters relating to properties or businesses owned or operated by Dynamit Nobel prior to, but not on, the closing of Dynamit Nobel acquisition, if notified within ten years. In addition, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves for operational compliance matters, if notified by December 31, 2006, and 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related

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to certain environmental damage claims if notified within ten years. All of these indemnity obligations are subject to different minimum per-claim thresholds depending on whether the matter was disclosed or not, and on the subject matter, ranging between €100,000 and €750,000 depending on the type of claim. The indemnity obligations are further subject to certain deductibles, exclusions and limitations.

        Furthermore, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for certain environmental risks arising from certain "shared site" structures for a duration of ten years. This indemnity obligation is not subject to the percentages, de minimis and thresholds described above, and it is not subject to most of the general limitations.

        In the event we seek indemnity under any of these obligations, there can be no assurance that mg technologies and MG North America Holdings will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities.

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BUSINESS

General

        We are a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, high value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials. We believe we have leading market positions in most of our businesses, including lithium compounds, fiber anatase titanium dioxide, color pigments and services, ceramic-on-ceramic components used in hip joint prostheses systems and next generation wood protection products.

        We have a number of high growth businesses such as Advanced Ceramics, Specialty Chemicals and Performance Additives, which are complemented by a diverse portfolio of businesses that historically have generated stable revenues. Our margins, strong cash flow generation, capital discipline and ongoing productivity improvements provide us with a platform to capitalize on market growth opportunities.

        Our products consist primarily of inorganic chemicals and solutions and engineered materials. They are often customized to meet the complex needs of our customers and to enhance the value and performance of their end products by improving performance, providing essential product attributes, lowering costs or making them more environmentally friendly.

        We generally compete in niche markets in a wide range of end-use markets, including construction, life sciences (including pharmaceutical and medical markets), electronics and telecommunications, metal treatment and general industrial and consumer products markets. No single end-use market accounted for more than 19% of our 2004 pro forma net sales.

        We operate globally, manufacturing our products in over 99 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries and selling our products and providing our services to more than 60,000 customers. Our customers include some of the world's preeminent companies, such as Alcoa Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, DaimlerChrysler AG, E.I. duPont de Nemours & Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Motorola Inc., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Rohm and Haas Company and The Sherwin-Williams Company. We believe our products are generally critical to our customers' products' performance, but account for a small percentage of the total cost of their products. No single customer accounted for more than 2% of our 2004 pro forma net sales.

        On July 31, 2004, we acquired the specialty chemicals and advanced materials businesses of Dynamit Nobel. See "Dynamit Nobel Acquisition." Through this acquisition, we have created a further diversified portfolio of distinct specialty chemicals and advanced materials businesses, combining two companies with similar service-driven cultures focused on high margins; expertise in inorganic chemistry; stable profitability; growth platforms and proven management teams. In addition, we believe the Dynamit Nobel acquisition bolsters our leading competitive positions by enhancing our ability to develop innovative products and solutions for our customers, expanding our technological knowledge and further reducing our exposure to any particular raw material or end-use market.

        Following the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we operate our business through seven business segments. They are: (1) Performance Additives; (2) Specialty Compounds; (3) Electronics; (4) Specialty Chemicals; (5) Titanium Dioxide Pigments; (6) Advanced Ceramics; and (7) Groupe Novasep. The following table sets forth for each of our seven segments pro forma net sales of such

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segment and the percentage of our pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004, as well as our principal products and our principal end-use markets.

			2004 Pro Forma Net Sales
Segment			$ in Millions			% of Total		Principal Products				Principal End-Use Markets
Performance Additives			$	674.8		23%		• • • • •		Iron oxide pigments Wood protection products Inorganic chemicals Synthetic and organic thickeners Branded specialty pool and spa performance chemicals		• • • • •		Residential and commercial construction, coatings and plastics Coatings Personal care, paper manufacturing, foundries Pool products distributors, golf courses, agriculture
Specialty Compounds			$	200.4		7%		•		High specification compounds such as PVC and TPE		•		Voice and data transmission cables, food and beverage packaging, medical devices, footwear and automotive
Electronics			$	168.1		6%		• • •		High purity chemicals and printed circuit board chemicals Photo-imaging masks Recycling and repair service		•		Semi-conductors and printed circuit board manufacturing
Specialty Chemicals			$	759.6		26%		• • •		Lithium compounds and chemicals Metal surface treatment chemicals including corrosion protection/prevention oils Synthetic metal sulfides		• • • • • • •		Automotive—Pre-coating metal treatment and car body pre-treatment Steel and metal working Life sciences (pharmaceutical synthesis and polymers) Polymerization initiators for elastomers Aerospace Greases and glass manufacturing Mobile batteries
Titanium Dioxide Pigments			$	422.0		14%		• • • •		Titanium dioxide pigments Barium compounds Zinc compounds Flocculants		• • • • • •		Synthetic fibers for clothing Plastics Paper Paints and coatings Pharmaceutical contrast media Water treatment
Advanced Ceramics			$	349.5		12%		• • • •		Ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in hip joint prostheses systems Ceramic tapes Cutting tools Other ceramic components		• • •		Medical (Hip replacement surgery) Mechanical systems Electronics
Groupe Novasep			$	338.6		12%		• •		Pharmaceuticals compounds (advanced intermediates and active ingredients) Equipment engineering and manufacturing		• • •		Pharmaceuticals Agro chemicals Flavors and fragrances
	Total		$	2,913.0		100%

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Business Strengths

        Leading market positions.    We believe that we hold leading market positions within most of our businesses. We believe that based on our 2004 pro forma net sales, we have leading market positions for the following products in each of our seven segments:

Operating Segment		Products				Market Position
Performance Additives		•		synthetic iron oxide pigments		one of top 3 globally
		•		wood protection products		one of top 3 globally
Specialty Compounds		•		value-added thermoplastics compounds for use in high-end data and video communication wire and cable		#1 in North America
Electronics		•		chemicals for the printed circuit board industry		a leading producer in Taiwan
		•		high purity chemicals for the semiconductor industry		a leading producer in Europe
Specialty Chemicals		•		lithium compounds and chemicals		#1 globally
		•		metal surface treatment chemicals and related services		#2 globally
Titanium Dioxide Pigments		•		anatase titanium dioxide pigment for the synthetic fiber manufacturing industry		#1 globally
		•		zinc- and barium-based pigments		a leading global producer
Advanced Ceramics		•		ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in hip joint prostheses systems		#1 globally
		•		ceramics cutting tools		#1 in Europe
Groupe Novasep		•		hazardous chemistry and chiral technologies for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds		a leading global producer

        Specialty businesses in niche markets with significant barriers to entry.    We believe that nearly all of our businesses operate in niche markets protected by significant barriers to entry, including the following:

•

Customized products and solutions. We develop and manufacture products that meet specific customers' performance requirements. For example, our Performance Additives segment provides specialized pigments and color formulations to specific customers by producing synthetic iron oxide pigments in a wide range of colors, grades and physical forms to serve the construction, paints and coatings and specialty applications markets. Our Specialty Chemicals segment provides lithium compounds that are tailored to specific customer applications, including lithium batteries and high performance greases. In addition, our Groupe Novasep segment manufactures compounds for the life sciences industry through customized production processes, which are, in most cases, tailored to client-specific processes or special technologies such as hazardous chemistry and chiral separation.



•

Technological know-how and expertise. We use our technological know-how to improve and develop innovative products to meet our customers' specific requirements and needs. For example, our Performance Additives segment recently developed a proprietary chemical formulation known as Clearwood that acts as a fungicide, insecticide and water repellant to improve the performance of wood windows and doors. In addition, in our Advanced Ceramics segment, we produce ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in FDA-approved hip joint prostheses systems in the United States.

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Significant switching costs. We believe that many of our customers would experience significant disruption and costs if they were to switch to another supplier. For example, in our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, our specialty titanium dioxide pigments represent a small portion of the production cost of our customers' products; however, we believe that switching to a new supplier by a customer would require a significant period of production downtime. In addition, our pharmaceutical customers purchase our Groupe Novasep products on a long-term contract basis for use as intermediates in manufacturing FDA-approved drugs that, in many cases, are subject to patents.

        Diverse Customer and End-Use Market Base.    We operate a diverse portfolio of distinct specialty chemicals and advanced materials businesses. We have more than 60,000 customers worldwide that cover a wide variety of industries and geographic areas. Of our 2004 pro forma net sales, 50% were shipments to Europe, 34% to North America (predominately the United States) and 16% to the rest of the world. No customer accounted for more than 2% of such net sales, and our top ten customers represented only approximately 11% of such net sales. Our largest end-use market represented approximately 19% of such net sales. The following chart provides a breakdown of our 2004 pro forma net sales by end-use markets:

        Within these end-use markets, there is further diversification by sector, product and region. For example, within the construction end-use market, our Performance Additives segment companies provide materials for new construction as well as companies that focus on remodeling and renovation. In addition, we serve construction materials clients in both the residential and commercial sectors located in North America, Europe and Asia. Within the life sciences end-use market, we serve a number of sectors, including: the medical devices sector through our Specialty Compounds and Advanced Ceramics segments; the pharmaceutical intermediates sector through our Groupe Novasep segment; and the pharmaceutical ingredients sector through our Specialty Chemicals segment.

        Limited exposure to raw materials and energy prices.    We have a broad raw material base consisting primarily of inorganic (non-petrochemical) materials, most of which are readily available and whose prices follow their own individual supply and demand relationships and have historically shown little correlation to each other. Our largest and second largest raw material purchases represented less than approximately 2% and 1% of our 2004 pro forma net sales, respectively, while our top ten raw material purchases represented less than 8% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. Further, our exposure to energy prices is limited as energy costs accounted for approximately 3% of our 2004 pro forma net sales.

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        Leading technologies and strong brand names.    We believe we are recognized as an innovative industry leader in many of our businesses due to our technological know-how and strong customer focus. We identify, commercialize and market new products, which we develop internally or with third parties, as well as license or otherwise acquire. We believe that a number of our products and business brands have gained strong recognition, including the following:

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Performance Additives—Granufin, our patented iron oxide granulated pigment, which provides significant advantages in terms of product handling, color consistency and ease of use when used with our Granumat dispensing system;



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Performance Additives—Preserve and Preserve Plus, our environmentally advanced ACQ timber treatment products, which we introduced as alternatives to traditional arsenic-based chemicals such as CCA;



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Performance Additives—Garamite, our clay-based additive, which is used in the manufacture of fiberglass composites and provides production efficiencies and enhanced performance of the end-product;



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Performance Additives—Cloisite, a clay mineral known as nanoclay, which is used in the production of certain plastics;



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Specialty Chemicals—Ardrox, which provides a complete range of globally recognized products specifically developed for use in aircraft maintenance programs, ranging from daily cleaning to complete aircraft overhaul;



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Specialty Chemicals—Our Gardo products (such as Gardoclear and Gardobond), which provide complete process solutions for all steps of the chemical treatment of metal surfaces, often tailored for individual customers and their applications; and



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Titanium Dioxide Pigments—Hombitan, which is recognized as the world's #1 anatase titanium dioxide pigment for the synthetic fiber manufacturing industry.

        Experienced and proven management team with significant equity interests.    We have an experienced management team with a proven record of financial and operational excellence. Since joining us in 2001, Seifi Ghasemi, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Zatta, our senior vice president and chief financial officer, together with other members of our senior management team, have been responsible for instilling a culture of ownership and introducing several initiatives that have resulted in significant improvement in our business including increased growth in net sales, development of new products, cost reductions, working capital improvements, capital expenditure reductions and improved customer relationships. The heads of our business lines have, on average, over 20 years of experience in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials industry and over ten years at their respective businesses. Members of management and certain other employees currently hold approximately 8.8% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on a fully-diluted basis.

Business Strategy

        Building on these strengths, we plan to continue our existing strategy to grow revenue and cash flow and increase profitability as follows:

        Capitalize on Market Growth Opportunities.    We believe that our leading technology and development capabilities position us to capitalize on a number of growth trends affecting our businesses. For example:

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Advanced Ceramics—We expect this segment to benefit from a growing trend towards replacing plastics and metals with high-performance ceramics. For example, as the only

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manufacturer and supplier to date of ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in FDA-approved hip joint prostheses systems in the United States, we believe that we are well-positioned to capitalize on the global increase in the market for hip implants. We expect this market to grow by approximately 8% per year over the next ten years. In addition, we expect this segment to benefit from the growth in the use of Piezo ceramic components, which are capable of converting mechanical quantities into electrical quantities or, conversely, turning electrical signals into mechanical movement or oscillation, in sensor applications.

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Performance Additives—We expect this segment to benefit from the growing trend toward the use of color in concrete paving stones and other home remodeling fuelled in part by increased exposure at "do-it-yourself" home centers.



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Specialty Compounds—We expect to grow sales of this segment for high-end data and video communication wire and cable applications as a result of our joint development agreement with DuPont to create, manufacture and commercialize new Smokeguard® compounds based on Teflon® technologies.



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Specialty Chemicals—We expect our Fine Chemicals business line to benefit from the increasing use of lithium compounds in the life sciences/pharmaceutical industry. We also expect this segment to benefit from the increased demand for lithium-based batteries for mobile electronic applications. In addition, we will benefit from the trend to replace chrome-containing products with chrome-free technologies in metal surface treatment, such as silane-based systems or our patented self-assembling molecule technology.



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Titanium Dioxide Pigments—We expect this segment to benefit from sales of our newly introduced nano-particle titanium dioxide pigments that are used to provide ultraviolet light protection for plastics and coatings.

        Achieve profitable growth through selective acquisitions.    We intend to continue to selectively pursue cash flow accretive acquisitions and strategic alliances in order to strengthen and expand our existing business lines and enter into complementary business lines. For example, in 2004, we acquired:

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the assets of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. (purchase price of approximately $47.1 million), which strengthened our Performance Additives segment; and



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the assets of the Hamburger Color Company Inc. (purchase price of $3.0 million), which strengthened our Performance Additives segment.

We also completed a combination of the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment (now known as our Groupe Novasep segment) with Groupe Novasep SAS (purchase price of approximately $148.2 million, including assumed net debt, shares contributed and acquired cash), which strengthened this segment.

        In addition, we set aggressive performance targets for all of our businesses and will refocus or divest those activities that fail to meet our targets or do not fit our long-term strategies. For example, in 2002 we divested our pool and spa accessories business and in 2000 sold our U.K. and Irish water treatment business line.

        Apply our proven improvement initiatives to the Dynamit Nobel businesses.    Since 2001, following the KKR acquisition and the arrival of our new senior management team, Rockwood has implemented a series of initiatives designed to increase sales, improve productivity, reduce costs and expand margins. Key strategic initiatives included a decentralization of decision making, enhancing accountability for Rockwood's managers, a reduction in overhead cost structure, a focus on manufacturing productivity and cash generation, selective acquisitions and a pursuit of identified

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organic growth initiatives. These initiatives had positive impact on cash flow and profitability of Rockwood's historic businesses in recent years. We are currently in the process of applying similar initiatives to the acquired Dynamit Nobel businesses:

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Reducing overhead costs. Rockwood implemented measures to reduce overhead costs and eliminate redundancies. At the Dynamit Nobel businesses, we have begun to implement

plans to cut costs, reduce overhead and eliminate duplicate positions. For example, we closed the former headquarters of Dynamit Nobel in Troisdorf, Germany and will close the New Lebanon, New York manufacturing facility of our Advanced Ceramics segment in May 2005 and other restructuring measures at our Specialty Chemicals and Groupe Novasep segments. In addition, we eliminated 37 positions in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. We expect that we will achieve total annual cost savings of approximately $17.0 million, of which we already realized $3.0 million in 2004 in connection with these and other actions;

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Improving working capital management. Since 2001, Rockwood has been successful in reducing its net working capital (accounts receivable and inventory net of accounts payable) as a percentage of net sales by implementing more effective systems to monitor working capital, augmenting further our "just-in-time" inventory management and creating incentives for managers to focus on working capital management. We intend to reduce net working capital as a percentage of net sales at the Dynamit Nobel businesses using the same initiatives;



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Instilling capital discipline. Rockwood implemented stringent controls to help ensure that maintenance capital expenditures are appropriate and that expansion capital is in line with both capacity and market demands. Over the past four years, Rockwood's capital expenditures as a percentage of net sales have decreased from 6.2% in 2000 to 4.3% in 2003. From 2001 to 2003, the average capital expenditures of Dynamit Nobel were approximately 8.0% of Dynamit Nobel's net sales, of which we estimate a majority were investments in growth prospects. We intend to monitor capital expenditures in all of our segments; and



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Increasing productivity. Rockwood improved productivity by implementing metrics that allow it to better track its manufacturing productivity, product pricing and expenses. We intend to continue to improve productivity in the Rockwood businesses and target productivity improvements in the Dynamit Nobel businesses by implementing additional productivity metrics, rationalizing plants and reducing headcount, particularly in our Groupe Novasep, Specialty Chemicals, and Advanced Ceramics segments.

        Reduce financial leverage.    We intend to reduce our financial leverage by using a significant portion of the net proceeds from this offering and a significant portion of cash flow from operations after required capital expenditures and payments to service our debt. We believe that our historically strong cash flow generation will be further strengthened by our organic growth opportunities within our existing markets, combined with our improved working capital management.

Our Sponsors

        Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., or KKR, is one of the world's most experienced private equity firms specializing in management buyouts. KKR's investment approach is focused on acquiring attractive business franchises and working closely with management over the long-term to design and implement value creating strategies. Over the past 28 years, KKR has raised approximately $25.0 billion in private equity funds and invested over $21.0 billion of equity in more

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than 115 transactions. KKR has made an aggregate common equity and preferred contribution of $572.6 million to us since its acquisition of our company from Laporte plc in November 2000.

        The funds comprising DLJMB are part of DLJ Merchant Banking, which is a leading private equity investor with a 20-year history of investing in leveraged buyouts and related transactions across a broad range of industries. DLJ Merchant Banking is part of Credit Suisse First Boston's Alternative Capital Division, Credit Suisse First Boston's dedicated alternative asset platform. Since 1985, DLJ Merchant Banking has invested or committed more than $9.0 billion in 140 portfolio companies. DLJ Merchant Banking is currently investing through DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, which made an equity contribution of $159.4 million in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

History

        Rockwood Holdings, Inc., which was formerly known as K-L Holdings, Inc., is a Delaware corporation that was formed in September 2000. On November 20, 2000, an entity controlled by affiliates of KKR acquired certain specialty chemicals business lines with operations in Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States from Laporte plc, a public company incorporated in England and Wales, which was subsequently acquired by Degussa AG. Total cash consideration paid was $1,175.0 million, plus a post-closing adjustment of $5.6 million.

        The purchase price and related fees and expenses were financed by:

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$520.0 million in term loans under senior secured credit facilities borrowed by Group and one of our U.K. subsidiaries;



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$325.0 million in senior subordinated loans under a senior subordinated loan facility borrowed by Group;



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$100.0 million in pay-in-kind loans borrowed by Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc.; and



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$282.0 million in a cash common equity investment in Rockwood Holdings, Inc. by affiliates of KKR.

        KKR acquired these specialty chemicals business lines from Laporte because it believed it was an attractive business with which it could work to develop and implement value creating strategies. Rockwood retained most of the management of the acquired businesses. However, these businesses had not previously had a central senior management team. Accordingly, in 2001, KKR assisted Rockwood in identifying and hiring Seifi Ghasemi, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Zatta, our senior vice president and chief financial officer. Rockwood also retained Thomas Riordan as senior vice president, law and administration, who had held a similar position with the U.S. operations of Laporte. Following their arrival, Rockwood implemented a series of improvement initiatives designed to grow sales, improve productivity, reduce costs and expand margins.

Operating Segments

        The following describes each of our operating segments, as well as the principal products or principal divisions within each segment.

        Performance Additives (23% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        Our Performance Additives segment consists of business lines which develop and manufacture a range of specialty chemicals that are used in industrial and consumer products and processes to

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enhance performance or create unique characteristics. This segment manufactures and markets products that are based on a focused research and development effort and a strong technology base. Our Performance Additives segment generated net sales of $443.8 million, $477.3 million and $630.9 million (on an actual basis) for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Our Performance Additives segment accounted for 23% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. See note 3 to our and Rockwood's audited consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Performance Additives segment.

Color Pigments and Services

        Our Color Pigments and Services business line is a global producer of synthetic iron oxide and other inorganic pigments in a wide range of yellow, red, orange, blue, black or blended shades, and serves the construction, paints and coatings, plastics, and specialty application markets with powder, granular and liquid grades. Color Pigments and Services focuses on developing and manufacturing high value-added inorganic pigments. The business also offers a number of unique pigment dispensing systems. Color Pigments and Services generates sales from construction pigments, which include colorings for concrete products such as paving stones, bricks, concrete blocks, roofing tiles, ready mix stucco and mortar; from paints and coatings as well as colorants for plastics, paper and rubber; and from specialty applications including security inks, toners for printers and copiers, catalysts and cosmetics.

        Our Color Pigments and Services business line has been driven by product innovation, our brand names and our customer and technical service, including customer-specific color blending. We expect this segment to benefit from the growing trend towards the use of color in concrete paving stones and other home remodeling fuelled in part by increased exposure at "do-it-yourself" home centers.

        An important component of Color Pigments and Services' product innovation has been our patented granulated pigment, Granufin, which, when used in conjunction with our Granumat dispensing system, offers significant advantages to customers over traditional pigment systems in the coloring of manufactured concrete products, such as ease of handling and consistency in coloring. We believe that Granumat is the leading granulated pigment dispensing system worldwide and is a result of Color Pigments and Services' research and development focus on process and delivery systems for its products. In addition, in May 2000 we commercialized our Chameleon dispensing system, which electronically controls the delivery of pigments into ready-mix concrete when used with our liquid pigment product line.

        In March 2003, we acquired the assets of Southern Color Company, Inc. and its affiliates, which expanded our Color Pigments and Services product portfolio into the brick and decorative market segments and provided us with access to the packaged mortar tolling business. In addition, in March 2003, Color Pigments and Services purchased a majority interest in a manufacturer of iron oxide pigments in China. The joint venture manufactures and dry blends pigments and provides us with a continuing source of pigments, as well as an important platform to expand Color Pigments and Services' commercial activities inside the Asia Pacific region. Color Pigments and Services holds a 51% interest in the joint venture.

        In June 2003, Color Pigments and Services entered into an agreement pursuant to which an affiliate of W.R. Grace & Co., which sells admixtures and fibers, distributes our liquid pigments and Chameleon dispensing systems to ready-mix and precast producers in the concrete industry. We believe our combined efforts will provide ready mix and precast customers with added value in the form of colored ready mix concrete.

        In September 2004, we acquired the assets of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc., which included facilities located in Kidsgrove and Sudbury, U.K., and

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Braeside, Australia for approximately $47.1 million. The pigments and dispersions business produces transparent iron oxide pigments and dispersions, color concentrates and complex inorganic color pigments used in the surface and wood coatings, plastics, building materials and print ink markets. In addition, we acquired the assets of Hamburger Color Company Inc., a producer of liquid pigments, which included a facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Principal Products

        Construction Color Pigments and Services.    We develop and manufacture principally iron oxide pigments for manufacturers of construction products for use in the coloring of concrete products, including paving stones, bricks, concrete blocks, roofing tiles, stucco and mortar. Color Pigments and Services' major U.S. brand is Davis Colors and its key products include Granufin/Granumat, Hydrotint, Mix-Ready and Chameleon. Granufin is a unique, dry, micro-granulated pigment that combines the flow characteristics of a liquid with the storage and handling advantages of a powder. The Granumat dispensing system offers a variety of configurations and features designed to accommodate the varying requirements and budgets of concrete product manufacturers. Granufin pigments and the Granumat system improve product handling and color consistency for our customers. The granulation technology used in Granufin is patented until 2007 in the United States. Our Chameleon system, which works in combination with our liquid pigments, automatically weighs, blends and conveys colors into a ready-mix truck using a standard personal computer and custom-developed Windows-based software.

        Paints, Coatings and Colorants.    We also develop and manufacture colored pigments for the paints, coatings, plastics, paper and rubber end-use markets including the brands Ferroxide, Trans-oxide and Colourplex. We produce a wide variety of pigments for these markets that include synthetic iron oxides, corrosion inhibitor pigments, complex inorganic color pigments and process natural pigments such as burnt umbers and siennas. The largest application for these products is colorant used in architectural, industrial and special purpose paints and coatings. Color, ease of dispersion and chemical stability are the primary characteristics of our products, which can be used in a wide variety of both solvent and water-borne systems. We believe that a number of Color Pigments and Services' products are considered industry standards in the markets in which we compete, such as our Mapico yellow pigment for architectural and industrial applications and our heat stable tans, which can tolerate applications requiring high temperature processing, such as plastic compounding and roofing granules.

        Specialties.    Our iron oxide pigments are also used in a wide variety of specialty applications such as toner for large printers and copiers, security inks used to print bank notes, catalysts for styrene production and cosmetics. Each of these markets requires specialized pigments with unique properties which are often as important as the coloring characteristics. For example, printer toners require specific magnetic properties whereas pigments used in cosmetics require color and purity.

Competition

        We believe the global iron oxide pigments market consists of three major producers and a number of other smaller producers in the United States, Europe, Japan and China. We believe Lanxess Corporation and Elementis plc are the only other two major producers in addition to Color Pigments and Services. Competition in this market is based on customer service, product attributes such as product form and quality, and, to some degree, price. Product quality is critical in the higher end of the market on which Color Pigments and Services focuses as inconsistent product quality can have an adverse impact on the color consistency of the end-product.

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Customers

        Color Pigments and Services' key customers include Engelhard Corporation, Oldcastle (CRH plc), Pavestone Company, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Degussa, Unilock Ltd. and Xerox Corporation, each of which has been our customer for at least ten years. Color Pigments and Services' customer base is highly fragmented.

Timber Treatment Chemicals

        Our Timber Treatment Chemicals business line is a manufacturer of wood protection products primarily in North America. Wood protection products enhance the performance of wood by increasing its longevity through protection from decay and fungal or insect attack. Our specialty timber chemicals also add water repellency and fire retardancy to wood products. Timber Treatment Chemicals' products include wood protection products based on our ACQ technology, which was awarded the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 2002, and CCA. Other products recently introduced include Clearwood, our wood protection product for wood windows and doors, as well as a range of specialty additives with fire retardant, water repellent or moldicide properties. Applications include wood protection products used for decking, fencing, playground equipment, garden furniture, house construction materials, utility poles, and other wood constructions.

        Timber Treatment Chemicals also manufactures inorganic chemicals such as nitrates and chlorides for various industrial applications, including chemicals that are added to concrete as curing accelerants and corrosion inhibitors, chemicals that are used for odor control in water treatment, galvanizing fluxes, micronutrients, pesticides, and catalysts used in the manufacture of textile resins.

        Many of our Timber Treatment products are registered pesticides and subject to extensive regulation. In February 2002, the EPA announced a voluntary decision by CCA manufacturers, including our subsidiary, to amend their registrations for CCA to limit use of CCA-treated lumber in most residential settings. In the culmination of that process, in March 2003, the EPA amended the registrations for CCA prohibiting CCA treatment of wood, effective December 31, 2003, for use in most residential settings, including play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways and boardwalks. Similar initiatives were enacted in Canada by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency which imposed similar limitations on the use of CCA-treated wood. The EPA is currently conducting a risk assessment of CCA-treated wood. The results are expected in June 2006. In addition, in June 2001, special interest groups petitioned the Consumer Products Safety Commission, to ban and recall all CCA-treated wood in playground equipment and refund consumers the cost of the CCA-treated wood playground equipment that they purchased. In November 2003, the Consumer Products Safety Commission denied the petition.

        In Japan, the use of arsenic-based chemicals, such as those used in the manufacture of CCA wood protection products, is restricted through legislation limiting the levels of arsenic allowed in rainwater runoff from outdoor wood product storage areas. Due in part to the effect of this legislation, we have been able to attain a significant portion of the Japanese timber treatment chemicals market through our ACQ product line. Various types of restrictive legislation which would further affect the ability to use arsenic-based chemicals are currently being proposed in various jurisdictions in the United States, Canada and Australia. In European Union markets, restrictions were enacted in mid-2004.

        We believe that Timber Treatment Chemicals is a leading provider in North America of new generation alternative timber treatment chemicals, such as ACQ, which does not contain chrome, arsenic or any other chemicals classified as "hazardous" by the EPA. We developed this technology to produce ACQ pursuant to a license agreement with Domtar Inc. and through the acquisition of the Kemwood business from Kemira OY. We have further developed this technology

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and created our own proprietary line of ACQ products under the brand names Preserve and Preserve Plus. As a result, in February 2001, we signed a licensing agreement with Osmose, Inc., another major producer of timber treatment chemicals, to license our proprietary ACQ technology to Osmose. Our ACQ technology is patent protected in the United States through mid-2007.

        ACQ demand has increased following an industry-wide voluntary transition to non-arsenic-chrome-based wood protection products discussed above. As a result, we invested approximately $8.5 million to build a new plant in Harrisburg, North Carolina to produce ACQ. This new plant was completed and commenced full production in October 2002.

        In addition, Timber Treatment Chemicals provides a broad range of technical expertise and services to its customers. In particular, Timber Treatment Chemicals works closely with its customers to assist them in reducing the total cost of their manufacturing process, by supplying timber treatment chemicals as well as treatment equipment, along with technical support.

Principal Products

        We develop and manufacture a broad range of wood protection products, fire retardant and specialty chemicals for use in residential and industrial wood applications. In addition, we provide treatment equipment which facilitates the handling and treatment of wood and chemicals and we provide comprehensive technical support services to timber treaters. Timber Treatment Chemicals' key brands include Preserve, Preserve Plus, Ultrawood, SupaTimber, D-Blaze and Clearwood.

        We also develop and manufacture inorganic metallic chemicals for certain specialty markets. These include zinc chloride-based products, other chlorides, and a range of nitrates and other chemicals. Some of these products are manufactured using by-products from other large chemical companies.

Competition

        We believe that Timber Treatment Chemicals was one of the leading manufacturers of wood protection products in North America in 2004, along with Arch Chemicals, Inc. and Osmose, Inc. BASF Corporation, Kurt Obermeier GmbH & Co. KG and Weyl GmbH are other competitors, particularly in Europe. Competition for wood protection products is mainly based on price, customer support services, innovative technology and product range. In the inorganic chemicals market, we operate in niche areas, and therefore have few overall competitors. Competition in the inorganic chemicals market is mainly based on quality, customer support services and price.

Customers

        Timber Treatment Chemicals sells its products primarily to wood processors who pressure-treat wood. Major customers include Aljoma Lumber, Inc., BB&S Treated Lumber of New England, Coos Bay Lumber Company, Culpeper Wood Preservers, Inc., Eastex Forest Products, Koshii Preserving Co. Ltd., Jeld-Wen, Inc. and Sunbelt Forest Products Corporation. Customers of our inorganic chemicals product line include Degussa AG, Rohm and Haas Company, Nalco Company and W.R. Grace & Co. Each of these companies has been our customer for at least ten years.

Clay-based Additives

        Our Clay-based Additives business line is a developer and manufacturer of specialty clay-based rheological additives. These additives are used in a wide variety of products and applications to modify viscosity, thickness and flow characteristics, keep solids in suspension, maintain levels of coloration with a lower amount of pigment, and collect suspended solids into larger particles. End-products in which these additives are used include industrial and architectural coatings, oilfield

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drilling fluids and carbonless copy paper. The principal end-uses for Clay-based Additives' products are paints, inks and paper-making, household care products, oilfield fluids and other end-uses.

        During the last several years, we have strategically refocused Clay-based Additives' operations by discontinuing or divesting commodity-based, undifferentiated product lines, while providing significant new capital and research and development for the creation of new high-growth and high-margin products for selected industries. As a result, this business line has developed a number of new value-added products and applications. One of Clay-based Additives' recently developed applications is the use of our Laponite synthetic clay as a retention aid in the paper-making process. In addition, we are currently developing new products, including anti-static coatings for paper and variants of Laponite to replace current types of thickeners in personal care products. Other products recently introduced by Clay-based Additives include Garamite, a cost-effective and easy-to-use thickener which provides low volatile organic compounds capability compared to traditional additives used in the manufacture of fiberglass composites; and Cloisite, used in the manufacture of nanocomposite plastics, which are specially engineered composite materials exhibiting superior mechanical, barrier and fire resistant properties compared to traditional plastics and which result in lighter plastic end products. In 2001, our Clay-based Additives business working with General Motors introduced the first commercial exterior automotive application of a new lightweight nanocomposite material based on Cloisite nanoclay on the step assist of the GMC Safari and Chevrolet AstroVan. In addition, in January 2004, General Motors adopted this lightweight nanocomposite technology for the body side molding of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, GM's highest volume car. Although sales of these nanocomposite materials were modest in 2004, we continue to explore additional applications for this product with GM and other strategic partners.

Principal Products

        Coatings and Inks.    We offer a comprehensive line of additives which modify the viscosity, flow and suspension properties of coatings and inks, including Claytone for the manufacture of special purpose coatings, such as bridge, marine and maintenance paints, and architectural coatings, and Laponite for the manufacture of automotive coatings. Our Garamite additives are used in the manufacture of high solids, low volatile organic compounds epoxy coatings for industrial applications.

        Paper-Making.    We serve the paper industry with a product line that includes bentonite retention aids, which are used in the paper-making process to reduce fiber losses and aid in water drainage from the sheet, and an additive which provides fade-resistant color for carbonless copy paper. We also produce a form of Laponite which is used in the production of clear, flexible and moisture-resistant films and coatings with conductive, anti-static and anti-sticking properties, that are used in the manufacture of specialty photographic and anti-static papers, ink jet papers and anti-static packaging.

        Consumer and Household Care Products.    We develop and manufacture a wide range of natural clay-based rheology modifiers, including Gelwhite and Bentolite, for the consumer and household care markets. In addition, Laponite also has functional properties that improve the performance of a wide range of consumer products, such as personal care products, creams, lotions, cosmetics and hard surface household cleaning products for the kitchen and bathroom.

        Oilfield.    We offer a line of Claytone organoclays, which are a type of specially treated clays, for use in diesel and synthetic oilfield drilling fluids, which help to control viscosity and flow properties. These additives also help to suspend the cuttings in the fluid, so that they can be expelled from the well efficiently. We recently introduced a Garamite additive for use in deep well drilling that requires higher performance.

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        Other.    We developed the Cloisite range of clays for the manufacture of nanocomposite plastics. Although Cloisite has not yet been released for large-scale commercial sale, we have entered into a joint development agreement in the United States with General Motors Corporation in connection with our efforts to develop nanoclays for automotive components, such as external trim and facia. In January 2004, General Motors adopted this technology for the body side molding on the 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Cloisite clays are also being evaluated in a wide range of rubber-based formulations for industrial applications. In addition, our Garamite range of clays is used in the manufacture of fiberglass composites.

Competition

        Clay-based Additives operates in specialty markets, and competes based on its research and development capabilities, its ability to produce innovative high-value product solutions and technical support. Our direct competitors in these markets include Elementis plc, Süd-Chemie Ag and R.T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc. We also compete with manufacturers who produce non-clay-based alternatives to our end-users.

Customers

        We supply major coatings manufacturers such as International Paint Limited, BASF Corporation, E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Hempel A/S, PPG Industries Inc., and The Sherwin-Williams Company; paper chemical and paper-making companies such as Mitsubishi Hi Tec Paper; ink-makers such as Sun Chemical Corporation; and oil drilling and services companies such as M-I SWACO L.L.C. Each of these companies has been our customer for at least ten years.

Water Treatment Chemicals

        Our Water Treatment Chemicals business line is a producer of pool and spa specialty chemicals in the United States. This business line also develops and manufactures surface water chemicals. Our pool and spa specialty chemicals, which are primarily non-chlorine based, are all sold under premium brand names as well as private label brands mainly through distributors to pool and spa professionals and retailers that then sell to consumers. The surface water chemicals portion of this business serves the professional aquatic applicator, turf and ornamental, aquaculture, vegetation management and agricultural irrigation industries. In addition to developing and manufacturing surface water chemicals, we offer professional treatment services for lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

        We sell our pool and spa specialty chemicals under a number of premium brands, such as GLB, Rendézvous, Leisure Time, Robarb and Applied Biochemists, as well as under private label brands. In surface water chemicals, our premium branded products include Applied Biochemists, Cutrine-Plus and Aquashade, and we have developed innovative products for surface water treatment, such as Clearigate, an environmentally advanced herbicide for irrigation systems.

Principal Products

        Our pool and spa chemicals are primarily non-chlorine based specialty chemicals such as algaecides, clarifiers, fragrances and foam reducers. Our major pool and spa product lines include GLB Pool & Spa, which offers a comprehensive selection of pool and spa specialty chemicals and sanitizers under the GLB and Rendézvous brand names; Leisure Time, which offers a complete spa water care treatment line; and Robarb, which includes Super Blue, a leading water clarifier with over 20 years of history as a brand. In addition, our Applied Biochemists brand offers a full line of pool chemicals including specialty algaecides for service professionals.

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        Our surface water chemicals include copper-based algaecides and herbicides to control aquatic plant growth, dyes to control aquatic weed and algae growth, and a range of enzyme and microorganism blends for use in septic and waste water systems. Our surface water treatment product lines include Clearigate which is a patented, environmentally advanced herbicide developed to control nuisance aquatic vegetation especially for the agricultural irrigation market. Our Applied Biochemists brand of surface water treatment chemicals includes specialty algaecides and aquatic herbicides. Cutrine Plus is a liquid algaecide which can be used in a wide range of applications, and Aquashade is a line of aquatic dyes which help to control aquatic plant growth in lakes and ponds.

Competition

        We believe that Water Treatment Chemicals is a leading pool and spa specialty chemicals producer in the United States. Other competitors include Arch Chemicals, Inc. and Biolab, Inc. In the surface water chemicals segment, competitors include Baker Hughes Incorporated and SePro Corporation. Some of our competitors are also customers in other product areas. Competition in these markets is mainly based on brand identity, technical competence, price and customer relationships. In addition, a number of the products in the water treatment chemicals market are subject to governmental environmental regulation and registration requirements, which can affect the ability of other manufacturers to offer competing products.

Customers

        The majority of Water Treatment Chemicals' sales are through distributors that then sell to mainly local or regional dealers. We also sell directly to some of the larger pool and spa dealers. Pool and spa specialty chemicals customers include Keller Supply Company, Leslie's Poolmart, Inc. and SCP Pool Corporation. Surface water customers include Cygnet Enterprises, Inc. and Helena Chemical Company. Each of these companies has been our customer for at least five years.

        Specialty Compounds (7% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        Our Specialty Compounds segment develops and manufactures thermoplastic materials possessing specialized characteristics, such as fire and smoke retardance, reduced weight or barrier properties, which are tailored to the specific needs of each intended end-product. These products are grouped into six key end-product areas: wire and cable, consumer performance products, medical devices, automotive components, regulated packaging and footwear. Specialty Compounds segment had net sales of $168.8 million, $176.4 million and $200.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Our Specialty Compounds segment accounted for 7% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. See note 3 to our and Rockwood's consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Specialty Compounds segment.

        Our Specialty Compounds segment focuses on sales of high margin products and operates as a global specialty performance plastic compounding business. We developed and commercialized SmokeGuard, our specialty compound for use in high-end data and video communication wire and cable, which must meet stringent fire retardant and low smoke generation standards. We also developed a compound for beverage closure seals and caps. This new compound prevents ozone from attacking the cap and seal and does not affect the taste of water and carbonated beverages, therefore significantly increasing the shelf life of these beverages. We also focus on thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE, compounds in our consumer performance and automotive products areas. In addition to our product offerings, we provide strong, comprehensive customer service and technical expertise by developing innovative products to satisfy our customers' unique needs.

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        We intend to invest in next generation plastic compounding technologies. For example, in 2003, Specialty Compounds entered into a joint development agreement with E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company to create, manufacture and commercialize new Smokeguard® compounds based on Teflon® technologies to further raise the safety and performance standards for a variety of wire and cable compounds. Specialty Compounds is also working closely with our Clay-Additives business to create a patented composite material that exhibits superior flame retardancy for wire and cable jacketing and sheathing.

Principal Products

        Wire and Cable Compounds.    We develop and manufacture low-smoke vinyl alloys, such as SmokeGuard, which are used in high-end data and video communication, fiber optic and fire alarm wire and cable; halogen-free plastics, such as Sentra, which are used in industrial, aerospace, shipboard or oil rig cables as well as in communication cables; and a variety of TPE compounds, such as Garaflex, which are used in flexible cords, tray cables, booster cables, welding cables and automotive wiring. We believe that there is significant growth potential for the wire and cable product line in Europe as a result of the evolution of a common market standard with higher specifications for wire and cable compounds. Unlike in North America, European wire and cable standards dictating certain safety specifications such as fire and smoke resistance have not yet been enacted. However, we anticipate that European legislation mandating specific guidelines for wire and cable will be implemented within the next several years, providing significant new market opportunities for the SmokeGuard and Sentra product lines.

        Consumer Performance Products.    We develop and manufacture custom-made plastic compounds for use in products such as moldings, sealing gaskets, tool handles, writing instruments and ladder feet as well as other TPE-based products. Our product line includes Garaflex, Garaflex V, Garaflex E, GE Series and GM Series. We have also developed a soft-touch compound, Evoprene, that is currently undergoing approval processes for a number of applications, including synthetic wine corks and seals for consumer storage devices.

        Medical Devices Compounds.    We develop and manufacture a series of high-quality polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, compounds which are used to manufacture products such as tubing, disposable masks, and extraction resistant compounds used to make products to handle blood and bodily fluids.

        Automotive Compounds.    We develop and manufacture compounds for interior and exterior automotive applications such as airbag covers, steering wheel covers, gear shift knobs and boots, handle grips, body side molding and window gaskets.

        Regulated Packaging.    Under the Alphaseal trademark, we develop and manufacture specialty closure materials for soft drinks, beer, bottled water, juice, and other beverage applications which have proven their performance, including purity in taste and odor, consistency in the force needed to remove the closures, reliable carbonation retention, and performance on a variety of molding machine types in various applications.

        Footwear Compounds.    We develop and manufacture a broad range of compounds for unit soles, uppers, mid-soles, slippers and heels for the diverse requirements of the footwear market. Applications include industrial boots, deck shoes, casual dress shoes, snow boots, slippers and athletic wear.

Competition

        Specialty Compounds' key competitors are Advanced Elastomers Systems, L.P., Colorite Plastics Co., DS Chemie GmbH, European Vinyls Corporation, Georgia Gulf Corporation, Norsk

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Hydro ASA, PolyOne Corporation, Teknor Apex Company and W.R. Grace & Co., most of which serve only a subset of Specialty Compounds' markets. We believe that only Teknor Apex is active in all of Specialty Compounds' markets. Competition in specialty compounds occurs primarily on the basis of quality, product innovation and the ability to meet demanding customer and regulatory specifications.

Customers

        Specialty Compounds sells products to a wide range of customers. Its major customers include Alcoa Inc., Belden/CDT Inc., Berk-Tek Consolidated, Coleman Worldwide Corporation, CommScope/ Systimax, Inc., Corning Incorporated and Judd Wire Inc. Each of these companies has been our customer for at least ten years.

        Electronics (6% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        We supply our customers in the semiconductor and printed circuit board industries with chemicals used in the manufacture of semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and photomasks from our Electronic Chemicals business line, photo-imaging masks from our Photomasks business line, and silicon wafer refurbishment services from our Wafer Reclaim business line. Our Electronics segment generated net sales of $147.3 million, $143.6 million and $168.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Our Electronics segment accounted for 6% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. See note 3 to our and Rockwood's consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Electronics segment.

Electronic Chemicals

        Our Electronic Chemicals business line is a producer of process chemicals, known as high purity chemicals, used in the manufacture of semiconductors, with market positions in Europe and Singapore, as well as chemicals used by printed circuit board manufacturers and photomask manufacturers, with market positions in the United States and Taiwan. In addition, we are in the process of expanding our manufacturing capabilities for printed circuit board chemicals in China to enable us to supply this expanding market. We expect this facility to be operational in the second quarter of 2005. We also offer related outsourcing services to manage the process chemical needs of semiconductor manufacturers. Electronic Chemicals' key products include acids, bases, solvents and mixtures used principally for cleaning and etching silicon wafers and printed circuit boards.

        Electronic Chemicals bundles high-quality tailor-made formulations and patented products with technical service and strong systems capabilities. These characteristics also enable us to offer our customers a service we call total chemicals management, through which we are able to manage a customer's supply of electronic process chemicals, including chemicals supplied by third parties, and related logistics.

Principal Products

        Printed Circuit Board Chemicals.    We develop and manufacture chemicals for the printed circuit board industry, such as oxide treatments, electroplating additives, etching technology, electroless copper processes, Co-Bra Bond, the newer oxide replacement technology and a proprietary direct metallization process known as Shadow.

        High Purity Chemicals.    We develop and manufacture a wide range of ultra-pure chemicals used in the manufacture of electronic and computer components such as semiconductors, silicon chips, wafers, and liquid crystal displays. These products include chemicals used to remove controlled portions of silicon and metal, cleaning solutions, photoresist strippers, which control the application of certain light-sensitive chemicals, edge bead removers, which aid in the uniform application of other chemicals, and solvents.

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        Photomask Chemicals.    We also develop and manufacture a broad range of chemicals used in the manufacture of photomasks. Like the high purity chemicals, these products are subject to strict purity specifications, although these specifications are generally not as stringent as those for our high purity chemicals.

        Electronic Chemicals Services.    We provide a range of analytical, logistical and development support services to the semiconductor industry. These include total chemicals management, primarily offered in Singapore, under which we manage our clients' entire electronic process chemicals operations including providing logistics services, development of application-specific chemicals, analysis and control of customers' chemical distribution systems and quality audit and control of all inbound chemicals, including third party products.

Competition

        Key competitors in printed circuit board chemicals are Atotech Deutschland GmbH, Cookson Group plc, MacDermid Incorporated, Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials (Shipley). Key competitors in high purity chemicals include Honeywell International, Inc., Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., Kanto Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. The key competitor in photomask chemicals is Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. Competition in this market is based mainly on customer service, product quality and technological advancements.

Customers

        We supply our electronic chemicals and related services to semiconductor and printed circuit board manufacturers, including Compeq Manufacturing Co. and Motorola, Inc. Both of these companies have been our customers for at least ten years.

Photomasks

        We manufacture photomasks both in Europe and North America under the Compugraphics brand name. Photomasks are a key enabling technology to the semiconductor and integrated circuit industries, and perform a function similar to that of a negative in conventional photography.

        We believe that Photomasks has achieved its success through its technical abilities and product quality, as well as through customer service and its low cost base, both of which have been especially significant in the recent semiconductor industry downturn. We have achieved high standards of specification, quality, delivery and manufacturing efficiency through our use of statistical process control and other advanced manufacturing techniques. Our equipment is designed to serve the mainstream semiconductor industry.

Principal Products

        We manufacture photomasks, which are used as master images to transfer integrated circuit detail onto semiconductor wafers during the fabrication of integrated circuits and other types of electronic components, such as thin film magnetic recording heads and optoelectronic devices, which emit or detect light. In addition, we refurbish and replace pellicles for photomasks manufactured by us and other photomask manufacturers.

Competition

        Photomasks competes primarily with DuPont Photomasks, Inc., which announced it is being acquired by Toppan Printing Company, and Photronics Inc. Competition occurs primarily on the basis of technical specification, product quality, delivery performance, price and customer service and support.

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Customers

        Photomasks' customer base includes many major semiconductor manufacturers such as Philips Semiconductors and Freescale, Inc., both of which have been our customers for at least ten years.

Wafer Reclaim

        Our Wafer Reclaim business line is a provider of semiconductor wafer refurbishment services with market positions in the United States and Europe. Silicon wafers that have been used to monitor or test semiconductor manufacturing processes are generally reclaimed and reused as test pieces. We estimate that three out of every ten wafers used in an established semiconductor manufacturing facility are test wafers.

        We work with semiconductor manufacturers to refurbish used test wafers and return them to the manufacturer for reuse in test and process monitor applications. We also believe that we benefit from the fact that many of these semiconductor manufacturers are also customers of Electronic Chemicals and Photomasks and can gain an advantage from these established relationships.

        In January 2003, we announced a $7.0 million expansion and refurbishment project for our Greasque Wafer Reclaim facility located in the South of France. The project focused on increasing capacity and enhancing capabilities, particularly in the area of 8" (200mm) reclaimed silicon wafers. The project was completed in September 2003. In December 2003, we acquired a majority interest in a wafer reclaim business in Germany that is capable of reclaiming next-generation 12" (300mm) wafers and in December 2004 acquired the remaining interests from the minority shareholders.

Principal Products

        Wafer Reclaim does not manufacture products, but rather is a service business that refurbishes used wafers for global semiconductor manufacturers and returns them for reuse in the testing process. We clean and inspect the wafers, restore surfaces, and remove film from the wafer surface in order to improve the performance of the wafer. We have the ability to reclaim 4" (100mm), 5" (125mm), 6" (150mm), 8" (200mm) and 12" (300mm) wafers.

Competition

        Wafer Reclaim's primary competitors include Hamada Heavy Industries Limited, Kobe Precision Inc., Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co. Ltd. and Rasa Industries Limited and Pure Wafer. We also compete to a degree with manufacturers of virgin test wafers. The primary bases of competition for this business line are quality of service and price.

Customers

        Wafer Reclaim's customers include most of the major semiconductor producers including Atmel Corporation, Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., International Rectifier Corporation, National Semiconductor Corporation, Philips Semiconductors and Tower Semiconductor Ltd. Each of these companies has been our customer for at least ten years.

        Specialty Chemicals (26% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        Our Specialty Chemicals segment, which we acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and operates under the Chemetall brand name, develops and manufactures metal surface treatment products and services, lithium chemicals and fine chemicals for a wide range of industries and end markets. This segment is comprised of two business lines: (1) Surface Treatment, which supplies surface treatment products and solutions for metal processing industries; and (2) Fine Chemicals, which supplies lithium products across the entire value chain from raw materials to specialty lithium

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compounds and advanced metal-based specialty chemicals to niche markets. Our Specialty Chemicals segment generated net sales of $759.6 million on a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2004, or 26% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. Actual net sales for the five months ended December 31, 2004 were $321.1 million. Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the Specialty Chemicals segment generated net sales of $568.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2002 and $659.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. We expect this segment to benefit from the increased demand for lithium-based batteries for mobile electronic applications. In addition, we expect to benefit from the trend to replace chrome-containing products with chrome-free technologies in metal surface treatment, such as silane-based systems or our patented self-assembling molecule technology. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Specialty Chemicals segment.

Surface Treatment

        We believe that our Surface Treatment business line is a leading global supplier of surface treatment products and solutions. Surface Treatment's products are used for a variety of applications and serve the automotive, aerospace and general industrial markets, including steel and metalworking industries. This business line supplies more than 5,000 different products, many of which are based on proprietary formulations and extensive application know-how, to over 30,000 customers and operates in 29 different locations for production and research and development in over 20 countries. Surface Treatment operates along the following four business divisions based on its core end-markets: (1) Advanced Technologies; (2) Performance Products; (3) Automotive Technologies; and (4) System Technologies.

        In Surface Treatment, we develop and supply products and solutions for the chemical pretreatment of metals and other substrates, some of which are customized for individual customers and applications. Our products and solutions are critical to many areas of the metal processing industry because they protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and machining, allow parts to be processed in a clean and grease-free environment and ensure good coating adhesion. Other products are used in the cleaning and maintenance of aircraft. As an integrated part of the business, we also offer a full range of customer services, including process control and analysis of chemical baths at clients' facilities.

        Surface Treatment competes in markets characterized by significant barriers to entry, proprietary manufacturing technologies and know-how, demanding product-handling requirements, rigorous product quality and performance standards and specifications and longstanding service-intensive customer relationships. In order to remain competitive, we are currently focused on developing new products, improving process technologies and expanding our customer base and broadening our technology capabilities in existing and new markets through internal research and development. For example, we have recently introduced new generations of organic coatings for coil manufacturers and iron-phosphating products for the smaller customer market in the United States. We currently have a number of significant joint ventures across Asia, which we believe provide us with the opportunities to further penetrate these high growth regions.

Principal Business Divisions

        Advanced Technologies.    Advanced Technologies comprises three separate units:

Automotive suppliers.    We offer cleaning and pretreatment products and services to automotive parts manufacturers for use in the making of automotive parts, such as axles, seats and other metal components. We believe that products for the treatment of steel and aluminum wheels, including a new generation of products based on self-assembling molecules, represent an attractive growth area in this market.

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Cold forming.    We provide products and services used to facilitate the cold forming of tubes, wire drawing and cold extrusion of metal.

General industry.    We offer a range of products and services to a broad range of industrial end-markets that have metal surface treatment applications, including cleaning, activation, conversion coating and final rinsing. Markets include household appliances manufacturing, can producers, heating, ventilation and aluminum finishing markets.

        Performance Products.    Performance Products serves the largest number of customers among Surface Treatments' business units. In Performance Products, we develop a wide range of products such as cleaners, iron phosphates, coolants, paint strippers and flocculants for diverse end-markets, which include various types of small to medium-sized users of cleaners and other surface treatment products. Our Gardo products (such as Gardoclean and Gardobond) provide complete process solutions for all steps of the chemical treatment of metal surfaces, often tailored for individual customers and their applications. We have recently introduced a new generation of iron-phosphating products in the U.S. market, which we expect will provide growth in the next few years.

        Automotive Technologies.    We provide surface treatment products and solutions for automotive OEMs, including an entire range of products and services for use in the "paint shop" step of car body manufacture. The products and services we provide typically represent a low percentage of total car body production costs, but have high value in terms of corrosion protection and surface quality. Major applications include car body pretreatment (zinc-phosphating) and paint coagulation. Our services typically include intensive process control and chemical management function in the customers' production processes.

        System Technologies.    System Technologies comprises three separate units:

Aerospace Technologies.    We provide products and services for aerospace OEMs, airlines and maintenance companies. Aerospace Technologies focuses on four major application areas: cleaning; corrosion protection; maintenance chemicals; and sealants. Cleaning products are used for the interior and exterior cleaning of airplanes. Ardrox products provide a complete range of globally recognized products specifically developed for use in aircraft maintenance programs, ranging from daily cleaning to complete aircraft overhaul. Corrosion protection products include waxes used to protect airframes. Maintenance chemicals for aircraft engines and turbines include high performance cleaners and products for non-destructive testing of engines. Aircraft sealants provide high technology sealing solutions for airplanes and are expected to contribute significantly to growth in the next few years.

Coil.    We provide products and services used in forming, cleaning and pretreating metal sheets used in the production of steel and aluminum coil.

Glass Technologies.    This business division operates in a very specialized niche market and produces specialty products, which are similar to metal surface treatment products but are used on the glass substrates, for glass manufacturers including specialty cleaners, polishing products, cutting oils and cooling lubricants.

Competition

        We believe that the top five competitors in the global metal surface treatment market held an estimated market share of more than 50% in 2004. We believe that Henkel Surface Technologies is the global market leader, followed by Surface Treatment. The remaining main competitors include Japan-based Nihon Parkerizing, PPG and Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. Competition in this market is based primarily on customer service, product quality and technological capabilities.

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Customers

        Surface Treatment serves a large customer base. Surface Treatment's largest customers include Daimler Chrysler AG, RNUR (Renault), Arcelor and Volkswagen AG. The composition of the customer base varies widely by business division. Advanced Technologies business division serves approximately 7,500 customers globally in a broad range of industries. Performance Products business division serves approximately 39,500 small and mid-size customers. Automotive Technologies business division serves approximately 20 customers, primarily global OEMs, and Aerospace Technologies business division serves approximately 3,500 customers worldwide.

Fine Chemicals

        Our Fine Chemicals business line consists of our lithium, special metals, metal sulfides and rubber chemicals product lines. We believe that our Fine Chemicals business line is the leading global producer of basic and specialty lithium compounds and chemicals and advanced metal-based specialty chemicals.

        Fine Chemicals develops and manufactures a broad range of basic lithium compounds, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium nitrate, lithium chloride, and value added lithium reagents, including butyllithium and lithium aluminum hydride. Lithium is a key component in products and processes used in a variety of applications and industries, which range from lithium batteries, high performance greases, thermoplastic elastomers for car tires, rubber soles and plastic bottles to intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry. In our Fine Chemicals business, we operate our lithium business along the following four business divisions reflecting its core end-markets: (1) Life Sciences; (2) Base Chemicals; (3) Elastomers; and (4) Electronics.

        Lithium brine, which is the primary raw material source for all lithium chemicals, is found in only a small number of locations, including, most importantly, the Atacama Desert in Chile. We have a long-term contract with the Chilean government to produce lithium carbonate from brine in the Atacama Desert, which we believe provides us a secure long-term source.

        Lithium carbonate can be resold or used as a primary raw material for more specialized forms of lithium-based materials. We have developed an integrated, low cost manufacturing capability based on a range of proprietary technologies and advanced equipment, including brine processing technology and aqueous chemistry for a broad variety of lithium salts. In addition to developing and supplying lithium compounds, we provide technical service, including training of customers' employees, for handling reactive and air-sensitive lithium products. We also offer our customers recycling services for lithium containing by-products resulting from synthesis with organolithium products, lithium metal and other reagents. Product quality is critical in the life sciences, elastomers and electronics industries. We believe that these services and our ability to handle highly reactive compounds in large quantities serve to build customer loyalty. In Lithium, we plan to continue to focus on the development of new products and applications. Over the last 20 years, the use of lithium products has grown substantially in a variety of applications, such as life sciences and electronics, largely as a result of innovation and product development. Currently, we are in the process of developing lithium compounds for several near- to medium-term, new and potentially high growth products for applications such as fuel cells, batteries for electric vehicles or lithium-aluminum alloys.

        Fine Chemicals also develops and manufactures advanced metal-based specialty chemicals along two business divisions based on its principal product groups: (1) Metal Sulfides, which develops and manufactures natural and synthetic metal sulfides used in brake pads and clutch facings and cutting and grinding wheels and (2) Special Metals, which develops and manufactures cesium products for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and zirconium barium and titanium products for various applications including the airbag industry. Fine Chemicals is the only

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commercial producer of certain metal compounds, which are used for X-ray image intensifiers and displays for digital X-ray technology. Fine Chemicals also sells accelerators for the rubber industry.

        In our metal-based specialty chemicals business, we are well positioned in the field of metal sulfides and special metals, offering a broad range of products and fully integrated production processes, as a result of which we are a single source supplier for many of our customers. Fine Chemicals benefits from a long-standing expertise in handling, processing and developing new specialty metal products. Fluctuations in purity grades of the products can lead to significant losses in customers' production processes. Fine Chemicals has a reputation among its customers for consistently producing highly customized, quality products. We have had strong sales growth over the past three fiscal years in our metal-based specialty chemicals business, driven by the shift towards synthetic sulfides in brake pads. Currently, we are a major supplier of synthetic metal sulfides for use in brake pads. In addition, we hold several key patents, which, we believe, gives us a competitive advantage in the fast growing synthetic metal sulfides market. In order to further strengthen our competitive position in metal-based specialty chemicals market, we are focused on the production of new variations of synthetic metal sulfides, and new cesium products for organic synthesis. We also continually monitor our customers' industries for potential new applications for our products and often achieve a sole supplier position by being the first to offer our products to potential new customers. In addition, we plan to expand our business by penetrating growth areas such as the United States and Asia.

        We believe that demand for metal sulfides and, in particular, synthetic metal sulfides will increase significantly in the future as a result of the continuing substitution of asbestos-based friction linings, transition from naturally occurring sulfides to synthetic sulfides worldwide and the transition from drum to disk brakes in Asia and the Americas. We also believe that the market for cesium compounds will grow as a result of new applications being developed in the chemicals industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the defense industry and for use as catalysts. As a result of our competitive strengths as a supplier of cesium products for established markets, we believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of this market trend.

Principal Business Divisions

Lithium

        Life Sciences.    We develop and manufacture lithium compounds and other products for life science applications, such as special reagents for the synthesis of drug intermediates as well as for the flavor and fragrances industry. The two principal lithium compounds are butyllithium and lithium aluminum hydride, in which we believe we have strong market positions. Various other compounds include lithium metal, grignard reagents and alkoxides. Development of life science applications usually requires regulatory approvals, such as FDA approvals. Our research and development team often works closely together with research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies, especially in the European market in order to develop products and solutions tailored for the customers' needs.

        Base Chemicals.    We develop and manufacture basic lithium compounds which serve a wide range of industries and applications. Our products include (1) lithium carbonate, which is used as a fluxing agent for enamels, glass and ceramic production to lower process temperature in aluminum electrolysis, and as a cement additive for construction applications; (2) lithium hydroxide, which is principally used in high performance greases for automotive and industrial applications; (3) lithium nitrate, which is principally used in rubber industry and (4) lithium chloride, which is principally used in gas and air treatment.

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        Elastomers.    We develop and manufacture high-technology lithium compounds for use in rubber and elastomer applications. Our main product, butyllithium, is used as a polymerization initiator for synthetic rubber and thermoplastic elastomers. Generally, these products require a high degree of handling, transport and application know-how and customer service due to their high reactivity. We benefit from being a major supplier with butyllithium manufacturing facilities in all three geographic regions with plants in the United States, Germany and Taiwan.

        Electronics.    We develop and manufacture lithium products for electronic applications, mainly for the primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) battery industries. Our major product is lithium metal, which is used as anode material for primary batteries. Lithium ion-based batteries are used extensively in consumer electronics, such as mobile phones, camcorders and laptops. We are currently developing a new generation of conductive lithium salts used for the battery market, which, we believe, has the potential to drive significant growth in the future.

Metal-based Specialty Chemicals

        Metal Sulfides.    This business division has two major product lines: friction stabilizers and abrasive additives. Friction stabilizers enhance the power and performance of brake pads and clutch facings and primarily serve the automotive supplier industry while abrasive additives are additive compounds. When bound with synthetic resin, additive compounds act as active fillers in cutting wheels, enhancing cutting effectiveness and tool life of cutting and grinding wheels and primarily serve the mechanical engineering industry. The demand for metal sulfides is driven primarily by the demand in the automotive supplier industry.

        Special Metals.    In this business division, we develop and manufacture a unique range of products based on special metal compounds derived from cesium, rubidium, titanium, zirconium and barium. These products are used in highly specialized, technology-driven end-applications such as X-ray diagnostic systems, airbags, television cathode ray tube and vacuum lamps and serve various end-markets, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, automotive, electronics and pyrotechnical industries.

        Rubber Chemicals.    In this business division, we develop and manufacture products for the rubber and latex industry such as high-speed vulcanization accelerators that are used in latex and solid rubber production and processing. In addition, this business division produces antioxidants that are used in the production and processing of natural and synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic materials and adhesives, and plasticizers that are used for rubber production.

Competition

        Lithium.    We believe the global lithium market consists of three major producers and a number of other small producers. We believe that we are the global market leader in the lithium market. While we offer a diverse range of products from raw materials to specialty lithium compounds, FMC Corporation offers mainly specialty lithium compounds and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) offers a more limited product line focused on basic lithium compounds. Competition in this market is based on product quality, reliability of products and customer service.

        Metal-based Specialty Chemicals.    We believe that in the metal-based specialty chemicals business, Fine Chemicals has a leading market position in its niche markets. It has a leading position in friction materials and is the only supplier offering a full product range of friction stabilizers and abrasive additives based on metal sulfides. Most competitors only offer single product lines in this market. Key competitors include: Dow Corning Corporation, Frimeco Productions GmbH, and American Minerals, Inc., in Metal Sulfides division and Cabot Corporation and SAES Getters, S.p.A. in Special Metals division. Competition in the metal-based specialty

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chemicals markets in which Fine Chemicals competes is based on product quality and product diversity.

Customers

        Fine Chemicals serves approximately 1,000 customers worldwide in its lithium business and 700 customers worldwide in its metal-based specialty chemicals products business. Fine Chemicals' customers of lithium products include Bayer CropScience, Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC, Energizer and DSM N.V. Fine Chemicals' largest customers of metal-based specialty chemicals products include Bayer, Federal Mogul Corporation, Thorn Microwave Devices Ltd and BASF.

Titanium Dioxide Pigments (14% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        Our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment, which we acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and operates under the Sachtleben brand name, is a leading producer of high quality chemical products with a unique range of small inorganic particles that add significant value to customers' products and enhance the economics of customers' production processes. Titanium Dioxide Pigments comprises three business lines: (1) Titanium Dioxide; (2) Functional Additives; and (3) Water Chemistry. Our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment generated net sales of $422.0 million on a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2004, or 14% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. Actual net sales for the five months ended December 31, 2004 were $175.7 million. Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment generated net sales of $321.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2002 and $381.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment.

Titanium Dioxide

        Our Titanium Dioxide business line is a leading producer of specialty grade titanium dioxide (TiO₂), serving a wide variety of customers in the synthetic fibers, plastics, paints, coatings, life sciences, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and paper industries. TiO₂ is a fine white powder that derives its value from its unparalleled whitening strength and opacifying ability, which is commonly referred to as hiding power. Our Titanium Dioxide business line's principal products include TiO₂ in anatase form, TiO₂ in rutile form and titanium specialties. This business line also provides recycling services for sulfuric waste acid.

        There are two ways of producing TiO₂: the sulfate process and the chloride process. The chloride process permits production of only rutile TiO₂ and is primarily suited for large volume production of standard TiO₂ grades. The sulfate process is capable of producing both the rutile and anatase grade of TiO₂. Approximately 58% of the globally installed TiO₂ capacity uses the chloride process with the remaining using the sulfate process. Unlike rutile grades, anatase grades can only be made through the sulfate process. We employ sulfate process for TiO₂ production and thus, the output from approximately 58% of the globally installed TiO₂ production capacity does not compete with our anatase products.

        We believe that we have a competitive advantage in fiber anatase production and special high margin anatase applications based on our strong technological capabilities, long-term customer relationships and extensive test runs with regular monitoring of product and process parameters. While representing a negligible part of the fiber material cost, TiO₂ application know-how is critical for the production of a value-added product without production interruptions. Due to the process critical nature of the TiO₂ in man-made fiber production, customers demand a longstanding anatase application track record. For over thirty years, we have worked closely with fiber producers on the optimization of their product and processes and as a result we have built up a significant wealth of

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customer-problem solution know-how. We intend to grow our Titanium Dioxide business line by focusing the rutile business on selected markets and applications, increasing production capacity by means of enhancing our manufacturing processes and further developing our titanium specialties business. We expect this segment to benefit from sales of newly introduced nano-particle titanium dioxide pigments that are used to provide ultraviolet light protection for plastics and coatings.

Principal Products

        TiO₂ in Anatase Form.    We develop and manufacture anatase TiO₂ pigments. These pigments can only be produced by the sulfate process and are sold primarily to the global synthetic fiber industry, as well as paper, food and pharmaceutical industries. Our anatase pigments, sold under the brand name Hombitan®, are the leading global selling TiO₂ product for applications in the synthetic fiber industry. For synthetic fiber manufacturers, any production downtime is very costly, and the usage of not perfectly formed or homogenous anatase TiO₂ crystals can result in excessive equipment wear and breakdowns. Therefore, while anatase TiO₂ pigments represent a small portion of overall material costs to synthetic fiber manufacturers, they represent a critical component to the manufacturing process due to quality and value added to the end product. We believe our Titanium Dioxide business line produces a high quality anatase TiO₂ and supplies most major producers of synthetic fibers.

        TiO₂ in Rutile Form.    We develop and manufacture rutile TiO₂ pigments, which are mainly used in special applications such as selected coatings, paints, plastics and laminated paper production processes. In this product area, we are geographically focused on the European market. Rutile-based TiO₂ pigments generally possess performance characteristics different from anatase-based pigments. Rutile-based pigments significantly improve the weatherability and durability of polymer products by providing protection against yellowing and preventing embrittlement of the material. Our rutile grades are state of the art products and are used in applications with high technical requirements. However, given the relatively higher selling price of the anatase-based TiO₂ pigments, we produce rutile-based TiO₂ mainly in order to fully utilize the production capacity of our plant.

        Titanium Specialties.    Our titanium specialties products primarily include "nano-particles", which are exceptionally fine-particled, transparent and easy-to-use pigment formulations that are used across a large and diverse range of applications in small volumes. For example, the specialty grade TiO₂ products are used as UV-absorbers in sun protection cosmetics. In addition, the new nano-particles form the basis for innovative wood-protection products and innovative color variations, by the paints and coatings industry. Other uses include catalysts, gas cleansing, photocatalysts and intermediates for special ceramics.

        Recycling Services.    We operate a recycling waste acid recovery plant in Europe in our production facility in Duisburg, Germany. The sulfuric waste acid, which results from the production of TiO₂, is recycled and used in the production process. This service is also offered to other TiO₂ manufacturers in Europe, and we have a long-term contract with one of our competitors to provide this service.

Competition

        Titanium Dioxide's key competitors include: (1) Fuji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. for anatase-based TiO₂; (2) DuPont Titanium Technologies, Millennium Chemicals, Inc., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Huntsman LLC, and Kemira oyj for rutile-based TiO₂; (3) Kemira, Tayca Corporation, Ishihara Corporation and Degussa for TiO₂ specialties; and (4) captive capacity of manufacturers for recycling services. Competition in the markets in which Titanium Dioxide

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competes is generally based on technological capabilities, product quality, price in rutile form and customer service.

Customers

        Titanium Dioxide's customers include Kronos-Titan, Smurfit, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, BASF Group and Invista Inc.

Functional Additives

        Our Functional Additives business line is a leading global manufacturer of barium-based and zinc-based inorganic fine white pigments and additives. The main function of these products is to improve brilliance of colors and shine of coatings, improve the mechanical strength of plastic parts and prevent degradation due to exposure to light. Our Functional Additives business line serves diverse end-markets, including the plastics industry, the coatings industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Principal Products

        Barium-based Additives.    We produce highly dispersed powders of barium sulfate and are the largest global producer of precipitated synthetic barium sulfates (Blanc Fixe). We provide a unique range of barium-based additives customized for applications in coatings, plastic, colorants, lubricants, PVC stabilizers and thermoplastics, fibers and paper to improve optical, chemical and mechanical properties. We also produce an X-ray-grade barium sulfate used as contrast agent in medical applications, such as X-rays for the stomach and intestine area. The barium-based products also include nano-particle barium sulfates, which are mainly used in coatings and plastics. Barium hydroxide grades are used as intermediates, including for the production of PVC stabilizers and as an additive in phenolic resin synthesis, including for the production of phenolic-resin-based plastics used for sanitary products and electrical insulations.

        Zinc-based Additives.    We believe we are also a leading producer of pure zinc sulfide pigments, mainly used in glass fiber reinforced plastic parts and coatings and a leading supplier of Lithopone, a white zinc sulfide pigment, which is used in plastics and coatings. Lithopone is manufactured by our Huali Sachtleben joint venture in Guangzhou, China.

Competition

        Key competitors for barium-based additives include Solvay S.A., Gruppo Chimico Dalton S.p.A., Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and Chinese barium-producers. Key competitors for zinc-based additives include Chinese lithopone producers. Competition in the functional additives market is primarily based on application know-how, brand recognition, product quality and, to a certain extent, price.

Customers

        Functional Additives' customers include duPont de Nemours, Ampacet Corporation, BASF Group, Akzo Nobel Coatings and A. Schulman Plastics.

Water Chemistry

        We believe that our Water Chemistry business line is a leading manufacturer of polyaluminium chloride, or PAC, and polyaluminium nitrate-based flocculants. Flocculants are added to water to improve its purity before, during and after its use in industrial, commercial and municipal

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applications. PAC flocculants are widely used in public, industrial and swimming pool water treatment and as a process agent in the paper industry.

        We believe we have achieved a strong market position in Europe due to our comprehensive customer service arrangements, well-established brand names, competitive cost structure and innovative products. Customers in this market increasingly prefer full service offers, which include supply of water treatment chemicals together with services. Given this market trend, we believe that our ability to provide full services will help us maintain our market position. We also believe that demand for PAC flocculants will increase as a result of increased demand from the paper industry and moderate growth in public water treatment.

Competition

        We believe that our Water Chemistry business line competes in a €190.0 million niche market for inorganic flocculants in Europe. The relevant market is characterized by production overcapacity and is geographically constrained to an approximately 300 mile radius around the production plant because the delivered product contains 80 to 90% water. Key competitors of this business line include Kemira, Rhodia ECO Services, TotalFina Elf and Israel Chemical Ltd./Giulini. Competition in the water chemistry market is primarily based on customer service, brand recognition and location.

Customers

        Water Chemistry's customers include Sappi Limited, Akzo Nobel, Brenntag AG, LEIPA Georg Leinfelder GmbH and Stora Enso oyj.

        Advanced Ceramics (12% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        Our Advanced Ceramics segment was acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and operates under the CeramTec brand name. We believe it is a leading global producer of high-performance advanced ceramics materials and products. Advanced Ceramics serves four principal end-markets: (1) medical; (2) electronics; (3) industrial; and (4) automotive, with strong market positions in various niche markets such as medical products, cutting tools and mechanical applications. Our Advanced Ceramics segment generated net sales of $349.5 million on a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2004, or 12% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. Actual net sales for the five months ended December 31, 2004 were $146.3 million. Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the Advanced Ceramics segment generated net sales of $224.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2002 and $286.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Advanced Ceramics segment.

        The global ceramics market comprises products and components based on inorganic, non-metallic, microcrystalline materials that are manufactured at high temperatures. The global ceramics market can be divided into traditional ceramics, such as bricks, tiles and white ware, and high-performance ceramics, which are ceramic materials and products optimized for special purposes. High performance ceramics have superior physical, electrical, chemical or biological properties as compared to traditional ceramics and competing materials, like metals or plastics. Accordingly, they have increasingly replaced plastics and metals as key engineering materials. We compete in the high-performance ceramics segment of the market, offering a wide range of high-performance ceramics products from sealing discs for sanitary fittings to ceramic components for hip joint prostheses to injection components for diesel engines based on piezo technology. These products serve the market's needs for materials that are light, strong, corrosion-resistant and capable of performing in high-temperature environments.

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        High-performance ceramics materials include ceramic powders, ceramic additives, structural ceramics and functional ceramics. Ceramic powders and ceramic additives are inputs to the manufacturing processes of structural and functional ceramics. Structural ceramics, also called engineering ceramics, take advantage of the mechanical properties such as hardness and wear-resistance to produce load-bearing or engineered components. Due to their resistance to corrosion and heat properties, structural ceramics are also used to perform under special chemical conditions or at high temperatures. We believe that we are one of the leading suppliers in the structural ceramics market. Functional ceramics, also referred to as electronic ceramics, focus on the unique electrical and magnetic properties of ceramics. Ceramic applications in electronic components, such as integrated circuit packages, capacitors and transformers, account for the majority of today's high-performance ceramic materials. We believe that increasing demand for electronic components will continue to offer significant growth opportunities for high-performance ceramics, such as piezo ceramics. As a leading supplier of electronic ceramics materials, we believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of these growth opportunities.

        We believe that we have achieved success in the Advanced Ceramics segment as a result of our focus on selected segments of the high-performance ceramics market and our close customer relationships. Almost all of Advanced Ceramics' products are made to order, taking into account specific customer requirements. In many cases, our engineers work in close cooperation with our customers during the design and development phase of new products to ensure highest quality and customer satisfaction. Through its extensive experience, Advanced Ceramics has gained detailed expertise and know-how in the applications areas it is active in. We also benefit from a global network of 12 production sites.

Principal Products

        Medical.    We currently serve the medical applications market with two product groups: ceramic components for hip joint prostheses, such as ball heads and liners; and ceramic moulds for high-quality latex gloves. The ceramic components for hip joint prostheses are supplied to orthopaedic implant manufacturers in the United States and Europe. Besides their high wear-resistance and good friction behavior, high-performance ceramics are biologically inert, making them one of the few materials that are durable and stable enough to withstand the corrosive effects of bodily fluids. As a result, high-performance ceramics are increasingly becoming more common for medical applications, such as for repair and replacement of hips, knees and other human body parts.

        We expect the global market for hip implants to grow by approximately 8% per year over the next ten years, with the largest portion of the growth captured by the North American market. We believe that ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants benefit from additional substitution effects as young people and more active elderly people are better suited to use ceramic implants, given their numerous attractive properties. Currently, the penetration rate for ceramic-on-ceramic hip-implants in Europe is significantly higher than in North America because the first FDA approval for ceramic-on-ceramic hip joint prostheses systems was granted only in 2003. However, given the relative superior performance and positive early acceptance levels in the United States, we expect the market for ceramic-on-ceramic hip joint prostheses systems to grow rapidly over the next ten years. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of the growing market as we are currently the only manufacturer of ceramic-on-ceramic hip implant components used in FDA-approved hip joint prostheses systems in the United States to date. Given the difficulties and time involved in obtaining an FDA approval, we believe that we will be the sole supplier in the intermediate term. We also enjoy strong relationships with the largest U.S. and European orthopaedics implant manufacturers. In order to expand capacity and complement our existing medical production facility in Plochingen, Germany, we have started to build a new factory at our

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site in Marktredwitz, Germany, which will exclusively produce medical ceramics and allow us to serve the volumes required by the growing North American market. We expect to commence production in early 2006.

        Electronics.    We develop and manufacture substrates, electrical resistor cores and ceramic tapes as carriers for electronic circuits. Substrates are ceramic plates with electrical, thermal and mechanical properties that serve as carriers in electronic applications. These highly specialized products are used in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, consumer electronics, aeronautics and telecommunications industries. The demand for these products is driven, in large part, by the activity levels of the semiconductor market. We believe that the expected recovery of the semiconductor market, as well as a positive substitution effect for ceramic applications, will increase the demand for our products.

        Cutting Tools.    We develop and manufacture products used in cutting tools, tools and tooling systems. Ceramic material properties such as high melting points, excellent hardness and good wear resistance make ceramics an excellent high-speed cutting tool material. We enjoy a strong market position as a supplier of ceramic cutting tools, tools and tooling systems for high speed processing in the automotive, metalworking and mechanical engineering industries, with automotive OEMs being our main customers. We believe that ceramic cutting tools are benefiting from a positive substitution trend, allowing them to grow faster than the underlying cutting tools market. The longer life and faster cutting speeds possible with ceramic tools allow customers to save costs by increasing their throughput and reducing the downtimes for replacing the cutting tools.

        Mechanical Applications and Systems.    We also develop and manufacture high performance ceramic components that are used in mechanical applications and systems. Key product groups in mechanical systems include cutting blades, drawing and forming tools, drawing cones and capstans, guide elements, precision parts, preforms and friction discs. Mechanical systems include products used in the sanitary fittings and automotive supplier industries in areas where fluids are pumped, compressed or stirred such as bushings, face seal rings, pump components and valve shims and discs. We primarily supply the general industrial machinery, metalworking, automotive and textile industries with a large number of products customized to the customer requirements.

        Industrial machinery has wear parts, such as pump parts and components for paper and textile machinery, which are exposed to abrasive materials and fluids. High performance ceramic components are critical to increasing the durability and performance of machines and plant equipment. The good friction behavior and thermal resistance properties of ceramics reduce the tendency toward deformation of the materials and machinery utilized in production processes.

        Our customers are currently located mainly in Germany and other parts of Europe. However, we plan to expand our geographic reach. For example, we recently opened a new plant in China and plan to grow over the next five years by further penetrating the rapidly growing Asian market.

        Other products.    We also produce various products in other smaller niche markets. Some of these products are used for applications in certain niche markets with limited growth potential, such as electrical/thermal and ceramic metal connections. Other products, such as piezo ceramic components, are used for applications in certain niche markets with significant growth potential the next few years, primarily in the automotive sector.

Competition

        Advanced Ceramics' key competitors are Kyocera Corporation, CoorsTek, Inc., Saint Gobain, The Morgan Crucible Company plc and NGK Ceramics Europe S.A. However, each of these competitors has either a different geographical focus or product strategy with respect to small niche

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applications. Competition in the high performance ceramics market is primarily based on product quality, product specifications and customer service.

Customers

        Advanced Ceramics' key customers include Robert Bosch GmbH, Stryker Corporation, EPCOS AG, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Siemens AG, De Puy Orthodics, MC and Vishay Europe GmbH.

        Groupe Novasep (12% of 2004 pro forma net sales)

        We acquired our Groupe Novasep (then known as Custom Synthesis) segment in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. On December 31, 2004, we completed a combination of the three business lines of this segment that were acquired from Dynamit Nobel (Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, Finorga and Rohner) with Groupe Novasep SAS (which consisted of four businesses: Novasep, Applexion, Orelis and Seripharm). Groupe Novasep specializes in innovative production of active pharmaceutical ingredients from biotechnological or chemical processes, focuses on developing new purification solutions and processes and the design, installation and on site qualification of these innovative purification processes and specializes in large scale chromatography, continuous chromatography processes (VARICOL®), ion exchange and membranes.

        As a result of the combination, we own 79% of the combined company and Groupe Novasep SAS' management owns the remaining 21%. We believe this combination strengthens this segment by joining together Groupe Novasep SAS' proprietary separation technologies with our capabilities of developing and manufacturing advanced intermediates and active ingredients for the pharmaceutical and performance chemical industries. We believe the capabilities of new Groupe Novasep will enhance our ability to meet our customers' demands for higher purity levels, cost efficient solutions, strict regulatory and operational controls, and shorter times to market.

        As a result of the combination, our Groupe Novasep segment consists of two divisions: (1) Novasep Synthesis; and (2) Novasep Process, each of which has a specific technology focus. These two divisions serve customers across the entire life cycle of a pharmaceutical product. Our Novasep Synthesis business line focuses on the custom manufacturing of complex molecules through multi-step synthesis and is comprised of four units:

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Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, which specializes in scale-up and commercial production of hazardous chemistry with special expertise in azide chemistry;



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Finorga, which focuses on chiral technologies, such as asymmetric synthesis and multi-column chromatography, or MCC;



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Rohner, which offers a range of multi-step synthesis products, including transition metal catalysis, or TMC; and



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Seripharm, which specializes in the production of high-potent active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Our Novasep Process business line specializes on the development and optimization of purification processes, as well as the design, installation and on-site qualification of the customized purification systems in the pharmaceuticals and bio-chemical industries. This business line is comprised of the following units:

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Novasep, which offers the development, design and installation of purification equipment and systems for molecules; and

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•

Applexion and Orelis, which offer separation solutions to purify molecules from natural biological sources.

        Groupe Novasep generated net sales of $338.6 million on a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2004, or 12% of our 2004 pro forma net sales. Actual net sales for the five months ended December 31, 2004 were $101.0 million. Prior to the Dynamit Nobel acquisition (and not including Groupe Novasep), the Custom Synthesis segment generated net sales of $307.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2002 and $268.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our Groupe Novasep segment.

Novasep Synthesis

        Modern drugs require multiple steps of production to create the end product. These steps often involve highly complex chemical reactions. While pharmaceutical companies have the technical capability to carry out certain of these manufacturing steps in-house, they also use custom synthesis manufacturers to provide additional production capacity as well as creative chemical solutions to reduce the production cost of the intermediates, reduce time to market, and hence the overall cost of the end drug. Typically, pharmaceutical companies will contract for a certain annual volume of one or more production steps for a particular drug based on their expectations for demand for the end-product. Therefore, custom synthesis manufacturers play a critical partnership role for their pharmaceutical customers.

        The intermediates used to produce modern drugs can be characterized by where they lie in the multi-step manufacturing process. Basic commodity intermediates are used in the early steps of the manufacturing process. These intermediates tend to require simple chemistry, have a low unit cost and can be provided by a large number of custom synthesis manufacturers. Barriers to entry for this market segment are low, and competition is primarily based on price. As a result, an increasing proportion of commodity intermediates are manufactured by Asian companies, particularly in India and China, as these companies have a significant labor and overhead cost advantage over North American and European companies. The later stages of the drug manufacturing process involve greater complexity in the chemical reactions necessary to produce the intermediates and a higher level of customization. A much smaller number of custom synthesis manufacturers have the expertise and available production facilities to offer the requisite level of service and volume to the customers. The manufacturing process for advanced intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients used in pharmaceutical products approved by FDA or other applicable foreign regulatory agencies are also subject to FDA's current Good Manufacturing Practice and similar requirements by foreign regulatory agencies. These requirements create additional barriers to entry. Unit prices and barriers to entry are, therefore, much higher in this segment of the market. Groupe Novasep is active in this segment of the market.

        We have a strong research and development team, and six facilities operated by us have implemented standards intended to meet current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. Four have been inspected by the FDA and found to be in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. We have also developed strong customer relationships based on our research and development, rapid response to customers, consistent product quality and reliability of supply. Custom synthesis manufacturers tend to have close relationships with their pharmaceutical customers because specific manufacturing and related confidentiality requirements, which are common in the pharmaceutical industry, make substitution by alternative products and suppliers difficult. Some of our products are thus supplied to customers on a long-term basis or are produced for patented drugs whose patent expiration is not due for several years and where we act as a key supplier of intermediates. Leveraging our strong technological capabilities and customer relationships, we are currently developing a broad and diversified project pipeline across a number

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of customers, including advanced intermediates for potential new drugs. We are also focused on continued technological innovation. For example, we are currently introducing or using cutting edge technologies such as diborane chemistry at Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, MCC facilities at Finorga and TMC at Rohner.

        Currently, Europe has the highest commercial significance for our Groupe Novasep segment. However, we believe growth opportunities exist in North America, particularly the United States. Though half of the production capacity for custom synthesis is installed in Europe, the majority of demand originates in North America. We intend to leverage our existing client base in the United States and significant supply relationship with one leading U.S. pharmaceutical company to further penetrate the North American market.

Principal Business Lines

        Novasep Synthesis consists of the following four business lines:

        Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, or DNSC.    DNSC is a global market leader in hazardous chemistry, focusing on key technologies such as azide, carbon disulfide and diborane chemistries. The majority of compounds manufactured by DNSC is produced for pharmaceutical companies, with the remainder for agrochemicals and other industrial applications. DNSC operates two facilities in Schlebusch (Leverkusen) and Troisdorf, both in Germany. DNSC offers a unique portfolio of core technologies based on hazardous starting materials, including explosive compounds, shock and friction sensitive compounds, highly inflammable gases and liquids, as well as toxic materials. DNSC's strength is in azide chemistry, which is used to synthesize intermediates of final molecules that have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and blood pressure reducing characteristics. Azide chemistry requires extremely high safety standards, state-of-the art purpose built infrastructure and trained employees. Few companies in Europe and the United States have the capabilities and permits to handle azide chemistry. Hazardous chemistry frequently offers a short and efficient synthetic route for the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced intermediates. Pharmaceutical companies are usually neither equipped nor licensed to handle hazardous chemistry in-house. DNSC benefits from its know-how, safety standards, permits and its reputation as a reliable supplier to the pharmaceutical industry.

        Finorga.    Finorga specializes in custom manufacturing of new chemical compounds and active pharmaceutical ingredients, involving complex and sophisticated chemical reactions used in multi-step synthesis. Finorga's products are primarily aimed at the pharmaceutical industry, but also include selective fine chemicals for fast growing electronic industry applications, such as liquid crystals. Finorga offers a broad service platform, including quality control, regulatory support, research and development, process transfer, pilot and large scale production. Finorga operates from two separate sites intended to meet current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements at Chasse-sur-Rhone and Mourenx, both in France. Finorga is contributing to the production of one of the top ten drugs worldwide.

        Finorga differentiates itself from its competitors through its focus on sophisticated "chiral synthesis" technologies, which includes asymmetric synthesis and continuous chromatography. Chiral pharmaceutical compounds typically have two chiral forms, each of which can have different potency and side effects on a patient. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focused on isolating and producing the more effective chiral form of the compound, or the "enantiomerically pure" drug. We believe approximately 75% of drugs in the current industry pipeline fall into this category. However, the process of isolating the required chiral form during drug manufacturing requires highly complex chemistry and in the separation and purification of the enantiomers. Finorga is one of only a few companies worldwide to offer VARICOL® chiral separation, which is a highly effective and cost efficient way to separate and purify enantiomers.

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        Rohner.    Rohner produces chemicals on a custom synthesis and toll manufacturing basis. Rohner is less focused on the pharmaceutical industry than DNSC and Finorga. Between 2000 and 2002, we invested approximately €45 million in a new state-of-the-art multi-purpose production facility, which is dedicated to the production of complex molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Rohner's technologies include TMC, which includes asymmetric hydrogenation and metal catalyzed C-C coupling. TMC refers to a technology platform that enables a highly selective and efficient transformation of specific functional groups of very complex molecules. Asymmetric hydrogenation is a technology that enables a synthesis of molecules with a high degree of purity cost-effectively. Metal catalyzed C-C coupling is a technology that helps build important core structures.

        Seripharm.    Seripharm is a former subsidiary of Aventis specializing in the production of high-potent (especially cytotoxic) active pharmaceutical ingredients. Seripharm also develops new high potent active pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical companies using our purification technologies.

Novasep Process

        Novasep Process specializes in the development and optimization of purification processes as well as the design, installation, and on-site qualification of these customized purification systems in the pharmaceutical and bio-chemical industries. Novasep Process offers a broad range of proprietary technologies for industrial purification including preparative chromatography, large-scale chromatography, continuous chromatography processes (VARICOL®), ion exchange, crystallization and membranes. Novasep Process employs its full portfolio of purification technologies to address customers growing demand for customized purification solutions throughout their new product development process.

Principal Business Lines

        Novasep Process consists of the following business lines:

        Novasep.    Novasep offers innovative solutions to pharmaceutical companies to assist them with the purification of molecules. Novasep's core technologies are large scale preparative high pressure chromatography (batch or continuous) and crystallization. Novasep also assists pharmaceutical companies in developing second generation processes able to produce an existing active pharmaceutical ingredients under better technical and economic conditions and in designing, installing and qualifying tailor made purification systems.

        Applexion and Orelis.    Applexion and Orelis offer separation solutions to purify molecules from natural biological sources. The key technologies include low pressure chromatography (normally in continuous mode), ion-exchange, continuous crystallization and membranes (organic or mineral). Key markets addressed by these divisions are the sugar and sweetener industries and the production of bulk enzymes and antibiotics.

Competition

        Competition in the market in which our Groupe Novasep segment competes is based on technological capabilities and know-how across a broad range of synthesis technologies, consistent product quality, reliability of supply and ability to meet customers' production demands on a timely basis. Depending on the relevant technology, the main competitors are: Aerojet Fine Chemicals, Avecia Limited, Degussa, DSM N.V., Isochem, Lanxess, Lonza Group Ltd., Omnichem, Orgamol S.A. and PPG Sipsy.

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        Competition in our separation technologies is based on technological capabilities, consistent product quality, reliability of supply and ability to meet customers' production demands on a timely basis. Some competitors include Bayer Technology Services, GE Healthcare and Millipore Corporation.

Customers

        Groupe Novasep has a concentrated customer base. In this segment, our customers include some of the largest and most successful pharmaceutical companies, including Altana Pharma AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Novartis Pharma AG and Pfizer.

Raw Materials

        We purchase raw materials and chemical intermediates from a large number of third parties. We have a broad raw material base, with the cost of no single raw material representing more than 5% of our pro forma cost of products sold in 2004. Raw materials constituted approximately 48% of our 2004 pro forma cost of products sold on the same pro forma basis. The table below lists the most significant raw materials in 2004 and the principal products for which the materials were used.

Raw Material		Segment		Products
Titanium-bearing slag		Titanium Dioxide Pigments		Titanium dioxide
PVC resin		Specialty Compounds		Compounds
Iron oxide		Performance Additives		Iron oxide pigments
Quaternary amines		Performance Additives		Organoclays/wood protection products
Solvents		Performance Additives		Wood protection products
Copper		Performance Additives		Wood protection products
Plasticizers		Specialty Compounds		Compounds
Lithium		Specialty Chemicals		Lithium compounds

        Titanium-bearing slag, our largest raw material (in terms of dollars), is the most important raw material used in the production of specialty grade titanium dioxide in our Titanium Dioxide business line of our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment. We purchase Titanium-bearing slag from two suppliers. Our supply agreement with one of them is for a fixed term until December 31, 2007, subject to automatic annual renewal until December 31, 2011, unless earlier terminated, and contains a fixed price with an annual escalation clause. Our supply agreement with the other supplier is for a fixed term until December 31, 2006 and provided for a fixed price until December 31, 2004. Price negotiations for the year 2005 have been finalized; the price for the year 2006 will be negotiated in 2006.

        PVC resin is a commodity product and its pricing is directly related to the price of ethylene and chlorine, as well as PVC industry operating rates and energy prices. Historically, we have received iron oxide from multiple sources and have not experienced any significant supply shortages. Iron oxide is primarily sourced from our plants in the United States, Italy and China, as well as from third parties in India and China.

        As a result of the conversion from CCA to ACQ, in 2004 our principal raw material for our Timber Treatment Chemical business in our Performance Additives segment has shifted from chromic acid to quaternary amines, solvents and copper. In our Timber Treatment Chemical business, we predominately source quaternary amines under a contract that expires in late 2008, with automatic annual renewals subject to termination by either party. We source solvents used in our Timber Treatment Chemical business from two suppliers under contracts that expire in December 2006, subject to automatic annual renewals except where terminated by either party, and

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December 2008. Prices under our solvent and quaternary amine contracts are tied to the ethylene price index. We source copper, which is a commodity, from several sources. Prices for our copper purchases are tied to market conditions.

        In our Clay-based Additives business line of our Performance Additives segment, quaternary amine is sourced under a long-term contract, which expires in late 2008 and is subject to quarterly adjustment for the price of tallow, the base component of quaternary amine. In our Specialty Compounds segment, some of the plasticizers we use are generic and considered a commodity product, while others are specific and considered a specialty product. Our supply contracts for plasticizers do not specify a fixed price, and most of them contain market price and discount adjustments.

        Lithium brine is a primary raw material source for all lithium chemicals and is found in only a small number of locations, including most significantly for us, the Atacama Desert in Chile. We have a long-term contract with the Chilean government to mine lithium brine in the Atacama Desert in Chile, which we believe provides a secure long-term access to lithium.

        Major requirements for our key raw materials and energy are typically satisfied pursuant to contractual agreements and medium- or long-term relationships with suppliers. We are not generally dependent on any one supplier for a major part of our raw materials requirements, but certain important raw materials are obtained from a few major suppliers. In general, where we have limited sources of raw materials, we have developed contingency plans to minimize the effect of any interruption or reduction in supply, such as sourcing from different facilities and multiple suppliers and utilizing alternative formulations.

        Temporary shortages of raw materials may occasionally occur and cause temporary price increases. In recent years, these shortages have not resulted in unavailability of raw materials. However, the continuing availability and price of raw materials are affected by unscheduled plant interruptions occurring during periods of high demand, domestic and world market and political conditions, as well as the direct or indirect effect of governmental regulations. During periods of high demand, our raw materials are subject to significant price fluctuations, and, in the past, such fluctuations have had an adverse impact on the results of operations of our business. The impact of any future raw material shortages on our business as a whole or in specific geographic regions cannot be accurately predicted.

Intellectual Property

        Our business is dependent to a large extent on our intellectual property rights, including patents and other intellectual property, trademarks and trade secrets. We believe that our intellectual property rights play an important role in maintaining our competitive position in a number of the markets we serve. We rely on technological know-how and formulation and application expertise in many of our manufacturing processes in order to develop and maintain our market positions. Where appropriate, we protect our new technology, applications and manufacturing processes by seeking patent protection. We have more than 2,000 patents and patent applications in key strategic markets worldwide, reflecting our commitment to invest in technology and covering many aspects of our products and processes for making those products. We also own and register in multiple jurisdictions numerous trade names and marks applicable to our business and products, which we believe are important to our business. In addition, we have entered into agreements, pursuant to which we license intellectual property from third parties for use in our business and we license certain intellectual property to third parties. For example, we developed the technology to produce ACQ pursuant to an exclusive license agreement with the right to sublicense from Domtar Inc. Under the term of the license, our Timber Treatment chemicals business of our Performance Additives segment pays a royalty to Domtar based upon the percent

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of net sales less certain costs. The license agreement expires in May 2007 in connection with the expiration of the patent and may be terminated by either party upon a material breach of the other party and the failure to cure. We also develop intellectual property with third parties as discussed below in "—Research and Development."

Research and Development

        We are committed to further investing in our asset base and research effort. Our pro forma research and development costs were approximately 2% of our pro forma net sales in 2004. We believe that our research and development costs are a small percentage of our net sales due in part to the fact that we do not allocate expenses to this category unless they relate directly to research and development. We incur certain expenses related to modifications and improvements in current products. In addition, we believe we allocate our research and development resources selectively based on the need and requirements for each business line to develop innovative products. Research and development costs are charged to expense, as incurred. For historic Rockwood businesses such costs were $8.1 million, $8.7 million and $10.1 million in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, and such costs for Dynamit Nobel were $29.4 million and $32.4 million in the year ended September 30, 2002 and in the year ended December 31, 2003, respectively.

        The objective of our research and development effort is to develop innovative chemistries and technologies with applications relevant within targeted key markets. Research and development efforts are generally focused on both process development, which is the stage at which products move from development to manufacturing, and new product development. Each business line, however, also has selected long-term strategic projects with the aim to develop new competencies and technologies.

        Each of our business lines manages its own research and development effort and has separate research and development facilities dedicated to its specific area. However, where technologically applicable, advances and findings are shared between business lines to foster greater cross-fertilization of ideas and applications.

        In certain cases, we conduct research and development efforts with third parties, including universities, customers and other entities. We endeavor to obtain ownership of or license on terms favorable to us the intellectual property developed with a third party.

Seasonality

        There is a seasonal effect on a portion of our sales due to the end-use of some of our products. In our pool and spa chemicals operations in our Water Treatment Chemicals business line of our Performance Additives segment, it is industry standard practice to offer significantly extended payment terms to customers prepared to purchase their spring and early summer requirements in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Following this pattern, the fourth quarter customarily includes large sales and shipments although the associated cash payments are not received until the second quarter of the following year. In addition, our Color Pigments and Services and Timber Treatment Chemicals business lines of our Performance Additives segment show some seasonality related to the outdoor construction market. As such, the first quarter has historically been the quarter where we experience the lowest sales. Also, along with the accounts receivable build in the first quarter discussed above, during this quarter we typically build inventory for the pool and spa business, as well as our construction related businesses, in anticipation of increased sales during the spring and summer months. Thus, the first quarter is usually the quarter with the highest working capital requirements for us. Other than these seasonal trends in particular end-use markets, our overall results of operations tend to show few seasonal effects.

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Sales and Marketing

        We sell our products and services globally. We generally sell our products and services primarily by using our direct sales forces, although we also sell through distributors in certain of our business lines, such as Color Pigments and Services, Clay-based Additives and Water Treatment Chemicals of our Performance Additives segment and Electronic Chemicals business line of our Electronics segment or by using third party sales representatives. Each of our direct sales forces is responsible for marketing only one of our business lines, and is administered pursuant to policies established by the management of that business line. Within each business line, these direct sales forces are organized based on geographic regions, end-use applications or sub-business divisions within the business line. As of December 31, 2004, our in-house sales forces consisted of 1,365 personnel worldwide.

        Our direct sales forces interact with our customers to provide both purchasing advice and technical assistance. In general, our sales forces arrange and coordinate contact between our customers and our research and development personnel to provide quality control and new product solutions. In certain of our businesses, such as Surface Treatment and Fine Chemicals business lines of our Specialty Chemicals segment, most sales managers have a chemical engineering background with advanced degrees and significant technical experience in applying our products, and they play a critical role in developing client relationships and acquiring new clients. Our close interaction with our customers and tailored solutions have allowed us to develop and maintain strong customer relationships as well as focus our sales efforts on those customers who we believe will provide us with higher profit margins in recognition of our superior products, service and technical support.

        Sales in each of our business lines are generally made on a purchase order basis. However, longer term arrangements have been established with certain key customers.

        Our marketing strategy is generally aimed at working directly with customers to gauge the success of our products, evaluate the need for improvements in product and process technology, and identify opportunities to develop new product solutions for our customers and their end-use markets. We also use media activities and lectures and participate in tradeshows as part of our sales and marketing effort.

Regulation

Environmental Regulation

        We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere at both the national and local level. Many of these laws impose requirements relating to clean-up of contamination, and impose liability in the event of damage to human beings, natural resources or property, and provide for substantial fines, injunctions and potential criminal sanctions for violations. Our products, including the raw materials we handle, are also subject to rigorous industrial hygiene regulations and investigation. The nature of our operations exposes us to risks of liability for breaches of these laws and regulations as a result of the production, storage, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury when released into the environment.

        Environmental laws are subject to change and have tended to become stricter over time. Such changes in environmental laws, or the enactment of new environmental laws, could result in materially increased capital, operating and compliance costs. In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new European Union framework for chemicals known as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, or REACH. While it is uncertain as to whether, when and in what form REACH will be finalized and become law, REACH may eventually significantly expand the European Union's regulation of chemicals. As currently proposed, REACH

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would include requirements that certain manufacturers and importers of chemicals register those chemicals, perform health and environmental risk analyses of those chemicals, and in certain instances, obtain authorizations for the use of the chemicals. As a specialty chemicals company, it is possible that we are the only manufacturer of one or more substances to be regulated under REACH and thus could potentially bear the full cost of compliance with REACH for some or all of our products. We estimate we have over 400 products that might be subject to REACH.

        Environmental laws have a significant effect on the nature and scope of any clean-up of contamination at current and former operating facilities, the costs of transportation and storage of chemicals and finished products and the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes. In addition, "Superfund" statutes in the United States as well as statutes in other jurisdictions impose strict, joint and several liability for clean-up costs on the entities that generated waste and/or arranged for its disposal at contaminated third party sites, as well as the past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites. Each responsible party may be required to bear some or all clean-up costs regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal or ownership of the disposal site.

        Environmental contamination is known to exist at certain of our present and former facilities, including our facilities located in Turin, Italy; St. Fromond, St. Cheron and Sens, France; Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Schlebusch, Stadeln, Duisburg, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Ronnenberg-Empelde and Langelsheim, Germany; Oss, The Netherlands; Kidsgrove and Barrow, U.K.; Boksburg East, South Africa; Pratteln, Switzerland; and in the United States, in Valdosta, Georgia, Beltsville, Maryland, Harrisburg, North Carolina, Laurens, South Carolina, Silver Peak, Nevada and La Mirada, California. Soil contamination is also known to exist at our facilities at Freeport, Texas, Chasse-sur-Rhone, France and Sumperk in Czech Republic; however, no further regulatory remedial actions are currently required for these facilities and any liabilities arising from such contamination is covered by indemnity obligations or the previous owners of these facilities with the exception of Freeport. We are currently operating groundwater remediation systems at our Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Valdosta, and Silver Peak facilities. We also operate ground water remediation systems at our Schlebusch, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Stadeln and Laurens facilities, for which prior owners or insurers have assumed responsibility and a soil remediation project at our facility in St. Cheron, and we continue to monitor groundwater at the Beltsville facility, which was previously the subject of a soil removal action. Groundwater is also monitored at the St. Fromond and Barrow facilities due to prior spills and at the Harrisburg facility due to a landfill closure. We are also required to monitor groundwater quality at our facilities at Mourenx, France and New Johnsonville, Tennessee. We believe that additional environmental studies, and possibly environmental remediations, will be required at the Turin and Harrisburg facilities. We are also in the process of determining appropriate remedial actions with the regulatory authorities at the following locations: Duisburg, Pratteln, Langelsheim, Troisdorf and La Mirada. Furthermore, as a result of facility closings, divestitures and offsite disposal activities such as a former disposal site in Laurel, Maryland, we are responsible for the following other matters: contamination beneath divested portions of the manufacturing facility in Troisdorf; contamination at a closed Chemetall Oakite facility in Houston, Texas, contamination at a former Chemetall Foote facility in Sunbright, Virginia, contribution towards the clean-up of three industrial landfills in the Basel, Switzerland area, groundwater remediation at Stadeln and former sites operated by Dynamit Nobel's previously divested explosives business. We are also a de minimis participant in several Superfund matters. Although we cannot provide assurances in this regard, we do not believe that these issues will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition. Nonetheless, the discovery of contamination arising from present or historical industrial operations at some of our and our predecessor's former and present properties and/or at sites we and our predecessor disposed wastes could expose us to cleanup obligations and other damages in the future.

        Pursuant to the environmental deed entered into in connection with the KKR acquisition, Degussa, as successor to Laporte, is required to indemnify us and our subsidiaries for certain

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environmental matters that relate to the business as conducted prior to the closing of the KKR acquisition. The environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify us and our subsidiaries for claims for which notice is given within a period of two years for breaches of representations and warranties, which expired in 2002, and five years for claims related to the contamination of our properties or our subsidiaries' properties (inclusive of contamination which leaks or escapes from our properties or our subsidiaries' properties), which expires in September 2005. These indemnity obligations are subject to a minimum per matter loss of $175,000 and are further subject to a $5.0 million deductible for the indemnity to be available. In addition, the environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify us and our subsidiaries for claims relating to properties that were formerly owned, occupied or used as of November 20, 2000, as well as properties owned by third parties (inclusive of disposal of waste and certain other identified issues prior to November 20, 2000). The environmental deed provides that in this instance, Degussa will be responsible for reasonable costs and expenses incurred.

        In addition, pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, mg technologies ag and its subsidiary, MG North America Holdings Inc., are required to indemnify us and our subsidiaries for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to the contamination of our or our subsidiaries' properties, if notified within ten years. If mg technologies and MG North America Holdings' responsibility for contamination matters cannot be proven, a sliding scale reduces the percentage further for each year during the five-year period from year six to ten. mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are also obligated to indemnify us for 85% of claims related to legacy site matters, such as environmental matters relating to properties or businesses owned or operated by Dynamit Nobel prior to, but not on, the closing of Dynamit Nobel acquisition, if notified within ten years. In addition, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves for operational compliance matters, if notified by December 31, 2006, and 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to certain environmental damage claims unknown at the time of the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, if notified within ten years. All of these indemnity obligations are subject to different minimum per-claim thresholds depending on whether the matter was disclosed or not, and on the subject matter, ranging between €100,000 and €750,000 depending on the type of claim. The indemnity obligations are further subject to certain deductibles, exclusions and limitations. Furthermore, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for certain environmental risks arising from certain "shared site" structures for a duration of ten years. This indemnity obligation is not subject to the percentages, de minimis exclusions, deductibles and thresholds described above, and it is not subject to most of the general limitations. In the event we seek indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that mg technologies, MG North America Holdings, Degussa or any other party who may have obligations to indemnify us will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities. However, we do not believe that resolution of the known environmental matters subject to indemnification obligations owed to us will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition as such amounts are not significant.

FDA Regulation

        Our Groupe Novasep, Advanced Ceramics and to a lesser extent, our Specialty Chemicals segments are also subject to regulation by the FDA with respect to certain products we produce, including pharmaceutical intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components used in hip joint prostheses systems. Foreign, state, local and other authorities also may regulate us and our products. Regulatory agencies have established requirements that apply to the design, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical and medical

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device products. We sell our pharmaceutical intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and ceramic-on-ceramic components to other companies that also may be regulated by such authorities.

        Premarket Approval.    While we are not required to seek FDA approvals for our pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients, the customers to whom we supply such products may be subject to FDA approval requirements prior to testing a new drug on humans as well as marketing a new drug for commercial use in the United States. Our customers with FDA approval for the finished drug may also be required to obtain FDA approval of design, manufacturing or labeling changes to the pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients used in their finished products.

        Medical devices also are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA prior to commercial distribution in the United States, including premarket approval, or PMA, which is required for devices deemed to pose the greatest risk and certain other devices. Our Advanced Ceramics segment currently supplies ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components to manufacturers for incorporation into their total hip prostheses systems, which are subject to the FDA's PMA approval requirements. In addition, our Advanced Ceramics business or our customers who have obtained PMA approval may be required to obtain FDA approval for changes to the design, manufacturing or labeling of our ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components.

        Compliance Requirements.    Once on the market, drug manufacturers, the suppliers of drug intermediates, and medical device manufacturers are subject to numerous post-market regulations. For our pharmaceutical intermediates business within our Groupe Novasep segment, we are required to comply with the FDA's current Good Manufacturing Practices, which cover all facets of drug manufacturing and distribution including: organization and personnel; buildings and facilities; equipment; control of components and drug product containers and closures; production and process controls; packaging and labeling control; holding and distribution; laboratory controls; recordkeeping and reporting; and returned and salvaged drug products.

        Finished device manufacturers such as our customers who manufacture hip prostheses systems are subject to the FDA's Quality System Regulation, or QSR, which requires quality assurance practices and procedures that address, among other things: management responsibility, audits and training; design controls; purchasing controls; identification and traceability of components; production and process controls; acceptance activities; handling of nonconforming product; the initiation of corrective and preventive actions; labeling and packaging controls; handling, storage and distribution of products; and complaint handling and record keeping. The FDA does not directly require component suppliers of finished medical devices to comply with the QSR. However, because our ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components are critical elements of hip joint prostheses systems, our customers may require us to comply with some or all of the QSR. Moreover, the FDA may in the future take the position that the types of components that we supply meet the definition of a finished device and are thus subject to the QSR. Our current contracts with our customers of ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components require us to comply or assist our customers in complying with various FDA regulatory requirements.

        The FDA's inspectional authority extends to both component suppliers and pharmaceutical intermediates manufacturers. Pursuant to this authority, the FDA has the ability to conduct inspections at our facilities at which we manufacture our pharmaceutical intermediates or ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and liner components.

        If we or our customers violate FDA or other governmental regulatory requirements during either the pre- or post-marketing stages, there may be various adverse consequences. For example, in the United States, the FDA has the authority to impose: fines, injunctions, and civil penalties; recall or seizure of products; operating or import restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of

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production; the FDA's delay in granting approval or refusal to grant approval of new products; or withdrawal of the submission or the approved product from the market.

Employees

        As of March 31, 2005, we had 9,443 employees, with 70.6% located in Europe, 21.2% in the United States and the remaining 8.2% located in the rest of the world. Of our employees, approximately 3,218, or 34.1%, are subject to either collective bargaining agreements or other similar arrangements.

        We observe local customs, legislation and practice in labor relations and, where applicable, in negotiating collective bargaining agreements. Management believes that its relations with employees and their representatives are good. We have not suffered any material work stoppage or strike in our world-wide operations in the last five years.

Manufacturing Facilities

        We are an international business serving customers worldwide. To service our customers efficiently, we maintain over 99 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries around the world with a strategy of global, regional and local manufacturing to optimize our service offering and minimize production cost to our customers.

        We are dedicated to maintaining updated and technologically advanced manufacturing facilities. To that end, we made capital expenditures of $36.0 million, $34.3 million and $112.8 million, for the periods ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, to expand, upgrade and maintain our manufacturing capabilities. The 2004 amount includes the capital expenditures during the five months of operations for the Dynamit Nobel businesses, including Advanced Ceramics' major expansion at its Marktredwitz, Germany facility related to hip replacement products. During this three-year period, we constructed new plants for our Timber Treatment Chemicals business line of our Performance Additives segment in Harrisburg, North Carolina and for our wafer reclaim business line of our Electronics segment in Prescott, Arizona and upgraded our wafer reclaim facility and operations in Greasque, France. For the years ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 and the year ended December 31, 2003, Dynamit Nobel made capital expenditures of $125.1 million, $112.0 million and $122.0 million, respectively, which included expansion of our current Good Manufacturing Practice production lines and new equipment relating to multi-column chromatography in our Groupe Novasep segment, expansion of our titanium dioxide capacity for our Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment and capacity expansion for our Advanced Ceramics segment. We believe that our plants and facilities are maintained in good condition and are adequate for our present and currently expected future needs.

        The table below presents summary information with respect to the manufacturing facilities we currently operate.

Segment				Country		Locations		Leased/Owned		Major Applications/Industry
Performance Additives
	Color Pigments and			Australia		Braeside, Melbourne		Leased		Master batches
		Services		Canada		Bromont, Quebec		Owned		Construction
				China		Xinzhuang, Changshu		Leased		Construction
				Germany		Walluf		Owned		Construction and coatings
						Hainhausen		Owned		Construction and coatings
				Italy		Turin		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction
				United Kingdom		Matlock Bath		Leased		Construction
						Kidsgrove		Owned		Coatings and specialties
						Sudbury		Owned		Coatings and specialties
				U.S.A.		Los Angeles, CA		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction
						St. Louis, MO		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction
						Beltsville, MD		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction

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						Ocala, FL		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction
						Cartersville, GA		Owned		Coatings, specialties and construction
						King of Prussia, PA		Owned		Construction
	Timber Treatment Chemicals			United Kingdom		Barrow-in-Furness		Owned		Wood protection products and treatment
				U.S.A.		Freeport, TX		Owned		Construction and other industrial markets
						Valdosta, GA		Owned		Wood protection products and treatment
						Harrisburg, NC		Owned		Wood protection products and treatment
	Clay-based Additives			United Kingdom		Baulking(1)		Owned		Paper-making; metal castings; civil engineering applications; coatings; paper; coatings
						Widnes, Cheshire		Owned		Paper-making; consumer and household care; coatings and paper
				U.S.A.		Gonzales, TX		Owned		Paints; inks and oilfields; paper-making
	Water Treatment Chemicals			U.S.A.		Alpharetta, GA		Leased		Water treatment
Specialty Compounds
				Canada		Stoney Creek, Ontario		Owned		Footwear products, consumer products
				Italy		Azeglio		Owned		Rubber compounds
				United Kingdom		Melton Mowbray		Owned		TPE/Consumer products, packaging products, medical products, automotive products
				U.S.A.		Pineville, NC		Owned		Wire and cable sheathing products; packaging products; medical products in consumer goods products; footwear products; automotive products
						Leominster, MA		Owned		Wire and cable sheathing products; packaging products; medical products in consumer goods products; footwear products; automotive products
Electronics
	Electronic Chemicals			France		Saint-Fromond		Owned		Semiconductor manufacturing
						St. Cheron		Owned		Semiconductor manufacturing
				Singapore		Singapore		Leased		Semiconductor manufacturing
				Taiwan		Chung-Li		Leased		Printed circuit boards
				United Kingdom		Riddings		Leased		Semiconductor manufacturing
				U.S.A.		Maple Plain, MN		Owned		Printed circuit boards, semiconductor manufacturing
						Fremont, CA		Leased		Photomasks, semiconductor manufacturing
	Photomasks			United Kingdom		Glenrothes, Scotland		Owned		Masks and pellicle replacement
				U.S.A.		Austin, TX		Leased		Repairs
						Los Gatos, CA		Leased		Masks and pellicle replacement
	Wafer Reclaim			France		Greasque		Owned		Wafer reclaim
				Germany		Erlangen		Leased		Wafer reclaim
				United Kingdom		Riddings		Leased		Wafer reclaim
				U.S.A.		Prescott, AZ		Leased		Wafer reclaim
						Providence, RI		Owned		Wafer reclaim
Specialty Chemicals
	Surface Treatment			Australia		Bayswater North		Owned		Automotive and advanced technologies
						Girraween		Leased		Aerospace and advanced technologies
				Brazil		São Paulo		Leased		Automotive technologies and advanced technologies

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(1)

We expect to close this facility in June 2005.

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Segment			Country		Locations		Leased/Owned		Major Applications/Industry
			Canada		Bramalea, Ontario		Owned		Advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
			China		Chonggin		Leased		Automotive and advanced technologies
					Shanghai		Leased		Automotive and advanced technologies
			France		Sens		Owned		Automotive technologies and advanced technologies
					Soissons		Owned		Aerospace
			Germany		Mönchengladbach		Owned		Performance products
					Langelsheim(2)		Owned		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies and aerospace
			India		JV in Worli		Owned		Automotive and Advanced Technology
					JV in Pune		Owned		Automotive and Advanced Technology
			Italy		Guissano		Leased		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
					JV in Roveceto in Piano		Leased		Performance Products
			Mexico		Mexico City		Leased		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
			The Netherlands		Oss		Owned		Automotive technologies and advanced technologies
			Poland		Warszawa		Leased		Automotive and advanced technologies
			Singapore		Singapore		Leased		Advanced technologies and aerospace
			South Africa		Boksburg		Owned		Automotive technologies and advanced technologies
			Spain		Canovelles		Owned		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
			Sweden		Bålsta		Owned		Automotive technologies and advanced technologies
			Switzerland		Dintikon		Leased		Advanced technologies and performance products
			Turkey		Istanbul		Owned		Automotive and advanced technologies
			United Kingdom		Bletchley		Leased		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
			U.S.A.		La Mirada, CA		Leased		Advanced technologies and aerospace, performance products
					Romulus, MI		Owned		Automotive technologies, advanced technologies, aerospace and performance products
	Fine Chemicals		Austria		Arnoldstein		Leased		Metal sulphides
			Chile		La Negra		Owned		Lithium-carbonate and lithium chloride
			Germany		Langelsheim(2)		Owned		Butyl-Lithium, lithium-hydroxide, specialty products, metal and battery, lithium-hydrides, cesium and special metals and accelerators
			Taiwan		Taichung		Owned		Butyl-Lithium
			U.S.A.		Silver Peak, NV		Owned		Lithium-carbonate and lithium hydroxide
					New Johnsonville, TN		Owned		Butyl-Lithium and specialty products
					Kings Mountain, NC		Owned		Metal and battery
Titanium Dioxide Pigments
	Titanium Dioxide		Germany		Duisburg(3)		Owned		Fibers, plastics, paints, coatings and paper
	Functional Additives		China		JV in China		Leased		Plastics
			Germany		Duisburg(3)		Owned		Coatings, plastics, fibers, paper, pharmaceuticals, PVC stabilizers and glass fiber reinforced plastics
	Water Chemistry		Germany		Duisburg(3)		Owned		Flocculants
					Ibbenbueren		Leased		Flocculants
					Schwarzheide		Leased		Flocculants

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(2)

This facility is shared by both business divisions of the Specialty Chemicals segment.

(3)

This facility is shared by all three business divisions of the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment.

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Segment			Country		Locations		Leased/Owned		Major Applications/Industry
Advanced Ceramics
			China		Suzhou		Leased		General industry
			Czech Republic		Sumperk		Owned		General industry
					Dolni Rychnov		Owned		Electronics
			Germany		Plochingen		Owned		Medical, automotive and general industry
					Ebersbach		Owned		Automotive, electronics and general industry
					Lauf		Owned		Automotive, electronics and general industry
					Marktredwitz		Owned		Electronic, automotive and general industry
			Malaysia		Seremban		Owned		Medical
			South Korea		Suwon		Leased		Electronics
			United Kingdom		Colyton		Owned		Electronics
			U.S.A.		Laurens, SC		Owned		Automotive, electronics and general industry
					New Lebanon, NY(4)		Owned		Electronics and general industry
Groupe Novasep
	DNSC		Germany		Leverkusen-Schlebusch		Owned		Pharmaceutical, agrochemical and others
					Troisdorf		Owned		Agrochemical
	Finorga		France		Chasse-sur-Rhone		Owned		Pharmaceutical and others
					Mourenx		Owned		Pharmaceutical
	Rohner		Switzerland		Pratteln		Owned		Pharmaceutical, agrochemical and others
	Novasep		France		Pompey		Leased		Pharmaceuticals and equipment engineering and manufacturing
					LeMans		Owned		Pharmaceuticals
					Epone		Owned		Equipment engineering and manufacturing
					Saint-Maurice de Boynost		Leased		Equipment engineering and manufacturing
			U.S.A.		Boothwyn, PA		Leased		Pharmaceuticals and equipment engineering and manufacturing

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(4)

We expect to close this facility in May 2005.

Legal Proceedings

        We are involved in legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, including with respect to product liability, intellectual property and environmental matters. In addition, we may be required to make indemnity payments in connection with certain product liability and environmental claims. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Environmental Indemnities—We may be subject to environmental indemnity claims relating to properties we have divested," "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Product Liability—Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages arising out of product liability claims" and "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Product Liability—Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages arising out of certain indemnity claims." However, we do not believe that there is any other individual legal proceeding that is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

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MANAGEMENT

        Set forth below is certain information regarding our directors and executive officers. The information given is as of December 31, 2004.

Name		Age		Position
Seifi Ghasemi		60		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Robert J. Zatta		55		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Thomas J. Riordan		55		Senior Vice President, Law & Administration
Brian F. Carroll		33		Director
Todd A. Fisher		39		Director
Edward A. Gilhuly		45		Director
Perry Golkin		51		Director
Alex Morey		37		Director
Susan Schnabel		43		Director
Fredrik Sjödin		30		Director

        Seifi Ghasemi has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rockwood Holdings and Rockwood Specialties Group since November 2001. From 1997 to 2001 he was with GKN, plc, a $6.0 billion per year global industrial company. He served as a Director of the Main Board of GKN, plc and was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GKN Sinter Metals, Inc and Hoeganes Corporation. Before that, for 18 years, Mr. Ghasemi was with the BOC Group, plc, a $7 billion per year global industrial gas company. He was a Director of the Main Board of the BOC Group, plc; President, BOC Gases Americas and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Process Plants, LTD and Cryostar. Mr. Ghasemi has a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

        Robert J. Zatta has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rockwood Holdings and Rockwood Specialties Group since April 2001. Prior to joining Rockwood, he spent 12 years with the Campbell Soup Company, where he held several significant financial management positions, including his final position as Vice President responsible for Corporate Development and Strategic Planning. Prior to joining Campbell Soup Company in 1990, he worked for General Foods Corporation and Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. Mr. Zatta has a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.B.A. in Finance.

        Thomas J. Riordan has been Senior Vice President, Law and Administration of Rockwood Holdings and Rockwood Specialties Group since 2000 and prior to that was Vice President, Law & Administration since 1992. Mr. Riordan joined Laporte in 1989 from UOP, where from 1975 to 1989 he held various positions, most recently Chief Litigation Counsel. Prior to 1975, Mr. Riordan was within Operations Management at Time, Inc. Mr. Riordan has a B.A. in Liberal Arts, a M.B.A. and a J.D., is admitted to the Illinois Bar and is a member of the American Bar Association, and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.

        Brian F. Carroll has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since 2000 and an executive of KKR since 1995. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Carroll was with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation. Mr. Carroll is a member of the Board of Directors of The Boyds Collection, Ltd. and Sealy Inc. Mr. Carroll has a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.

        Todd A. Fisher has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since 2000, a member of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LLC, which serves as a general partner of KKR since January 2001 and an executive of KKR since 1993. Prior to joining KKR, he was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Corporate Finance Department. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Board of Directors of Accuride Corporation, Alea Group Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd, Bristol West Holdings, Inc., Duales System

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Deutschland AG and Koninklijke Vendex KBB BV. Mr. Fisher has a B.A. from Brown University, a M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and a M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

        Edward A. Gilhuly has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since 2000. Mr. Gilhuly has been a member of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.L.C., which is the general partner of KKR, since 1996. Prior thereto, he was a general partner of KKR. Mr. Gilhuly is a member of the Board of Directors of Demag Holdings S.a.r.l., Medcath Corporation, Legrand SA and Wincor Nixdorf AG. Mr. Gilhuly has a B.A. from Duke University and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.

        Perry Golkin has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since 2000. Mr. Golkin has been an executive with KKR and a general partner of KKR since 1995. In 1996, he became a member of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.L.C. which serves as the general partner of KKR. Mr. Golkin is also a member of the Board of Directors of Bristol West Holdings, Inc., PRIMEDIA, Inc., Alea Group Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd, Willis Group Holdings Limited and Walter Industries, Inc. Mr. Golkin has a B.S., M.S. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

        Alex Morey has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since July 2004. Mr. Morey is a Director of DLJ Merchant Banking, based in London. Prior to joining DLJ Merchant Banking in 1996, Mr. Morey was an Assistant Director with Arthur Andersen Corporate Finance which he joined in 1993. Previously, Mr. Morey spent five years with Price Waterhouse. Mr. Morey serves as a director of Nycomed Holdings A/S. Mr. Morey graduated with a B.Sc. from Cardiff University in 1988 and is a Chartered Accountant.

        Susan Schnabel has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since July 2004. Ms. Schnabel joined DLJ's Investment Banking Division in 1990 and DLJ Merchant Banking in 1998. In 1997, she left DLJ's Investment Banking Division to serve as Chief Financial Officer of PETsMART, a high growth specialty retailer of pet products and supplies, and joined DLJ Merchant Banking in her present capacity in 1998. Ms. Schnabel is a director of DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., and Environmental Systems Products, Inc. Ms. Schnabel received a B.S. from Cornell University in 1983 and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1988.

        Fredrik Sjödin has been a Director of Rockwood Holdings since 2003 and an executive of KKR since 2000. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Sjödin was with Salomon Brothers International Ltd. Mr. Sjödin has a M.Sc. from the Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden and the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University.

        Set forth below is certain information regarding certain key employees of our subsidiaries. The information is given as of December 31, 2004.

Name		Age		Position
Stephen B. Ainscough		58		President—Timber Treatment Chemicals
Stephen M. D'Onfro		46		President—Water Treatment Chemicals
Monika Engel-Bader		45		President—Fine Chemicals
Robert Gingue		60		President—Specialty Compounds
Wolf-Dieter Griebler		59		President—Titanium Dioxide Pigments
Alexander Loh		50		Vice President, Human Resources of Rockwood Specialties Group
Roger-Marc Nicoud		42		President—Groupe Novasep
Bruce R. Olson		52		President—Surface Treatment and Electronic Chemicals
Ronald L. Rapaport		60		President—Color Pigments and Services
Vernon Sumner		53		President—Clay-based Additives
Ulf D. Zimmermann		55		President—Advanced Ceramics

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        Stephen B. Ainscough has been President of the Timber Treatment Chemicals business line since 1990. Mr. Ainscough originally joined Laporte in 1970, and spent five years with Interox Chemicals Ltd. before rejoining Laporte in 1985. Mr. Ainscough has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, a degree in Business Administration and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.

        Stephen M. D'Onfro has been President of the Water Treatment Chemicals business line since 1997. Mr. D'Onfro joined the Gary Corporation in 1987, which became a part of the Laporte group as AlphaGary following an acquisition in 1993, where he was the Chief Financial Officer and General Manager. Mr. D'Onfro joined the Gary Corporation from Price Waterhouse, where he was a Manager in their Comprehensive Financial Services group. Mr. D'Onfro has a B.Sc. in Accounting, earned his C.P.A. certificate and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.

        Monika Engel-Bader has been President of the Fine Chemicals business line since February 2004. Prior to joining Dynamit Nobel AG, Mrs. Engel-Bader spent 15 years with Celanese (former Hoechst AG) in various positions, including as Vice President of Ticona, the technical Polymer Division of Celanese since 2002. Engel-Bader has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Mainz in Germany, and a degree from the University of Economics, Cologne.

        Robert Gingue has been President of the Specialty Compounds segment since 1997. Mr. Gingue joined the Gary Corporation in 1979, where he was Vice President and General Manager. Mr. Gingue has a B.Sc. in Polymer Technology, an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.

        Wolf-Dieter Griebler has been President of the Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment since 1999. Dr. Griebler joined mg technologies ag in 1980 and has served in various positions, including as the president of the Executive Board of Sachtleben Chemie GmbH, the Titanium Dioxide Pigments business segment of Dynamit Nobel AG since 1998. Dr. Griebler has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Marburg in Germany.

        Alexander Loh has been our Vice President, Human Resources of Rockwood Specialties Group since the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and a member of the Executive Board of Dynamit Nobel AG since 1998. Mr. Loh joined mg technologies ag in 1995 and served in several positions, including as Head of Global Human Resources. He has a degree in Economics from the University of Tübingen in Germany.

        Roger-Marc Nicoud has been the President of our Groupe Novasep segment since December 2004. Mr. Nicoud is the founder and has been the President of Groupe Novasep SAS since 1995. Prior to forming Novasep, he worked for Separex from 1987 to 1995 where he was a research engineer and managing director. In addition, from 1993 to 1995, Mr. Nicoud was a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Nancy (France). In 1995, Mr. Nicoud formed Novasep, which in December 2004 was combined with our segment formerly known as the Custom Synthesis segment. Mr. Nicoud holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.

        Bruce R. Olson has been President of Surface Treatment and Electronic Chemicals business lines since September 2004. Prior to joining Rockwood, Mr. Olson spent four years with Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany during which he held the positions of Business Unit Manager Polymer Additives, Business Group General Manager Specialty Products, and Member of the Board of Management Bayer Chemicals. Before joining Bayer AG, Mr. Olson spent 22 years with Air Products in various sales, marketing, and general management positions. Mr. Olson has a B.S. from Valparaiso University and an M.B.A. from Lehigh University.

        Ronald L. Rapaport has been President of the Color Pigments and Services business line since 1998. Mr. Rapaport joined Rockwood Pigment NA, Inc. in 1978, which became part of Laporte following an acquisition in 1992. Mr. Rapaport served as a Naval Supply Officer from 1967 to 1971.

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Mr. Rapaport has a B.S. in Accounting, an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, has been a C.P.A., and has taken part in the Wharton/Laporte Business Program.

        Vernon Sumner has been President of the Clay-based Performance Additives business line since 2001. Previously, he was President and General Manager of Air Products Polymers LP. Mr. Sumner has a degree in Chemistry and an M.B.A. from Lehigh University and spent 27 years in various management roles with Air Products.

        Ulf D. Zimmermann has been President of the Advanced Ceramics business segment since 2001. Dr. Zimmerman had been President of the Westfalia Seperator AG, a GEA AG Group Company, which became a part of mg technologies ag in 1998 by an acquisition since 1996. He has also been a member of the Executive Board of Dynamit Nobel AG since 2001. Dr. Zimmermann has a degree in Engineering and Business Administration from the University of Berlin in Germany.

Board of Directors

Composition of the Board of Directors

        Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors. Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, our board of directors is expected to consist of nine directors, including one independent director,                      . Under the stockholders' agreement we entered into with affiliates of KKR and DLJMB in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, DLJMB will have the right to designate a director to our board of directors so long as they own at least 10% of our outstanding common stock. See "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—Stockholders' Agreement with Affiliates of KKR and DLJMB."

        We intend to avail ourselves of the "controlled company" exception under the New York Stock Exchange rules which eliminates the requirements that we have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors and that we have compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees composed entirely of independent directors, but retains the requirement that we have an audit committee composed entirely of independent members and consisting of at least three members within one year of the offering. Consequently, we will add an additional independent member within 90 days of the offering and a third independent member within one year of the offering. We intend to remove a current member at the time each of these two independent members are added.

Committees of the Board of Directors

        Audit Committee.    Our audit committee currently consists of Brian F. Carroll, Todd A. Fisher, Alex Morey and Fredrik Sjödin. We plan to nominate a new independent member to our audit committee prior to the pricing of this offering, a second new independent member within 90 days thereafter and a third new independent member within one year thereafter to replace existing members so that all of our audit committee members will be independent as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(i) under the Exchange Act and under the NYSE Rule 303(A). In addition, one of them will be determined to be an "audit committee financial expert" as such term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.

        Our audit committee will be responsible for (1) selecting the independent auditors, (2) approving the overall scope of the audit, (3) assisting the board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent accountant's qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent accountants and our internal audit function and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (4) annually reviewing an independent auditors' report describing the auditing firms' internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the auditing firm, (5) discussing the annual audited financial and quarterly statements with management and the independent auditor,

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(6) discussing earnings press release, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, (7) discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, (8) meeting separately, periodically, with management, internal auditors and the independent auditor, (9) reviewing with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and managements' response, (10) setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, (11) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the audit committee by the board of directors from time to time and (12) reporting regularly to the full board of directors.

        Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the audit committee which will be available on our website.

Compensation Committee

        Our compensation committee currently consists of Brian Carroll, Todd A. Fisher, and Susan Schnabel. Our compensation committee is responsible for (1) reviewing key employee compensation policies, plans and programs, (2) reviewing and approving the compensation of our executive officers, (3) reviewing and approving employment contracts and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers, (4) reviewing and consulting with the chief executive officer on the selection of officers and evaluation of executive performance and other related matters, (5) administration of stock plans and other incentive compensation plans and (6) such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by the board of directors from time to time.

        Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the compensation committee which will be available on our website.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, we will form a nominating and corporate governance committee that will consist of Brian F. Carroll, Todd A. Fisher and Susan Schnabel. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for (1) developing and recommending criteria for selecting new directors, (2) screening and recommending to the board of directors individuals qualified to become executive officers, (3) overseeing evaluations of the board of directors, its members and committees of the board of directors and (4) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the nominating and corporate governance committee by the board of directors from time to time.

        Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee which will be available on our website.

        Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.    The compensation levels of our executive officers are currently determined by our compensation committee as described above. None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of the compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity of which an executive officer is expected to serve as a member of our compensation committee.

Director and Executive Compensation

Director Compensation

        We pay $30,000 annually as compensation for our non-management directors for fulfilling their duties as directors, together with reimbursement of expenses. Our management director is not separately compensated for his services as a director.

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        After this offering, we expect to pay each non-management director an annual retainer of $                          . In addition, we expect to pay an additional annual retainer of $                          and $                          to the chairman of the audit committee and each member of our audit committee, respectively.

Executive Compensation

        The following table shows all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our chief executive officer and our other two executive officers during the years 2004, 2003 and 2002 whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000. We refer to them as the "named executive officers."

				Annual Compensation									Long-Term Compensation
Name and Principal Position		Year		Salary			Bonus			Other Annual Compensation (1)			Restricted Stock Award(2)			Securities Underlying Options(#)		LTIP Payouts ($)		All Other Compensation
Seifi Ghasemi Chairman and Chief Executive Officer		2004 2003 2002		$	1,150,000 1,037,500 1,000,000		$	3,207,899 648,690 1,421,727		$	230,736 46,732 49,364		$	277,778 333,335 333,335		— — —		— — —		$	1,120,130 608,280 3,204,280	(3) (3) (3)
Robert J. Zatta Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		2004 2003 2002			396,938 368,313 351,250			831,487 149,685 328,064			29,053 27,662 32,949			— — —		— — —		— — —			20,850 18,000 17,500	(4) (4) (4)
Thomas J. Riordan Senior Vice President, Law & Administration		2004 2003 2002			313,500 290,500 276,500			656,978 118,062 258,754			31,449 4,239 22,496			— — —		— — —		— — —			43,156 42,725 31,694	(5) (5) (5)

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(1)

For each of Mr. Ghasemi, Mr. Zatta, and Mr. Riordan, the amounts for 2004, 2003 and 2002 include gross up and taxable portion of company-provided basic life insurance and auto allowances. The amounts for Mr. Ghasemi include a car allowance of $32,724 for 2004 and approximately $36,000 for 2003 and 2002. The amount for Mr. Ghasemi in 2004 includes $192,000 (four payments of $48,000) in lieu of contributions into his supplemental pension pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ghasemi's amended employment agreement. See "—Employment and Other Agreements—Agreements with Seifi Ghasemi." The amounts include car allowances for Mr. Zatta of $26,168 for 2004, and $30,000 for 2003 and 2002; and car allowances of $30,288, $3,500 and $20,000 for Mr. Riordan for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

(2)

These restricted stock units (payable in shares of our common stock) were granted under Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement with us and are fully vested. See "—Employment and Other Agreements—Agreements with Seifi Ghasemi." Amounts reported represent the dollar value of the aggregate restricted stock units held by Mr. Ghasemi which vested during the respective years.

(3)

For 2004, represents (i) $384,000 ($48,000 per month for eight months) into a non-qualified supplemental pension; (ii) a one-time payment of $200,000 in connection with the termination of the non-qualified supplemental pension; (iii) $501,000 cumulative net gain on rabbi trust; (iv) $20,850 in company contributions into a qualified plan and (v) $14,280 of annual premium paid by us with respect to a life insurance benefit of Mr. Ghasemi. For 2003, represents (i) $576,000 ($48,000 per month) into a non-qualified supplemental pension; (ii) $18,000 in company contributions into a qualified plan and (iii) $14,280 of annual premium paid by us with respect to life insurance benefit of Mr. Ghasemi. For 2002, represents (i) an initial contribution of $2.5 million to a non-qualified supplemental pension benefit made in January 2002, (ii) an aggregate contribution of $576,000 ($48,000 per month) into the grantor trust established for the benefit of Mr. Ghasemi, plus (iii) an additional contribution of $96,000 into the trust for November and December 2001 that had been deferred until 2002, and (iv) $14,280 of annual premium paid by us during 2002 with respect to life insurance for the benefit of Mr. Ghasemi. The contributions to the non-qualified supplemental pension are fully vested. See "—Employment and Other Agreements—Agreements with Seifi Ghasemi."

(4)

Represents our contributions into various qualified plans.

(5)

Represents our contributions into various qualified and non-qualified plans.

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Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End/SAR Values

						Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options/SARs at FY-End (%)
										Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options/SARs at FY-End ($) Exercisable/ Unexercisable
		Shares Acquired on Exercise ($)(1)
Name				Value Realized ($)(1)		Exercisable (2)		Unexercisable (2)
Seifi Ghasemi		—		—		7,200		20,050		—
Robert J. Zatta		—		—		1,520		4,480		—
Thomas J. Riordan		—		—		2,200		4,800		—

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(1)

None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options during 2004.

(2)

Effective as of April 29, 2005, when Group's annual report on Form 10-K, was filed, a portion of Mr. Ghasemi's, Mr. Zatta's and Mr. Riordan's unexercisable options became exercisable in the following amounts: 1,800 options for Mr. Ghasemi, 692 options for Mr. Zatta, and 800 options for Mr. Riordan.

Employment and Other Agreements

Agreements with Seifi Ghasemi

        We have entered into an employment agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001, as amended as of August 9, 2004 and September 24, 2004, with Mr. Ghasemi pursuant to which he is serving as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless either party gives 60 days advance written notice not to renew the term of the agreement prior to any such extension date. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time; however, Mr. Ghasemi must give at least 180 days advance written notice to terminate his employment (other than in connection with his notice not to renew the terms of the employment agreement, as otherwise described above).

        The agreement initially provided Mr. Ghasemi with an annual base salary of $1,000,000 and as amended, provided Mr. Ghasemi with an annual base salary of $1,250,000 effective August 1, 2004, and a target annual bonus award equal to 125% of his base salary (subject to our achievement of specified performance targets), both of which may be increased in the discretion of our board of directors.

        Pursuant to the first amendment, Mr. Ghasemi's supplemental executive retirement plan, or SERP, and the related rabbi trust, were terminated and the assets were distributed to him. We will continue to make payments of $48,000 per month to Mr. Ghasemi as a supplemental pension benefit. In addition, in connection with the termination of the SERP, Mr. Ghasemi was granted a special one-time payment of $200,000.

        Pursuant to the original agreement, Mr. Ghasemi agreed to purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock, and in connection therewith, received a grant of 2,000 restricted stock units (payable in shares of our common stock) which vest in equal quarterly installments over a three-year period and a grant of time options to purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock which vest over a five-year period. Except in the event of a sale of shares of our common stock by affiliates of KKR giving rise to tag-along or drag-along rights under Mr. Ghasemi's amended and restated sale participation agreement, the shares of common stock underlying vested restricted stock units are issuable upon the later of (i) the date such shares can be sold in the public market without restriction on transfer, which, given this offering, is expected to be November 1, 2006 and (ii) the termination of Mr. Ghasemi's employment. Pursuant to the agreement governing the restricted stock units, if a cash dividend is paid on the outstanding shares of common stock, Mr. Ghasemi will receive, at the time he becomes entitled to receive the shares

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of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units, an additional number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of (a) the product of the amount of the dividend paid with respect to one share of our common stock multiplied by the number of vested restricted stock units then held by Mr. Ghasemi (plus any number of shares of our common stock previously calculated in respect of any other cash dividend) divided by (b) the fair value per share of our common stock at the time the dividend is paid. The number of shares of our common stock issuable is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, split, combination, recapitalization, change of control or other similar event.

        In connection with the second amendment, Mr. Ghasemi agreed pursuant to the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, and in connection therewith, was granted a time/performance option to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. At the same time, Mr. Ghasemi was granted a separate time option to purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock. The time/performance option vests over a five-year period as to 40% of the shares of our common stock subject to the option and vests, as to the remaining 60%, over a five-year period and to the extent certain performance targets are achieved. The time option vests over a period ending January 1, 2008.

        Mr. Ghasemi's agreement also provides that if his employment is terminated by us without "cause" (which includes our nonrenewal of the term of the employment agreement as described above), or if he resigns for "good reason," he will be entitled to receive:

•

accrued but unpaid current compensation and supplemental pension benefit;



•

continued payment, in equal installments over the 24-month period following any such termination, of an amount equal to two times the sum of (x) his then base salary and (y) the average of his annual bonuses, if any, earned or payable in respect of our two full fiscal years prior to the date of his termination; and



•

continued monthly supplemental benefit contributions for a period of 12 months following such termination.

        Mr. Ghasemi's employment agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation.

Agreements with Robert Zatta

        We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Zatta, dated as of March 21, 2001, as amended as of October 19, 2004, pursuant to which he is serving as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides for an annual base salary, subject to potential increase on an annual basis, a signing bonus, a company automobile and entitles him to participate in our health, welfare, retirement and bonus programs.

        Mr. Zatta's employment agreement may be terminated upon twelve months' prior written notice by us or six months' prior written notice by Mr. Zatta. Mr. Zatta's employment agreement also provides that if his employment is involuntarily terminated, other than for "cause," as defined in the agreement, or he resigns with "good reason," as defined in the agreement, he will be entitled to (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to his three months base salary, (ii) continuation of health care coverage, to the extent applicable for a specified period of time, (iii) continued use of a company car for a period of twelve months, (iv) a severance payment equal to two weeks base salary plus one week salary for each year of service and (v) a further severance payment of three months salary.

        Under his employment agreement, Mr. Zatta was entitled to purchase shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the management stockholder's agreement, which he did, and in connection therewith, was granted a time/performance option to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. In October 2004, Mr. Zatta was granted the right

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to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, which he did, and in connection therewith, was granted a time/performance option and a performance option to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement.

        Mr. Zatta's employment agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality and non-competition.

Agreements with Thomas Riordan

        We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Riordan, dated October 13, 1994, pursuant to which he is serving as our Senior Vice President, Law & Administration. The employment agreement provides for base monthly salary, subject to potential increase on an annual basis, a company automobile, and entitles him to participate in our health, welfare, retirement and bonus programs.

        Mr. Riordan's employment agreement may be terminated upon twelve months' prior written notice by us or six months' prior written notice by Mr. Riordan. Mr. Riordan's employment agreement also provides that if his employment is involuntarily terminated, other than for "cause," as defined in the agreement, or he resigns with "good reason," as defined in the agreement, he will be entitled to (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to his three months base salary, (ii) continuation of health care coverage, to the extent applicable for a specified period of time, (iii) continued use of a company car for a period of twelve months, (iv) a severance payment equal to two weeks base salary plus one week salary for each year of service and, (v) a further severance payment of three months salary.

        Mr. Riordan's employment agreement contains provisions relating to confidential information and covenants not to compete for a period of one year in the event we continue to pay current salary and benefits for that period.

        Under the management stockholder's agreement Mr. Riordan entered into in 2001, he purchased shares of our common stock and in connection therewith, was granted a time/performance option to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock. In October 2004, Mr. Riordan was granted the right to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock, which he did, and in connection therewith, was granted a time/ performance option and a performance option to purchase an additional number of shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the amended and restated management stockholder's agreement.

Stock Purchase and Option Plan

        We have adopted the Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (formerly the 2000 Stock Purchase and Option Plan of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries), which provides for the grant of incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), options that are not incentive stock options, and various other stock-based grants, including the shares of our common stock sold to, and options granted to the executive officers and other key employees, as described below under "—Management Equity Programs." In September 2004, our board of directors approved an amendment to increase the number of authorized shares available for grants under the stock plan. As of the date of this prospectus, we have granted under the stock plan certain options as incentive stock options to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the remainder as non-incentive stock options. The options are generally granted as follows: 50% vest and become exercisable over the passage of time, which we refer to as "time options," assuming the optionee continues to be employed by us, and 50% vest and become exercisable over time based upon the achievement of certain performance targets, which we refer to as "performance options."

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        Exercise Price.    The exercise price of the options is the fair market value of the shares underlying the options on the date of the grant of the option, unless otherwise specified for particular options.

        Vesting of Time Options.    Time options granted in 2004 generally become exercisable by the holder of the option in installments of 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the "initial vesting date" which is generally defined as the grant date. Time options granted prior to 2004 vest as follows: 10% in year one, 10% in year two, 25% in year three, 25% in year four and 30% in year five.

        Vesting of Performance Options.    Performance options generally become exercisable as to 100% of the options on the eighth anniversary of the grant date; however, they will become earlier exercisable as to 20% of the total performance options on December 31 of each fiscal year beginning with the 2004 fiscal year upon the completion of the audit for the then ending period, subject to certain employment restrictions to the extent that we, or a division of ours, as applicable, achieves certain performance targets. Certain option holders have "company-wide performance targets," which targets are based on our achievement of certain implied equity values. Other option holders have "divisional performance targets," which targets are based on a particular division's achievement of annual or cumulative EBITDA. In the event that performance targets are not achieved in any given fiscal year but the cumulative targets are achieved in a subsequent year, the performance option will become exercisable as to the previously unexercisable percentage of the performance options from the missed years, as well as with respect to the percentage of the performance options in respect of the fiscal year in which the performance targets are achieved. Options generally are not exercisable as to any shares following the termination of an optionee's employment with us or our subsidiaries.

        Effect of Change in Control.    In addition, upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined in the stock plan, the exercisability of the time options will automatically accelerate with respect to 100% of the shares of our common stock subject to the time options. Immediately prior to a change of control, a ratable portion of unvested performance options will automatically vest if our board of directors makes a good faith determination that the applicable performance target(s) would have been met for the year in which the change of control occurs, but for the change of control. Our board of directors, in its discretion, may further determine to accelerate the vesting of all performance options.

        Miscellaneous.    The options will only be transferable by will or pursuant to applicable laws of descent and distribution upon the death of the optionee. The stock plan may be amended or terminated by our board of directors at any time.

        Management Equity Programs.    In connection with the KKR acquisition, we implemented a management equity program, which we refer to as the 2001 management equity program, under which members of our senior management and other key employees were given the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock, and were entitled to receive options to purchase additional shares of our common stock, depending upon the initial number of shares each employee purchased. In connection with the 2001 management equity program, 11,720 shares were purchased and options to purchase 52,480 shares were granted, net of subsequent redemptions and forfeitures (in each case not giving effect to the stock split in connection with the offering), each at the same price per share paid by affiliates of KKR.

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we implemented a new management equity program, which we refer to as the 2004 management equity program, under which certain of our employees, including our executive officers, in the United States, Germany and other countries were given the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock and were entitled to receive options to purchase additional shares of our common stock, depending upon the initial number of shares each employee purchased. In connection with the 2004 management equity program, 13,950

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shares were purchased and options to purchase 61,120 shares were granted (in each case not giving effect to the stock split in connection with the offering), each at the same price per share paid by affiliates of KKR and DLJMB.

        As a result of the 2001 management equity program and the 2004 management equity program, management currently hold approximately 8.8% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and after giving effect to the offering, will hold approximately    %, in each case, on a fully-diluted basis.

        Pursuant to the 2001 management equity program, we made loans to ten employees including Mr. Zatta and Mr. Riordan in order to assist them in purchasing, in whole or in part, their shares of our common stock. The loans are repayable on the earliest to occur of (i) the fifth anniversary of the date the employee purchases his or her shares of our common stock, (ii) certain terminations of employment or (iii) the receipt by the employee of any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of his or her shares of our common stock. We have full recourse against the employees and all of their assets for repayment of the principal of or interest on the loans. The loans are secured by all of an employee's shares of our common stock, including any shares of our common stock obtained upon exercise of any stock options held by the employee. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $0.7 million in outstanding loans made to employees.

        The shares of our common stock purchased by the employees, the options granted to the employees and the shares of our common stock an employee may receive upon exercise of an option under both the 2001 management equity program and 2004 management equity program, are subject to transfer restrictions until the fifth anniversary of the date the employees originally purchased their shares of our common stock, and are also subject to our right, prior to such fifth anniversary, to repurchase the shares of our common stock and vested options upon termination of an employee's employment. See "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—2001 Management Stockholder's Agreements," and "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—2004 Management Stockholder's Agreements."

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

        Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements and court costs) and carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

        In addition, we provide indemnification to certain of our directors who are affiliated with KKR and DLJMB under the management services agreement. See "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—Management Services Agreement with KKR and DLJMB III."

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2004 with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock before and after the offering by:

•

each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock;



•

each of our directors and named executive officers; and



•

all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

        Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table below is c/o Rockwood Holdings, Inc., 100 Overlook Center, Princeton, NJ 08540.

		Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock
						Percentage After the Offering
Name of Beneficial Owner		Number(1)		Percentage Prior to the Offering		Without Over-allotment		With Over-allotment
KKR(2)				75.0	%		%		%
DLJMB(3)				21.7	%		%		%
Seifi Ghasemi(4)				*		*		*
Robert J. Zatta(5)				*		*		*
Thomas J. Riordan(6)				*		*		*
Brian F. Carroll(2)				75.0	%		%		%
Todd A. Fisher(2)				75.0	%		%		%
Edward A. Gilhuly(2)				75.0	%		%		%
Perry Golkin(2)				75.0	%		%		%
Alex Morey(3)				—		—		—
Susan Schnabel(3)				—		—		—
Fredrik Sjödin(2)				75.0	%		%		%
All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)				75.6	%		%		%

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*

Less than 1%.

(1)

The amounts and percentages of our common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a "beneficial owner" of a security if that person has or shares "voting power," which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or "investment power," which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities as to which such person has an economic interest.

(2)

KKR affiliates currently beneficially own 1,123,250 shares of our common stock as follows:

•

157,900 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Millennium Fund L.P., for which KKR Associates Millennium L.P. is the general partner, and for which KKR Millennium GP LLC is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares; 28,000 of the 157,900 shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. reflect shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing.

•

559,200 shares are beneficially owned by KKR 1996 Fund L.P., for which KKR Associates 1996 L.P. is the general partner, and for which KKR 1996 GP LLC is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares;

•

4,800 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Partners II, L.P.;

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•

11,650 shares are beneficially owned by KKR Partners III, L.P. (Series F), for which KKR GP III LLC is the general partner and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares; and



•

389,700 shares are beneficially owned by KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership, for which KKR Associates Europe, Limited Partnership is the general partner, and for which KKR Europe Limited is the general partner of that limited partnership and exercises sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

In addition, KKR affiliates may be deemed by virtue of their rights under the stockholders' agreement entered into with us and DLJMB, to share investment power with respect to the shares held by DLJMB but disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

Messrs. Henry R. Kravis, George R. Roberts, Paul E. Raether, Michael W. Michelson, James H. Greene, Jr., Perry Golkin, Scott M. Stuart, Edward A. Gilhuly, Johannes P. Huth, Todd A. Fisher and Alexander Navab, as members of KKR Millennium GP LLC, KKR 1996 GP LLC and KKR Europe Limited, and Marc S. Lipschultz and Jacques Garaialde, as members of KKR Millennium GP LLC and KKR Europe Limited, may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares controlled by these entities, but disclaim such beneficial ownership. Messrs. Brian F. Carroll and Fredrik Sjödin are our directors and executives of KKR, and as such may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any shares beneficially owned by KKR, but disclaim such beneficial ownership. The address of KKR Millennium GP LLC, KKR 1996 GP LLC, KKR GP III LLC, KKR Europe Limited and each individual listed above is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019.

(3)

DLJMB currently beneficially own 318,750 shares of our common stock as follows: (a) 252,520 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P.; (b) 4,461 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V.; (c) 3,178 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V.; (d) 17,383 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V.; (e) 2,108 shares are beneficially owned by DLJ MB PartnersIII GmbH & Co. KG; (f) 1,434 shares are beneficially owned by Millennium Partners II, L.P.; and (g) 37,666 shares are beneficially owned by MBP III Plan Investors, L.P., all of which form a part of Credit Suisse First Boston's Alternative Capital Division. The address for each of the foregoing is 11 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10010, except that the address of DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, DLJ Offshore Partners III-2 and DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V. is John B. Gosiraweg 14, Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Alex Morey and Susan Schnabel are our directors and are employees of Credit Suisse First Boston's Alternative Capital Division, of which DLJMB is a part. Alex Morey and Susan Schnabel do not have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over shares held by DLJMB and therefore do not have beneficial ownership of such shares.

(4)

Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Ghasemi include 7,200 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him and 4,000 shares purchased by Mr. Ghasemi pursuant to the management equity programs. Excludes 2,000 vested restricted stock units held by Mr. Ghasemi. See "Management—Employment and Other Agreements—Agreements with Seifi Ghasemi."

(5)

Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Zatta include 1,520 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him and 1,270 shares purchased by Mr. Zatta pursuant to the management equity programs.

(6)

Shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Riordan include 2,200 shares underlying exercisable stock options held by him and 1,500 shares purchased by Mr. Riordan pursuant to the management equity programs.

        In addition, our directors Brian F. Carroll, Todd A. Fisher, Edward A. Gilhuly and Fredrik Sjödin may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of 100% of our redeemable convertible preferred stock, which is beneficially owned by KKR Millennium Fund, L.P., but disclaim such beneficial ownership.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management

2001 Management Stockholder's Agreements

        We entered into management stockholder's agreements, generally dated as of February 2, 2001, with certain members of our management that purchased shares of our common stock under the 2001 management equity program. The following summary of the terms of those agreements should be read together with the information described under the caption "Management—Stock Purchase and Option Plan—Management Equity Programs."

        Restrictions on Transfers.    The management stockholder's agreements impose significant restrictions on transfers of shares of common stock. Pursuant to the management stockholder's agreements, except for certain permitted non-public transfers, sales of shares of common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act (not including registration statements on Form S-8) and transfers made pursuant to the sale participation agreement (described below), the shares of common stock generally will be non-transferable by any means at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the investment date.

        Our Obligation to Repurchase Stock and Options of the Stockholder.    If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated as a result of the death or permanent disability of the stockholder, then the stockholder will have the right, for a period of 60 days following 181 days after the date of death or permanent disability, to require us to purchase all of the shares of common stock then held by such stockholder at a per share price equal to the fair market value per share. In the event the stockholder exercises this right, we will also be required to purchase all of the outstanding exercisable options held by the stockholder for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the fair market value per share over the exercise price of the option and (y) the number of exercisable options.

        Our Right to Repurchase Stock and Options of the Stockholder.    If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated by us for "cause" (as such term is defined in the agreement) or the management stockholder effects an impermissible transfer of the shares of common stock, then we will have the right to repurchase shares of common stock held by the stockholder at a per share price equal to the lesser of the purchase price the stockholder paid for the share and the fair market value per share, and all options (whether then exercisable or not) held by the stockholder will terminate without any payment. If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the management stockholder's agreement, the stockholder's employment is terminated with or without "good reason" (as such term is defined in the agreement) by the management stockholder or by his death or permanent disability or without "cause" by us, then we will have the right to repurchase shares of common stock held by the stockholder at a per share purchase price equal to the fair market value per share. In the event we exercise this right, we will also purchase all of the outstanding exercisable options held by the stockholder for an amount equal to the product of the excess, if any, of the fair market value per share over the option exercise price and the number of exercisable options. In the event such amount is zero or a negative number, all such outstanding exercisable options will be automatically terminated without any payment.

        "Piggyback" Registration Rights.    Until the later of (i) one year after the occurrence of a (a) registered public offering relating to sales of our common stock by affiliates of KKR or (b) a "qualified public offering," and (ii) the sixth anniversary of the date the management stockholder entered into the management stockholder's agreement, the management stockholder agrees to be bound by the registration rights agreement (described below), and in the event of a proposed registered sale of our common stock by affiliates of KKR, the management stockholder is entitled to

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register in the proposed sale the maximum number of shares of common stock held by him or acquired under exercisable options, which number is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR in relation to the number of shares then owned by affiliates of KKR.

2004 Management Stockholder's Agreements

        We entered into management stockholder's agreements with members of our management and certain other employees that purchased shares of our common stock under the 2004 management equity program. The terms of the 2004 management stockholder's agreements are substantially the same as those of the 2001 management stockholder's agreements described above.

2001 Sale Participation Agreements

        Affiliates of KKR entered into a sale participation agreement, dated February 2, 2001, with each member of our management who purchased shares of our common stock under the 2001 management stockholder's agreement.

        Tag-Along Rights.    The sale participation agreement grants to the stockholders the right to participate in any sale for cash or other consideration (other than a registered public offering or a sale to another affiliate of KKR) of shares of our common stock by affiliates of KKR occurring prior to the fifth anniversary of the first registered public offering of our common stock. The stockholder will be able to sell the maximum number of shares of our common stock then held by such stockholder or acquired under exercisable options, which is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR in relation to the number of shares then owned by affiliates of KKR.

        Drag-Along Rights.    If affiliates of KKR receive an offer from a third party to purchase at least a majority of the shares of common stock then owned by affiliates of KKR prior to the fifth anniversary of the first registered public offering of our common stock, the stockholder may be required, if so requested by affiliates of KKR, to sell in such transaction on the same terms and conditions as to be paid and given to affiliates of KKR, up to the same number of shares of common stock that the stockholder would be able to sell pursuant to the preceding paragraph.

2004 Sale Participation Agreements

        Affiliates of KKR entered into sale participation agreements with other members of our management who purchased shares of our common stock under the 2004 management equity program. The terms of the 2004 sale participation agreements are substantially the same as those of the 2001 sale participation agreements described above.

Restricted Stock Units

        We entered into a restricted stock unit award agreement with our chairman and chief executive officer, effective November 2001, pursuant to which he received a grant of 2,000 restricted stock units which vested in equal quarterly installments over a three-year-period. The restricted stock units are payable in shares of our common stock issuable upon the later to occur of (i) the date the shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units can be sold in the public market without restriction on transfer, which, given this offering, is expected to be November 1, 2006 and (ii) the termination of his employment. Pursuant to the agreement, if a cash dividend is paid on the outstanding shares of our common stock, he will receive, at the time he becomes entitled to receive the shares of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units, an additional number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of (a) the product of the amount of the dividend paid with respect to one share of our common stock multiplied by the number of vested restricted stock units then held by him (plus any number of shares of our common stock previously calculated in respect of any other cash dividend) divided by (b) the fair value per share of our common stock at the time the dividend is paid. The number of shares of our common stock

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issuable is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, split, combination, recapitalization, change of control or other similar event.

Registration Rights Agreement

        We are a party to a registration rights agreement, dated November 20, 2000, as amended as of July 23, 2003, with certain of our stockholders, including affiliates of KKR, DLJMB, stockholders party to the investors' rights agreement described below and members of our management and certain other employees who are parties to the management stockholder's agreements described above. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, if we propose to register shares of our common stock for sale under the Securities Act, the other parties to the registration rights agreement are entitled to request that we include their shares in such sale. In addition, following this offering, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB (that own a specified number of shares of our common stock) are entitled to make requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or a portion of their shares of common stock.

Pledge Agreements

        In connection with our 2001 management equity program, our subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Inc. made loans to certain members of our management, including two of our executive officers, in order to assist them in purchasing, in whole or in part, their shares of our common stock, and in connection with the making of such loans, each such member of our management entered into a pledge agreement. Pursuant to the pledge agreement, each such member of our management pledged all of his shares of our common stock, including shares received upon exercise of any stock options that may be issued to him by us, as collateral security for the loan.

        These loans accrue interest at the applicable federal rate at the time of investment, and are repayable upon the earliest to occur of (1) the fifth anniversary of the date the shares of our common stock was purchased, (2) certain terminations of employment and (3) the receipt by the borrower of any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of his shares of our common stock. As of April 30, 2005, the outstanding principal balance of the loans to our two executive officers amounted to $0.2 million. Rockwood Specialties has full recourse against these two executive officers and all of their assets for repayment of the principal of or interest on these loans. Through December 31, 2004, both executive officers were current in their payments of principal and interest. These loans have not been materially modified since July 30, 2002. See "Management—Stock Purchase and Option Plan—Management Equity Programs."

Investors' Rights Agreement

        In connection with the KKR acquisition, we entered into an investors' rights agreement, dated November 20, 2000, with Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation and affiliates of KKR. Pursuant to this agreement, we issued 30,273 shares of our common stock to Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation for a purchase price of $1.00 per share (as adjusted to reflect the 100-for-1 reverse stock split effective January 30, 2001), in consideration for making the pay-in-kind loans to our subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc. In connection with the assignment of $70.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans to Allianz Lebensversicherungs—AG, Stuttgart and the replacement of such loans for pay-in-kind notes, the agreement was amended as of February 7, 2001 to provide for the transfer of certain shares of our common stock by Merrill Lynch to Allianz. In addition, in connection with the assignment of the remaining $30.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans to SPCP Group, L.L.C., an affiliate of Silver Point Capital LP, the agreement was further amended as of January 14, 2005 to provide for the transfer of remaining shares of our common stock held by Merrill Lynch to SPCP Group, L.L.C.

        Tag-Along and Drag-Along Rights.    If affiliates of KKR sell shares of our common stock representing more than 40% of the number of shares originally purchased by them to any third

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party, then the investors have customary rights to participate in the sale on a pro rata basis with affiliates of KKR. In addition, if affiliates of KKR propose to transfer more than 50% of the number of shares originally purchased by them to any third party, affiliates of KKR may require that such investors transfer their shares on the same terms.

        Registration Rights.    Each investor agrees to be bound by the registration rights agreement dated November 20, 2000, as amended, and is entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the registration rights agreement as if such investor were an original holder of shares of common stock under the registration rights agreement.

Stockholders' Agreement with Affiliates of KKR and DLJMB

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we entered into a stockholders' agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, with affiliates of KKR and DLJMB.

        Board Representation.    The stockholders' agreement provides that our board of directors will initially consist of eight directors, five of whom will be designated by affiliates of KKR, two of whom will be designated by DLJMB and one of whom will be our chief executive officer. At such time that DLJMB ceases to own at least 10% of our outstanding common stock, DLJMB will cease to have the right to designate directors to our board of directors. In connection with this offering, our board of directors may be reconstituted, subject to compliance with applicable law and the listing rules of the applicable securities exchange; provided that, DLJMB will be entitled to designate one director to our board of directors for so long as they continue to own at least 10% of our outstanding common stock after giving effect to this offering.

        Restrictions on Transfers.    Prior to the fifth anniversary of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, DLJMB may not generally transfer shares of our common stock, other than to certain permitted transferees (including distributions to their limited partners), pursuant to a registered sale or pursuant to drag-along rights described below. Following the fifth anniversary of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, DLJMB may transfer their shares subject to drag-along rights described below and certain other restrictions. Subject to compliance with certain restrictions, affiliates of KKR may transfer their shares by any means at any time.

        Drag-Along Rights.    If at any time affiliates of KKR and any other holder of shares of our common stock receive a bona fide offer from any third party to purchase at least a majority of our outstanding common stock, and such offer is accepted, then DLJMB will, if required by affiliates of KKR, transfer to such third-party on the terms of the accepted offer such number of shares of common stock held by them as is proportional to the number of shares being sold by affiliates of KKR and other holders in relation to the number of shares then owned by them.

        Registration Rights.    Each stockholder party to the agreement agrees to be bound by the registration rights agreement dated November 20, 2000, as amended. DLJMB is entitled to make up to three separate written requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or some of their shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement; provided, however, DLJMB may not make any such request until the earlier of (i) the termination of any applicable "lock-up" period and the end of any period during which dealers must deliver a prospectus in connection with the sale of any shares of our common stock by any affiliates of KKR pursuant to the exercise of its second demand registration right and (ii) the sixth anniversary of the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition if no affiliate of KKR has exercised its demand registration right to date. Affiliates of KKR are entitled to make an unlimited number of requests that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of their shares of common stock.

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Stock Subscription Agreement

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we, affiliates of KKR and DLJMB entered into a stock subscription agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, pursuant to which we issued 531,250 shares of our common stock to affiliates of KKR and 318,750 shares of our common stock to DLJMB, in each case not giving effect to the stock split in connection with the offering, for a purchase price of $500.00 per share. This agreement terminated upon the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition.

Management Services Agreement with KKR and DLJMB III

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, we have entered into a management services agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, with KKR and DLJMB III. Under the agreement, KKR and DLJMB III have agreed to provide certain management, business strategy, consulting and financial services to us and our subsidiaries. These services include (i) advice regarding the structure, distribution, and timing of debt and equity offerings, (ii) advice regarding our business strategy, (iii) advice regarding dispositions and/or acquisitions and (iv) other services of the type customarily performed by KKR and DLJMB III.

        The aggregate annual fee under the management services agreement is $2.0 million, which amount will be increased by 5% each year and is payable quarterly to KKR and DLJMB III on a pro rata basis based on their respective percentage equity interest in us. This annual fee is paid by our U.S. subsidiaries. Under the agreement, we paid a transaction fee of $21.0 million to KKR and $9.0 million to DLJMB III (or an aggregate fee of $30.0 million) in connection with the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. We also agree to indemnify and hold each of KKR and DLJMB III and their respective partners, executives, officers, directors, employees, agents, controlling persons and affiliates harmless from and against any losses and/or liabilities relating to or arising out of the services contemplated by the agreement or the retention of KKR and DLJMB III pursuant to, and such entities' or their affiliates' performance of the services contemplated by, the agreement. In connection with this offering, the affiliates of KKR and DLJMB III have agreed to terminate the management services agreement for an aggregate consideration of $10.0 million. Certain provisions in the management services agreement, including indemnification, will survive such termination.

Senior Discount Notes

        For a description of the senior discount notes issued by Rockwood Specialties International, Inc. and held by an affiliate of KKR, see "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Discount Notes." We intend to redeem the senior discount notes with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants

        For a description of the redeemable convertible preferred stock and warrants issued to an affiliate of KKR in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing, see "Description of Capital Stock—Preferred Stock—Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock." We intend to redeem the outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering.

Indemnification and Insurance

        For a description of our limitation on liability and indemnification of, and provision of insurance covering, our directors and executive officers, see "Management—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors."

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Stockholders' Agreement with Management of Groupe Novasep SAS

        In connection with the combination of the three business lines of our Custom Synthesis segment with Groupe Novasep SAS, we, our subsidiary Knight Specialite Synthese SAS (which is now renamed Groupe Novasep, but which we refer to below as Knight), and certain members of management of Groupe Novasep SAS entered into a stockholders' agreement, dated as of December 31, 2004.

        Exchange Rights; Call Rights.    The Groupe Novasep SAS management stockholders have the right to convert their shares of common stock of Knight into shares of our common stock in the event of a "change of control" (as defined in the agreement) of Knight pursuant to a formula specified in the agreement which is based on the respective values of Knight's common stock and our common stock. In the event a Groupe Novasep SAS management stockholder does not exchange his or her shares upon a change of control, Knight has a right to buy such management stockholder's shares. In addition, following the occurrence of certain events such as death, disability or termination of the Groupe Novasep SAS manager's employment, subject to the call right described below, each manager has a right to convert his shares of common stock of Knight into shares of our common stock pursuant to a formula specified in the agreement.

        Company Call Right.    We have the right to purchase Groupe Novasep SAS management stockholders' shares of common stock of Knight prior to December 31, 2008 in certain circumstances such as death, permanent disability or termination of managers' employment at purchase prices specified in the agreement.

        Registration Rights.    Following December 31, 2007 and prior to either (1) an initial public offering by Knight or (2) the date on which we cease to hold a majority of shares of common stock of Knight, Roger-Marc Nicoud has the right to cause Knight to effect an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Knight if the intended listing price for shares of common stock of Knight would imply a value of Knight that is 2.75 times the "value per share" (as defined in this agreement) of Knight common stock. Each Groupe Novasep SAS manager also has piggyback registration rights under the terms and conditions of the registration rights agreement with respect to any of our shares he acquires pursuant to the agreement.

Relationship with DLJMB and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC

        For more information regarding our relationship with DLJMB and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC in their capacity as initial purchasers of Group's 2014 notes and lenders, arrangers and agents under Group's senior secured credit facilities, see "Underwriting."

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws as each is anticipated to be in effect upon the closing of this offering. We also refer you to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorization Capitalization

        Our authorized capital stock consists of (i)              shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of which             shares are issued and outstanding, and (ii) 50,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 25,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock issued to an affiliate of KKR in connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing are issued and outstanding. Immediately following the closing of this offering, there are expected to be             shares of common stock issued and outstanding (or             shares of common stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

        Voting Rights.    Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted for action by the stockholders. The holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the shares of common stock can, if they choose to do so, elect all the directors. In such event, the holders of the remaining shares of common stock will not be able to elect any directors.

        Dividend Rights.    Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably dividends if, as and when dividends are declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, after payment of dividends required to be paid on outstanding preferred stock, if any. Our senior secured credit facilities and indentures impose restrictions on our ability to declare dividends on our common stock.

        Liquidation Rights.    Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, any business combination or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution to the stockholders after payment of liabilities and accumulated and unpaid dividends and liquidation preferences on outstanding preferred stock, if any.

        Other Matters.    Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights and are not subject to further calls or assessment by us. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. All outstanding shares of our common stock, including the shares of common stock offered in this offering, are fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by you. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series including:

•

the designation of the series;

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the number of shares of the series, which our board may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase or decrease, but not below the number of shares then outstanding;



•

whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series;



•

the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable;



•

the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;



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the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;



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the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of our company;



•

whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of our company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made;



•

restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and



•

the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock

        In connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing, we issued 25,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock to an affiliate of KKR. The redeemable convertible preferred stock accumulates dividends at 15% per year of the sum of (i) $1,000 original issue price per share and (ii) accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share from the original issue date. Holders of the redeemable convertible preferred stock also participate in any dividends paid on the common stock (other than excluded shares, as defined below). The redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemable by us at our option at any time. The redeemable convertible preferred stock is also convertible into our common stock, at the option of the holder, on or after this offering at a conversion price equal to the then current market price, subject to adjustment. When the redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemed or converted into common stock, the holder will also receive 1% of the aggregate value of our common stock (other than excluded shares) in cash or, in the case of conversion, additional shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment. In addition, upon a change of control of us, the holder will be able to require us to repurchase the redeemable convertible preferred stock at 101% of the aggregate liquidation preference and accumulated and unpaid dividends plus 1% of the aggregate consideration paid to holders of common stock (other than excluded shares) in the change of control transaction, subject to adjustment. "Excluded shares" mean the shares of common stock issued to affiliates of KKR and DLJMB in connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, the shares of common stock issued pursuant to the 2004 management equity program and pursuant to employee stock options granted after July 29, 2004 prior to December 31, 2004 and any other shares of common stock issued to DLJMB. We intend to redeem the outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.

        Warrants.    In connection with the issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock, we issued to an affiliate of KKR warrants, exercisable at any time at a specified exercise price, to purchase 28,000 additional shares of our common stock (not giving effect to the stock split in connection with the offering).

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Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

        The Delaware General Corporation Law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, which would apply so long as our common stock were listed on the New York Stock Exchange, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of common stock. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

        One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and consequently protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

        We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Subject to specific exceptions, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

•

the "business combination," or the transaction in which the stockholder became an "interested stockholder" is approved by the board of directors prior to the date the "interested stockholder" attained that status;



•

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an "interested stockholder," the "interested stockholder" owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding and not outstanding, voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentiality whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or



•

on or subsequent to the date a person became an "interested stockholder," the "business combination" is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the "interested stockholder."

        "Business combinations" include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the "interested stockholder." Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock. These restrictions could prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, therefore, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

                                  is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

Listing

        We have applied to list our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ROC".

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DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

        In connection with the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, Group, Rockwood Specialties Limited and Rockwood Specialties International, Inc. entered into a senior secured credit agreement, which was amended as of October 8, 2004 and as of December 10, 2004, with Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. as Co-Syndication Agents and certain other lenders. The senior secured credit facilities were arranged by Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. The following summary of the material terms of the senior secured credit facilities, as amended, is generalized and not complete.

Structure

        The senior secured credit facilities consist of:

•

senior secured tranche A-1 term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €39.1 million (or $53.2 million) borrowed by Group in euros;



•

senior secured tranche A-2 term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €170.4 million ($231.6 million) borrowed by Rockwood Specialties Limited in euros;



•

senior secured tranche C term loans in an aggregate principal amount of €274.8 million ($373.5 million) borrowed by Group in euros;



•

senior secured tranche D term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,145.0 million borrowed by Group in U.S. dollars; and



•

a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million made available to Group and Rockwood Specialties Limited in U.S. dollars, euros and/or pounds sterling. A portion of the revolving credit facility is available in the form of letters of credit and swingline loans.

        The dollar equivalents of the borrowings denominated in euros are based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2004 of €1.00=$1.3593. Group may, under certain circumstances and subject to receipt of additional commitments from existing lenders or other eligible institutions, request that the tranche D term loans and/or the revolving credit commitments be increased by an aggregate amount of up to $250.0 million.

Availability

        The full amount of the tranche A-1 term loans, €128.5 million of the tranche A-2 term loans and €222.1 million of the tranche C term loans were drawn in a single drawing on the closing of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition. The remaining €41.9 million of the tranche A-2 term loans were drawn in a single drawing on September 27, 2004 in connection with the acquisition of the pigments and dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc. and the remaining €52.7 million of the tranche C term loans were drawn pursuant to the first amendment to the senior secured credit facilities on October 8, 2004. The aggregate principal amount of the tranche D term loans were drawn on December 10, 2004 pursuant to the second amendment to the senior secured credit facilities. Amounts borrowed under the term loan facilities that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Loans and letters of credit under the revolving credit facility have been available from the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition and will be available at any time prior to the maturity of the revolving credit facility. Amounts repaid under the revolving credit facility may be reborrowed.

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Interest and Fees

        The interest rates per year under the revolving credit facility and the tranche A-1 and A-2 term loan facilities are, at Group's option, Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.50% or ABR plus 1.25%. The interest rate per year under the tranche C term loan facility is Adjusted LIBOR plus 3.00%. The interest rate under the tranche D term loan facility is, at Group's option, Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.25% or ABR plus 1.00%. In each case, the interest rates per year (other than under the tranche C term loan facility) are subject to step-downs determined by reference to a performance test. Adjusted LIBOR is the London inter-bank offered rate, adjusted for statutory reserves. ABR is the alternate base rate, which is the higher of Credit Suisse First Boston's prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%.

        Group may elect interest periods of one, two, three or six months (or in the case of revolving credit loans, nine or twelve months, to the extent available from all lenders under the revolving credit facility) for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings. The calculation of interest will be on the basis of actual days elapsed in a year of 360 days (or 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, in the case of ABR loans based on the prime rate) and interest will be payable quarterly in the case of ABR loans and at the end of each interest period and, in any event, at least every three months, in the case of Adjusted LIBOR borrowings.

        The senior secured credit facilities require payment of customary commitment, letter of credit and other fees.

Guarantees; Security

        Guarantees.    The obligations of Group and Rockwood Specialties Limited under the senior secured credit facilities and any interest rate, foreign exchange or other hedging agreements entered into with any lender under the senior secured credit facilities (or any affiliate thereof) will be guaranteed by Rockwood Specialties International and each of Group's existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, the obligations of Rockwood Specialties Limited under the senior secured credit facilities and any interest rate, foreign exchange or other hedging agreements entered into with any lender under the senior secured credit facilities (or any affiliate thereof) will be guaranteed by Group and each existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect foreign subsidiary of Group other than subsidiaries which became subsidiaries on the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, subject to certain exceptions.

        Security.    The obligations of Group and Rockwood Specialties Limited under the new senior secured credit facilities, any interest rate, foreign exchange or other hedging agreements entered into with any lender under the senior secured credit facilities (or any affiliate thereof) and the guarantees of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities are secured by, subject to certain exceptions, first-priority security interests in the following:

•

substantially all the tangible and intangible assets (including, but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, contract rights, trademarks, trade names, patents, equipment, real property and proceeds of the foregoing) of Group and its existing or subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to exceptions; and



•

(i) all the capital stock of or other equity interests in Group and each existing or subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect domestic subsidiary of Group and (ii) 65% of the capital stock of or other equity interests in each existing or subsequently acquired or organized direct foreign subsidiary of either Group or any domestic subsidiary of Group or, in any case in which Group or any such domestic subsidiary directly holds less

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than 65% of such stock or equity interests, all such stock or equity interests (in each case, subject to certain exceptions) held by Group or such domestic subsidiary.

In addition, the obligations of Rockwood Specialties Limited under the senior secured credit facilities, any interest rate, foreign exchange or other hedging agreements entered into with any lender under the senior secured credit facilities (or any affiliate thereof) and the guarantees of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities will be secured by, subject to certain exceptions, first-priority security interests in the following:

•

substantially all the tangible and intangible assets (including, but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, contract rights, trademarks, trade names, patents, equipment, real property and proceeds of the foregoing) of the existing or subsequently acquired or organized foreign subsidiaries of Group in the U.K., Singapore, Germany, Italy and Canada other than subsidiaries which became subsidiaries on the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, subject to certain exceptions; and



•

the remaining 35% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each existing or subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect foreign subsidiary of Group (other than subsidiaries which became subsidiaries on the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition), including Rockwood Specialties Limited.

Maturity, Amortization and Prepayments

        The tranche A-1 and A-2 term loans will mature on July 30, 2011 and will amortize at escalating percentages on a semi-annual basis commencing on January 31, 2006. The tranche C term loans and tranche D term loans will mature on July 30, 2012 and will amortize on a semi-annual basis commencing on July 30, 2005, with each repayment amount prior to maturity to be equal to 0.5% of the principal amount of tranche C term loans and tranche D term loans, respectively. The revolving credit facility will mature on July 30, 2010.

        In addition, Group is required to make the following mandatory prepayments of the term loans under our senior secured credit facilities, in each case, subject to certain exceptions, with:

•

100% of the net cash proceeds of all sales or other dispositions by Group or any of its restricted subsidiaries under the senior secured credit facilities of assets (including capital stock of subsidiaries of Group or any restricted subsidiary) other than net cash proceeds (a) from the sale or other disposition of assets in the ordinary course of business, (b) of certain disposals permitted under the senior secured credit agreement (including the proceeds of sales or transfers of accounts receivable (including pursuant to a securitization) in the amount of up to $200 million at any time) or (c) that are reinvested in the business of Group and its restricted subsidiaries within twelve months of the sale or other disposition (which twelve-month period may be extended by up to twelve months in certain circumstances).



•

100% of the net cash proceeds of issuances of debt obligations (including the net cash proceeds of issuances of certain permitted subordinated notes, but otherwise excluding certain debt obligations permitted by the senior secured credit facilities).



•

50% of excess cash flow in respect of any fiscal year at the end of which our leverage ratio is equal to or greater than 3.50 to 1.0.

        The above-described mandatory prepayments shall be allocated between the term loan facilities pro rata, subject to certain special application provisions.

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Affirmative Covenants

        Pursuant to the senior secured credit facilities, Group, Rockwood Specialties Limited and with respect to certain covenants only, Rockwood Specialties International Inc., have agreed to various affirmative covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants with respect to:

•

delivery of annual audited financial statements, other financial information and notices of defaults or events of default under the senior secured credit agreement and information regarding material litigation, certain environmental matters and collection of certain accounts receivable;



•

inspection of books and records;



•

maintenance of insurance;



•

payment of taxes;



•

maintenance of corporate franchises;



•

compliance with laws;



•

delivery of ERISA related notices;



•

maintenance of properties;



•

transactions with affiliates;



•

maintenance of fiscal year and fiscal quarters;



•

additional guarantors and grantors of collateral;



•

pledges of additional stock and indebtedness;



•

use of proceeds;



•

changes in business;



•

further assurances; and



•

maintenance of Rockwood Specialties Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Group.

Negative Covenants

        The senior secured credit facilities contain various restrictive covenants which limit the ability of Group and its subsidiaries, including Rockwood Specialties Limited, and in certain cases, Rockwood Specialties International, among other things, to:

•

incur indebtedness and other liabilities;



•

create liens;



•

merge or consolidate;



•

dispose of assets;



•

make investments;



•

pay dividends and make payments to shareholders;



•

make payments on certain indebtedness or to amend documents related to certain indebtedness; and enter into sale leaseback transactions.

        In addition, the senior secured credit facilities impose limitations on business and activities of Rockwood Specialties International.

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        For purposes of calculating compliance with these negative covenants as of any date, indebtedness will be converted to U.S. dollars based on agreed exchange rate provisions.

Financial Covenants

        The senior secured credit facilities contain the following financial covenants:

•

a consolidated total debt to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA test;



•

an Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense test; and



•

limitations on capital expenditures.

        For purposes of calculating compliance with the financial covenants as of any date, indebtedness will be converted to U.S. dollars based on average daily exchange rates for the twelve-month period ending on such date.

Events of Default

        The senior secured credit facilities contain customary events of default, in each case with customary and appropriate grace periods and thresholds, including, but not limited to:

•

nonpayment of principal or interest;



•

breaches of representations and warranties in any material respect;



•

violation of covenants;



•

cross default and cross acceleration;



•

certain liquidation, insolvency and bankruptcy events;



•

certain ERISA matters;



•

actual or asserted invalidity of guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities or material impairment of security interests granted to secure the senior secured credit facilities;



•

failure of the obligations under the senior secured credit facilities to constitute senior indebtedness under the documents governing the 2011 notes, the 2014 notes or certain other permitted subordinated indebtedness;



•

material unsatisfied judgments; and



•

change of control events.

        Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured credit facilities, the lenders will be able to terminate the commitments under the senior secured credit facilities, and declare all amounts, including accrued interest, under the senior secured credit facilities to be due and payable and take certain other actions, including enforcement of rights in respect of the collateral securing the senior secured credit facilities.

Loan Reallocation Mechanism

        The documentation for the senior secured credit facilities will provide that, upon an event that results in the acceleration of loans outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities, (a) the commitments under the revolving credit facility will be automatically terminated and (b) the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities will automatically and without further act be deemed to have exchanged interests in the senior secured credit facilities such that, as a result, each such lender's outstanding credit exposures to Group and Rockwood Specialties Limited will be allocated pro rata between the revolving credit facility and each term loan facility based on the percentage of

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the total credit exposures outstanding under all senior secured credit facilities represented by the total credit exposures outstanding under each such individual credit facility.

2011 Notes

        In connection with the July 2003 debt refinancing, Group issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10⁵/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011. Certain of Group's domestic subsidiaries guarantee the 2011 notes on a senior subordinated basis. The 2011 notes mature on May 15, 2011 with interest payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. Interest accrues at the rate of 10⁵/8% per year.

Optional Redemption

        Group may redeem the 2011 notes at any time, in whole or in part, on or after May 15, 2007 at a redemption price equal to 105.313% of the principal amount of the 2011 notes in the first year, declining yearly to par at May 15, 2010, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date. In addition, prior to May 15, 2006, Group may redeem up to 35% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the 2011 notes with the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings at 110.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2011 notes originally issued remains outstanding after the redemption. We intend to redeem approximately $131.3 million, or 35%, of the 2011 notes and pay a redemption premium of $14.0 million and accrued and unpaid interest on these notes with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.

Change of Control

        Upon certain change of control events, each holder of the 2011 notes may require Group to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Negative Covenants

        The indenture governing the 2011 notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit Group's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to:

•

incur additional indebtedness;



•

pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our capital stock;



•

make investments;



•

create certain liens;



•

sell assets;



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restrict dividends or other payments to us;



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guarantee indebtedness;



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engage in transactions with affiliates; and



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consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all our assets.

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Events of Default

        The indenture governing the 2011 notes contains customary events of default, in each case, with customary and appropriate grace periods and thresholds, including, but not limited to:

•

nonpayment of principal or interest;



•

violation of covenants;



•

cross default or cross acceleration;



•

certain liquidation, insolvency and bankruptcy events;



•

failure to pay final judgments;



•

actual or asserted invalidity of guarantee agreement of any significant subsidiary; and



•

breaches or representations and warranties in any material respect.

        Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture, the trustee or the holders holding at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 2011 notes will be able to declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other obligations on the then outstanding 2011 notes to be due and payable immediately.

2014 Notes

        In connection with the Fall 2004 debt refinancings, Group issued €375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior subordinated notes due 2014 and $200.0 million principal amount of 7.500% senior subordinated notes due 2014. Certain of Group's domestic subsidiaries guarantee the 2014 notes on a senior subordinated unsecured basis. The 2014 notes mature on November 15, 2014 with interest payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. Interest accrues at the rate of 7.625% per year on the 2014 euro notes and 7.500% per year on the 2014 dollar notes.

Optional Redemption

        Group may redeem the 2014 notes at any time, in whole or in part, on or after November 15, 2009 at a redemption price equal to 103.813% of the principal amount of the 2014 euro notes and 103.750% of the principal amount of the 2014 dollar notes in the first year, declining yearly to par at November 15, 2012, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date. In addition, prior to November 15, 2009, Group may redeem up to 40% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the 2014 euro notes with the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings at 107.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such notes and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided that at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 euro notes and additional euro notes issued under the indenture remains outstanding after each such redemption, and Group may redeem up to 40% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the 2014 dollar notes with the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings at 107.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such notes and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided that at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 dollar notes and additional dollar notes issued under the indenture remains outstanding after each such redemption.

Change of Control

        Upon certain change of control events, each holder of the 2014 notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

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Negative Covenants

        The indenture governing the 2014 notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit Group's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to:

•

incur additional indebtedness;



•

pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our capital stock;



•

make investments;



•

create certain liens;



•

sell assets;



•

restrict dividends or other payments to us;



•

guarantee indebtedness;



•

engage in transactions with affiliates; and



•

consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all our assets.

Events of Default

        The indenture governing the 2014 notes contains customary events of default, in each case, with customary and appropriate grace periods and thresholds, including, but not limited to:

•

nonpayment of principal or interest;



•

violation of covenants;



•

cross default or cross acceleration;



•

certain liquidation, insolvency and bankruptcy events;



•

failure to pay final judgments;



•

actual or asserted invalidity of guarantee agreement of any significant subsidiary; and



•

breaches or representations and warranties in any material respect.

        Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture, the trustee or the holders holding at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 2014 notes will be able to declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other obligations on the then outstanding 2014 notes to be due and payable immediately.

Other Long-Term Debt

        Certain of our subsidiaries acquired in the Dynamit Nobel acquisition are borrowers under eight euro-denominated term loan facilities that provide aggregate outstanding borrowings of approximately €15.9 million as of December 31, 2004. These term loans mature between 2006 and 2009 and bear annual interest rates ranging between 2.50% and 4.25% or EURIBOR plus 1.45% or LIBOR plus 0.39%. On November 30, 2004, we repaid a portion (€12.8 million, or $15.9 million) of the assumed debt. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries acquired in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition are borrowers under eight term loan facilities denominated in other foreign currencies, including Swiss Francs, Taiwanese Dollars and Japanese Yen, providing for borrowings of an aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent amount of approximately $52.5 million as of December 31, 2004. These term loans mature between 2005 and 2011 and bear annual interest rates ranging between 1.38% and 4.02%. The term loan facilities described above contain customary events of default and some of them are secured by mortgages or accounts receivables.

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        As part of the Groupe Novasep combination on December 31, 2004, we assumed additional debt of €27.8 million ($37.8 million based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate of €1.00=$1.3593) plus $10.8 million for an aggregate of $48.6 million. The assumed debt includes three tranches of bank debt at the Novasep parent level totaling €13.0 million ($17.7 million) plus $10.8 million for an aggregate of $28.5 million each with a maturity date of 2010 and interest rates of EURIBOR plus 1.75% in the case of two of the tranches, and LIBOR plus 1.75% for the remaining tranche. In addition, there is bank debt at the Novasep subsidiary level totaling €6.3 million ($8.5 million) with maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2010 and interest rates ranging from EURIBOR plus 0.7% to EURIBOR plus 1.25%. The remaining amount of assumed debt of €8.5 million ($11.5 million) consists primarily of capital leases with maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2013.

        Assumed long-term debt shown in our capitalization table under the section "Capitalization" includes certain capital leases, receivables recourse factoring arrangement and preferred stock in addition to the long-term debt described in the preceding two paragraphs.

Pay-in-kind Notes and Loans

        In connection with the KKR acquisition, Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc. borrowed $100.0 million under a pay-in-kind unsecured subordinated loan facility made by Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation. In February 2001, $70.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans were assigned to Allianz Lebensversicherungs—AG, Stuttgart and replaced through an exchange with Rockwood Specialties Consolidated for pay-in-kind notes. In November 2003, the remaining $30.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans were assigned to SPCP Group, L.L.C., an affiliate of Silver Point Capital LP. At the consummation of the Dynamit Nobel acquisition, $20.0 million of the pay-in-kind notes issued as interest payments on the initial $70.0 million of the pay-in-kind notes were repaid in cash, and the remaining pay-in-kind notes were exchanged for new €82.6 million aggregate principal amount of pay-in-kind notes. We intend to repay the pay-in-kind loans and redeem the pay-in-kind notes with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering.

Senior Discount Notes

        Concurrently with the private offering of the 2011 notes in July 2003, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., issued senior discount notes resulting in gross proceeds of $70.0 million ($112.3 million aggregate principal amount at maturity). The initial purchasers of the 2011 notes and/or their affiliates purchased the senior discount notes and immediately following such purchase, sold the senior discount notes to an affiliate of KKR. We intend to redeem the outstanding principal amount of the senior discount notes with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Prior to this offering, there has not been any public trading market for our common stock, and we cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity or equity-related securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

        Upon the closing of the offering, we will have a total of             million shares of common stock outstanding. All of the shares sold in the offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except that any shares held by our "affiliates," as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, may be sold in compliance with the limitations of Rule 144 described below. The remaining             million shares of our common stock outstanding will be "restricted securities," as that term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or 144(k) under the Securities Act, which are summarized below.

        Subject to the provisions of Rules 144 and 144(k), additional shares of our common stock will be available for sale in the public market under exemptions from the registration requirements as follows:

Rule 144

        In general, under Rule 144, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated), including an affiliate, who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least one year, is entitled to sell within any three-month period, a number of restricted securities that does not exceed the greater of:

•

1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock, which is approximately             shares as of the date of this prospectus; and



•

the average weekly trading volume on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding each such sale, subject to restrictions.

        Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 144(k)

        In addition, under Rule 144(k), a person who is not and has not been our affiliate at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and at least two years have elapsed since the shares were acquired from us or any affiliate of ours, is entitled to sell those shares without regard to the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or notice requirements of Rule 144.

Lock-Up Agreements

        Our directors and executive officers and affiliates of KKR and DLJMB have agreed that they will not sell, directly or indirectly, subject to certain exceptions, any shares of our common stock for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus without the written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the shares subject to these lock-up agreements in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. When determining whether to release shares

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from these lock-up agreements, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC will consider, among other factors, the stockholder's reason for requesting the release, the number of shares for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC do not at this time have any intention of releasing any of the shares subject to these lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the lock-up period.

        In addition, pursuant to the management stockholder's agreements, subject to certain exceptions, each of the management stockholders cannot transfer his shares of common stock at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the investment date, which date in all cases falls after 180 days from the date of this prospectus.

        We have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock during the 180-day period following the date of this prospectus.

Stock Options and Warrants

        Options to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately             million shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase             shares of our common stock will be outstanding as of the closing of this offering. Of these options, approximately             million will have vested at or prior to the closing of this offering and approximately             million may vest over the next two years. Warrants are exercisable at any time. In addition, restricted stock units relating to 2,000 shares of our common stock are currently vested and will be outstanding as of the closing of this offering.

        Following the closing of this offering, we intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options and options issuable under our stock plan. After expiration of the applicable contractual resale restrictions, shares covered by these registration statements will be eligible for sale in the public markets, other than shares owned by our affiliates, which may be sold in the public market if they are registered or qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144.

Registration Rights

        Under the registration rights agreement, affiliates of KKR, which will beneficially own             shares after this offering, and DLJMB, which will beneficially own             shares after this offering, will have the right to request us to register the resale of their respective shares. In addition, KKR, DLJMB, management stockholders and other stockholders will have the right to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with other registered offerings. See "Related Party Transactions—Agreements with KKR, DLJMB and/or Management—Registration Rights Agreement."

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a summary of certain United States federal income and estate tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock as of the date hereof. Except where noted, this summary deals only with common stock that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S. holder.

        A "non-U.S. holder" means a person (other than a partnership) that is not for United States federal income tax purposes any of the following:

•

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;



•

a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;



•

an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or



•

a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

        This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income and estate tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of United States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, "controlled foreign corporation," "passive foreign investment company," corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid United States federal income tax or an investor in a pass-through entity). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

        If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

        If you are considering the purchase of our common stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income and estate tax consequences to you of the ownership of the common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Dividends

        Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, where a tax treaty applies, are attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder) are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure

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requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

        A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends will be required to (a) complete Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code or (b) if our common stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.

        A non-U.S. holder of our common stock eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service.

Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

        Any gain realized on the disposition of our common stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:

•

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder);



•

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or



•

we are or have been a "United States real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

        An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States. If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation falls under the first bullet point immediately above, it will be subject to tax on its net gain in the same manner as if it were a United States person as defined under the Code and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

        We believe we are not and do not anticipate becoming a "United States real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

Federal Estate Tax

        Common stock held by an individual non-U.S. holder at the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        We must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

        A non-U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to such holder unless such holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

        Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code) or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption.

        Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

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UNDERWRITING

        Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, Lehman Brothers Inc. and UBS Securities LLC are acting as representatives of the underwriters.

        The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.

        If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional              shares from Rockwood Holdings to cover such sales. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.

        The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by Rockwood Holdings. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase             additional shares.

Paid by Rockwood Holdings, Inc.

        Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $              per share from the initial public offering price. Any such securities dealers may resell any shares purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $              per share from the initial public offering price. If all the shares are not sold at the initial public offering price, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms.

        Rockwood Holdings and its directors and executive officers and affiliates of KKR and DLJMB, which together hold substantially all of the common stock of Rockwood Holdings, have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with

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the prior written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. When determining whether to release the shares from these lock-up agreements, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC will consider, among other factors, the stockholder's reason for requesting the release, the number of shares for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC have advised Rockwood Holdings that they have no current intent or arrangement to release any of the shares subject to the lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the lock-up period.

        The 180-day restricted period described above will be automatically extended if:

•

during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period, Rockwood Holdings issues an earnings release or announces material news or a material event; or



•

prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, Rockwood Holdings announces that it will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the 180-day period,

in which case the restrictions described above will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event.

        Rockwood Holdings currently anticipates that it will undertake a directed share program pursuant to which it will direct the underwriters to reserve up to    % of the shares of common stock for sale at the initial public offering price for directors, executive officers and employees who have expressed an interest in purchasing common stock in the offering. The number of shares available for sale to the general public in the offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase the directed shares. Any directed shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares. Each participant in the directed share program will agree not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date     days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC.

        Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The initial public offering price will be negotiated among Rockwood Holdings and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be Rockwood Holdings' historical performance, estimates of Rockwood Holdings' business potential and earnings prospects, and an assessment of Rockwood Holdings' management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related business.

        Rockwood Holdings has applied to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ROC". In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial holders.

        In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares from Rockwood Holdings in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for

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purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

        The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

        Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of Rockwood Holdings' stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

        Each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that: (i) it has not offered or sold and, prior to the expiry of a period of six months from the closing of the offering, will not offer or sell any shares to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, or FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any shares in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to Rockwood Holdings, Inc.; and (iii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

        The shares may not be offered or sold, transferred or delivered, as part of their initial distribution or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, to any individual or legal entity in The Netherlands other than to individuals or legal entities who or which trade or invest in securities in the conduct of their profession or trade, which includes banks, securities intermediaries, insurance companies, pension funds, other institutional investors and commercial enterprises which, as an ancillary activity, regularly trade or invest in securities.

        The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, or in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong, and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made thereunder.

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        This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation or subscription or purchase, of the securities may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the securities be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than under circumstances in which such offer, sale or invitation does not constitute an offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the securities to the public in Singapore.

        The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan (the Securities and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

        Affiliates of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Rockwood Holdings. Because Credit Suisse First Boston LLC is an underwriter and its affiliates beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Rockwood Holdings, the underwriters are deemed to have a "conflict of interest" under Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Accordingly, this offering will be made in compliance with the applicable provisions of Rule 2720 of the conduct rules. Rule 2720 requires that the initial public offering price can be no higher than that recommended by a "qualified independent underwriter", as defined by the NASD. Goldman, Sachs & Co. will serve in that capacity and perform due diligence investigations and review and participate in the preparation of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

        A prospectus in electronic format will be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the representatives and may also be made available on websites maintained by other underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares of common stock to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters that may make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

        The underwriters will not execute sales into discretionary accounts without the prior, specific written approval of the customer.

        Rockwood Holdings, Inc. estimates that the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $          million.

        Rockwood Holdings, Inc. has agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

        Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for Rockwood Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

        Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and UBS Securities LLC were initial purchasers of Group's 2014 notes and received customary commissions in connection therewith. Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and UBS Securities LLC also are lenders, arrangers and agents under Group's senior secured credit facilities and receive fees customary for performing these services and interest on the loans.

        DLJMB, which is comprised of funds that are affiliates of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, currently owns approximately             shares of common stock (approximately 19.7% of the common stock on a fully diluted basis). Pursuant to the stockholders' agreement with affiliates of

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KKR and DLJMB, DLJMB has the right to designate two members of Rockwood Holdings' board of directors so long as DLJMB owns at least 10% of the outstanding common stock. Currently, two members of the board of directors, namely Susan Schnabel and Alex Morey, are affiliated with, or work for, affiliates of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Susan Schnabel is Managing Director, Co-Head of European Leveraged Private Equity, and Alex Morey is a Director of DLJ Merchant Banking, an affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Upon the closing of this offering, DLJMB will have the right to designate one member of Rockwood Holdings' board of directors so long as it owns at least 10% of the outstanding common stock.

        DLJMB III is also party to the management services agreement pursuant to which it provides certain management, business strategy, consulting and financial services to Rockwood Holdings and its subsidiaries. In connection with this offering, DLJMB III and KKR have agreed to terminate the management services agreement for aggregate consideration of $10.0 million. As such, DLJMB III will receive net proceeds from this offering in connection with the termination of the management services agreement.

        The decision of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC to distribute the common stock offered in this offering was made independently of its affiliates who are security holders of Rockwood Holdings.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the issuance of the shares of common stock offered in this offering will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York, and for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York. Certain partners of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, members of their families, related persons and others have an indirect interest in our common stock through limited partnerships that are investors in certain affiliates of KKR that hold shares of our common stock. Certain partners of Latham & Watkins LLP, members of their families, related persons and others have an indirect interest in our common stock through limited partnerships that are investors in certain affiliates of KKR that hold shares of our common stock.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, included in this prospectus and the related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein and elsewhere in the registration statement, and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and September 30, 2002 and 2001, and for the year ended December 31, 2003, the three months ended December 31, 2002 and each of the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, have been included herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Frankfurt, Germany, independent auditors, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The auditors' report refers to the adoption of new accounting standards.

MARKET SHARE AND INDUSTRY DATA

        Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus concerning the specialty chemicals industry in general, including information regarding (1) our market position and market share within our industry and our end-use markets, (2) historical data concerning pricing, sales, volume and capacity and growth of sales, volume and capacity in our industry and our end-use markets and (3) expectations regarding future growth of sales, volume or capacity in our industry and our end-use markets, is based on management's estimates using internal data, data from certain chemical consulting firms and other externally obtained data. Unless otherwise noted, all of our market share and market position information presented in this prospectus is based on our pro forma net sales in our end-use markets in 2004 relative to the total net sales in those markets in 2004.

        Although data regarding the specialty chemicals industry, our end-use markets, our market position and market share within our industry and our end-use markets are inherently imprecise, we believe such data are generally reliable. Industry surveys and publications generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. We have not independently verified any of the data from third party sources. Similarly, while we believe internal company surveys and management estimates to be reliable, we have not verified them, nor have they been verified by any independent source. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, estimates, in particular as they relate to general expectations concerning the specialty chemicals industry, involve risks and uncertainties and are

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subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in this prospectus.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the issuance of shares of our common stock being offered in this offering. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the shares of our common stock, reference is made to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete. We are not currently subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, will file reports and other information with the SEC. The registration statement, such reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC located at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials, including copies of all or any portion of the registration statement, can be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at prescribed rates. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Such materials may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC's home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov).

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

		Page Number
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002		F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002		F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-7
DYNAMIT NOBEL
Independent Auditor's Report		F-54
Combined Income Statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, the three months ended December 31, 2002 and years ended September 30, 2002 and 2001,		F-55
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and as of September 30, 2001 and 2002		F-56
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2003, the three months ended December 31, 2002 and years ended September 30, 2002 and 2001		F-58
Combined Statements of Changes in Investment by mg technologies ag for year ended December 31, 2003, the three months ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended September 30, 2001 and 2002		F-59
Notes to Combined Financial Statements		F-60
Combined Income Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)		F-102
Combined Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 (unaudited)		F-103
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)		F-105
Notes to Condensed Combined Financial Statements (unaudited)		F-106

F-1

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

        We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries ("Rockwood") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of Rockwood's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP       Parsippany, New Jersey May 13, 2005

F-2

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions except per common share data)

				Year ended December 31,
				2004			2003			2002
NET SALES				$	1,743.5		$	797.3		$	759.9
COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD					1,267.6			581.4			542.5
GROSS PROFIT					475.9			215.9			217.4
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES					327.7			118.0			112.9
IMPAIRMENT CHARGES					11.0			35.0			50.0
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE, net					1.1			1.8			1.2
OPERATING INCOME					136.1			61.1			53.3
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
	Interest, net				(162.1	)		(112.3	)		(108.2	)
	Foreign exchange loss, net				(126.4	)		(18.5	)		(24.6	)
	Refinancing expenses				(27.1	)		(38.3	)		—
	Other, net				(4.3	)		—			(1.2	)
		Net			(319.9	)		(169.1	)		(134.0	)
LOSS BEFORE TAXES					(183.8	)		(108.0	)		(80.7	)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)					32.3			(16.3	)		(12.5	)
NET LOSS					(216.1	)		(91.7	)		(68.2	)
Redeemable convertible preferred stock dividends					(4.2	)		(1.7	)		—
Accretion of redeemable convertible preferred stock to redemption value					—			(3.4	)		—
NET LOSS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS				$	(220.3	)	$	(96.8	)	$	(68.2	)
Per share data:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF BASIC AND DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING					965,771			605,960			606,143
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE				$	(228.11	)	$	(159.75	)	$	(112.51	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

				December 31,
				2004			2003
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	111.3		$	41.9
	Accounts receivable, net				500.9			138.3
	Inventories				476.9			87.8
	Deferred income taxes				32.5			2.8
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets				112.0			12.5
		Total current assets			1,233.6			283.3
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net					1,580.9			418.6
GOODWILL					1,826.8			683.9
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net					655.3			25.7
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 and $6.2, respectively					86.0			28.0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES					—			13.8
OTHER ASSETS					47.1			7.4
TOTAL ASSETS				$	5,429.7		$	1,460.7
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable				$	326.1		$	98.6
	Income taxes payable				19.4			13.8
	Accrued compensation				84.5			10.6
	Restructuring liability				35.1			1.2
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities				227.3			39.4
	Long-term debt, current portion				47.2			9.1
		Total current liabilities			739.6			172.7
LONG-TERM DEBT					3,333.4			1,054.4
PENSION AND RELATED LIABILITIES					375.0			26.1
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES					44.9			—
OTHER LIABILITIES					219.2			51.3
		Total liabilities			4,712.1			1,304.5
MINORITY INTEREST					58.3			—
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK ($.01 par value, $30.8 and $26.7 aggregate liquidation preference, respectively; 50,000 shares authorized; 25,000 shares issued and outstanding)					34.3			30.1
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
	Common stock ($.01 par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized, 1,472,693 shares issued and 1,469,943 shares outstanding at December 31, 2004; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 608,743 shares issued and 605,993 shares outstanding at December 31, 2003)				—			—
	Paid-in capital				688.5			291.4
	Accumulated other comprehensive income				402.0			84.4
	Accumulated deficit				(463.4	)		(247.3	)
	Treasury stock, at cost				(1.4	)		(1.4	)
	Other				(0.7	)		(1.0	)
		Total stockholders' equity			625.0			126.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY				$	5,429.7		$	1,460.7

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in millions)

						Year Ended December 31,
						2004			2003			2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net loss					$	(216.1	)	$	(91.7	)	$	(68.2	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization					115.2			52.4			46.3
		Deferred financing costs amortization					7.4			6.1			8.0
		Write-off of deferred debt issuance costs					25.1			36.9			—
		Foreign exchange loss					126.4			18.5			24.6
		Non-cash interest expense on pay-in-kind loans					32.6			24.7			18.3
		Deferred income taxes					10.7			(25.8	)		(20.3	)
		Impairment charges					11.0			35.0			50.0
		Fair value adjustments of derivatives					(6.0	)		6.0			11.6
		Bad debt provision					2.8			1.7			0.9
		Net receivables sale activity					—			—			(50.0	)
		Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of foreign currency translation and acquisitions:
			Accounts receivable				3.4			(9.1	)		4.0
			Inventories				22.6			0.8			(1.9	)
			Prepaid expenses and other assets				2.2			(4.6	)		(4.6	)
			Accounts payable				10.1			(2.0	)		11.2
			Income taxes payable				1.4			(2.8	)		(1.1	)
			Accrued expenses and other liabilities				30.5			(3.5	)		(32.9	)
				Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			179.3			42.6			(4.1	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired						(2,137.9	)		(17.7	)		(7.3	)
	Capital expenditures						(112.8	)		(34.3	)		(36.0	)
	Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment						0.8			0.3			12.4
	Net insurance proceeds from fire damage						—			3.2			0.5
				Net cash used in investing activities			(2,249.9	)		(48.5	)		(30.4	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Issuance of common stock						432.0			—			0.2
	Repurchase of common stock						—			—			(0.9	)
	Issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock						—			25.0			—
	Stock issuance costs						(0.1	)		(0.5	)		—
	Other changes to stockholders' equity						(0.3	)		—			1.3
	Proceeds from long-term debt, net of issuance costs						3,194.8			871.4			—
	Payments on long-term debt						(1,492.0	)		(897.6	)		(19.5	)
				Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			2,134.4			(1.7	)		(18.9	)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH							5.6			3.8			2.6
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS							69.4			(3.8	)		(50.8	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR							41.9			45.7			96.5
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR						$	111.3		$	41.9		$	45.7
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid, net						$	125.7		$	79.2		$	61.5
Income taxes paid, net of refunds						$	22.8		$	12.3		$	6.9

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
(Dollars in millions)

		Common Stock								Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)									Treasury Stock
							Paid-In Capital						Accumulated Deficit			Comprehensive Loss											Stockholders' Equity
		Shares		Amount															Shares		Amount			Other
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2002		607,343		$	—		$	296.8		$	(1.4	)	$	(87.4	)				1,000		$	(0.5	)	$	(2.3	)	$	205.2
Issuance of common stock		300						0.2																	0.2			0.4
Treasury share purchase		(1,750	)																1,750			(0.9	)		0.2			(0.7	)
Deferred compensation																									0.4			0.4
Minimum pension liability, net of tax											(1.8	)				$	(1.8	)										(1.8	)
Foreign currency translation											25.6						25.6											25.6
Intracompany foreign currency transactions											12.1						12.1											12.1
Net loss														(68.2	)		(68.2	)										(68.2	)
Comprehensive loss																$	(32.3	)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2002		605,893			—			297.0			34.5			(155.6	)				2,750			(1.4	)		(1.5	)		173.0
Issuance of common stock		100																							0.2			0.2
Stock issuance costs								(0.5	)																			(0.5	)
Deferred compensation																									0.3			0.3
Redeemable convertible preferred redemption accretion								(5.1	)																			(5.1	)
Minimum pension liability, net of tax											(1.3	)				$	(1.3	)										(1.3	)
Foreign currency translation											40.8						40.8											40.8
Intracompany foreign currency transactions											10.4						10.4											10.4
Net loss														(91.7	)		(91.7	)										(91.7	)
Comprehensive loss																$	(41.8	)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2003		605,993			—			291.4			84.4			(247.3	)				2,750			(1.4	)		(1.0	)		126.1
Issuance of common stock		863,950						432.0																	—			432.0
Stock issuance costs								(0.1	)																			(0.1	)
Deferred compensation																									0.3			0.3
Redeemable convertible preferred redemption accretion								(4.2	)																			(4.2	)
Minimum pension liability, net of tax											(14.3	)				$	(14.3	)										(14.3	)
Foreign currency translation											181.6						181.6											181.6
Intracompany foreign currency transactions											163.4						163.4											163.4
Net investment hedge, net of tax											(13.1	)					(13.1	)										(13.1	)
Contribution of minority interest								(30.6	)																			(30.6	)
Net loss														(216.1	)		(216.1	)										(216.1	)
Comprehensive income																	101.5
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004		1,469,943		$	—		$	688.5		$	402.0		$	(463.4	)				2,750		$	(1.4	)	$	(0.7	)	$	625.0

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

        Business Description, Background—Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries ("Rockwood" or the "Company") is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of high value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials used for industrial and commercial purposes.

        The Company is controlled by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR") and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P. ("DLJMB"), and was formed in connection with an acquisition of certain assets, stock and businesses from Laporte plc ("Laporte") on November 20, 2000. The cost of the acquisition (the "KKR Acquisition"), along with related fees and expenses, was financed using aggregate proceeds of $1,227.0 million, consisting of a $282.0 million equity contribution made to the Company by its parent companies, with $100.0 million in borrowings under a payment-in-kind ("pay-in-kind") subordinated loan facility ("pay-in-kind Notes") and $845.0 million of borrowings under senior secured credit facilities and a senior subordinated loan facility. These borrowings were refinanced in July 2003 (the "July 2003 Refinancing").

        On July 31, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of four businesses of Dynamit Nobel from mg technologies ag. The businesses acquired are focused on highly specialized markets and consist of: white pigments; surface treatment and lithium chemicals; ceramics; and pharmaceutical intermediates. The cost of the acquisition (the "Dynamit Nobel Acquisition"), along with related fees and expenses, as well as the repayment of the borrowings under the Company's then existing senior secured facilities (the "2003 Senior Secured Credit Facilities") and $20.0 million of the pay-in-kind notes was financed using new equity contributions from affiliates of KKR and DLJMB, and borrowings under the new senior secured credit facilities (the "Senior Secured Credit Facilities") and the new senior subordinated loan facility (the "Senior Subordinated Loan Facility") (collectively, the "Acquisition Financing") from certain lending institutions including Credit Suisse First Boston, an affiliate of DLJMB. Certain components of these borrowings were refinanced subsequently (the "Refinancing"). See Note 2 -Acquisitions and Note 8—Long Term Debt for a more complete description of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, the Acquisition Financing and the Refinancing.

        Basis of Presentation—The accompanying financial statements of Rockwood are presented on a consolidated basis. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

        The results of operations and cash flows since July 31, 2004 of the businesses acquired in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition are included in the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004 along with the financial position of such operations as of December 31, 2004. The results of operations for 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations had the businesses acquired in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition been included for the full year. The financial position of Groupe Novasep as of December 31, 2004 is included in the consolidated balance sheet as of that date. See Note 2—Acquisitions.

        The Company's minority interest represents the total of the minority party's equity interest in certain joint ventures (principally the Groupe Novasep segment) that are consolidated but less than 100% owned.

        Nature of Operations/Segment Reporting—The Company is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of high value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials. The Company operates in various business lines within its seven reportable segments consisting of: (1) Performance Additives, which includes color pigments and services, timber treatment chemicals,

F-7

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clay-based additives, and water treatment chemicals, (2) Specialty Compounds, which consists of plastic compounds, (3) Electronics, which consists of electronic chemicals, wafer reclaim and photomasks, (4) Specialty Chemicals, which includes lithium compounds and chemicals, metal surface treatment chemicals, and synthetic metal sulfides, (5) Titanium Dioxide Pigments, which consists of titanium dioxide pigments, and zinc- and barium-based compounds, (6) Advanced Ceramics, which includes ceramic-on-ceramic ball head and linear components used in hip-joint prostheses systems, ceramics cutting tools and a range of other ceramic components, and (7) Groupe Novasep (formerly known as Custom Synthesis), which includes hazardous chemistry and chiral technologies for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.

        The basis for determining an enterprise's operating segments is the manner in which financial information is used internally by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker. See Note 3—Segment Information for further segment reporting information.

        Common Stock Reverse Split—Effective January 30, 2001, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 100-for-1 reverse stock split. As a result of the reverse stock split, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect a decrease in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and the transfer of the additional paid-in-capital from par value. All share amounts have been restated to reflect the retroactive effect of the reverse stock split for all periods presented.

        Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the periods reported.

        These estimates include assessing the collectibility of accounts receivable, the use and recoverability of inventory, the valuation of deferred tax assets, impairment of goodwill as well as property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets, and the useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        Such estimates also include the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed allocated to the purchase price of business combinations consummated. See Note 2—Acquisitions.

        Major Customers and Concentration of Credit—The Company has a number of major end-user, retail and original equipment manufacture customers with the largest concentration in Europe, and the United States. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales during any of the periods presented. The Company does not believe a material part of its business is dependent upon any single customer, the loss of which would have a material long-term impact on the business of the Company. However, the loss of one or more of the Company's largest customers would most likely have a negative short-term impact on the Company's results of operations. Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable and derivative contracts. See Note 8—Long-Term Debt.

        Accounts Receivable—The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated at each reporting date based on factors such as receivable age, customer liquidity status and previous write-off history. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of customers and generally does not require collateral. Credit insurance is maintained by certain of the Company's businesses.

F-8

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Allowance is maintained for aggregate expected credit losses. Write-offs are charged to the allowance when taken, net of recoveries. Allowance for doubtful account activity is as follows:

			Year-Ended December 31
			2004			2003			2002
			(millions)
Balance, January 1			$	5.2		$	4.5		$	3.4
Additions charged to expense				2.8			1.7			0.9
Acquisitions				4.4			—			—
Write-offs, net of recoveries				(2.4	)		(1.7	)		(0.8	)
Other (a)				0.2			0.7			1.0
	Balance, December 31		$	10.2		$	5.2		$	4.5

---

(a)

Primarily the impact of currency changes as well as divestitures of certain businesses.

        Risks Associated with International Operations and Currency Risk—The Company's international operations are subject to risks normally associated with foreign operations, including, but not limited to, the disruption of markets, changes in export or import laws, restrictions on currency exchanges and the modification or introduction of other governmental policies with potentially adverse effects. A majority of the Company's sales and expenses are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Changes in exchange rates may have a material effect on the Company's reported results of operations and financial position. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's indebtedness is denominated in Euros.

        Revenue Recognition—The Company recognizes revenue when the earnings process is complete. Product sales are recognized when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the terms of the contract of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. Accruals are made for sales returns and other allowances based on the Company's experience. Revenue under service agreements is realized when the service is performed.

        Foreign Currency Translation—The functional currency of each of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is primarily the respective local currency. Balance sheet accounts of the foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates and income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains and losses related to net assets located outside the U.S. are shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency), should be included in determining net income for the period in which exchange rates change. However, the related gains or losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature for which settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future should be reported and accumulated in the same manner as translation adjustments.

        Advertising—The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

        Research and Development—Research and development costs are charged to expense, as incurred. Such costs were $23.7 million in 2004, $8.7 million in 2003 and $8.1 million in 2002.

        Accounting for Shipping and Handling Costs—The Company records shipping and handling costs in cost of sales and records shipping and handling costs billed to customers in net sales in accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force's ("EITF") guidance (EITF 00-10:Classification of Shipping and Handling Costs).

F-9

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        Cash and Cash Equivalents—All highly liquid instruments and money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

        Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily on average cost or the first-in, first-out method. Inventory quantities on hand are regularly reviewed, and where necessary, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are recorded based primarily on either the Company's estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements or historical usage. See Note 4- Inventories.

        Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the various asset classes. Estimated lives range from 20-30 years for buildings and improvements (including land improvements), 7-12 years for machinery and equipment, 3-5 years for furniture and fixtures and 14-50 years for mining rights. See Note 5- Property, Plant and Equipment.

        The estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements are the lesser of the estimated life of the improvement or the term of the lease.

        Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any gain or loss is reflected in the statement of operations.

        Deferred Debt Issuance Costs—Costs related to the July 2003 Refinancing, the Acquisition Financing and two additional refinancings completed during the fourth quarter of 2004 have been capitalized and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt outstanding. This amortization is reflected in interest expense. See Note 8—Long-Term Debt.

        Goodwill—Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired for transactions accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. See Note 6—Goodwill for detail of goodwill activity by segment.

        Other Intangible Assets—Other intangible assets primarily consists of patents and other intellectual property, trade names and trademarks, and customer relationships. Patents and other intellectual property are recorded at their estimated fair values at the time of acquisition and are being amortized over their estimated remaining useful lives, ranging from 4 to 20 years. Trade names and trademarks are being amortized over 25 years, and customer relationships are amortized from 7 to 15 years. See Note 7—Other Intangible Assets.

        Impairment Accounting—The recoverability of goodwill is reviewed on an annual basis during the fourth quarter. Additionally, the recoverability of goodwill, long-lived tangible, and certain intangible assets is reviewed when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. See Note 15—Impairment Charges.

        The Company's initial goodwill impairment review begins with the estimate of fair value of each reporting unit generally based on an industry metric such as the ratio of enterprise value (commonly defined as market capitalization plus long-term debt less cash) to Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the senior secured credit facilities. This calculation is performed on both the current year actual results and on the budgeted amounts for the following year. Similarly, when testing for impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill, the Company initially reviews the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from the asset or asset group (collectively "asset"). If it appears that the asset is impaired based on undiscounted cash flows, the estimated fair value of the asset is calculated on a present value basis by multiplying the estimated future annual cash flows of the asset by the then current enterprise value ratio (a discounted measure) or by a discount factor appropriate to the related reporting unit, in accordance with paragraph 23 of

F-10

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SFAS 144. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the asset or goodwill exceeds the discounted cash flow (or other measure of) fair value.

        These calculations are based on inherent assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and appropriate benchmark peer companies or groups. Subsequent changes in these assumptions could result in future impairment. Although we consistently use the same methods in developing the assumptions and estimates underlying the fair value calculations, such estimates are uncertain by nature and can vary from actual results.

        Financial Instruments—Management believes the carrying amount of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt, approximates fair value, except as described in Note 8- Long-Term Debt.

        Accretion on Senior Discount Notes—The Company's senior discount notes (see Note 8—Long-Term Debt) accrete principal value for a portion of their term. The Company records such accretion as interest expense for financial reporting purposes.

        Derivatives—The Company accounts for derivatives based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted. SFAS 133 requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized currently in earnings. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes nor does it use leveraged or complex instruments.

        Pension, Postemployment and Postretirement Costs—Defined benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions. Other postretirement benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Postemployment benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with SFAS 112, Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits.

        Related party transactions—Rockwood has engaged in transactions with certain related parties including KKR, DLJMB and affiliates of each. See Note 2—Acquisitions and Note 8—Long-Term Debt for additional information concerning certain of these transactions.

        Through the date of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, KKR provided consulting and management advisory services to Rockwood for an annual fee of $0.6 million. Since the date of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, KKR and DLJMB have provided the Company with consulting and management advisory services for an annual fee of $2.0 million, which amount will be increased by 5% each year.

        In connection with the expected initial public offering of the Company's common stock, the affiliates of KKR and DLJMB have agreed to terminate the management services agreement effective upon the closing of such offering for an aggregate consideration of $10.0 million.

        The consolidated balance sheets include the following amounts as a result of transactions with KKR, DLJMB and affiliates of each:

		As of December 31
		2004			2003
		(millions)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	0.5		$	0.2
Long-term debt			82.8			73.6
Redeemable convertible preferred stock			34.3			30.1

F-11

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        The consolidated statements of operations include the following amounts as a result of transactions with KKR, DLJMB and affiliates of each:

		Years ended December 31
		2004			2003			2002
		(millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	1.2		$	0.6		$	0.6
Interest expense, net			9.2			3.6			—

        Income Taxes—Income taxes are determined in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized based on available evidence weighted toward evidence that is objectively verifiable. Deferred taxes are not provided on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries as such amounts are considered to be permanently invested or could be distributed to the parent company in a tax free manner.

        Future realization of the tax benefit of an existing deductible temporary difference or carryforward ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (for example, ordinary income or capital gain) within the carry back, carry forward period available under the tax law. The Company's policy is to consider the following sources of taxable income which may be available under the tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carry forwards:

•

Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences



•

Future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry forwards



•

Taxable income in prior carry back year(s) if carry back is permitted under the tax law



•

Tax planning strategies that would, if necessary, be implemented to:



(1)

Accelerate taxable amounts to utilize expiring carryforwards



(2)

Change the character of taxable or deductible amounts from ordinary income or loss to capital gain or loss



(3)

Switch from tax-exempt to taxable investments.

        Evidence available about each of those possible sources of taxable income will vary between tax jurisdictions and, possibly, from year to year. To the extent evidence about one or more sources of taxable income is sufficient to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not necessary, the Company's policy is that other sources need not be considered. Consideration of each source is required, however, to determine the amount of the valuation allowance that may be required to be recognized for deferred tax assets.

        For any specific jurisdiction where a history of three years of cumulative losses has occurred or where there has been a substantial change in the business (e.g. a major acquisition or divestiture), the Company does not rely on projections of future taxable income as described above. Instead, the Company determines its need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, if any, by determining an average normalized taxable income amount over the last three years, adjusted for acquisitions or divestitures if necessary.

F-12

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        The Company will also consider the following positive evidence in the above scenarios, if present:

•

Existing contracts or firm sales backlog that will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales prices and cost structures.



•

An excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of the entity's net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred tax asset.

        Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income includes net income and the other comprehensive income components which include unrealized gains and losses from foreign currency translation and from certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature as well as minimum pension liability adjustments that are recorded directly into a separate section of stockholders' equity in the balance sheets. Foreign currency translation amounts are not adjusted for income taxes since they relate to indefinite length investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries.

        Accounting for Environmental Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, Rockwood is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, and has made provisions for the estimated financial impact of environmental cleanup related costs. Rockwood's policy has been to accrue costs of a non-capital nature related to environmental clean-up when those costs are believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. If the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for a site are fixed or reliably determinable, the liability is discounted. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized and expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or present operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible are immediately expensed. The quantification of environmental exposures requires an assessment of many factors, including changing laws and regulations, advancements in environmental technologies, the quality of information available related to specific sites, the assessment stage of each site investigation and the length of time involved in remediation or settlement. In some matters, Rockwood could share costs with other parties. Rockwood does not include anticipated recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties in its accruals for environmental liabilities.

        Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classification.

        Recent Accounting Pronouncements—On July 31, 2004 the Company implemented SFAS 150 and Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") interpretation ("FIN") 46R. The Company implemented these as a result of the completion of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition on that same date; the Company did not previously implement these because they were not relevant prior to the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. Implementation of these accounting standards has had no significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. These instruments are reported as a liability and accounted for at their fair value. Stock options and convertible bonds issued as remuneration are exempted from this standard. SFAS 150 is applicable to financial instruments issued or modified after May 31, 2003. The valuation rules pertaining to certain financial instruments are not applicable until further notice owing to FASB Staff Position No. 150-3 Effective Date Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest under FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. FIN 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities -an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (revised) provides

F-13

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guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved though means other than through voting rights ("variable-interest entity") and how to determine when an entity is the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate a variable-interest entity.

        The Company plans to implement the financial accounting standards listed below on January 1, 2006. We do not expect any significant impact on our financial position, results of operation, or cash flows from the implementation of SFAS 151 and SFAS 153, although we are still in the process of evaluating SFAS 123R as to its potential impact, if any.

SFAS 151		Inventory Costs
SFAS 153		Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets
SFAS 123R		Share Based Payment

        SFAS 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This standard requires such items be recognized as current-period charges and is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005.

        SFAS 153 eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This standard is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005.

        SFAS 123R revises SFAS 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R requires entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. This standard eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for share based payments as previously provided in APB 25. This standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2006. As we are not a publicly traded equity company, we will apply SFAS 123R on a prospective basis. As such, new awards, modifications to existing awards, repurchases or cancellations subsequent to February 11, 2005 (the date on which the Company filed its Form S-1) will be accounted for in accordance with SFAS 123R on the modified prospective basis.

        In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 106-2 Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. This guidance supersedes FSP 106-1 issued in January 2004 and clarifies the accounting and disclosure requirements for employers with postretirement benefit plans that have been or will be affected by the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act"). The Act introduces two new features to Medicare that an employer needs to consider in measuring its obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit costs. The effective date for the new requirements was the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004. The adoption of FSP 106-2 did not have a material impact on the Company.

        Redeemable convertible preferred stock—During 2003 the Company issued redeemable convertible preferred stock to an affiliate of KKR who controls a majority of directors of the Company. As the redemption of the redeemable convertible preferred stock is not mandatory and is not solely in the control of the Company, the redeemable convertible preferred stock is classified outside equity. See Note 13—Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock.

        Stock-Based Compensation—At December 31, 2004, the Company had in place the Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan, as amended, (formerly the 2000 Stock

F-14

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Purchase and Option Plan) (the "Plan"). The Company accounts for the Plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation is reflected in net loss related to this Plan, as all options granted had an exercise price at least equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation. The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Volatility is assumed to be zero as there is no public market for the underlying stock. Dividend yield is also assumed to be zero.

        During 2004, the Company corrected an immaterial error in the determination of stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of tax, in the table above. This has increased such amounts and the pro forma net loss previously reported for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 by $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

        The Company accounts for earnings (loss) per share under the provision of SFAS No. 128 Earnings per Share and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 03-6, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128. Basic earnings (loss) per common share was calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if Rockwood's securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, converted into or resulted in the issuance of common stock. The effect of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, computed on the treasury stock method, and the assumed conversion of the Company's issued and outstanding redeemable convertible preferred stock have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for all periods presented since the effect of such securities is anti-dilutive. The valuation method that the Company will utilize under SFAS 123R may not be the same as the method utilized historically.

F-15

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2. ACQUISITIONS:

Dynamit Nobel

        On July 31, 2004, the Company consummated the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. The Company paid approximately €1,635.0 million (or $1,968.5 million) (excluding repayment of certain assumed debt) in cash to mg technologies ag for the businesses acquired, subject to possible post-closing adjustments. The four divisions of Dynamit Nobel acquired by Rockwood were (i) Chemetall, or Specialty Chemicals; (ii) Sachtleben Chemie, or Titanium Dioxide Pigments; (iii) CeramTec, or Advanced Ceramics and (iv) DNES Custom Synthesis (consisting of Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, Finorga, S.A. and Rohner A.G.), or Custom Synthesis, which is now known as Groupe Novasep. Through this acquisition, the Company believes it has created a portfolio of distinct specialty chemicals and advanced performance materials businesses, with diversified geographic and end-use markets, strong market positions and margins, and limited exposure to individual raw material fluctuations.

        Approximate sources and uses of the funds relating to the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition and the related Acquisition Financing are shown on the table below. Information presented in the following table has been calculated using the U.S. dollars per euro exchange rate at July 31, 2004.

		(millions)
Sources
New senior secured credit facilities(a) (€389.7 and $985.0)		$	1,454.2
New senior subordinated loan facility(a) (€419.1 and $350.0)			854.5
Equity contribution(b)			425.0
Total sources		$	2,733.7
Uses
Cash purchase price (c)		$	1,968.5
Repayment of old senior credit facilities			442.2
Repayment of portion of pay-in-kind loans			20.0
Repayment of assumed debt (d)			129.0
Cash settlement of derivative transactions			20.0
Fees and expenses			138.0
Cash on hand			16.0
Total uses		$	2,733.7

---

(a)

See Note 8—Long-Term Debt for more detailed information concerning the Company's debt facilities.

(b)

Represents an equity contribution to the Company from the proceeds of equity contributions of $425.0 million to Holdings from affiliates of KKR and DLJMB.

(c)

The cash purchase price (which does not include the assumed debt described in note (d) below) is subject to possible post-closing adjustments, including adjustments related to Closing Net Financial Debt and Closing Working Capital (as each term is defined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 2004).

(d)

Represents assumed debt which the Company repaid at or shortly after the closing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, in addition to €154.6 million (or $186.1 million) that the Company assumed as of the acquisition date. See Note 8—Long-Term Debt.

        The Company accounted for the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition using the purchase method of accounting. The Company has allocated the estimated total purchase price to the assets acquired

F-16

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and liabilities assumed of Dynamit Nobel based on management's estimates of their fair values. The Company retained independent valuation specialists to assist in the determination of fair value of a significant portion of these assets, including property, plant and equipment and identified intangible assets. The consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 reflect the results of Dynamit Nobel since July 31, 2004. See Note 6—Goodwill and Note 7—Other Intangible Assets.

        The allocation of the purchase price to the identifiable assets acquired is complete, except that the purchase price is subject to possible post-closing adjustments, including adjustments related to Closing Net Financial Debt and Closing Working Capital (as each term is defined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 2004). mg technologies ag has notified the Company of several adjustments which would result in the Company paying an additional €31.5 million; however, the Company has notified mg technologies ag of counterclaims in the aggregate of €34.7 million. Management believes the potential future consideration due to mg technologies ag ranges from $0 to approximately $30.0 million dollars. Given the complexities of the underlying claims, the Company's inability to predict the success of negotiating a resolution and the possibility of eventual arbitration of some or all of the claims, management believes that no estimate within this range is better than another. The Company expects to finalize the post-closing adjustments within the next 12 months. The recorded amount of goodwill, net of tax, as applicable, may change when the post-closing adjustments are finalized.

        The excess of the total purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired at closing has been allocated to goodwill. Goodwill in the transaction totaled $931.6 million at December 31, 2004. This represents a $19.1 million increase to goodwill from the initial allocation of the purchase price contained in our September 30, 2004 balance sheet and was primarily due to refinement and reallocation of identifiable asset valuation estimates by the independent appraiser and the recognition of additional liabilities for which management was seeking additional information and did not have sufficient information to record as of September 30, 2004.

F-17

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        Estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been allocated to the estimated purchase price as of July 31, 2004 as follows:

			(millions)
Estimated cash purchase price ($1,968.5 million and fees and expenses of $65.9 million)						$	2,034.4
Net assets acquired			$	1,041.9
Adjustments to net assets acquired:
	Existing goodwill			(399.0	)
	Existing intangibles			(19.4	)
	Deferred tax asset			(396.6	)
	Deferred tax liability—current			5.4
	Deferred tax liability—non-current			51.6
	Liabilities to related parties			345.5
Adjusted net assets acquired							629.4
Estimated purchase price in excess of book value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed							1,405.0
Fair value in excess of book value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Inventory		$	55.4
	Property, plant and equipment			30.1
Intangible assets identified:
	Patents and other intellectual property			273.5
	Customer relationships			155.6
	Trade names and trademarks			98.4
	Pension liabilities			(46.4	)
	Deferred tax liability, net			(10.7	)
	Restructuring program liabilities			(30.5	)
	Other liabilities			(52.0	)
Total fair value in excess of book value of identifiable net assets acquired							473.4
Estimated goodwill						$	931.6

•

The fair value of finished goods and work in process inventories, which were stepped up to selling price less direct selling cost, was recognized in cost of goods sold during 2004 as the acquired inventory was sold.



•

The fair value of property, plant and equipment and identified intangibles other than goodwill are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. Estimated lives for property, plant and equipment range from 20-30 years for buildings and improvements (including land improvements), 7-12 years for machinery and equipment, 3-5 years for furniture and fixtures and 14-50 years for mining rights. Estimated weighted average useful lives for identified intangible assets are: 12.6 years for patents and other intellectual property, 25.2 years for trademarks and trade names and 11.9 years for customer relationships for a total estimated weighted average useful life of 13.6 years.



•

Pension liabilities represent the estimated unrecognized pension obligation in accordance with SFAS No. 141.



•

Restructuring programs and other liabilities includes the estimated costs of restructuring programs for which a plan has been formulated relating to certain Dynamit Nobel operations.

F-18

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•

Management believes that most of the estimated goodwill above is deductible for German tax purposes over a period of 15 years.



•

Liabilities assumed were as follows:

		(millions)
Fair value of assets acquired		$	2,967.7
Cash purchase price (including fees and expenses)			2,034.4
		$	933.3

        The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

			At July 31, 2004
			(millions)
Inventory				331.0
Property, plant and equipment				927.3
Intangible assets				527.5
Goodwill				931.6
Other assets				250.3
	Total assets acquired			2,967.7
Other liabilities				(747.2	)
Long-term debt				(186.1	)
	Total liabilities assumed			(933.3	)
Net assets acquired			$	2,034.4

        The following unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared as if the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. The pro forma amounts include certain adjustments to historical results of operations including depreciation and amortization expense (based upon the estimated fair values and useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, as determined by appraisal), an increase in interest expense resulting from the Acquisition Financing, plus the amortization of new deferred financing costs and reduction of amortization of deferred financing costs for long-term debt subsequently repaid.

        Such unaudited pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the transactions for which we are giving pro forma effect actually occurred on the date referred to above or the results of operations that may be expected in the future.

		Year ended December 31
		2004			2003
		(millions)
Net sales		$	2,773.8		$	2,393.2
Net loss		$	(206.0	)	$	(60.2	)

Johnson Matthey Pigments and Dispersions Business

        On September 2, 2004 the Company completed the acquisition of the Pigments and Dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc for approximately $50.0 million (including fees and

F-19

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expenses), subject to post-closing adjustments. The acquisition expands the Company's global color pigments and services' business specifically within transparent iron oxide pigments and dispersions, color concentrates and complex inorganic color pigments for the surface and wood coatings, plastics, building materials and printing inks markets. The Company utilized the remaining undrawn funds from the term loan portion of its senior credit facilities to finance this transaction (see Note 8-Long-Term Debt).

        This acquisition is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Except for the possible effect of the post-closing adjustments described above, the Company has finalized the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill of less than $1.0 million has been recorded. This acquisition is not significant on a pro forma basis and therefore, pro forma information is not provided.

Groupe Novasep Combination

        On December 31, 2004, the Company completed the combination of the three business lines of its Custom Synthesis segment (Dynamit Nobel Special Chemistry, Finorga S.A. and Rohner AG) with Groupe Novasep SAS, or Groupe Novasep, to form a new standalone company within Rockwood. Groupe Novasep specializes in innovative production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, or API, from biotechnological or chemical processes and focuses on finding purification solutions by the research and development of new purification processes. As a result of the combination (total purchase price of approximately $148.2 million including assumed debt of $48.6 million; cash purchase price including fees and acquisition costs of $74.5 million (€54.9 million) and the shares contributed to the management of the new combined company valued at $39.7 million less cash acquired of $14.6 million), the Company acquired 69.4% of the stock of Groupe Novasep SAS and the Groupe Novasep management contributed its remaining stock of 30.6% of Groupe Novasep to the new standalone company in exchange for shares in the new company. As a result of the transaction, the Company owns approximately 79% of Knight Specialte Synthese SAS, which has now been renamed Groupe Novasep. Management of Groupe Novasep owns the remaining approximately 21%. This ownership is reflected in minority interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company used cash on hand to finance this transaction.

        This acquisition is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The Company has not finalized the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company expects to finalize this by the third quarter of 2005. However, significant changes to the preliminary purchase accounting are not expected. Based on the preliminary fair value allocation, goodwill of $60.9 million is included in the accompanying balance sheet. This acquisition is not significant on a pro forma basis and therefore, pro forma information is not provided.

        The assets acquired included $63.6 million of intangible assets, other than goodwill. Of the $63.6 million (11.4 year weighted average useful life), $24.5 million was assigned to patents and other intellectual property (10 year weighted average useful life), $36.4 million was assigned to customer relationships (12.1 year weighted average useful life) and $2.7 million was assigned to trademarks and trade names (25 year weighted average useful life).

F-20

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        The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

		At December 31, 2004
		(millions)
Inventory		$	23.0
Property, plant and equipment			49.2
Intangible assets			63.6
Goodwill			60.9
Other assets			82.7
Total assets acquired			279.4
Other liabilities			(97.9	)
Long-term debt			(48.6	)
Total liabilities assumed			(146.5	)
Minority interest			(27.7	)
Net assets acquired		$	105.2

3. SEGMENT INFORMATION:

        Rockwood operates in seven reportable segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of its products and services as well as the manner in which the information is used internally by the Company's key decision maker, who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The seven segments are: (1) Performance Additives, which consists of color pigments and services, timber treatment chemicals, clay-based additives and water treatment chemicals business lines; (2) Specialty Compounds; (3) Electronics, which consists of electronic chemicals, wafer reclaim and photomasks business lines; (4) Specialty Chemicals; (5) Titanium Dioxide Pigments; (6) Advanced Ceramics; and (7) Groupe Novasep.

        Items that cannot be readily attributed to individual segments have been classified as "corporate". Corporate operating loss primarily represents payroll, professional fees and other operating expenses of centralized functions such as treasury, legal, internal auditing and consolidation accounting as well as the cost of operating our central offices (including some maintained based on legal or tax considerations). The primary components of corporate loss, in addition to operating loss, are interest expense on external debt (including the amortization of deferred financing costs), foreign exchange losses or gains, and mark-to-market gains or losses on derivatives. The foreign exchange losses or gains primarily represent the effect of the re-measurement of our euro denominated external debt into our reporting currency, the US dollar. Major Corporate components within the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (described more fully below) include systems/ organization establishment expenses such as outside consulting costs for Sarbanes-Oxley initial documentation, tax benefit resulting from corporate losses, interest expense on external debt, foreign exchange losses or gains, and refinancing expenses related to external debt. Corporate identifiable assets primarily represent cash balances or overdrafts maintained in accordance with centralized cash management techniques and deferred financing costs that have been capitalized in connection with certain corporate external debt financing. The corporate classification also includes the results of operations, assets (primarily real estate) and liabilities (including pension and environmental) of legacy businesses formerly belonging to Dynamit Nobel.

F-21

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Summarized financial information for each of the reportable segments is provided in the following table.

		Performance Additives			Specialty Compounds			Electronics			Specialty Chemicals			Titanium Dioxide Pigments			Advanced Ceramics			Groupe Novasep			Corporate			Consolidated
		(millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2004
Net sales		$	630.9		$	200.4		$	168.1		$	321.1		$	175.7		$	146.3		$	101.0		$	—		$	1,743.5
Impairment charges			—			—			11.0			—			—			—			—			—			11.0
Adjusted EBITDA			149.2			28.8			28.9			60.0			37.8			35.8			23.0			(31.1	)		332.4
Depreciation and amortization			32.0			7.7			20.8			17.4			15.0			11.5			9.8			1.0			115.2
Identifiable assets			1,170.0			256.7			309.5			1,653.9			707.5			750.6			683.9			(102.4	)		5,429.7
Capital expenditures			19.0			2.2			6.3			15.5			19.6			30.8			19.4			—			112.8
Year Ended December 31, 2003
Net sales		$	477.3		$	176.4		$	143.6		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	797.3
Impairment charges			—			—			35.0			—			—			—			—			—			35.0
Adjusted EBITDA			112.5			23.9			24.8			—			—			—			—			(11.7	)		149.5
Depreciation and amortization			27.4			7.2			17.1			—			—			—			—			0.7			52.4
Identifiable assets			1,015.6			254.2			318.6			—			—			—			—			(127.7	)		1,460.7
Capital expenditures			16.3			3.6			14.4			—			—			—			—			—			34.3
Year Ended December 31, 2002
Net sales		$	443.8		$	168.8		$	147.3		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	759.9
Impairment charges			—			—			50.0			—			—			—			—			—			50.0
Adjusted EBITDA			106.4			26.0			33.4			—			—			—			—			(15.4	)		150.4
Depreciation and amortization			23.4			6.7			15.4			—			—			—			—			0.8			46.3
Identifiable assets			862.3			239.6			323.1			—			—			—			—			0.3			1,425.3
Capital expenditures			19.0			3.4			12.4			—			—			—			—			1.2			36.0

        The following table represents summarized geographic information with net sales based on seller's location:

			Year ended December 31,
			2004			2003			2002
			(millions)
Net sales:
	United States		$	741.0		$	523.0		$	505.4
	Germany			483.7			34.3			30.8
	Rest of Europe			391.7			183.0			171.0
	Rest of world			127.1			57.0			52.7
			$	1,743.5		$	797.3		$	759.9

		December 31,
		2004			2003
		(millions)
Long-lived assets:
United States		$	194.7		$	190.1
Germany			703.0			27.0
Rest of Europe			470.6			190.7
Rest of world			212.6			10.8
		$	1,580.9		$	418.6

        The Company has not finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Novasep combination as discussed in Note 2—Acquisitions. As such, the long-lived asset amounts may change upon finalization of the Novasep combination purchase price allocation.

F-22

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        The summary of segment information above includes "Adjusted EBITDA", a financial measure used by our chief decision maker and senior management to evaluate the operating performance of each segment.

Components of Adjusted EBITDA

        The process of refocusing and restructuring the businesses acquired in the KKR Acquisition and establishing the post-acquisition corporate entity, along with the impact of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, resulted in a number of charges that have affected Rockwood's historical results. These charges, along with certain other items, are added to or subtracted from net loss to derive Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below. The more significant of these items include the following:

•

Restructuring and Related Charges. Restructuring charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 for miscellaneous restructuring activities.



•

Impairment charges: As part of annual impairment testing, the Company determined that there were asset impairments in certain businesses within the Electronics segment. These impairments resulted from a significant decline in earnings and operating cash flows, both historical and prospective, based on global economic conditions common to significant competitors, including overcapacity, as well as the erosion of the Electronics segment's business lines' relative competitive position due to continued industry concentration and resulting pricing pressure. Accordingly, the Company recorded non-cash asset impairment charges to goodwill of $4.0 million, $19.3 million, and $50.0 million, respectively, for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002. Also, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge to property, plant and equipment of $7.0 million and $15.7 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.



•

Systems/Organization Establishment Expenses. These expenses include costs that arose in connection with the KKR Acquisition and the resulting organization as a stand-alone company, primarily relating to the amortization of sign-on compensation arrangements for key executives previously hired. For 2004, these expenses primarily represent costs related to the integration of the business acquired in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, as well as professional fees incurred regarding systems and internal control documentation in connection with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These expenses are reflected in the "corporate" column when Rockwood's results are presented on a segment basis.



•

Acquisition and Disposal Costs. Such costs have been incurred in connection with non-consummated acquisitions and dispositions.



•

Stamp duty tax. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company paid a stamp duty tax on certain assets transferred in the United Kingdom in connection with the KKR Acquisition.



•

Business Interruption and Insurance Recovery. Rockwood recorded gains in 2003 and 2002 for fire insurance settlements.



•

Inventory Write-Up Reversal. Under SFAS 141, all inventories acquired in an acquisition must be revalued to "fair value." In connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, the Company allocated approximately $55.4 million of the total purchase price to inventory to reflect manufacturing profit in inventory at the date of the acquisition. This resulted in a consequential reduction in gross profit, including currency effects, of $60.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as the inventory was sold in the normal course of business. Also included for the periods presented herein is the impact of inventory step-ups from certain acquisitions in the Performance Additives segment.

F-23

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•

Refinancing costs. In July 2003, the Company wrote off $36.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs related to previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the July 2003 Refinancing. In December 2003, the Company incurred $1.4 million of expenses in connection with a further modification of the then senior credit agreement resulting in a 75 basis point interest rate reduction on $290.0 million of senior debt. In July 2004 the Company wrote off $2.8 million of deferred debt issuance costs related to previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. In October 2004, the Company wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the October 8, 2004 amendment of the secured credit facilities. Also, in November 2004 a write-off of $17.2 million of deferred financing costs was recorded related to the bridge loan repayments in connection with the issuance of the 2014 Notes. Finally, in December 2004 the Company incurred $1.0 million of expenses related to the December 10, 2004 amendment of the secured credit facilities that resulted in a 25 basis point interest rate reduction on $1,145.0 million of tranche D term loans.



•

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain. The Company recorded foreign exchange (losses) and gains related to its long-term debt. These amounts reflect the non-cash translation impact on euro-denominated debt resulting from the strengthening or weakening of the euro against the U.S. dollar during the applicable periods. Foreign exchange (loss) gain in 2004 also includes losses on foreign currency derivative agreements into which the Company entered in connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition.

On a segment basis, the Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash gains and charges, certain non-recurring gains and charges and certain items deemed by senior management to have little or no bearing on the day-to-day operating performance of its business segments and reporting units. The adjustments made to operating income directly correlate with the adjustments to net income in calculating Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis pursuant to the senior secured credit agreement. The indentures governing the 2011 Notes and the 2014 Notes exclude certain adjustments permitted under the senior secured credit agreement. Senior management uses Adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis as the primary measure to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company's business segments and reporting units.

The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA on a segment and consolidated basis to assess its operating performance. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis as the most significant criterion in the calculation of performance-based cash bonuses and the determination of whether certain performance-based stock options vest.

Rockwood believes this financial measure on a consolidated basis is helpful in highlighting trends in its overall business because Adjusted EBITDA excludes those items that have little or no bearing on day-to-day operating performance.

F-24

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        Because the Company views Adjusted EBITDA on both a segment basis and consolidated basis as an operating performance measure, the Company uses net income (loss) as the most comparable GAAP measure. The following table, which sets forth the applicable components of Adjusted EBITDA, presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA on a GAAP basis:

			Performance Additives			Specialty Compounds			Electronics			Specialty Chemicals			Titanium Dioxide Pigments			Advanced Ceramics			Groupe Novasep			Corporate			Consolidated
			(millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2004
	Net income (loss)		$	84.1		$	12.4		$	(5.5	)	$	(24.5	)	$	(4.2	)	$	(22.0	)	$	(18.6	)	$	(237.8	)	$	(216.1	)
	Income tax (benefit) provision			4.2			8.6			(4.6	)		17.4			4.5			8.2			17.6			(23.6	)		32.3
	Interest expense, net			26.8			(0.7	)		5.4			24.3			15.7			16.6			5.5			68.5			162.1
	Depreciation and amortization			32.0			7.7			20.8			17.4			15.0			11.5			9.8			1.0			115.2
	Impairment charges			—			—			11.0			—			—			—			—			—			11.0
	Restructuring and related charges			0.5			0.3			—			0.3			—			—			—			—			1.1
	Systems/organization establishment expenses			0.2			—			0.2			0.1			—			—			—			4.3			4.8
	Acquisition and disposal costs			—			—			0.2			—			—			—			—			0.3			0.5
	Stamp duty tax			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			4.0			4.0
	Loss from disposed businesses			—			—			—			—			—			—			0.8			—			0.8
	Inventory write-up reversal			1.0			—			—			25.4			6.6			20.8			7.3			—			61.1
	Refinancing expenses			0.4			0.2			0.1			—			—			—			—			26.4			27.1
	Foreign exchange loss (gain)			0.3			—			1.4			(0.9	)		—			—			0.2			114.5			115.5
	Foreign exchange loss on foreign currency derivatives			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			10.9			10.9
	Other			(0.3	)		0.3			(0.1	)		0.5			0.2			0.7			0.4			0.4			2.1
	Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	149.2		$	28.8		$	28.9		$	60.0		$	37.8		$	35.8		$	23.0		$	(31.1	)	$	332.4
Year Ended December 31, 2003
	Net income (loss)		$	44.0		$	17.0		$	(26.2	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(126.5	)	$	(91.7	)
	Income tax (benefit) provision			10.1			(0.3	)		(5.3	)		—			—			—			—			(20.8	)		(16.3	)
	Interest expense, net			30.0			(0.5	)		6.6			—			—			—			—			76.2			112.3
	Depreciation and amortization			27.4			7.2			17.1			—			—			—			—			0.7			52.4
	Impairment charges			—			—			35.0			—			—			—			—			—			35.0
	Restructuring and related charges			0.8			0.6			0.4			—			—			—			—			—			1.8
	Systems/organization establishment expenses			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			1.6			1.6
	Acquisition and disposal costs			—			—			1.6			—			—			—			—			0.3			1.9
	Business interruption costs and insurance recovery			—			—			(4.5	)		—			—			—			—			—			(4.5	)
	Inventory write-up reversal			0.2			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			0.2
	Refinancing expenses			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			38.3			38.3
	Foreign exchange loss (gain)			—			(0.1	)		0.1			—			—			—			—			18.5			18.5
	Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	112.5		$	23.9		$	24.8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		($	11.7	)	$	149.5
Year Ended December 31, 2002
	Net income (loss)		$	41.2		$	22.3		$	(36.3	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(95.4	)	$	(68.2	)
	Income tax (benefit) provision			14.1			(2.5	)		(0.5	)		—			—			—			—			(23.6	)		(12.5	)
	Interest expense, net			26.0			(0.8	)		7.0			—			—			—			—			76.0			108.2
	Depreciation and amortization			23.4			6.7			15.4			—			—			—			—			0.8			46.3
	Impairment charges			—			—			50.0			—			—			—			—			—			50.0
	Restructuring and related charges			1.2			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			1.2
	Systems/organization establishment expenses			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			1.6			1.6
	Acquisition and disposal costs			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			0.2			0.2
	Business interruption costs and insurance recovery			—			0.1			(2.3	)		—			—			—			—			—			(2.2	)
	Foreign exchange loss (gain)			—			—			0.1			—			—			—			—			24.5			24.6
	Loss on receivables sold			0.5			0.2			—			—			—			—			—			0.5			1.2
	Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	106.4		$	26.0		$	33.4		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(15.4	)	$	150.4

F-25

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4.    INVENTORIES:

        Inventories are comprised of the following:

		December 31,
		2004			2003
		(millions)
Raw materials		$	140.4		$	26.8
Work-in-process			81.6			3.2
Finished goods			240.3			50.0
Packaging materials			14.6			7.8
		$	476.9		$	87.8

        The portion of this balance represented by assets of the Novasep combination discussed in Note 2-Acquisitions is subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

5.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

        Property, plant and equipment, net is comprised of the following:

		December 31,
		2004			2003
		(millions)
Land		$	200.0		$	20.6
Buildings and improvements, including land improvements			561.5			108.9
Machinery and equipment			1,077.2			374.4
Furniture and fixtures			140.6			21.1
Mining rights			86.9			—
Construction-in-progress			137.7			11.2
Property, plant and equipment, at cost			2,203.9			536.2
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(623.0	)		(117.6	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	1,580.9		$	418.6

        Depreciation expense was $88.6 million, $46.3 million and $41.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

        The Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.0 million and $15.7 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively related to property, plant and equipment in its Electronics segment. See Note 13—Impairment Charges.

        The portion of this balance represented by assets from the Novasep combination discussed in Note 2—Acquisitions is subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

F-26

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        In addition, property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2004 includes items recorded under capital leases by businesses included in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition as follows:

		(millions)
Land		$	0.2
Buildings and improvements, including land improvements			58.0
Machinery and equipment			11.4
Furniture and fixtures			4.6
			74.2
Accumulated depreciation			(1.9	)
Total		$	72.3

6.    GOODWILL:

        Below are goodwill balances and activity by segment:

		Performance Additives			Specialty Compounds			Electronics			Specialty Chemicals			Titanium Dioxide Pigments			Advanced Ceramics			Groupe Novasep			Total
		(millions)
Balance, January 1, 2003		$	424.6		$	101.3		$	133.5		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	659.4
Impairment charges			—			—			(19.3	)		—			—			—			—			(19.3	)
Acquisitions			6.7			—			3.7			—			—			—			—			10.4
Adjustment to restructuring liability			(2.1	)		—			—			—			—			—			—			(2.1	)
Foreign exchange			21.7			9.0			4.8			—			—			—			—			35.5
Balance, December 31, 2003			450.9			110.3			122.7			—			—			—			—			683.9
Impairment charges			—			—			(4.0	)		—			—			—			—			(4.0	)
Acquisitions			3.3			—			0.1			575.3			152.4			203.9			60.9			995.9
Foreign exchange			9.6			5.2			5.4			84.0			20.0			26.8			—			151.0
Balance, December 31, 2004		$	463.8		$	115.5		$	124.2		$	659.3		$	172.4		$	230.7		$	60.9		$	1,826.8

        The portion of this balance represented by assets of the acquisitions and combination discussed in Note 2—Acquisitions is subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

        SFAS 142 also requires impairment testing at least annually. The goodwill test for impairment begins with an estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company has determined reporting units to be each of its divisions, one level below the reportable segment level. The impairment charges above were recognized as a result of this testing. See Note 13- Impairment Charges.

7.    OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

        Other intangible assets, net consist of:

		As of December 31, 2004									As of December 31, 2003
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(millions)
Patents and other intellectual property		$	377.3		$	(39.4	)	$	337.9		$	41.4		$	(17.6	)	$	23.8
Trade Names and Trademarks			115.0			(1.5	)		113.5			—			—			—
Customer Relationships			205.7			(6.5	)		199.2			—			—			—
Other			7.8			(3.1	)		4.7			3.0			(1.1	)		1.9
Total		$	705.8		$	(50.5	)	$	655.3		$	44.4		$	(18.7	)	$	25.7

F-27

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        Amortization of other intangible assets was $26.6 million, $6.1 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Year ended		Amortization Expense
		(millions)
2005		$	51.0
2006			51.0
2007			51.0
2008			49.5
2009			46.2

        The portion of this balance represented by assets of the Novasep Combination discussed in Note 2-Acquisitions is subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

8.    LONG-TERM DEBT:

        Long-term debt and loans payable are summarized as follows:

			December 31,
			2004			2003
			(millions)
Senior secured credit facilities:
	Tranche A-1 term loans (€39.1 as of December 31, 2004)		$	53.2		$	—
	Tranche A-2 term loans (€170.4 as of December 31, 2004)			231.6			—
	Tranche C term loans (€274.8 as of December 31, 2004)			373.5			—
	Tranche D term loans			1,145.0			—
2003 Senior secured credit facilities (€133.2 and $290.2 as of December 31, 2003) (repaid July 31, 2004):				—			458.0
2011 Notes				375.0			375.0
2014 Notes (€375.0 and $200.0 as of December 31, 2004)				709.7			—
Pay-in-kind loans and notes (€87.8 and $54.4 as of December 31, 2004)				173.7			156.9
Senior discount notes				82.8			73.6
Other term loan facilities				127.5			—
Capitalized lease obligations (€48.8 as of December 31, 2004)				66.3			—
Preferred stock of subsidiary (£12.0 as of December 31, 2004)				23.0			—
Other (€14.1 as of December 31, 2004)				19.3			—
				3,380.6			1,063.5
Less current maturities				(47.2	)		(9.1	)
			$	3,333.4		$	1,054.4
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
2005			$	47.2
2006				70.9
2007				83.6
2008				108.8
2009				80.0
Thereafter				2,990.1
			$	3,380.6

F-28

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Senior Secured Credit Facilities

a) Structure

        In connection with the Acquisition Financing, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit agreement on July 30, 2004. The full amount of the tranche A-1 term loans, €128.5 million of the tranche A-2 term loans, $985.0 million of the tranche B term loans and €222.1 million of the tranche C term loans were drawn in a single drawing on the closing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. The remaining €41.9 million of the tranche A-2 term loans were drawn in a single drawing on September 30, 2004 in connection with the acquisition of the Pigments and Dispersions business of Johnson Matthey Plc.

        On October 8, 2004, the Company amended its new senior secured credit facilities to borrow an additional $160.0 million of tranche B term loans and, €52.7 million (or $65.5 million) of tranche C term loans (or $225.5 million in the aggregate) and used the proceeds to repay a portion (€105.9 million and $89.9 million or $221.4 million in the aggregate) of the higher interest rate bearing borrowings under the senior subordinated loan facility (subsequently repaid in full through the issuance of the 2014 Notes described herein) and to pay related fees of $2.3 million. The Company wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the repayment under this amendment. On December 10, 2004, the Company entered into the second amendment to the senior secured credit agreement to borrow $1,145.0 million of tranche D term loans and used the proceeds to repay in full the tranche B term loans, reducing the interest rate on this debt by 25 basis points as a result. Related fees of $1.0 million were expensed.

b) Availability

        The senior secured credit facilities consist of the term loan tranches listed above as well as a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million made available in U.S. dollars, euros and/or pounds sterling. A portion of the revolving credit facility is available in the form of letters of credit and swingline loans. Under the terms of the amendments, the Company may, under certain circumstances and subject to receipt of additional commitments from existing lenders or other eligible institutions, request that the tranche D term loans and/or the revolving credit commitments be increased by an aggregate amount of up to $250.0 million. At December 31, 2004 the Company had no borrowings and $15.8 million of standby letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2005 the Company had outstanding borrowings of $175.0 million under the revolving credit facility, and $19.0 million of letters of credit issued on its behalf. As of April 27, 2005 the Company had outstanding borrowings of $50.0 million under the revolving credit facility, and $18.9 million of letters of credit issued on its behalf.

        Amounts borrowed under the term loan facilities other than the revolving facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.

c) Interest and Fees

        The interest rates per year under the revolving credit facility and the tranche A-1, A-2 and B term loan facilities are, at the Company's option, Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.50% or, in the case of loans denominated in U.S. dollars, ABR plus 1.25%. ABR is the alternate base rate, which is the higher of Credit Suisse First Boston's prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%. The interest rate per year under the tranche C term loan facility is Adjusted LIBOR plus 3.00%. Adjusted LIBOR is the London inter-bank offered rate, adjusted for statutory reserves. In each case, the interest rates per year (other than under the tranche C term loan facility) are subject to step-downs determined by reference to a performance test. The interest rate per year under the tranche D term loan facilities is, at the Company's option, Adjusted LIBOR plus 2.25% or ABR plus 1.00%.

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        The Company may elect interest periods of one, two, three or six months (or in the case of revolving credit loans, nine or twelve months, to the extent available from all lenders under the revolving credit facility) for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings. Interest is payable quarterly in the case of ABR loans and at the end of each interest period and, in any event, at least every three months, in the case of Adjusted LIBOR borrowings.

        The senior secured credit facilities require payment of customary commitment, letter of credit and other fees.

d) Guarantees; Security

        Obligations under the senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. and each of its existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and are secured by first-priority security interest in: substantially all the tangible and intangible assets of the Company and its direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to exceptions; all the capital stock of or other equity interest in the Company and each of its direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries; a maximum of 65% of the capital stock of or other equity interests in each direct foreign subsidiary of either Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. or of any domestic subsidiary of the Company.

e) Maturity, Amortization and Prepayments

        The tranche A-1 and A-2 term loans will mature on July 30, 2011 and will amortize at escalating percentages on a semi-annual basis commencing on January 31, 2006. The tranche C term loans and tranche D term loans will mature on July 30, 2012 and will amortize on a semi-annual basis commencing on July 31, 2005, with each repayment amount prior to maturity to be equal to 0.5% of the principal amount of tranche C term loans and tranche D term loans, respectively. The revolving credit facility will mature on July 23, 2010. The tranche D term loans have a one-year prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of such prepayment.

        In addition, the Company is required to make the following mandatory prepayments of the term loans under the senior secured credit facilities, in each case subject to certain exceptions, with:

•

100% of the net cash proceeds of all sales or other dispositions by the Company or any of its restricted subsidiaries under the senior secured credit facilities of assets other than net cash proceeds (a) from the sale or other disposition of assets in the ordinary course of business, (b) of certain disposals permitted under the senior secured credit agreement (including the proceeds of sales or transfers of accounts receivable (including pursuant to a securitization) in the amount of up to $200.0 million at any time) or (c) that are reinvested in the Company and its restricted subsidiaries within twelve months of the sale or other disposition (subject to extension in certain circumstances).



•

100% of the net cash proceeds of issuances of certain debt obligations.



•

50% of excess cash flows, as defined, in respect of any fiscal year at the end of which the consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is equal to or greater than 3.50 to 1.0, reduced by any amounts reinvested during the first six months of the year and voluntary prepayments.

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f) Financial Covenants

        The new senior secured credit facilities contain the following financial covenants:

•

a consolidated total net debt to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA test;



•

a consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense test; and



•

limitations on capital expenditures.

        For purposes of calculating compliance with the financial covenants as of any date, foreign currency denominated indebtedness is to be converted to U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates for the twelve-month period ending on such date.

        Senior subordinated loan facility—In connection with the Acquisition Financing, the Company entered into a senior subordinated loan facility with an initial interest rate equal to the greater of 9.0% and EURIBOR + 7% (in the case of euro borrowings) or LIBOR + 8% (in the case of dollar borrowings) annually with a 75 basis point increase every six months for the first 18 months. During the fourth quarter of 2004, the senior subordinated loan facility was fully repaid.

        2011 Notes—In connection with the July 2003 Refinancing, the Company issued $375.0 million principal amount of 10.625% senior subordinated notes due 2011 ("2011 Notes"). Certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries guarantee the 2011 Notes on a senior subordinated basis. The 2011 Notes mature on May 15, 2011 with interest payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. The Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2011 Notes at a redemption price equal to 110.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date. The 2011 Notes have covenants and other terms and conditions that are comparable or generally less restrictive than the senior secured credit facilities.

        2014 Notes—On November 10, 2004, the Company repaid the senior subordinated loan facility by completing the sale of €375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior subordinated notes and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% senior subordinated notes, both due in 2014 ("2014 Notes"). The 2014 Notes are pari passu to existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness, including the 2011 Notes and junior to all of the Company's existing and future senior indebtedness. The 2014 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries. Proceeds aggregating $684.7 million from the sale of the 2014 Notes were used to repay $260.1 million and €313.2 million (or $404.8 million) (an aggregate of $664.9 million), representing the remaining outstanding borrowings under the Company's senior subordinated loan facility, plus accrued interest of $2.0 million thereon, pay related fees and expenses of approximately $9.6 million and for general corporate purposes.

        Also, in connection with this transaction, the Company entered into cross currency interest rate swaps with a five year term and a notional amount of €155.6 million that effectively convert the U.S. dollar fixed rate debt in respect of the dollar notes sold into euro fixed rate debt. The Company has designated this contract as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of its net investment in its euro denominated operations. There was no ineffective portion of the net investment hedge as of December 31, 2004. The Company does not expect any of the loss on the net investment hedge residing in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2004 to be reclassified into earnings in 2005.

        Other term loan facilities—Certain subsidiaries in the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition are borrowers under term loan facilities denominated in various currencies including euro, Swiss Francs,

F-31

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Taiwanese Dollars and Japanese Yen. Interest rates range from 1.38% to 6.05% and mature between 2005 and 2011. Certain of these term loan facilities are collateralized by mortgages on land and buildings and trade receivables. As part of the Novasep combination on December 31, 2004, the Company assumed additional debt of €27.8 million ($37.8 million) plus $10.8 million for an aggregate of $48.6 million. The assumed debt includes three tranches of bank debt at the Novasep parent level totaling €13.0 million ($17.7 million) plus $10.8 million for an aggregate of $28.5 million each with a maturity date of 2010 and interest rates of EURIBOR plus 1.75% in the case of two of the tranches, and LIBOR plus 1.75% for the remaining tranche. In addition, there is bank debt at the Novasep subsidiary level totaling €6.3 million ($8.6 million) with maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2010 and interest rates ranging from EURIBOR plus 0.7% to EURIBOR plus 1.25%. The remaining amount of assumed debt of €8.5 million ($11.5 million) consists primarily of capitalized lease obligations with maturity dates ranging from 2006 to 2013.

        Preferred stock of subsidiary—Chemetall Plc., a Rockwood subsidiary, had previously issued 12.0 million shares of preferred stock which must be redeemed at their par value (£1) on July 3, 2008 and may be called at an earlier date. The shares have a liquidation preference at their par value and pay an annual dividend of 9.0% payable on January 3 and July 3 of each year. If, in the opinion of management, the level of profit reported does not allow the payment of a dividend, the dividend arrearage must be paid in subsequent years. The preferred stock does not confer any voting rights unless the payment of the dividend or redemption price is more than six months in arrears or a vote is being held on the company's liquidation or a capital reduction. The Company is currently meeting its dividend obligations. The terms and conditions governing the issuance of the preferred stock contain covenants obliging the issuer to maintain a certain debt/equity ratio.

        Senior Discount Notes—The $70.0 million initial principal balance on the senior discount notes accretes semiannually through August 2007 at an annual rate of 12%; thereafter, the total principal and the accreted value bear interest at an annual rate of 12% through the August 2011 maturity date. The aggregate principal amount at maturity is $112.3 million. Accrued interest of $3.4 million and $3.6 million was included in the senior discount note balance at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The senior discount note agreement contains restrictions on additional indebtedness, fundamental business changes, the sale of assets and the payment of dividends. In addition, the senior discount notes are subject to mandatory prepayment upon certain conditions as defined in the senior discount note agreement.

        Pay-in-kind Loans and Notes—Interest on the pay-in-kind loans and notes accrues at annual rate of 15% and, to the extent not paid in cash, can be financed, at the option of the borrower, Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc., through increasing the principal amount outstanding (or, in the case of the pay-in-kind notes, at the holder's option, through the issuance of additional pay-in-kind notes) at the end of each six-month period. Accrued interest of $4.0 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, was also included in the pay-in-kind Notes balance, as it was Consolidated's intention to finance this interest by increasing the prinicipal amount outstanding. In connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, $20.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans issued as interest payment on the initial $70.0 million of the pay-in-kind loans were repaid in cash, and the remaining pay-in-kind loans were exchanged for new €82.6 million aggregate principal amount of pay-in-kind loans bearing pay-in-kind interest at the same rate as the old pay-in-kind loans, and have a maturity date of January 31, 2015. Also, there is a prepayment penalty equal to 2% of the accreted value of the pay-in-kind Notes being prepaid on or before July 31, 2006. The aggregate principal amount of the remaining $30.0 million of pay-in-kind loans had accreted to $54.4 million as of December 31, 2004 and has a maturity date of November 20, 2011. The agreement governing the pay-in-kind loans initially provided that the pay-in-kind loans may not be prepaid before November 20, 2005. In May 2005, the agreement will be amended to require Consolidated to prepay the loans in the event of an equity offering by the Company prior to

F-32

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November 20, 2005 resulting in gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $400.0 million, at an aggregate principal amount equal to the present value of the accreted value of the prepayment date computed using an annual discount rate equal to 5.0%.

        The Company issued a total of 30,273 of its common shares, with a fair value of $500 per share, at par value, in connection with the pay-in-kind financing. This amount has been recorded as deferred financing costs. Under certain circumstances the Company could be required to issue additional shares to the lender(s).

        The pay-in-kind loan and note Agreement contains restrictions on additional indebtedness, fundamental business changes, the sale of assets and the payment of dividends. In addition, the pay-in-kind Notes are subject to mandatory prepayment and mandatory offers to purchase upon certain conditions as defined in the pay-in-kind loan and note Agreement.

        Fair Value—The Company estimates that debt under the senior secured credit facilities, pay-in-kind loans, and senior discount notes, based on current interest rates and terms, approximates fair value. Based on quoted market values, the Company estimates that the fair value of its 2011 Notes approximated $431.3 million at December 31, 2004.

        Covenants—The Company was in compliance with its applicable debt covenants at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

        Derivative Contracts—During 2001, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to euro denominated debt. These contracts were terminated in August 2004 when the Company entered into new interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2004, these contracts cover notional amounts of $652.6 million (at a rate of 5.89%) and €486.0 million (at rates ranging from 5.58% to 7.03%). These contracts effectively convert a large portion of the Company's floating rate debt instruments to fixed rate obligations for the contract periods. The US dollar swap matures in July 2007 and the Euro swap in July 2008.

        The Company elected not to apply hedge accounting in the historical periods presented and marked these derivative transactions to market; reflected as a component of interest expense. These transactions increased interest expense by $4.4 million, $5.2 million and $18.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, of which $5.2 million gain, $4.5 million gain and $11.6 million gain represents mark-to-market adjustments, respectively. The related liability on the contracts' marked-to-market adjustments is reflected in "Other liabilities" in the balance sheet. The Company believes that the counterparties to these agreements are financially sound institutions and the credit risk for non-performance of these contracts is not significant.

        During 2003 the Company entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps with notional amounts aggregating $78.2 million that effectively converted $78.2 million US dollar borrowings into Euro based obligations at an effective interest rate of 4% over Euro or LIBOR. In connection with the July 2003 Refinancing, the Company reduced the notional amounts of this cross currency hedge to $20.1 million and €17.7 million. These contracts have final maturity dates of July 2010.

        As of December 31, 2004, $1,436.3 million of the debt outstanding was denominated in euros.

        In order to mitigate the effect of any exchange rate changes which may have taken place prior to the closing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, the Company entered into call options, permitting it to purchase up to €750.0 million at a price of $1.225 = €1.00. The options expired unexercised and the Company recorded an aggregate loss of $11.0 million on the call options in 2004. Rockwood also entered into a forward contract in July 2004 to purchase €1,057.0 million of euros at a fixed

F-33

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U.S. dollar rate of $1.208 = €1.00 which was utilized to pay for a portion of the purchase price at the closing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. The Company recorded a related charge of $4.2 million in 2004.

        Deferred Debt Issuance Costs—In connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, the Company wrote-off $2.8 million of deferred debt issuance costs during 2004. Also, the Company capitalized fees of $69.7 million during the same period related to the financing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition which are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt outstanding. At December 31, 2004, $10.2 million of these financing fees were unpaid. The Company wrote off $6.1 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the October 8, 2004 amendment of the secured credit facilities. Also, a write-off of $17.2 million of deferred financing costs was incurred related to the bridge loan repayments in connection with the issuance of the 2014 Notes.

        In July 2003, the Company wrote-off $36.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs related to the previous long-term debt that was repaid as part of the July 2003 Refinancing.

9.    TAXES ON INCOME:

        Loss before income taxes is as follows:

        The expense (benefit) for taxes on income consisted of the following:

F-34

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        Amounts are reflected in the preceding table based on the location of the taxing authorities. Changes in enacted rates impact tax expense in the year a rate change is enacted.

        The tax effects of the major items recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying the enacted tax rate in the year in which the difference in financial statement and tax carrying values is expected to reverse.

        Reconciliations of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate are as follows:

        The Company's U.S. operations are included in a consolidated tax return filed by the common parent, Rockwood Holdings, Inc. The consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense is allocated to members of the group based on applying the principles of SFAS 109 to each member as if it were a separate taxpayer.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company has U.S. federal and foreign tax loss carryforwards (excluding state and local amounts) of approximately $387.3 million of which $184.9 million expire

F-35

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in years 2005 through 2024 and $202.4 million have no current expiration date. The Company also has state and local tax loss carryforwards of approximately $101.9 million expiring in years 2007 through 2024.

        U.S. Federal tax loss carryforwards of $137.8 million expire as follows:

        The Company has recorded a valuation allowance during 2004 of $104.3 million to reduce the deferred tax assets related to certain tax loss carryforwards in the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland and U.S. as well as other net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. $20.9 million of the valuation allowance related to acquired loss carryforwards. Accordingly, goodwill would be reduced in the event these assets are subsequently recognized. The valuation allowance is decreased or increased in the year management determines that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized or not. For 2004, based on our policy and the steady-state analysis, we determined during the fourth quarter that a full valuation allowance was required on the deferred tax assets related to the U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards of $137.8 million and long-term net assets in the U.S. of $97.1 million as the analysis resulted in a steady-state taxable loss. During the fourth quarter, the further weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in significant foreign exchange losses on our euro-denominated debt resulting in a three-year steady-state taxable loss.

        A table reflecting the activity in the valuation allowance follows:

        The American Jobs Creation Act ("AJCA") was enacted on October 22, 2004. The AJCA includes a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings repatriated to the U.S. through 2005. The Company has not yet decided whether, or to what extent, the Company may repatriate foreign earnings under the AJCA. The income tax effect of the repatriation cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company had undistributed foreign earnings of $71.4 million and $35.1 million, respectively, which the Company intends to be permanently reinvested. The Company has determined that it is not practicable to compute a deferred tax liability for foreign withholding taxes or U.S. income taxes on these earnings. The foreign currency

F-36

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gains recorded in other comprehensive income related to intracompany debt have not been tax effected in accordance with the indefinite reversal criteria.

        The Company records liabilities for potential assessments in various tax jurisdictions. The liabilities relate to tax return positions, although supportable by the Company that may be challenged by the tax authorities. The Company adjusts these liabilities as a result of changes in tax legislation, interpretations of laws by Courts, rulings by tax authorities, changes in estimates and the closing of the statute of limitations. The Company's effective tax rate in any given year includes the impact of any changes to these liabilities. Settlement of any issue with the tax authorities would require the use of cash. Favorable resolution of an issue would be recognized either as reduction to the Company's annual tax rate or, in the case of acquired liabilities, an adjustment to goodwill.

10.  OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS:

        The following is a schedule of minimum future rentals under the terms of noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2004:

        Rent expense under all operating leases was $21.8 million, $10.1 million and $9.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Rent escalations and other lease concessions are reflected on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. Minimum future rentals include the effect of any index or rate that was applicable at lease inception.

11.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

        The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans, which cover certain employees in the US, UK, Germany, and other countries. In addition, the Company provides certain retired employees in Germany with postretirement benefits for private health insurance premiums. Also, two subsidiaries provide various retirees with postretirement benefits, principally health care benefits.

        Funding requirements and investment policies for the Company's various defined benefit plans are governed by local statutes and fiduciary standards outlined below.

        The following tables provide a reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the plans, along with the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

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and the weighted average assumptions used. The measurement date is December 31^st for all but one plan.

			Pension Benefits
			U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
			2004			2003			2004			2003
			(millions)
Change in Benefit Obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	5.3		$	4.4		$	42.0		$	32.4
	Service cost			1.0			0.2			4.9			1.0
	Interest cost			0.8			0.3			12.4			1.7
	Plan participants' contributions			—			—			0.7			0.1
	Plan amendments			—			0.1			—			—
	Acquisition of Dynamit Nobel			21.4			—			506.9			—
	Actuarial (gain)/loss			1.8			0.6			21.7			3.7
	Foreign exchange			—			—			22.2			4.4
	Benefits paid			(0.4	)		(0.3	)		(13.7	)		(0.4	)
	Curtailment/settlement			(4.4	)		—			—			(0.9	)
Benefit obligation at end of year			$	25.5		$	5.3		$	597.1		$	42.0
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	3.3		$	3.0		$	22.5		$	17.7
	Actual return on assets			0.7			0.4			8.1			3.4
	Employer contributions			1.3			0.1			10.5			1.2
	Plan participants' contributions			—			—			0.7			0.1
	Acquisition of Dynamit Nobel			14.2			—			184.2			—
	Foreign exchange			—			—			(2.6	)		2.2
	Benefits paid			(0.4	)		(0.2	)		(13.7	)		(0.4	)
Curtailment/settlement				—			—			—			(1.7	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year			$	19.1		$	3.3		$	209.7		$	22.5
The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31 is as follows:			$	24.6		$	5.3		$	573.1		$	36.8
Reconciliation of Funded Status at End of Year:
	Funded status		$	(6.4	)	$	(2.0	)	$	(387.4	)	$	(19.5	)
	Unrecognized prior service cost			—			0.1			—			—
	Unrecognized net loss			2.2			1.3			29.1			7.9
	Accrued benefit cost		$	(4.2	)	$	(0.6	)	$	(358.3	)	$	(11.6	)
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Accrued benefit liability		$	(6.0	)	$	(2.0	)	$	(379.6	)	$	(15.2	)
	Intangible asset			0.1			0.1			—			—
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			1.7			1.3			21.3			3.6
	Net amount recognized		$	(4.2	)	$	(0.6	)	$	(358.3	)	$	(11.6	)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
	Discount rate			5.75	%		6.08	%		4.83	%		5.38	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.50	%		N/A			2.86	%		3.00	%

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			U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
			2004			2003			2002			2004			2003			2002
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:
	Discount rate			6.22	%		6.63	%		7.07	%		5.13	%		5.75	%		5.84	%
	Expected return on plan assets			8.41	%		8.16	%		8.17	%		5.59	%		7.20	%		6.90	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.50	%		N/A			N/A			2.77	%		3.25	%		3.25	%
Components of Net Pension Benefit Costs:
	Service cost		$	1.0		$	0.2		$	0.1		$	4.9		$	1.0		$	1.0
	Interest cost			0.8			0.3			0.3			12.4			1.7			1.9
	Expected return on assets			(0.9	)		(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(5.8	)		(1.3	)		(1.4	)
	Net amortization of prior experience losses			—			—			—			0.5			0.2			0.3
	Net periodic pension cost			0.9			0.2			0.1			12.0			1.6			1.8
	SFAS 88 settlement/curtailment			(3.3	)		—			—			—			0.5			2.4
	Total pension cost		$	(2.4	)	$	0.2		$	0.1		$	12.0		$	2.1		$	4.2

        Pension plans have the following weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2004 and 2003:

        The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

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			Other Postretirement Benefits
			U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
			2004			2003			2004			2003
			(millions)
Change in Benefit Obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	2.1		$	1.9		$	—		$	—
	Service cost			0.1			0.1			—			—
	Interest cost			0.2			0.1			—			—
	Plan participants' contributions			—			—			—			—
	Plan amendments			(0.2	)		—			—			—
	Acquisition of Dynamit Nobel			2.8			—			—			—
	Actuarial (gain)/loss			0.4			0.1			—			—
	Foreign exchange			—			—			—			—
	Benefits paid			(0.2	)		(0.1	)		—			—
	Curtailment/settlement			—			—			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year			$	5.2		$	2.1		$	—		$	—
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	—		$	—		$			$	—
	Actual return on assets			—			—			—			—
	Employer contributions			0.2			0.1			—			—
	Plan participants' contributions			—			—			—			—
	Acquisition of Dynamit Nobel			—			—			—			—
	Foreign exchange			—			—			—			—
	Benefits paid			(0.2	)		(0.1	)		—			—
	Curtailment/settlement			—			—			—			—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of Funded Status at End of Year:
	Funded status		$	(5.2	)	$	(2.1	)	$	—		$	—
	Unrecognized prior service cost			(0.2	)		—			—			—
	Unrecognized net loss			1.0			0.6			—			—
	Accrued benefit cost		$	(4.4	)	$	(1.5	)	$	—		$	—
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Accrued benefit liability		$	(4.4	)	$	(1.5	)	$	—		$	—
	Intangible asset			—			—			—			—
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			—			—			—			—
Net amount recognized			$	(4.4	)	$	(1.5	)	$	—		$	—
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
	Discount rate			5.32	%		5.29	%		NA			NA
	Rate of compensation increase			0.00	%		NA			NA			NA

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			U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
			2004			2003			2002			2004			2003			2002
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:
	Discount rate			5.84	%		5.42	%		7.00	%		NA			NA			NA
	Expected return on plan assets			NA			NA			NA			NA			NA			NA
	Rate of compensation increase			4.50	%		NA			NA			NA			NA			NA
Components of Other Postretirement Benefit Costs:
	Service cost		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			0.2			0.1			0.2			—			—			—
	Expected return on assets			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Net amortization of prior experience losses			0.1			—			—			—			—			—
	Subtotal			—			—			(1.6	)		—			—			—
	Net periodic pension cost			0.4			0.2			(1.3	)		—			—			—
	SFAS 88 settlement/curtailment			—			—			(1.6	)		—			—			—
	Total pension cost		$	0.4		$	0.2		$	(2.9	)	$	—		$	—		$	—

        Below are additional disclosures concerning these plans:

			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans
			2004		2003		2004		2003
Other PostRetirement Benefit Plans
Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31 (hourly plan/salaried plan):
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for the following year		8.50	%	8.10	%	NA		NA
	Ultimate trend rate (rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline)		5.00	%	5.00	%	NA		NA
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2010		2007		NA		NA

        The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

        Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets—The Company's defined benefit plans all had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.

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        Contributions—During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company made contributions of approximately $11.8 million to its defined benefit pension plans to cover benefit payments. For 2005, the Company expects to make additional contributions of approximately $7.2 million to pension trusts and $16.2 million directly to plan participants as benefit payments.

        Investment policies and strategies—The Company's plans have varying statutory and plan governance requirements. Although the Company has representatives of local management involved in the governance of all plans, some plans or statutes also have representation by workers, employee unions, and/or corporate-level executives. Plans in the UK, Switzerland and the U.S. represent over 90% of total plan assets. In these countries, the general investment objectives are to maximize the expected return on the plans' assets without unduly prejudicing the security of the members' accrued benefits and with sufficient liquidity to meet current plan cash flow requirements. As each plan is locally governed, asset allocations may vary. In 2004, the plans were targeted to investment allocations within certain ranges that approximate the following:

        Plan trustees regularly consult with professional investment advisors as to whether these allocations remain appropriate in light of relative investment performance and risk and/or actuarial changes related to plan participants. UK plan investments are limited to listed securities not affiliated with Rockwood or the investment adviser and equities are divided between domestic and foreign equity. US plan investments are generally limited to mutual funds. The Swiss plans have recently reset their targets to reduce the insurance allocation and increase the debt allocation.

        Expected long-term rate of return on assets—The long-term rate of return on assets listed above is the average of expected returns developed for each plan weighted by each plan's assets, as of January 1 of the year measured. Individual plan returns have been weighted based on their expected respective allocations. Except for Taiwan, rates of return have been estimated based on various asset-appropriate price and yield indices, adjusted for projected inflation and long-term dividend growth.

Other Retirement Benefit Plans

        Savings Plans—The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans for certain employees. Contributions under the plans are based on specified percentages of employee compensation. In aggregate, the Company's contributions to these plans were $7.7 million, $6.5 million and $6.1 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        Multiemployer Plans—The Company participates in two multiemployer plans. Contributions under the plans are based on specified percentages of associate contributions. The Company's contributions to the plans were $1.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

12.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

        In September 2004, the Company amended the Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan (formerly the 2000 Stock Purchase and Option Plan, as amended, (the "Plan")), to increase the number of shares authorized under the Plan. Under the Plan, the Company may grant stock options and restricted stock to the Company's management personnel and directors and allow management personnel and directors to purchase shares of its common stock. There are 165,000 authorized shares available for grant under the Plan.

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        Restricted Stock—Restricted stock of the Company can be granted with or without payment of consideration with restrictions on the recipient's right to transfer or sell the stock. In each of the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 $0.3 million or 666 shares vested.

        Stock Purchase—Eligible management personnel and directors can purchase shares of common stock at prices as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. Under the Plan, the Company sold 13,950 shares during the year ended December 31, 2004 at the fair market value of the stock as determined by the Board of Directors at the date of purchase for gross proceeds of $7.0 million.

        Stock Options—Stock options granted under this Plan shall have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant. There are two types of options available for grant under the Plan. Time options have a life of ten years from the date of grant and vest as follows: time options granted prior to 2004 vest 10% in year one, 10% year two, 25% year three, 25% year four and 30% year five; time options granted in 2004 vest in installments of 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Performance options have a life of ten years and become exercisable with respect to 20% of the total performance options granted upon the achievement of certain performance targets. Performance options become exercisable on the eighth anniversary of the grant date to the extent that the options have not become otherwise exercisable or have not been terminated. In October 2004, the performance targets were modified as a result of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition. Prior to 2004, none of the performance targets that would trigger exercisability had been achieved. However, certain targets were achieved for 2004 and as a result, 8,986 options vested as of December 31, 2004. Certain option holders have "company-wide performance targets," which targets are based on the achievement by the Company of certain implied equity values. Other option holders have "divisional performance targets," which targets are based on a particular division's achievement of annual or cumulative EBITDA.

        The Company recorded no compensation expense in the historical statements of operations related to the Plan. The measurement date for determining compensation expense for each option has been the option issuance date and at that time the market price of the stock was equal to the exercise price in each case. The time options have been accounted for as a fixed plan. The performance options have been treated similar to fixed stock option plans as the Company concluded the predefined (non-accelerated) vesting schedule is substantive as it is deemed to be more likely than not that the applicable individuals will remain employed with the Company through that vesting date, particularly if the performance trigger has not occurred. As such, the measurement date for these options is the option grant date in accordance with APB Opinion 25. The change to the applicable performance targets as a result of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition was a permitted change per the applicable stock option agreements; as such no modification occurred requiring a new measurement date calculation.

        During the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004, the Company granted stock options with exercise prices as follows:

Grant Date		Number of Options Granted		Exercise Price			Fair Value per Share			Intrinsic Value per Share
September 24, 2004		15,250		$	500.00		$	500.00		$	—
October 15, 2004		6,670			500.00			500.00			—
October 29, 2004		9,800			500.00			500.00			—
November 30, 2004		28,800			500.00			500.00			—
December 15, 2004		600			500.00			500.00			—

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        The Company's Board of Directors determined that the $500 per share price—paid by DLJMB—in an arm's-length transaction as part of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition provided objective evidence of the fair value of the common stock sold and options granted in the 2004 Management Equity Program, and thus did not obtain a contemporaneous valuation by an unrelated valuation specialist.

        Subsequently, the Company performed a valuation of its common stock as of November 30, 2004 using a retrospective approach consistent with the valuation techniques applied in connection with the July 2004 equity investment by KKR and DLJMB. The results of this valuation approach were materially consistent with the Board of Director's conclusion that the fair value of the common stock on the date of sale or grant was $500 per share. Additionally, the Company performed an implied market value analysis based on the stock price performance of the Company's most comparable peers that further validated this conclusion.

        There have been no stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 2004 through the date of this filing. A summary of the status of the Company's options granted at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:

		2004						2003						2002
		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year			52,880		$	500			51,880		$	500			62,280		$	500
Granted			61,120			500			1,000			500			600			500
Forfeited			(400	)		500			—			—			(11,000	)		500
Outstanding at end of year			113,600		$	500			52,880		$	500			51,880		$	500
Options exercisable at end of year			23,244		$	500			6,358		$	500			3,164		$	500
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year		$	113.03					$	97.64	(a)				$	123.08
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)			8.20

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(a)

The decrease from 2002 is due to the decrease in the assumed risk-free interest rate; see the table of "other assumptions used in fair-value pricing model" in Note 1—Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

13.  REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK:

        In connection with the July 2003 refinancing, the Company, issued $25.0 million of its redeemable convertible preferred stock to an affiliate of KKR. The redeemable convertible preferred stock accrues dividends at 15% per year; the dividends accumulate and compound semi-annually whether or not the Company has earnings or profits, whether or not there are funds legally available for payment of such dividends and whether or not dividends are declared. The holder of the redeemable convertible preferred stock also participates in any dividends paid on the common stock (other than excluded shares, as defined below). The redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemable by the Company at its option at any time. The redeemable convertible preferred stock is also convertible into common stock of the Company, at the option of the holder, on or after an initial public offering of common stock of the Company at a conversion price equal to the then current market price, subject to adjustment. When the redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemed or converted into common stock, the holder will also receive 1% of the aggregate value

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of the Company's common stock (other than excluded shares) in cash or, in the case of conversion, additional shares of common stock of the Company, subject to adjustment ("Redemption Equity Value"). As of December 31, 2004 the Redemption Equity Value was $3.4 million. In addition, upon a change of control of the Company, the holder will be able to require the Company to repurchase the redeemable convertible preferred stock at 101% of the aggregate liquidation preference and accumulated and unpaid dividends plus 1% of the aggregate consideration paid to holders of common stock (other than excluded shares) in the change of control transaction, subject to adjustment. The proceeds from the issuance of the redeemable convertible preferred stock were contributed to a subsidiary as common equity. "Excluded shares" mean the shares of common stock issued to affiliates of KKR and DLJMB in connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, the shares of common stock issued pursuant to the 2004 Management Equity Program and pursuant to employee stock options granted after July 29, 2004 prior to December 31, 2004 and any other shares of common stock issued to DLJMB.

        The aggregate amount of cumulative unpaid preferred dividends is $5.9 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The aggregate liquidation preference above par or stated value is defined as 1% of the difference between a) the fair market value of the remaining assets of the Company legally available for distribution, if any, after payment by the Company of the amount of par value plus accrued and unpaid dividends and, b) the fair market value of such remaining assets payable to holders of excluded shares, as defined.

        The aggregate amount of redemption requirements (defined as the initial issuance value, accumulated and unpaid dividends, and the Redemption Equity Value) as of the end of the periods subsequent to December 31, 2004 is as follows:

14.  WARRANTS:

        In connection with the issuance of the redeemable convertible preferred stock as discussed in Note 13—Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company issued warrants to an affiliate of KKR, exercisable at any time at a $500 per share exercise price, to purchase 28,000 additional shares of common stock of the Company. The warrants expire July 23, 2013. The Company has attributed a portion of the proceeds from issuance of the redeemable convertible preferred stock to the fair value of the warrants. The warrants were valued at $6.1 million. However, since the redeemable convertible preferred stock is redeemable at any time, the fair value of the warrants issued in connection therewith accrete immediately to the redeemable convertible preferred stock.

15.  IMPAIRMENT CHARGES:

        The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $4.0 million and $19.3 million in 2004 and 2003 related to the same reporting unit and $50.0 million in 2002 relating to a separate reporting unit within the Electronics segment. These charges were recognized based on Rockwood's annual impairment testing. In computing these impairments, fair value was determined by multiplying the adjusted EBITDA of the reporting unit projected for the following year by a discount factor based primarily on the ratio of enterprise value (generally market capitalization less

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long-term debt plus cash) to EBITDA of publicly-held companies in similar businesses, both historical and projected, as reported in published industry analysis.    

        These impairments resulted from a significant decline, in earnings and operating cash flows, both historical and prospective, based on global economic conditions common to significant competitors, including overcapacity, as well as the erosion of the reporting units' relative competitive position due to continued industry concentration and resulting pricing pressure.

        Based on the circumstances described above the Company also performed impairment evaluations of the property, plant and equipment belonging to the respective reporting units and recorded impairment charges of $7.0 million and $15.7 million, respectively, in 2004 and 2003. In 2003 the evaluation was computed using the same calculations as described above for goodwill impairment. Based on the availability of additional relevant data, the 2004 impairment was computed by a discounted cash flow analysis of expected future cash flows of the reporting unit (as measured by Adjusted EBITDA).

16.  BUSINESS RESTRUCTURINGS AND ASSET SALES:

        The Company recorded $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.2 million of restructuring charges in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, primarily severance related to headcount reduction actions at businesses in each of our reportable segments.

        Selected information for the 2001 headcount reduction restructuring program is as follows:

        Coincident with the KKR Acquisition, the Company began a restructuring plan involving the closure and rationalization of certain facilities acquired.

        Selected information for the Acquisition related restructuring program is as follows:

		Severance Costs			Facility Closure Costs			Total
		(millions)
Liability balance, January 1, 2002		$	3.5		$	3.5		$	7.0
Utilized in 2002			(1.7	)		(0.1	)		(1.8	)
Adjustment recorded to goodwill			(0.4	)		(0.5	)		(0.9	)
Liability balance, December 31, 2002			1.4			2.9			4.3
Utilized in 2003			(0.1	)		(0.9	)		(1.0	)
Adjustment recorded to goodwill			(1.3	)		(0.8	)		(2.1	)
Liability balance, December 31, 2003			—			1.2			1.2
Utilized in 2004			—			(0.8	)		(0.8	)
Liability balance, December 31, 2004		$	—		$	0.4		$	0.4

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2004 Restructuring Actions

Dynamit Nobel Restructuring

        The Company began to assess and formulate specific plans to involuntarily terminate (relocate) certain employees and/or exit certain activities of Dynamit Nobel as of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition date. This assessment has led to certain restructuring measures being taken by the Company as described below.

        The Company closed the former corporate office of Dynamit Nobel located in Troisdorf, Germany in the fourth quarter of 2004. We have recorded $13.2 million of restructuring charges related to this closure including severance costs of $8.0 million for 44 general and administrative personnel of the former Dynamit Nobel company, closure costs on this building of $4.6 million and $0.6 million of relocation cost for the remaining 27 employees who were relocated to our new Frankfurt, Germany European corporate location.

        The Company believed at the time of the acquisition that reduction of certain selling, general and administrative headcount was an opportunity given a review of certain cost as a percentage of net sales metrics. As a result, $12.2 million of restructuring costs were incurred:

•

The Titanium Dioxide Pigments segment eliminated four high level sales personnel incurring $1.4 million of severance charges.



•

The former Custom Synthesis segment now known as Groupe Novasep downsized their organization by eliminating 12 staff positions. The president of this segment was also severed. Related severance costs incurred were $2.9 million. As part of the Troisdorf corporate office closure,

27 general and administrative employees of our Groupe Novasep segment that worked at this site were relocated to another location. The incurred relocation cost was $0.5 million. Closure costs were $0.4 million.

•

Specialty Chemicals eliminated 20 administrative employees including two executives from their business incurring severance charges of $7.0 million and relocation costs of $0.2 million.



•

Advanced Ceramics eliminated certain administrative employees incurring severance costs of $0.5 million.

        As part of an overall plant rationalization review contemplated at the acquisition date, in the third quarter of 2004 the Advanced Ceramics segment announced the closure of its New Lebanon plant in New York with consolidation into the Laurens, South Carolina plant. This closure and relocation of certain manufacturing plant employees and equipment is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2005. The total restructuring charge is estimated at $2.7 million with severance of $0.6 million related to 50 plant workers, relocation costs of $1.9 million and closure costs of $0.2 million. The related property, plant and equipment was recorded in the opening balance sheet at its appraised sale value. Related inventory write-offs of $0.3 million were also reflected in the opening balance sheet. Advanced Ceramics also plans to close another smaller facility for which they have accrued severance costs of $0.5 million and closure costs of $1.2 million.

Johnson Matthey Pigments and Dispersions Restructuring

        As part of the acquisition of the Pigments and Dispersions business of Johnson Matthey the Company enacted a restructuring program. To date, 37 positions have been eliminated. All of these employees are selling, general and administrative personnel. Total restructuring charges of $0.9 million have been reflected in the applicable opening balance sheet.

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        Selected information for the Dynamit Nobel, Johnson Matthey and other 2004 restructuring actions follows:

		Severance Costs			Facility Closure Costs			Relocation Cost			Total
		(millions)
Liability balance, January 1, 2004		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Purchase accounting			21.9			6.8			2.7			31.4
Restructuring charge			1.1			—			—			1.1
Utilized in 2004			(4.7	)		(0.4	)		(0.4	)		(5.5	)
Historical Dynamit Nobel Restructuring program			—			3.6			—			3.6
Foreign Exchange			2.5			1.3			0.3			4.1
Liability balance, December 31, 2004
		$	20.8		$	11.3		$	2.6		$	34.7

        Remaining facility closure costs will be paid over the lives of the related leases.

17.  RECEIVABLES SALE AGREEMENT:

        In December 2001 and at the end of the first and second quarters in 2002, some of the Company's US-based subsidiaries sold certain receivables to a non-consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company ("RS") in return for cash and subordinated notes. RS then sold an undivided fractional ownership interest in those receivables to a non-affiliated investor. The subordinated notes, which represent the Company's retained interest, were subordinated to the investor's interest until the investor fully recovered its investment.

        These transactions qualified as sales under the provisions of SFAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. Gain or loss on the sale of receivables depends in part on the previous carrying amount of the financial assets involved in the sale, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests, based on the relative fair value at the date of transfer. Fair value of the subordinated retained interest approximated carrying value due to the short-term nature of the receivables. Cash proceeds were $50.0 million for the 2001 transaction and $96.6 million for the 2002 transactions. There was no outstanding facility at December 31, 2004, 2003 or 2002. The Company serviced the receivables sold and had cash servicing income of $0.1 million in 2002. No significant credit losses occurred among the receivables sold.

18.  SALE AND LEASEBACK:

        In June 2002, a subsidiary included in Rockwood's Performance Additives segment entered into a sale and leaseback transaction involving real estate with a non-affiliated third party. The Company realized net proceeds of approximately $12.1 million from the sale. The resulting gain of approximately $4.1 million was deferred and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term of 15 years. The deferred gain is included in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The leaseback portion, classified as an operating lease, had an initial minimum annual base rent of $1.3 million, with adjustments based on a standard economic index. The Company has two 10-year renewal options beyond the initial lease term.

19.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

        Legal Proceedings—The Company is involved in various legal proceedings, including commercial, intellectual property, product liability and environmental matters of a nature considered

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normal to its business. It is the Company's policy to accrue for amounts related to these matters, in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. It is the Company's policy to disclose such matters when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred. Although the Company expects to continue to pay legal fees in connection with certain legal actions related to chromated copper arsenate, based on currently available facts, the Company does not believe that these actions will have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. In addition, the Company does not believe that there is any other individual legal proceeding that is likely to have a material adverse affect on its business or financial condition.

        Indemnity Matters—Under the terms of the Business and Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, the Deed of Tax Covenant and the Environmental Deed entered into in connection with the KKR Acquisition, Degussa UK Holdings Ltd., as successor to the Laporte Plc, is obligated to indemnify the Company for certain legal, tax and environmental liabilities and obligations that relate to the period prior to the closing of the KKR Acquisition.

        Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement with mg technologies ag and its subsidiary MG NAH ("mg technologies"), mg technologies is obligated to indemnify the Company for certain legal, tax and environmental liabilities and obligations that relate to the period prior to the closing, subject to certain limits and exclusions. In addition, the Company may be subject to indemnity claims relating to properties or business it divested. In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to us or by us will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

Safety, Health and Environmental Matters

General

        The Company is subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere at both the national and local level. Many of these laws impose requirements relating to clean-up of contamination, and impose liability in the event of damage to human beings, natural resources or property, and provide for substantial fines, injunctions and potential criminal sanctions for violations. The products, including the raw materials handled, are also subject to rigorous industrial hygiene regulations and investigation. The nature of the Company's operations exposes it to risks of liability for breaches of these laws and regulations as a result of the production, storage, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury when released into the environment. Environmental laws are subject to change and have tended to become stricter over time. Such changes in environmental laws, or the enactment of new environmental laws, could result in materially increased capital, operating and compliance costs.

Safety, Health and Environmental Systems

        The Company is committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable safety, health and environmental ("SHE") legal requirements, and the Company's subsidiaries have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the SHE legal requirements applicable to the operations, enhance compliance with such requirements, ensure the safety of the Company's employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although SHE legal requirements are constantly changing and are often difficult to comply with, these SHE

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management systems are designed to assist the Company in meeting its compliance goals and minimizing overall risk.

Regulatory Developments

        In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new European Union framework for chemicals known as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, or REACH. While it is uncertain as to whether, when and in what form REACH will be finalized and become law, REACH may eventually significantly expand the European Union's regulation of chemicals. As currently proposed, REACH would include requirements that certain manufacturers and importers of chemicals register those chemicals, perform health and environmental risk analyses of those chemicals, and in certain instances, obtain authorizations for the use of the chemicals. As a specialty chemicals company, it is possible that the Company is the only manufacturer of one or more substances to be regulated under REACH and thus could potentially bear the full cost of compliance with REACH for some or all of the Company's products. The Company estimates it has over 400 products that might be subject to REACH.

        Under the European Union Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive ("IPPC"), European Union member governments are to adopt rules and implement a cross-media (air, water and waste) environmental permitting program for individual facilities. While the EU countries are at varying stages in their respective implementation of the IPPC permit program, the Company has submitted all necessary IPPC permit applications required to date, and in some cases received completed permits from the applicable government agency. The Company expects to submit all other IPPC applications and related documents on a timely basis as the various countries implement the IPPC permit program. Although it is not known with certainty what each IPPC permit will require, the Company believes, based upon its experience with the permits received to date, that the costs of compliance with the IPPC permit program will not be material to its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

SHE Capital Expenditures

        The Company may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under SHE laws. For the year December 31, 2004, the capital expenditures for SHE matters totaled approximately $23.9 million, excluding costs to maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For 2005 and 2006, the Company estimates capital expenditures for compliance with SHE laws to be at similar levels; however, because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to changes in existing and new SHE laws, the Company cannot provide assurance that its recent expenditures will be indicative of future amounts required to comply with these laws.

Remediation Liabilities

        Environmental laws have a significant effect on the nature and scope of any clean-up of contamination at current and former operating facilities, the costs of transportation and storage of chemicals and finished products and the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes. In addition, "Superfund" statutes in the United States as well as statutes in other jurisdictions impose strict, joint and several liability for clean-up costs on the entities that generated waste and/or arranged for its disposal at contaminated third party sites, as well as the past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites. Each responsible party may be required to bear some or all clean-up costs regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal or ownership of the disposal site.

        Environmental contamination is known to exist at certain of our present and former facilities, including our facilities located in Turin, Italy, St. Fromond, St. Cheron and Sens, France; Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Schlebusch, Stadeln, Duisburg, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Ronnenberg-

F-50

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Empelde and Langelsheim, Germany; Oss, The Netherlands; Kidsgrove, and Barrow, U.K.; Boksburg East, South Africa; Pratteln, Switzerland and in the United States, in Valdosta, Georgia, Beltsville, Maryland, Harrisburg, North Carolina, Laurens, South Carolina, Silver Peak, Nevada and La Mirada, California. Soil contamination is also known to exist at our facilities at Freeport, Texas, Chasse-sur-Rhone, France and Sumperk in Czech Republic; however, no further regulatory remedial actions are currently required for these facilities and any liabilities arising from such contamination is covered by indemnity obligations or the previous owners of these facilities with the exception of Freeport. We are currently operating groundwater remediation systems at our Hainhaussen, Troisdorf, Valdosta, and Silver Peak facilities. We also operate ground water remediation systems at our Schlebusch, Plochingen, Marktredwitz, Stadeln and Laurens facilities, for which prior owners or insurers have assumed responsibility and a soil remediation project at our facility in St. Cheron, and we continue to monitor groundwater at the Beltsville facility, which was previously the subject of a soil removal action. Groundwater is also monitored at the St. Fromond and Barrow facilities due to prior spills and at the Harrisburg facility due to a landfill closure. We are also required to monitor groundwater quality at our facilities at Mourenx, France and New Johnsonville, Tennessee. We believe that additional environmental studies, and possibly environmental remediations, will be required at the Turin and Harrisburg facilities. We are also in the process of determining appropriate remedial actions with the regulatory authorities at the following locations: Duisburg, Pratteln, Langelsheim, Troisdorf and La Mirada. Furthermore, as a result of facility closings, divestitures and offsite disposal activities such as a former disposal site in Laurel, Maryland, we are responsible for the following other matters: contamination beneath divested portions of the manufacturing facility in Troisdorf; contamination at a closed Chemetall Oakite facility in Houston, Texas, contamination at a former Chemetall Foote facility in Sunbright, Virginia, contribution towards the clean-up of three industrial landfills in the Basel, Switzerland area, groundwater remediation at Stadeln and former sites operated by Dynamit Nobel's previously divested explosives business. The Company is also a de minimis participant in several Superfund matters.

        Although the Company cannot provide assurances in this regard, the Company does not believe that these issues will have a material adverse effect on its long-term business or financial condition. Nonetheless, the discovery of contamination arising from present or historical industrial operations at some of the Company's and the Company's predecessor's former and present properties and/or at sites it and its predecessor disposed wastes could expose the Company to cleanup obligations and other damages in the future.

Government Enforcement Proceedings and Civil Litigation

        During the course of the Company's business, the Company may receive notices of violation, enforcement and other complaints from regulatory agencies alleging non-compliance with applicable SHE laws. Currently, the Company is party to a consent order with the Metropolitan Sewer District ("MSD") in Saint Louis, Missouri to reduce ammonia concentrations in wastewater discharge to a city treatment plant. The entry into the consent order resulted from violations of its wastewater discharge permit. The order is presently stayed pending MSD's negotiation of its own National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit with the State of Missouri. Although the Company may be required to make capital expenditures in connection with this matter, it does not believe that this issue will have a material adverse effect on its long-term business or financial condition.

Environmental Indemnities

        Pursuant to the environmental deed entered into in connection with the KKR acquisition, Degussa, as successor to Laporte, is required to indemnify the Company and its subsidiaries for certain environmental matters that relate to the business as conducted prior to the closing of the

F-51

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KKR acquisition. The environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify the Company and its subsidiaries for claims for which notice is given within a period of two years for breaches of representations and warranties, which expired in 2002, and five years, which expires in September 2005, for claims related to the contamination of the Company's properties or its subsidiaries' properties (inclusive of contamination which leaks or escapes from the Company's properties or its subsidiaries' properties). These indemnity obligations are subject to a minimum per matter loss of $175,000 and are further subject to a $5.0 million deductible for the indemnity to be available. In addition, the environmental deed provides that Degussa will indemnify Rockwood and its subsidiaries for claims relating to properties that were formerly owned, occupied or used as of November 20, 2000, as well as properties owned by third parties (inclusive of disposal of waste and certain other identified issues prior to November 20, 2000). The environmental deed provides that in this instance, Degussa will be responsible for reasonable costs and expenses incurred.

        In addition, pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement entered into in connection with the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, mg technologies ag and its subsidiary, MG North America Holdings Inc., are required to indemnify Rockwood and its subsidiaries for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to the contamination of the Company or its subsidiaries' properties, if notified within ten years. If mg technologies and MG North America Holdings' responsibility for contamination matters cannot be proven, a sliding scale reduces the percentage further for each year during the five-year period from year six to ten. mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are also obligated to indemnify the Company for 85% of claims related to legacy site matters, such as environmental matters relating to properties or businesses owned or operated by Dynamit Nobel prior to, but not on, the closing of Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, if notified within ten years. In addition, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves for operational compliance matters, if notified by December 31, 2006, and 50% of the excess amount of losses over the amount of the related reserves (in the case of known claims) and 50% of claims (in the case of unknown claims) related to certain environmental damage claims unknown at the time of the closing of the Dynamit Nobel Acquisition, if notified within ten years. All of these indemnity obligations are subject to different minimum per-claim thresholds depending on whether the matter was disclosed or not, and on the subject matter, ranging between €100,000 and €750,000 depending on the type of claim. The indemnity obligations are further subject to certain deductibles, exclusions and limitations. Furthermore, mg technologies and MG North America Holdings are obligated to indemnify us for certain environmental risks arising from certain "shared site" structures for a duration of ten years. This indemnity obligation is not subject to the percentages, de minimis exclusions, deductibles and thresholds described above, and it is not subject to most of the general limitations.

        In the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that mg technologies, MG North America Holdings, Degussa or any other party who may have obligations to indemnify the Company will adhere to their obligations and the Company may have to resort to legal action to enforce its rights under the indemnities. However, the Company does not believe that resolution of the known environmental matters subject to indemnification obligations owed to it will have a material adverse effect on our long-term business or financial condition as such amounts are not significant.

Environmental Reserves

        The Company has established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.

F-52

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The Company's liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology, past experience and, in some instances where the remediation costs are being paid directly by the Company's insurers, insurance recoveries, and are generated by several means, including State-mandated schedules, environmental consultants and internal experts, depending on the circumstances. On a consolidated basis, the Company accrued approximately $51.9 million and $6.5 million for known environmental liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, all of which are classified as other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets for such periods. Included in the $51.9 million as of December 31, 2004 is $8.8 million that is discounted using 5.0% discount rate (undiscounted amount equals $13.5 million), and $3.3 million that is discounted using 5.5% discount rate (undiscounted amount equals $5.2 million). In certain cases, our remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years.

        The Company believes these accruals are adequate based on currently available information. The Company may incur losses in excess of the amounts accrued, however, based on currently available information the Company does not believe the additional amount of potential losses would have a material effect on the Company's long-term results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. The Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise our estimates based on new information becoming available.

        The Company is obligated to undertake soil remediation at two facilities in Europe in the event manufacturing operations are discontinued there at some future date. The Company does not contemplate any such action occurring in the foreseeable future, as these facilities' remaining lives are indefinite. Given the indeterminate useful life of these facilities and the corresponding indeterminate settlement date of any soil remediation obligations the Company does not have sufficient information to estimate a range of potential settlement dates for the obligations. Consequently, we cannot employ a present value technique to estimate fair value and, accordingly, we have not accrued for any related costs.

        The Company believes these environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on our long-term results of operations and/or financial condition. However, these matters may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows in any given accounting period.

Commitments

        As of December 31, 2004 the Company has unconditional purchase obligations of $148.8 million (of which $7.9 million is accrued) primarily consisting of take-or-pay contracts to purchase goods that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Amounts due within one year are estimated to be $49.4 million and the remainder ($99.4 million) is due during 2006 and 2007.

F-53

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Independent Auditor's Report

To the Board of Directors of
Dynamit Nobel AG:

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Dynamit Nobel as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and September 30, 2002 and 2001, and the related combined statements of income, changes of investment by mg technologies ag and cash flows for the year ending December 31, 2003, the three months ending December 31, 2002 and each of the twelve month periods ending September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of Dynamit Nobel's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dynamit Nobel as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and September 30, 2002 and 2001 and the results of their operations and cash flows for the year ending December 31, 2003, the three months ending December 31, 2002, and each of the twelve months periods ending September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As described in Notes B and E 10 to the combined financial statements, Dynamit Nobel adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on October 1, 2001. As described in Note B to the combined financial statements, Dynamit Nobel adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" as of December 31, 2003.

Frankfurt am Main, Germany
August 16, 2004

KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

COMBINED INCOME STATEMENTS

($ '000)			Notes E)		January 1- December 31, 2003		October 1- December 31, 2002		October 1, 2001- September 30, 2002		October 1, 2000- September 30, 2001
Net sales					1,595,910		336,889		1,421,948		1,446,504
Cost of sales					-1,060,060		-219,274		-914,757		-949,458
Gross profit					535,850		117,615		507,191		497,046
Selling, general and administrative expenses					-321,770		-75,854		-286,349		-305,674
Research and development costs					-32,356		-7,330		-29,397		-27,707
Other operating income					30,221		8,019		31,679		77,476
Other operating expenses					-26,373		-9,421		-16,860		-11,037
Amortization of Goodwill											-19,545
Operating income					185,572		33,029		206,264		210,559
Income from investments					2,938		2,149		3,872		4,897
Interest expense, net and other financial expense			2		-25,163		-6,858		-22,797		-24,152
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles					163,347		28,320		187,339		191,304
Income taxes			3		-61,725		-11,882		-80,479		-94,187
Minority interests					-315		106		773		0
Earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles					101,307		16,544		107,633		97,117
Income from discontinued operations					1,393		232		2,628		1,346
	thereof earning from operations				-2,240		380		4,265		2,854
	thereof gains on disposal				6,427		0		0		0
	thereof income taxes				-2,794		-148		-1,637		-1,508
Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles					102,700		16,776		110,261		98,463
Cumulative effects of change in accounting principles, net of income taxes of $1,180					-1,793		0		0		0
Net income					100,907		16,776		110,261		98,463

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

Assets ($ '000)		Notes(E)		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Cash and cash equivalents		4		7,832		7,007		9,503		10,718
Trade receivables		5		200,369		158,625		178,091		160,713
Receivables from related parties		6		72,631		29,053		28,936		9,316
Other assets and accounts receivable				45,060		68,600		59,731		50,418
Inventories		7		276,349		247,632		211,429		229,165
Prepaid expenses				4,931		7,120		3,885		4,348
Deferred taxes		3		34,990		25,917		34,283		11,166
Current assets				642,162		543,954		525,858		475,844
Investments				42,540		33,615		31,376		17,431
Property, plant and equipment		8		918,195		766,179		723,912		663,283
Goodwill		10		405,247		380,358		377,314		378,507
Other intangible assets		9		19,947		19,892		19,235		12,353
Receivables from related parties		6		0		7,651		14,292		19,842
Other assets				3,482		17,157		12,721		12,494
Prepaid expenses				2,646		3,026		2,955		3,631
Deferred tax assets		3		397,407		372,888		24,813		13,298
Non-current assets				1,789,464		1,600,766		1,206,618		1,120,839
Total assets				2,431,626		2,144,720		1,732,476		1,596,684

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

Total liabilities and investment by mg ($ '000)		Notes(E)		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Short-term debt including current portion of long-term debt		11		183,431		129,586		108,097		123,605
Trade payables				165,795		138,754		126,698		117,403
Liabilities to related parties		6		220,150		180,844		278,725		136,747
Accruals and Provisions		13		123,120		98,708		98,224		115,607
Other current liabilities				50,656		48,680		50,550		46,686
Deferred tax liabilities		3		2,642		3,578		3,116		3,658
Current liabilities				745,794		600,150		665,410		543,706
Long-term debt		11		231,627		201,594		94,114		137,905
Liabilities to related parties		6		31,575		34,958		32,868		38,045
Provisions for pensions and similar obligations		12		275,829		220,809		207,650		185,598
Other provisions		13		42,480		28,648		38,706		39,811
Other liabilities				12,349		14,392		16,597		12,865
Deferred tax liabilities		3		55,261		77,581		74,144		38,036
Non-current liabilities				649,121		577,982		464,079		452,260
Minorities		14		3		298		385		910
Investment by mg				1,036,708		966,290		602,602		599,807
Total liabilities and investment by mg				2,431,626		2,144,720		1,732,476		1,596,684

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ '000)		January 1 - December 31, 2003		October 1 - December 31, 2002		October 1, 2001 - September 30, 2002		October 1, 2000 - September 30, 2001
Net income		100,907		16,776		110,261		98,463
Adjustment of net income from discontinued operations		-1,393		-232		-2,628		-1,346
Depreciation and amortization		94,629		21,129		83,140		103,315
Change in provisions for pensions		5,938		408		9,188		3,667
Change in other provisions		11,086		-17,419		-22,275		-42,135
Gains on disposal of non-current assets		-2,580		-1,889		-12,697		-49,639
Change in inventories		22,542		-25,686		-1,040		-5,742
Change in trade receivables		-9,203		30,796		-26,439		47,889
Change in trade payables		-198		1,463		13,843		-2,284
Change in deferred tax assets and liabilities		8,223		13,428		149		7,767
Change in derivatives		-859		438		1,481		1,352
Change in other assets and liabilities		37,973		2,922		-10,909		-33,342
Net cash provided by operating activities		267,065		42,134		142,074		127,965
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets		3,690		2,713		14,810		5,573
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets		-121,978		-26,344		-111,990		-125,068
Purchases of investments and long-term financial assets		-1,996		-161		-12,214		-1,231
Purchases of securities		-626		-17		-15		-16
Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0		0		0		-29,766
Proceeds from disposal of businesses		18,198		0		46,942		90,241
Net cash used for investing activities		-102,712		-23,809		-62,467		-60,267
Dividends paid to MG North America Holdings Inc.		0		0		-3,842		-1,298
Principal payments on capital leases liabilities		-6,092		-654		-3,072		-1,373
Net increase (decrease) in other debt		-4,640		100,683		-66,670		-42,327
Net financing provided by mg		-186,111		-130,965		-22,341		-37,258
Net cash used for financing acitivities		-196,843		-30,936		-95,925		-82,256
Exchange-rate-related changes in cash and cash equivalents		33,315		10,237		15,068		8,303
Change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents		825		-2,374		-1,250		-6,255
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		7,007		9,381		10,631		16,886
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year		7,832		7,007		9,381		10,631
Restricted cash and cash equivalents with term greater than three months		0		0		122		87
Cash and cash equivalents as reported on the balance sheet		7,832		7,007		9,503		10,718

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN INVESTMENT BY MG TECHNOLOGIES AG

					Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
($ '000)			Investment by mg		Cumulative translation adjustment		Minimum pension liability		Hedge Accounting		Available for sale securities		Investment by mg
Balance at October 1, 2000			842,535		-231,283		-1,849		0		-7		609,396
	Net Income		98,463										98,463
	Other Comprehensive Income				10,832		-8,055		-2,031		10		756
Comprehensive Income			98,463		10,832		-8,055		-2,031		10		99,219
	Net distributions to mg		-108,809										-108,809
Balance at September 30, 2001			832,189		-220,451		-9,904		-2,031		3		599,806
	Net Income		110,261										110,261
	Other Comprehensive Income				12,595		-3,802		-2,760		-2		6,031
Comprehensive Income			110,261		12,595		-3,802		-2,760		-2		116,292
	Net distributions to mg		-113,495										-113,495
Balance at September 30, 2002			828,955		-207,857		-13,706		-4,791		1		602,603
	Net Income		16,776										16,776
	Other Comprehensive Income				36,492		451		-138		-7		36,798
Comprehensive Income			16,776		36,492		451		-138		-7		53,574
	Net investment by mg		310,113										310,113
Balance at December 31, 2002			1,155,844		-171,364		-13,255		-4,929		-6		966,290
	Net Income		100,907										100,907
	Other Comprehensive Income				117,374		-3,288		2,361		-15		116,432
Comprehensive Income			100,907		117,374		-3,288		2,361		-15		217,339
	Net distributions to mg		-146,921										-146,921
Balance at December 31, 2003			1,109,830		-53,990		-16,543		-2,568		-21		1,036,708

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

($ '000)

A)    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

        Description of Business:    The Dynamit Nobel Group (Dynamit Nobel) specializes in advanced technologies in the fields of chemicals and materials engineering. This internationally active industrial group supplies innovative specialty products to niche markets in several sectors such as the life science, chemical, automotive and construction industries. Its business activities are subdivided into its four business units: Custom Synthesis, Advanced Ceramics, Specialty Chemicals, and Pigment Chemicals.

        The product spectrum of the Custom Synthesis business unit ranges from individual synthesis for customers in the life science industry to complex specialty chemicals. In the pharmaceutical sector, its custom synthesis includes preliminary products and active compounds for the treatment of carcinomas, allergies, high blood pressure, and depression. Its customers are based in North America, Europe, and Japan.

        The Advanced Ceramics business unit operates in the fields of functional and structural ceramics. Functional ceramics includes substrates, resistor supports, piezoceramics, and electrical components. Structural ceramics encompasses wearing parts for mechanical and plant engineering, high-quality cutting tools, and bioceramics for medical equipment, such as artificial hip joints.

        The Specialty Chemicals business unit operates worldwide in the fields of surface technology, polymer chemistry, and lithium chemistry. The unit principally supplies customized products and develops the processes needed to manufacture them. Its customers come from the metalworking, pharmaceutical, electronics, ceramics, glass, automotive, and aerospace industries.

        The Pigment Chemicals business produces white pigments, fillers, and water-based chemicals and has a worldwide customer base. These products are mainly used in synthetic fibers, varnishes, paints, cosmetics, medicines, plastics, and paper. This business unit also produces chemicals for chromatography and catalysis as well as additives for the cement and metallurgical industries.

        Basis of presentation:    The preparation of these Dynamit Nobel combined financial statements is due to the sale of Dynamit Nobel to companies affiliated with Rockwood Specialties Group Inc. (Rockwood), Delaware, U.S.A., under the Sale and Purchase Agreement of April 19, 2004. Dynamit Nobel is part of the mg technologies ag Group, Frankfurt am Main (mg or mg Group). The Dynamit Nobel segment included in mg's consolidated financial statements is not identical to these combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel since in addition to the companies included herein, the Dynamit Nobel segment includes the Plastics business unit, the Industrial Ignition Systems business, and the Defense Technology business. Rockwood has not acquired these activities.

        These combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel include only the assets, liabilities and transactions of the activities that Rockwood has acquired. These include the assets and liabilities of:

•

Dynamit Nobel AG and its direct and indirect subsidiaries,



•

the acquired North American companies, which were held by mg through MG North America Holdings Inc., Delaware, U.S.A., and



•

whose beneficial ownership had been transferred to mg for tax purposes (for further information see Note 3, "Income Taxes").

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        These combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel constitute a carve out from mg's consolidated financial statements and as such the excess of assets over liabilities is reflected as mg's investment in Dynamit Nobel.

        The combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel for the fiscal years October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001 (fiscal year 2000/2001); October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 (fiscal year 2001/2002); the three months period October 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 (stub period 2002 or SFY 2002), and the year January 1 through December 31, 2003 (year 2003) have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). All amounts are presented in thousands of US dollars ($ '000).

        Relationship between the Dynamit Nobel Group and mg:    The combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel include expenses that have been incurred by mg on behalf of Dynamit Nobel. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel, including the methods used to allocate expenses incurred on Dynamit Nobel's behalf by mg technologies ag are reasonable. Management believes that the amount of expenses reflected in the combined income statements approximates the estimated expenses Dynamit Nobel would have incurred had it not been affiliated with mg technologies ag. These expenses include remuneration paid to the chief executive officer of Dynamit Nobel AG for 2003, who continued to serve on the Executive Board of mg technologies ag during this period. The full cost of this remuneration was borne by mg technologies ag and based in proportion of hours worked, half of this cost has been allocated to Dynamit Nobel and is reflected in these combined financial statements. Compensation incurred by mg to an additional Executive Board member of Dynamit Nobel AG has also been reflected. Unless described elsewhere in these combined financial statements, additional services have not been rendered by mg to Dynamit Nobel without consideration by Dynamit Nobel.

        Dynamit Nobel participates in mg's centralized financial and cash management system and in its Group-wide cash-pooling system under which surplus cash is transferred to the cash pool. Cash required for funding purposes is withdrawn from the cash pool subject to certain limitations. The balance due by Dynamit Nobel under the profit-and-loss transfer agreement with mg (see Note 3, "Income Taxes") and certain other items are combined with the cash pool balance in one current account with mg. The account balance amounted to US$187,816 at December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002: US$90,421; September 30, 2002: US$158,654; September 30, 2001: US$47,011) and are included in liabilities to mg on the balance sheet. Until March 1, 2002, interest of 2.0% was paid on all balances due by mg and 6.0% was charged for balances due to mg. Subsequent to March 1, 2002, the interest rates paid have been the interbank rate and 1-month Euribor, respectively, plus a margin of 0.7% or 1.0%. However, at December 31, 2003 guarantees issued by mg for the bank loans obtained by Dynamit Nobel amounted to US$12,251 (SFY 2002: US$10,172; 2001/02: US$0; 2000/01: US$0).

        Until mid-2003, Dynamit Nobel also issued standby letters of credit and executed derivatives transactions by itself. Since then, mg has performed these functions on a centralized basis. Dynamit Nobel seconded an employee to mg to perform these services.

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        Dynamit Nobel is integrated in the tax sharing agreements of mg. For the purposes of these combined financial statements, however, Dynamit Nobel has been presented as if the combined entities were a separate taxable entity. As a result, income taxes have been estimated. For further information see Note 3, "Income Taxes".

        Despite the adjustments made, these combined financial statements do not present the net assets, financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Dynamit Nobel as if it had existed independently of mg. Consequently, the combined financial statements are not indicative of Dynamit Nobel's future development.

        Purchase accounting adjustments including the recognition of goodwill arising from mg's acquisition of Dynamit Nobel are reflected in the combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel (push-down accounting). These adjustments are accounted for at the reporting unit level.

B)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Principles of combination:    These combined financial statements include the assets and liabilities and transactions of the combined Dynamit Nobel entities as defined in the Basis of Presentation. In addition, certain variable-interest entities for which Dynamit Nobel is considered to be the primary beneficiary are also included.

        The assets, liabilities, and transactions of entities whose individual and aggregated influence are not material to the fair presentation of Dynamit Nobel's net assets, financial position and results of operations and cash flows have not been included. They are carried on the cost method and are included in "Investments" on the balance sheet. In aggregate, these entities, which were controlled by Dynamit Nobel during the periods covered by the combined financial statements, represent less than 2.0% of the total assets and less than 2.0% of net sales and net income of Dynamit Nobel.

        Dynamit Nobel's investment in Guangzhou Huali Sachtleben Chemicals Company Ltd. is accounted for using the equity method of accounting in all the periods presented due to Dynamit Nobel's ability to exert significant influence. The equity method of accounting has also been applied to its investment in ChemStore GmbH, which was established in 2003.

        Currency translation:    Foreign-currency transactions included in these combined financial statements are translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of the transaction. Foreign-currency items are adjusted to the exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are reported as "Other operating income" or "Other operating expenses". Consequently, in 2003 income of US$11,324 (SFY 2002: US$3,802; 2001/2002: US$4,957; 2000/2001: US$4,113) and expenses of US$11,298 (SFY 2002: US$7,615; 2001/2002: US$7,226; 2000/2001: US$4,831) were recognized. Adjustments arising from the translation of nonderivative instruments hedging a net investment in a foreign entity are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss". In 2003, the amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income was US$—13,644 (SFY 2002: US$—2,783; 2001/2002: US$—4,704; 2000/2001: US$—684).

        Assets and liabilities of foreign entities where the functional currency is not the US dollar are translated into the reporting currency (US dollar) at year-end exchange rates and income and

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expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period for the respective years. The resulting translation gains and losses are reported as "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss".

        Revenue recognition:    Revenue is generated primarily from the sale of products and is recognized once title to the products has passed to the customer, provided the consideration has been contractually agreed or can be determined and collectibility is reasonably assured. If formal customer acceptance is required, revenue is not recognized until it has been obtained. Revenue under service agreements is realized when the service is performed. Customer incentives, discounts, rebates and other allowances reduce the amount of revenue recognized. Freight and shipping costs borne by Dynamit Nobel do not reduce the revenue recognized but are reported as selling expenses. If these costs are passed on to the customer, they are included as part of revenue. In 2003, freight and shipping costs, including custom duties, borne by the seller amounted to US$50,452 (SFY 2002: US$10,745; 2001/2002: US$44,415; 2000/2001: US$46,836).

        Product Warranties:    Expected product warranty costs are provided and included in the cost of sales at the time the related revenue is recognized. The amount of the provision or accrued liability is calculated either individually or as a lump sum amount based on past experience. In the case of new products, these estimates include product-specific information obtained during the development and production stages. Rights of recourse to suppliers reduce the provision if it is likely that the amount can be recovered from the supplier.

        Research and development:    Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

        Advertising:    Advertising and sales-promotion costs are expensed as incurred and reported as selling expenses. The selling and administrative expenses reported in 2003 include advertising costs of US$4,207 (SFY 2002: US$1,132; 2001/2002: US$4,508; 2000/2001: US$6,579).

        Cash and cash equivalents:    Cash comprises readily available funds such as checks, cash on hand and bank deposits. Cash equivalents cover all liquid assets with an original term to maturity of no more than three months.

        Trade accounts receivable:    Accounts receivable are stated at nominal value less discounts and valuation allowances.

        Valuation allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are determined on the basis of systematic and regular assessments. If the recoverability of these receivables is monitored in the form of aggregated portfolios, the assessment is primarily based on past collection experience adjusted to the prevailing economic situation. Accounts receivable from large corporate customers are individually monitored and assessed. As soon as receivables are expected to be unrecoverable, they are written off against the valuation allowance.

        Inventories:    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed on average cost or the first-in, first-out method. Manufacturing costs include direct costs and applicable manufacturing overheads as well as depreciation charges and production-related administrative costs. General administrative expenses are not included in inventory.

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        Investments:    Marketable securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value after initial purchase being recognized as a separate component of comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. If the fair value is below cost and the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the impairment write down results in a permanent reduction of the cost basis. The measurement of this write down is based on all available information such as market conditions, asset-specific aspects, and the duration and extent of the asset impairment.

        Property, plant and equipment:    Property, plant and equipment is recognized at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs of internally produced plant and equipment include all direct costs and applicable overheads and depreciation charges and qualifying capitalized interest during the construction period. In 2003, interest of US$593 (SFY 2002: US$140; 2001/2002: US$1,339; 2000/2001: US$1,120) was capitalized.

        Maintenance and repair costs are treated as an expense unless the expenditure leads to a sustainable increase in the asset's potential benefit, in which case it is capitalized.

        The following depreciation methods and estimated useful lives are used:

        Property, plant and equipment includes mining rights for the extraction of a raw material used to produce lithium carbonate. These rights are amortized using the depletion method based on the estimated deposits of minerals relating to the rights. The useful economic life estimated on this basis is 57 years with a remaining estimated useful life of 52 years.

        Goodwill:    As a result of the adoption of SFAS 142 ("Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets") at the beginning of fiscal 2001/2002 (October 1, 2001), goodwill is no longer amortized over its useful life; but instead tested for impairment. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, usually 25 years. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least once a year at balance date and if significant events or circumstances occur that indicate that its carrying amount may have been impaired. The annual goodwill impairment assessment is performed by applying a two step approach to each of the nine reporting units. The first step involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it to the carrying value of net assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is required to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The discounted cash flow method is used to determine the fair value of the reporting units and this requires significant estimates and assumptions to be made by management.

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        Intangible assets:    Other intangible assets are shown at their acquisition cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives applied are as follows:

        Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets:    The carrying amount of a long-term asset or group of assets is reviewed for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is tested by comparing the carrying amount of any asset or group of assets with the sum of the anticipated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to this asset or group of assets. If the carrying value is greater than the anticipated, undiscounted cash flows, the asset or group of assets is written down to fair value.

        Leases: A lease is an agreement that conveys the right to use a certain tangible asset for an agreed period. This definition also applies to agreements in which the right to use the asset is not explicitly stated. Leases under which the lessee bears substantive risks and rewards arising from the use of the leased asset are classified as capital leases. In this case, the leased asset and the corresponding liability are shown on the lessee's balance sheet. Leases under which the lessor bears substantive risks and rewards in connection with the leased asset are classified as operating leases. In this case, the lease installments are expensed as incurred by the lessee.

        Some of the entities included in these combined financial statements have sold and leased back tangible assets. In the case of leaseback agreements, gains on these sales are deferred and recognized over the term of the lease or over their estimated useful life. Gains resulting from leasebacks involving only a minor portion of the useful life of the asset are recognized immediately. In cases where there is neither a minor nor a leaseback involving substantially all of the future use, gains are deferred proportionately and recognized over the term of the lease or over their estimated useful life.

        Derivative instruments:    Derivative instruments are used only for hedging purposes, particularly in order to mitigate the risk of interest rate fluctuations inherent in financing transactions and to hedge against currency risk and price movements. At the time they are entered into, derivative instruments are often designated either as fair value hedges (hedges against fluctuations in the fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments) or as cash flow hedges (hedges for an anticipated transaction or future cash flows in connection with assets and liabilities). According to SFAS 133 ("Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"), as amended by SFAS 137 ("Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133"), SFAS 138 ("Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133"), and SFAS 149 ("Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"), all derivative instruments are reported at their fair value as "Accounts receivable" or "Other current liabilities", irrespective of their intended purpose. In the case of derivative instruments designated as fair value

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hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the underlying transaction are immediately recognized in income. The hedge-effective part of changes in the fair value of financial instruments used as cash flow hedges is initially reported as "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss". It is only recorded in the income statement when the hedged underlying transaction has been recognized in income. The hedge-ineffective part of the changes in fair value is immediately recognized in income. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value reported in income.

        Pensions and other postretirement obligations:    Pensions and other postretirement obligations are measured based upon the projected unit credit method in accordance with SFAS 87 and SFAS 106. The amounts reported are based on calculations by actuaries.

        Environmental liabilities:    Provisions are established for environmental liabilities when such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The valuation of such provisions is based either on experts' reports on the rectification of environmental damage or on internal estimates based on past experience. The anticipated costs of environmental liabilities are generally not discounted. However, anticipated payments are discounted when their timing and amounts are known. Once the relevant tests are performed and the necessary clean-up measures are being implemented, the corresponding provisions and accrued liabilities are adjusted to reflect the findings obtained. The amount of the provisions in each case will be influenced by the extent of the environmental damage and by the clean-up measures required by law and the regulatory authorities. Rights of recourse to third parties are only recorded if it is almost certain that they can be enforced.

        Provisions and accrued liabilities:    Provisions for loss contingencies are recorded when an obligation to a third party is probable, and its amount can be reasonably estimated. If the amount of the required provision or accrued liability can only be estimated within a certain range, the most probable amount within the range is reported. When all amounts within the range are of equal probability the lowest amount in the range is reported.

        After the adoption of SFAS 143 on October 1, 2002, liabilities for asset retirement obligations are initially reported at fair value. When a liability is recorded, the costs must be capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and depreciated over the estimated useful life. In subsequent years, the liability is subject to changes as a result of the accretion of interest and revisions to estimates.

        In accordance with FIN 45, as of January 1, 2003 provisions and accrued liabilities for certain guarantees covering third-party financial obligations and for guarantees covering changes in the value of underlying instruments have been shown at the fair value of the guarantee at the time the guarantee is issued, irrespective of the likelihood that the obligation will occur.

        Deferred taxes:    Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized on net operating loss carry forwards. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

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        Stock-based compensation:    mg has established a stock option and employee stock ownership program for its managers and staff. The compensation cost of the options issued under the stock option and employee share ownership program has been recognized in these combined financial statements if this cost is attributable to the managers and staff of the companies included in these combined financial statements. The cost of these options is accounted for at their fair value at the grant date in accordance with SFAS 123 ("Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation") and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The cost of the options is reported under "Selling, general and administrative expenses".

        Estimates:    The preparation of these combined financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Estimates include assessing the impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets, valuation allowances on deferred income taxes, the collectibility of accounts receivable, the use and recoverability of inventory, product warranty claims and environmental remediation liabilities, among others.

        Additionally, factors that may cause these amounts to differ from projections are deterioration in the global economy, movements in exchange rates and interest rates, significant litigation, and changes in environmental or other statutory regulations. Production errors, the loss of key customers, and changes in funding can also impair Dynamit Nobel's future performance.

        Although such estimates are based on management's best judgment, due to the inherent uncertainties in the estimating process, actual results could differ from these estimates.

        Changes in accounting standards:    SFAS 142 was adopted on October 1, 2001. This standard describes under what conditions intangible assets are capitalized and reported separately from goodwill. SFAS 142 states that goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Instead, they are tested for impairment once a year. Intangible assets with a limited useful life are still amortized. These assets are subjected to an impairment test in accordance with SFAS 144 ("Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"). Due to the adoption of SFAS 142, goodwill has not been amortized since October 1, 2001. Goodwill amortization expense in fiscal 2000/2001 was US$19,545. Excluding goodwill amortization, a net income of US$118,008 would have been reported. There are no intangible assets with unlimited useful lives.

        SFAS 143 ("Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations") was adopted as of October 1, 2002. SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. At the same time, the fair value of the liability is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over the estimated life of the asset, the liability is accreted to its present value and the related capitalized charge is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon adoption, Dynamit Nobel recorded a liability for asset retirement obligations of US$1,079. This obligation was based on estimated anticipated payments of US$2,575, which have been discounted at a rate of 5.5%. The carrying basis of the long-lived asset was increased by US$393. The adoption of this

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standard gave rise to an expense of US$686—before deferred taxes—in the statement of income. The accretion on the liability is included under the cost of sales.

        SFAS 150 ("Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity") was issued in May 2003. SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. These are reported as a liability and accounted for at their fair value. Stock options and convertible bonds issued as remuneration are exempted. SFAS 150 is applicable to financial instruments issued or modified after May 31, 2003. Dynamit Nobel first adopted this standard for existing financial instruments as of December 31, 2003, although the valuation rules pertaining to certain financial instruments are not applicable until further notice owing to FASB Staff Position No. 150-3 ("Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests under FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity").

        FIN 46R ("Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (revised)") was issued in December 2003. The primary objective of FIN 46R is to provide guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved though means other than through voting rights ("variable-interest entity") and how to determine whether an entity is primary beneficiary and required to consolidate it. Dynamit Nobel adopted FIN 46R as of December 31, 2003. As a result, it included two special purpose leasing entities in its combined financial statements.

        These leasing companies own laboratory facilities and one piece of real estate, which are leased to Dynamit Nobel and are used in the normal course of business. The leasing companies work exclusively for Dynamit Nobel. In the past, the laboratory leased by one of the companies had been accounted as a capital lease. The requirement to consolidate this leasing company had no material accounting impact on Dynamit Nobel's financial statements.

        The adoption of FIN 46R and consolidation of the two lessor entities increased property, plant and equipment and its bank debt by US$2,530 and US$10,166 respectively. In addition deferred income related to previous sale-and-leaseback agreement was reversed upon adoption.

C)    Acquisitions

        On March 1, 2001, all of the common shares in SYLACHIM S.A. (renamed Finorga S.A. on October 1, 2001), a producer and distributor of active ingredients for medicines based in Chasse Sur Rhône, France, were acquired for US$87,984. The purchase price comprised a cash component of US$30,693, the waiver of a debt of US$47,139 owed by the seller, and a contingent purchase price of US$10,152. The contingent purchase price component was deposited in an escrow account and paid in 2003 after a performance target had been achieved. SYLACHIM S.A. has been combined with Dynamit Nobel since March 1, 2001. The excess of the fixed consideration given over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill of US$18,747. The useful economic life was estimated to be 25 years. The contingent purchase price component was paid out in 2003 and resulted in an additional goodwill.

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D)    Disposal of Businesses

        Fiscal 2000/2001:    Effective November 30, 2000, Dynamit Nobel sold the electroplating business of the Speciality Chemicals business unit. This generated a gain of US$25,397. The disposal included goodwill of US$1,480.

        In addition, Dynamit Nobel sold five other businesses during fiscal year 2000/01 which are not significant individually or in the aggregate involving several of its business units which resulted in gains of US$20,633 and included the disposition of goodwill of US$477.

        Fiscal 2001/2002:    Effective August 31, 2002, the ammunition business of Dynamit Nobel AG, Troisdorf, Germany, which forms part of the Custom Synthesis business, was sold. This generated a gain of US$10,679. The goodwill included in the disposal price amounts to US$1,760.

        Effective September 30, 2002, the military ignition systems activities of the Custom Synthesis business were sold at a loss of US$3,437.

        Year 2003: A controlling 60.0% interest in a business of the Advanced Ceramics unit was sold effective March 1, 2003. This disposal resulted in a loss of US$1,180.

        Effective June 10, 2003, the Glazing Sealing Compounds business belonging to the Specialty Chemicals business unit were transferred to KÖMMERLING CHEMISCHE FABRIK GmbH, Pirmasens, Germany, as part of an asset deal. The disposal generated a gain of US$6,427, which forms part of the income from discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities belonging to this business are each reported separately at December 31, 2002 as current assets and liabilities in "Other assets and accounts receivable" (US$13,332) and "Other current liabilities" (US$3,860), respectively. The assets held for sale at December 31, 2002 include goodwill of US$5,408, property, plant and equipment of US$2,364 and inventories of US$5,389, the liabilities consist of trade payables, accrued liabilities and provisions.

        As a general rule, all buyers of these businesses are entitled to indemnification against any environmental damage caused prior to the date of disposal. This indemnity also covered any damage that was not known prior to the date of disposal. Provisions and accrued liabilities of US$7,836 have been recorded at December 31, 2003 to cover for the probable contingent loss from such indemnity.

        The acquisitions and disposals of businesses do not significantly affect the comparability of the combined financial statements.

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E)    Notes to the Combined Financial Statements

1)    Transactions with related parties

        The following income and expenses were generated by Dynamit Nobel's transactions with related parties:

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2)    Interest Expense, Net, and Other Financial Expense

        Interest expense, net, and other financial expense consist of the following:

3)    Income Taxes

        Income taxes contain the following components:

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        With the exception of the explanations given below, the companies included in these financial statements are separate taxable entities:

        Tax group with mg technologies ag:    The main German operations of Dynamit Nobel are included in the combined tax return of mg Group for both corporation income tax and local trade taxes. Under the terms of the profit-and-loss transfer agreement between Dynamit Nobel and mg, the taxable income of Dynamit Nobel entities was transferred to mg technologies ag and subject to taxation at parent level. For purposes of these combined financial statements, income taxes were recognized for the German subsidiaries in the respective fiscal year as if Dynamit Nobel had been a separate taxable entity, excluding the tax-sharing agreement with mg technologies ag.

        Tax-sharing agreement in the U.S.:    Since February 1, 2000, a tax-sharing agreement has existed between the North American subsidiaries and the parent company MG North America Holdings Inc. Under this agreement, the North American subsidiaries are part of a consolidated tax group and are therefore included in the consolidated federal tax return of the parent MG North America Holdings Inc. A large proportion of this tax group is not included in these combined financial statements. In accordance with SFAS 109 ("Accounting for Income Taxes"), the income taxes attributable to the companies included in these combined financial statements were computed as if these companies were standalone taxable entities. According to these calculations, the federal tax net operating loss carryforward at December 31, 2003 amounted to approximately US$61,685 million for these companies. As some of these losses were utilized by offsetting against profits within the group, the losses carried forward at December 31, 2003 would amount to approximately US$27,854 million if these companies were to leave the group. The liabilities owed by Dynamit Nobel's North American subsidiaries to MG North America Holdings Inc. amounted to US$971 at December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002: US$86; September 30, 2002: US$94; September 30, 2001: US$98).

        Restructuring in Germany:    In the stub-period 2002, mg technologies ag implemented a tax planning strategy to use net operating loss carry-forwards generated by mg entities that are not combined with Dynamit Nobel. The strategy involves the transfer of beneficial ownership of a significant position of Dynamit Nobel's German assets and liabilities to mg technologies ag.

        The transfer of beneficial ownership of these business operations to mg gave rise to taxable capital gains which, under the existing profit and loss transfer agreement, were subject to taxes at mg level. If Dynamit Nobel had been a separate taxable entity these capital gains would have given rise to current tax expense in Germany for the stub period 2002. At the same time, this transfer of beneficial ownership and the resulting capital gain established a higher tax basis of those assets and the potential for future tax deductions through higher depreciation and amortization.

        Deferred taxes are computed on those temporary deductible differences using applicable tax rates which, according to the enacted law at the balance sheet date, will apply on the date on which the temporary differences are likely to be realized. As the tax base resulted from the transaction with mg, the owner of Dynamit Nobel, the resulting deferred tax asset was reported as a deemed contribution from mg.

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        The changes to Germany's overall tax rates are outlined below:

        In fiscal 2000/2001 allowing for the effects of the solidarity surcharge, the corporation tax rate in Germany was 42.2%.

        Since fiscal 2001/2002, a uniform corporation tax rate of 25.0% has applied to German corporations. Under Germany's flood victims' solidarity legislation of September 19, 2002, the rate of German corporation tax for 2003 was raised on a one-off basis by 1.5 percentage points to 26.5%.

        At December 31, 2002, German companies therefore computed deferred taxes for 2003 based on the corporation tax rate of 26.5% applicable for this year (a total rate of 28.0% including the solidarity surcharge). German companies' computation of deferred taxes was thus based on the pertinent tax rates of 26.4% and 28.0% and the relevant local trade tax rates of 13.3% and 13.0% respectively. The calculation of German companies' deferred taxes was therefore based on an overall rate of 39.7% and 41.0% respectively. The impact of this tax increase due to the flood victims' solidarity legislation, which was limited to one year, was not of material importance. At December 31, 2003, German companies calculated their deferred taxes based on an overall tax rate of 39.7%.

        The main items of the reconciliation from the anticipated tax expense to the tax expense actually reported are non-deductible expenses, tax-exempt income, foreign tax rate differential, and changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for all temporary differences between the amounts reported for tax purposes and those in the combined financial statements. Furthermore, deferred tax assets are recognized for losses carried forward. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax assets to a level that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred tax liabilities on retained earnings at foreign entities of Dynamit Nobel were not established because these earnings are not intended to be paid out as dividends in the future, but constitute a permanent investment. It is not practicable to determine the amount of potential deferred taxes on these earnings at this time.

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        The primary components of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related valuation allowances result from adjustments in the following items:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss carryforwards		35,162		42,007		35,131		32,447
	Intangible assets		372,428		326,601		8,084		10,582
	Inventories		2,526		2,402		2,547		2,176
	Receivables/Liabilities		33,155		15,212		15,189		16,494
	Pension and other postretirement benefits		31,368		27,483		25,456		19,316
	Other provisions and accruals		12,630		7,236		8,854		7,083
	Deferred income		4,302		5,226		5,138		4,633
	Other		1,586		4,568		5,840		9,980
Total			493,157		430,735		106,239		102,711
	Less valuation allowance		-17,932		-21,390		-21,295		-20,698
Total deferred tax assets			475,225		409,345		84,944		82,013
Deferred tax liabilities
	Intangible assets		-28,755		-30,405		-29,907		-23,904
	Property, plant and equipment		-57,160		-42,249		-58,498		-54,850
	Inventories		-7,267		-8,297		-7,284		-6,436
	Other provisions and accruals		-1,718		-2,137		-3,719		-3,341
	Other		-5,831		-8,611		-3,700		-10,712
Total deferred tax liabilities			-100,732		-91,699		-103,108		-99,243
Total deferred tax assets, net			374,494		317,646		-18,164		-17,230

        At December 31, 2003, the Group reported corporate tax net operating loss carryforwards of US$84,014 million and German trade tax net operating losses of US$1,240 million. The losses of foreign companies can usually only be carried forward for a limited period. A valuation allowance of US$14,547 million has been established against the total net operating losses.

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        Significant foreign losses carried forward:

        The valuation allowance at September 30, 2001 was US$20,128. During the periods ending September 30, 2002, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003, the valuation allowance decreased by US$983, US$1,200 and US$6,989, respectively.

4)    Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Cash and cash equivalents less than three months		7,832		7,007		9,435		10,718
Cash and cash equivalents greater than three months		—		—		68		—
Total cash and cash equivalents		7,832		7,007		9,503		10,718

        Restricted cash of US$54 were held at September 30, 2002 (September 30, 2001: US$87) and is included in cash and cash equivalents less than three months.

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        The Cash flow statements include the following interest, tax payments and noncash investing activities:

$ '000			January 1, to December 31, 2003		October 1, to December 31, 2002		October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002		October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
Cash paid for interest			29,893		7,146		25,405		26,832
Cash paid for taxes			10,773		6,133		17,203		17,956
Acquisition of Finorga
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired		12,894		—		—		29,766
	Debt forgiven		—		—		—		47,139
	Goodwill		12,894		—		—		18,747
	Other assets acquired/liabilities assumed		—		—		—		58,157

5)    Trade Receivables

        Valuation allowances on trade receivables are as follows:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Trade receivables		205,312		161,731		181,214		164,153
Less valuation allowance		-4,943		-3,106		-3,123		-3,440
Total		200,369		158,625		178,091		160,713

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6)    Accounts Receivable from and Liabilities to Related Parties

        Current and non-current accounts receivable from related parties consist of the following:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Current
	Accounts receivable from mg		60,402		20,906		21,230		2,180
	Accounts receivable from subsidiaries		12,229		8,147		7,706		7,136
	Current accounts receivable from related parties		72,631		29,053		28,936		9,316
Non-current
	Accounts receivable from mg		—		7,614		14,292		19,842
	Accounts receivable subsidiaries		—		37		—		—
	Non-current accounts receivable from related parties		—		7,651		14,292		19,842
Total			72,631		36,704		43,228		29,158

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        Current and non-current liabilities to related parties consist of the following:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Current
	Liabilities to mg		209,165		171,131		269,052		127,986
	Provisions and accrued liabilities to mg		—		83		78		72
	Liabilities to subsidiaries		10,985		9,630		9,595		8,689
	Current liabilities to related parties		220,150		180,844		278,725		136,747
Non-current
	Liabilities to mg		31,575		34,956		32,866		38,045
	Liabilities to subsidiaries		—		2		2		—
	Non-current liabilities to related parties		31,575		34,958		32,868		38,045
Total			251,725		215,802		311,593		174,792

7)    Inventories

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Raw materials and supplies		79,877		75,004		55,074		56,362
Work in process		55,000		49,995		52,409		56,426
Finished goods		121,585		107,309		89,128		94,617
Merchandise		19,887		15,324		14,818		21,760
Total		276,349		247,632		211,429		229,165

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8)    Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property, plant and equipment are broken down as follows:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Lands			160,487		135,485		129,895		125,673
Buildings, including buildings on land owned by others			558,581		454,578		427,976		376,613
Mining rights			24,404		24,403		24,403		24,504
Plant and equipment			1,411,979		1,131,308		1,046,384		943,797
Other plant, office furniture and equipment			228,420		191,283		180,320		168,088
Construction in progress			88,088		75,617		78,533		93,414
			2,471,959		2,012,674		1,887,511		1,732,089
Accumulated depreciation			-1,553,764		-1,246,495		-1,163,599		-1,068,806
	(thereof current depreciation)		(-88,584	)	(-19,851	)	(-77,893	)	(-78,690	)
Total			918,195		766,179		723,912		663,283

        Property, plant and equipment include land and buildings, plant and equipment, and office furniture and equipment recorded under capital leases. The changes in the values of these leased assets are as follows:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Land			148		123		115		107
Buildings			49,368		40,992		38,541		35,691
Plant and equipment			169		119		119		3,431
Other plant, furniture and equipment			9,594		9,139		8,135		4,634
			59,279		50,373		46,910		43,863
Accumulated depreciation			-13,547		-10,755		-9,076		-7,506
	(thereof current depreciation)		(-2,899	)	(-699	)	(-3,120	)	(-2,071	)
Total			45,732		39,618		37,834		36,357

        The leases on real estate relate to two properties. The lease term on one property runs through 2019 and thereafter the lease is automatically extended by one year at a time, with a notice period of three years. There is an option to purchase the property at its residual value once the minimum lease term has expired. The initial lease term on the other property expired in 2002 and the lease

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has been extended on a revolving basis. There is an option to purchase the property at its carrying amount plus a premium.

        The decrease in "Office furniture and equipment" at December 31, 2003 is due to the consolidation of the leasing company in accordance with FIN 46R.

        Property, plant and equipment include buildings and plant and equipment which are leased by Dynamit Nobel to a third party under the terms of an operating lease:

$ '000			December 31, 2003
Buildings			5,614
Plant and equipment			10,531
			16,145
Accumulated depreciation			-9,608
	(thereof current depreciation)		(-962	)
Total			6,537

        Future minimum lease payments on assets under operating leases amount to US$1,614 annually for each of the next five years.

9)    Other Intangible Assets

        Other intangible assets consist of the following:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Patents, licenses, trademarks and similar rights and assets, including licenses for such rights and assets			50,488		40,564		37,519		24,906
Software			18,594		15,841		14,760		13,816
Intangible pension asset			1,041		2,194		2,351		2,952
			70,123		58,599		54,630		41,674
Accumulated amortization			-50,176		-38,707		-35,395		-29,321
	(thereof current amortization)		(-5,799	)	(-1,219	)	(-4,960	)	(-5,064	)
Total			19,947		19,892		19,235		12,353

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        The estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets during the five succeeding years is as follows:

$ '000		December 31, 2003
2004		5,743
2005		4,332
2006		2,926
2007		1,865
2008		1,128

10)  Goodwill

        Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Carrying amount at beginning of year		380,358		377,314		378,507		377,086
Additions		12,894		—		20		27,216
Disposals		—		—		-2,084		-2,011
Reclassification		—		—		-2,740		-5,515
Amortization								-19,545
Foreign currency exchange rate effect		11,995		3,044		3,611		1,276
Carrying amount at end of year		405,247		380,358		377,314		378,507

        The amortization of goodwill was discontinued at the beginning of the 2001/2002 fiscal year as of October 1, 2001 in accordance with SFAS 142. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis. In none of the periods shown did such tests result in any goodwill impairment.

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11)  Debt

        Current- and non-current debt consist of the following:

$ '000			December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Current
	Liabilities to banks		180,705		126,790		105,411		121,709
	Liabilities under capital leases		2,726		2,796		2,686		1,896
	Current debt including portions of non- current debt classified as current		183,431		129,586		108,097		123,605
Non-current
	Preferred stock of subsidiary		21,504		19,345		18,796		17,616
	Liabilities to banks		169,461		145,105		39,918		86,754
	Liabilities under capital leases		40,662		37,144		35,400		33,535
	Non-current debt		231,627		201,594		94,114		137,905
Total			415,058		331,180		202,211		261,510

        "Liabilities to banks" primarily relate to the US$230,000 loan to finance the 1998 acquisition of Chemetall Foote Corp., Delaware, U.S.A., (previously Cyprus Foote Mineral Company). Beginning in 2000, this loan is being repaid under scheduled principal repayments until September 29, 2006. At December 31, 2003, the balance of the loan outstanding amounted to US$105,200 (December 31, 2002: US$45,600; September 30, 2002: US$0; September 30, 2001: US$0). In prior years Dynamit Nobel had temporarily repaid this loan a few days before the end of the period. The loan was then drawn upon again subsequent to these balance sheet dates. The interest rate on the loan is LIBOR (US$) plus a margin of 50 basis points through September 30, 2004, after which it will be LIBOR (US$) plus a margin of 60 basis points. The loan agreement contains covenants obliging a combined entity to maintain a certain amount of shareholders' equity as well as debt-to equity ratios and earnings-to-interest ratios. If one of these covenants is breached, the lender is entitled to call the loan. The loan agreement contains a change of control provision that entitles the lender to call the loan in such a case.

        The average interest rate payable on the other liabilities to banks outstanding at December 31, 2003 is 4.63% (December 31, 2002: 4.77%; September 30, 2002: 4.90%; September 30, 2001: 5.57%). The interest rates on any floating-rate loans are hedged. The majority of loans are denominated in euros and the residual terms of these loans vary between one and eight years at December 31, 2003. Some of the loans contain covenants obliging the borrower to perform or

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refrain from certain actions or allow the loan to be terminated if certain events occur. One loan with a balance of US$16,144 at December 31, 2003 can be called if a change in control occurs.

        The fair value of liabilities to banks amounted to US$351,202 at December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002: US$273,580; September 30, 2002: US$146,247; September 30, 2001: US$210,363). The fair value is calculated by discounting the future cash flows at a credit risk adjusted risk free interest rate.

        The initial consolidation of the two leasing entities at December 31, 2003 in accordance with the adoption of FIN 46R increased the liabilities to banks by US$10,166 and reduced the liabilities under capital leases by US$2,545.

        The preferred stock relates to Chemetall Plc. 12 million shares with a par value of £1 each. The shares were issued on August 22, 1988 and will be redeemed by the issuer at their par value on July 3, 2008 and may be called at an earlier date. The shares have a liquidation preference and pay an annual dividend of 9.0% of their par value. The dividend is payable on January 3 and July 3 of each year. If, in the opinion of management, the level of profit reported does not allow the payment of a dividend, the dividend arrearage must be paid in subsequent years. The preferred stock does not confer any voting rights unless the payment of the dividend or redemption price is more than six months in arrears or a vote is being held on the company's liquidation or a capital reduction. The terms and conditions governing the issuance of the preferred stock contain covenants obliging the issuer to maintain a certain debt/equity ratio.

        The future minimum lease payments under capital leases are as follows:

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        The maturities of all financial liabilities, excluding the separately shown liabilities under capital leases, are as follows:

        At December 31, 2003, total debt of US$47,755 (December 31, 2002: US$43,838; September 30, 2002: US$17,355; September 30, 2001: US$8,615) was collateralized by mortgages on land and buildings.

        At December 31, 2003, Dynamit Nobel maintained unutilized credit lines of US$40,229. No charges were incurred for the provision of these credit lines.

12)  Provisions for Pensions and Similar Obligations

        Provisions for pensions and similar obligations relate to:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Pension plans		258,540		205,913		193,251		173,504
Other postretirement benefits		14,682		12,454		11,910		10,709
Other accrued pension-related obligations		2,607		2,442		2,489		1,385
Total		275,829		220,809		207,650		185,598

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a)

Defined-benefit pension plans




aa)


aa) Pension liabilities and funded status

        Pension benefits are provided to the majority of employees of the companies included in these combined financial statements. The benefits in Germany usually consist of entitlements to future pension payments. The employees generally receive fixed pension amounts per year of service. The subsidiaries outside Germany operate country-specific pension plans, some of which are funded. Benefit obligations in Germany are primarily unfunded.

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        The two tables below show pension liabilities, plan assets, and the funded status for defined benefit pension plans at the companies classified as continuing operations.

											October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002
			January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002								October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
$ '000													Foreign
			German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German				German		Foreign
Changes in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year			178,455		138,791		167,209		130,944		155,327		120,833		154,759		116,845
	Service cost		2,935		5,377		614		638		2,656		4,661		2,229		4,375
	Interest cost		10,962		6,973		2,489		874		9,963		5,855		9,473		5,477
	Employee contributions		—		1,439		—		340		—		1,033		—		1,063
	Actuarial loss (+) / gain (-)		16,286		-2,148		-23		1,766		1,067		-2,538		8		-3,117
	Acquisitions		—		—		—		—		—		—		33		—
	Disposals		-332		—		—		—		-5,585		-1,859		—		—
	Plan redemptions / reductions		-469		—		—		—		—		—		-2,816		—
	Plan changes		—		—		—		—		—		48		—		176
	Currency translation adjustment		38,136		15,715		10,787		6,309		13,352		9,480		333		335
	Benefits paid		-13,129		-4,931		-2,621		-2,080		-9,571		-6,569		-8,692		-4,321
Projected benefit obligation at end of year			232,844		161,216		178,455		138,791		167,209		130,944		155,327		120,833
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			10,017		113,062		9,390		106,161		9,470		100,467		10,284		111,359
	Expected return on plan assets		359		6,983		65		657		462		6,010		629		6,668
	Actuarial loss (-) / gain (+)		-158		-1,652		—		765		-1,217		-7,122		-1,515		-18,342
	Employer contributions		1,010		5,488		210		1,595		769		4,311		841		3,797
	Employee contributions		—		1,439		—		340		—		1,033		—		1,063
	Currency translation adjustment		2,091		13,273		599		5,624		791		8,031		18		243
	Benefits paid		-1,199		-4,931		-247		-2,080		-885		-6,569		-787		-4,321
Fair value of plan assets at end of year			12,120		133,662		10,017		113,062		9,390		106,161		9,470		100,467

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12)  Provisions for Pensions and Similar Obligations

			December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
$ '000
			German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Funded status			220,724		27,554		168,438		25,729		157,819		24,783		145,857		20,366
	Unrecognized transition obligation		-2,157		-200		-4,179		-359		-4,490		-378		-6,237		-485
	Unrecognized service cost arising from retroactive plan changes		—		-197		—		-227		—		-234		—		-215
	Unrecognized actuarial losses (-) / gains (+)		-4,696		-21,251		9,098		-21,323		8,628		-20,494		9,700		-15,850
Net amount recognized			213,871		5,906		173,357		3,820		161,957		3,677		149,320		3,816
The amount recognized is included under the following balance sheet items:
	Provisions for pensions and similar obligations		241,630		16,912		190,251		15,663		178,312		14,939		160,212		13,292
	Prepaid expenses		—		-1,748		—		-1,899		—		-1,549		—		-1,851
	Other intangible assets		-1,022		-19		-1,977		-217		-2,126		-225		-2,952		—
	Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss		-26,737		-9,239		-14,917		-9,727		-14,229		-9,488		-7,940		-7,625
Net amount recognized			213,871		5,906		173,357		3,820		161,957		3,677		149,320		3,816

		January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002				October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002				October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
$ '000
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Employer contributions		1,010		5,488		210		1,595		769		4,311		841		3,797
Employee contributions		—		1,439		—		340		—		1,033		—		1,063
Payments		13,129		4,931		2,621		2,080		9,571		6,569		8,692		4,321

        Employer contributions of US$7,155 in connection with defined benefit pension plans are expected in 2004 (German: US$568 and; foreign: US$6,587).

ab) Measurement of the additional minimum pension liability

        The decrease of US$5,622, increase of US$556, decrease of US$6,426 and decrease of US$11,184 in the minimum pension liability in 2003, stub period 2002, 2001/2002, and 2000/2001, respectively are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss".

        The accumulated benefit obligation is US$378,910 at December 31, 2003 and at December 31, 2002 it is US$304,565. At September 30, 2002 it is US$285,805, and at September 30, 2001 it is US$262,176.

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ac) Net periodic pension cost

        Net periodic pension cost for German and foreign pension plans is as follows:

		January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002				October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002				October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
$ '000
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Service cost		2,935		5,377		614		638		2,656		4,661		2,229		4,375
Interest cost		10,962		6,973		2,489		874		9,963		5,855		9,473		5,477
Expected return on plan assets		-359		-6,983		-65		-657		-462		-6,010		-629		-6,668
Amortization of unrecognized transitional amount		2,568		188		569		—		2,088		139		2,022		131
Amortization of service cost arising from retroactive plan changes		—		29		—		38		—		72		—		26
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial losses (+) / gains (-)		232		969		-48		226		-340		790		-405		1
Net periodic pension cost		16,338		6,553		3,559		1,119		13,905		5,507		12,690		3,342

ad) Valuation assumptions used

        The assumptions made about the discount rate, future compensation increases, and long-term returns on plan assets, which are used to calculate the accumulated benefit obligation and the net periodic pension cost, vary according to the economic climate in the country in which the pension entitlements were granted and in line with the prevailing capital market conditions. The computation of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation is based on the actuarial assumptions below (weighted averages).

		December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Discount rate		5.50	%	4.90	%	6.00	%	4.91	%	6.00	%	4.95	%	6.50	%	4.97	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%	2.86	%	3.00	%	2.81	%	3.00	%	2.82	%	3.00	%	3.39	%

        The actuarial assumptions used to calculate the projected benefit obligation at the relevant balance sheet date are used to compute the interest cost and the cost of pension entitlements arising in the following year. In addition, the long-term returns anticipated at this time are used to determine the returns on plan assets in the following year. The computation of the net periodic pension cost is based on the actuarial assumptions below (weighted averages).

		December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Discount rate		5.50	%	4.91	%	6.00	%	4.95	%	6.50	%	4.97	%	6.50	%	5.09	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%	2.81	%	3.00	%	2.82	%	3.00	%	3.39	%	3.00	%	3.33	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		3.52	%	6.01	%	2.77	%	5.77	%	4.89	%	6.00	%	6.49	%	6.26	%

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        The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on local assumptions and the valuation of German and foreign plan assets at their fair value.

        The date on which pension plans are valued is the balance sheet date, i.e. December 31 or September 30 for all German plans and the majority of foreign plans prior to the change of mg's fiscal year.

        During the stub period from October 1 through December 31, 2002, no comprehensive actuarial calculations were carried out for any German pension plan or for some foreign plans. Instead, the actuarial parameters available at September 30, 2002 were used to estimate the accrued pension liability, the projected benefit obligation, and the plan assets. Net periodic pension cost for the stub period is based on one quarter of the estimated cost for the twelve month period ending September 30, 2003. Furthermore, the pension payments made during the stub period 2002 as well as the employer and employee contributions to plan assets were recognized based on actual amounts. The computation of pension cost for 2003 is based on the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2002.

b) Defined-contribution pension plans

        The individual companies included in these combined financial statements offer various postretirement benefits in the form of defined-contribution pension plans. The pension obligation for these plans resides not with the companies themselves but with the respective pension provider. Total payments to the pension providers of US$2,463 were made in 2003 (stub period 2002: US$757; 2001/2002: US$1,902; 2000/2001: US$1,755).

c) Other postretirement benefits

        In addition to pensions and similar benefits, certain retired employees in Germany are provided with postretirement benefits for private health insurance premiums. Outside Germany, one company in the U.S. provides various retirees with postretirement benefits for health insurance and life assurance.

        The three tables below show accumulated postretirement benefit obligations as well as the reconciliation of the funded status to the amount reported in the balance sheet. They also show the relevant employer and employee contributions, the payments made, and the net periodic cost of other postretirement benefits.

			December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
$ '000
			German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at end of year			11,140		3,391		8,113		3,298		7,571		3,134		6,538		3,147
Funded status			11,140		3,391		8,113		3,298		7,571		3,134		6,538		3,147
	Unrecognized service cost arising from retroactive plan changes		—		107		—		-260		—		-264		—		-444
	Unrecognized actuarial losses (-) / gains (+)		-901		945		77		1,227		74		1,396		185		1,282
Net amount recognized			10,239		4,443		8,190		4,265		7,645		4,266		6,723		3,985

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		January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002				October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002				October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
$ '000
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Employer contributions		—		121		—		29		—		74		—		75
Employee contributions		—		40		—		7		—		32		—		26
Payments		485		161		86		36		311		106		292		101
Net periodic cost		648		300		143		85		540		295		532		353

        No separate plan assets are held to fund the other postretirement benefits.

        Employer contributions of US$133 in connection with additional postretirement benefits are expected in 2004 (German: US$0; foreign: US$133).

        The assumptions used to calculate the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the net periodic cost vary according to the economic climate of the country in which the additional postretirement benefits were provided and in line with the prevailing capital market conditions. The computation of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation is based on the actuarial assumptions below (weighted averages).

		December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Discount rate		5.50	%	6.25	%	6.00	%	6.75	%	6.00	%	7.00	%	6.50	%	7.50	%

        The actuarial assumptions used to calculate the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at the relevant balance sheet date are used to compute the interest cost and the cost of additional postretirement benefits arising in the following year. The calculation of the net periodic cost is based on the actuarial assumptions below (weighted averages).

		January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002				October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002				October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Discount rate		5.50	%	6.75	%	6.00	%	7.00	%	6.50	%	7.50	%	6.50	%	7.50	%

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        The changes in the healthcare cost trend over time are as follows:

		January 1, to December 31, 2003				October 1, to December 31, 2002				October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002				October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign		German		Foreign
Healthcare cost trend for the following year		4.00	%	9.00	%	4.00	%	9.50	%	4.00	%	9.50	%	4.00	%	9.50	%
Level to which the cost trend is likely to fall (final rate)		—		5.00	%	—		5.00	%	—		5.00	%	—		5.00	%
Year in which the final rate will be reached		—		2011		—		2011		—		2011		—		2010

        The healthcare cost trend for German additional postretirement benefits has remained constant at 4.0% in recent years. This rate is not expected to change in the next few years and it is therefore not possible to state the probable final rate for German additional postretirement benefits or the year in which this final rate will be reached.

        The measurement dates used are mostly the same as those used for pension plans.

13)  Other Provisions and Accrued Liabilities

        Current- and non-current provisions and accrued liabilities consist of the following:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Current
Taxes		9,264		8,725		11,062		12,441
Personnel		55,927		45,398		44,921		57,870
Environmental and clean-up costs		2,459		1,715		1,824		1,226
Guarantees		2,646		2,301		2,611		4,115
Rebates		5,901		3,451		3,424		3,253
Outstanding invoices from suppliers		16,512		13,760		12,421		12,269
Loss provisions		9,878		2,897		2,776		1,075
Other		20,533		20,461		19,185		23,358
		123,120		98,708		98,224		115,607
Non-current
Taxes		332		2,067		2,018		3,839
Personnel		18,874		12,204		22,945		15,472
Environmental protection and recultivation		21,471		12,919		13,675		14,217
Guarantees		505		73		—		—
Asset retirement obligations		1,085		1,028		—		—
Other		213		357		68		6,283
		42,480		28,648		38,706		39,811
Total		165,600		127,356		136,930		155,418

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        Provisions and accrued liabilities for taxes relate to current taxes and were largely established to cover foreign tax liabilities and future tax audits.

        Provisions for personnel expenditures largely comprise bonuses, vacation not yet taken, anniversaries, part-time retirement, and accumulated overtime hours.

        Provisions for environmental protection and recultivation totaled US$23,930 at December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002: US$14,634; September 30, 2002: US$15,499; September 30, 2001: US$15,443). These provisions largely relate to soil decontamination, treatment of effluents, and the clean-up of landfill sites. In addition to the recorded liabilities, there is a further maximum potential liability risk of US$11,056 at December 31, 2003.

        The cost of cleaning up two landfill sites is being borne by several companies, and the cost of one of these sites is additionally being borne by the local authorities. The share of the cost borne by each of the parties involved is determined by the volume of waste they have dumped at these landfill sites. The share of the cost borne by Dynamit Nobel is 3.9% for one site and less than 1,0% for the other. However, if one of the parties involved is unable to bear its share of the cost, its share is borne jointly by the other parties. At December 31, 2003, there was no indication that it would be necessary for Dynamit Nobel to bear such additional costs.

        At December 31, 2003, two environmental liabilities involving cash flows of US$10,893 and US$2,373 are reported at their net present values of US$6,315 and US$1,892 respectively. The first of these amounts was discounted at a rate of 5.0% and the second at 5.5%. The first of the provisions covers a groundwater decontamination liability and its estimated costs are based on calculations conducted by internal and external experts. Decontamination of the site is expected to be completed in 2029. The second of the provisions relates to the piping for a ditch which is being planned and installed by the local waste treatment authority. This provision was first established on September 30, 2000. The measurement of the provision at December 31, 2003 is based on the assumption that the implementation of these remediation measures will commence in 2007. For both provisions the following payments are expected to be made in subsequent years:

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        The table below shows the changes in current and non-current provisions for product warranties. Most warranties run for a term between one and two years in accordance with the legal and contractual provisions.

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
Balance at beginning of year		2,374		2,611
Payments		-285		-167
Provision for new warranties		1,253		153
Changes in estimates		-701		-369
Foreign currency exchange rate effect		510		146
Balance at end of year		3,151		2,374

        The asset retirement obligation relates to the removal of evaporation basins of brine which are used to produce lithium and the sealing of related bore holes. Removal is expected to commence in 2019 and no payments will be incurred prior to this date. The changes in this provision are as follows:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
Balance at beginning of year		1,028		1,015
Accrued interest		57		13
Balance at end of year		1,085		1,028

14)  Minority Interests

        The minority interest at December 31, 2003 relates to the 0.05% outstanding interest in DNVJ Vermögensverwaltung GmbH. Minority interests in prior years essentially consisted of the 40.0% interest in CeramTec Heimbach Dewatering Technology GmbH, which was sold in 2003.

15)  Stock-Based Compensation

Stock option program

        Employees of Dynamit Nobel participate in either the mg's stock option program for executives or in the employee share ownership program, which was expired in 2003. The stock option program is offered annually to executives of the mg Group in tranches, each of which runs for a period of three years. The options can only be exercised if a certain targeted profit increase with respect to mg's pre-tax earnings per share during the three-year period is met. The purchase price for one mg share is determined by dividing the share's market price by the profit increase factor at the time of exercise. Of the total options that had been issued by mg at December 31, 2003,

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660,000 (December 31, 2002: 593,000; September 30, 2002: 593,000; September 30, 2001: 452,000) had been issued to executives of Dynamit Nobel.

        The fair value of the options is estimated at the grant date using a modified Black-Scholes model. The fair values of awards granted under the stock option program (expense per option) were computed based on the following assumptions:

Year of grant			2003		2002		2001
Fair value at grant date			US$1.69 per option		US$1.82 per option		US$1.86 per option
Assumptions used:
	Volatility of mg's share price over a three-year period		56.4	%	51.4	%	40.6	%
	Volatility of EPS increase		60.9	%	47.4	%	39.0	%
	Correlation coefficient between stock yield and EPS		0.4241		0.3102		0.3058
	Risk-free interest rate		2.46	%	4.42	%	4.68	%
	Dividend yield		2.7	%	1.0	%	1.0	%

Employee share ownership program

        Under the employee share ownership program, employees can purchase shares of mg. Eligible participants are all mg Group employees resident in Germany who have an in force employment or training contract at the time they agree to participate in the program and at the time the two-year subscription period expires. These employees may only participate and acquire stock-purchasing rights in their own name and for their own account. The stock-purchasing rights may not be transferred or pledged. Once they have agreed to participate in the program, all eligible employees have the right to purchase either 50, 100 or 200 shares two years after they enroll in the programm.

        The purchase price for employees is calculated as the average of the closing prices for mg shares in Xetra trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange over the five trading days following the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of mg technologies ag in the year of the respective agreement to participate in the employee share ownership program, and is fixed on the last of these five trading days, i.e. the purchase price is fixed at the start of the respective employee share ownership program tranche, two years prior to the exercise period.

        During the exercise period, participants can choose to buy the shares and place them in a securities account, or to buy and immediately sell them, or not to exercise their stock-purchasing rights at all. In order to prevent employees from suffering losses if mg's share price performs poorly, their agreement to exercise their stock-purchasing rights is only valid (and is therefore merely conditional) if mg's share price is above the purchase price at the time the stock-purchasing right is exercised.

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        If the right to purchase shares on this basis has not been exercised by the time the exercise period expires, the respective employees' stock-purchasing rights expire and their initial deposit is returned with accumulated interest.

        Options for the purchase of 49,400 mg shares had been issued under the employee share ownership program at December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002: 123,000 shares; September 30, 2002: 128,700 shares; September 30, 2001: 135,050 shares). In the past, it has not been possible to exercise any of the stock-purchasing rights.

        The fair value of these options is calculated at their grant date using a Black-Scholes model. The fair value of each option under the 2002 employee share ownership program was US$2.46 at their grant date; the fair value of each option under the 2001 employee share ownership program was US$2.14.

        Aggregate compensation expense recognized for the stock option program and the employee share ownership program amounted to US$505 in 2003 (2002: US$127; 2001/2002: US$458; 2000/2001: US$303).

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16)  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/Loss

        Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss are as follows:

$ '000			January 1, to December 31, 2003		October 1, to December 31, 2002		October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002		October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001
Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss at beginning of year			-189,554		-226,352		-232,383		-233,139
	Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities		-23		-9		-1		8
	Realized losses on available-for-sale securities		—		—		—		—
	Tax effect of available-for- sale securities		8		2		-1		2
	Total gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		-15		-7		-2		10
	Unrealized holding gains on cash flow hedges		3,535		-1,410		-4,542		-2,749
	Realized gains on derivatives		1,410		190		—		—
	Tax effect of derivatives		-2,584		1,082		1,782		718
	Total gains (losses) on derivatives		2,361		-138		-2,760		-2,031
	Cumulative translation adjustment		117,374		36,492		12,595		10,832
	Change in minimum pension liability		-5,622		556		-6,426		-11,184
	Tax effect of change in pension liability		2,334		-105		2,624		3,129
	Total gains (losses) on change in pension liability		-3,288		451		-3,802		-8,055
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year			-73,122		-189,554		-226,352		-232,383

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17)  Commitments and Contingencies

        The table below details the amounts of contingent liabilities at the respective balance sheet dates:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Guarantees		14,543		1,124		2,271		1,650
Other		32		21		22		27
Total		14,575		1,145		2,293		1,677

        Guarantees in 2003 relate mainly to guarantees issued to mg or a bank on behalf of a subsidiary not combined. The remaining liabilities and those in prior years essentially cover environmental and performance guarantees as well as guarantees for the bank debt of subsidiaries not included in these combined financial statements.

        The terms of guarantees range up to eight years. There are also contingencies whose contingency periods depend on the performance of contractually agreed obligations or the occurrence of certain events. These contingent liabilities are largely to customers, banks and to a lesser degree employees. Dynamit Nobel is subject to claims under its guarantees only if the debtor is unable to meet its contractual obligations.

        Other financial commitments at December 31, 2003 consist of:

        Liabilities from rental and lease agreements relate to real estate, plant and equipment, and office furniture and equipment. The leases on real estate mostly contain unlimited terms or fixed terms with an option to extend. Some of the leases contain payment escalation clauses and there are usually no call or put options on the part of the lessor. The terms of the fixed-term leases run until 2021 and some of the buildings have been sub-let.

        The lease terms on office furniture and equipment run until 2010 and they do not contain any payment escalation clauses. Leases containing extension or call options are usually leases on vehicles or plant and equipment.

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        Payment obligations for all non-cancelable rental and operating lease agreements are as follows:

        Several of the companies included in these combined financial statements sell receivables on a revolving basis to financial services providers. In one agreement, Dynamit Nobel as the seller of the receivables retains a subordinated interest in the receivables of less than ten percent of total receivables sold. In cases in which the buyer has recourse to Dynamit Nobel, the maximum exposure is shown under "Factoring and repurchase agreements".

18)  Litigation

        Dynamit Nobel is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. However, Dynamit Nobel does not believe that there is any such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, that is likely to have a material adverse effect on their business or financial position except that Dynamit Nobel is party to legal proceeds involving a number of product liability and warranty cases, the outcome of which is unclear at present and for which Dynamit Nobel is unable to predict the outcome or the extent, if any, of possible loss exposure.

19)  Derivatives and Financial Instruments

a)    Use of derivative instruments

        Derivative instruments are used to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in interest rates, share prices and other investments.

        Forward exchange contracts are largely used to hedge assets, liabilities, and forecasted transactions and, to a lesser degree, firm commitments denominated in foreign currency. Hedges are used to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in the exchange rates of certain currencies, especially the U.S. dollar and pound sterling.

        Interest rate swaps and options are used to hedge the interest rate risk inherent in liabilities to banks.

        Commodity derivatives are used to a certain degree to mitigate the risks inherent in commodity prices.

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b)    Fair value of financial instruments

        The fair value of a financial instrument is the price at which one party is willing to assume the rights and/or obligations arising from this financial instrument from another party. Fair values have been computed on the basis of the market information available at the balance sheet date and the valuation methods outlined below, which are based on certain assumptions. Because of the varying factors influencing them, the fair values stated here may differ from the values that can be realized in the market at the present time.

Financial instruments

        Securities:    Fair value is the market price.

        Cash and cash equivalents:    Owing to their short maturity, the book values of cash and cash equivalents correspond to their fair value.

        Debt:    The fair value of preferred shares is their quoted price. The fair value of other non-current debt corresponds to the present value of future anticipated cash flows. The discount rate used is the current market interest rate on bonds of the same maturity. Due to their short maturity, it is assumed that the nominal value of borrowings under revolving credit facilities or secured borrowings on receivables approximates to their fair value. It is generally assumed that the carrying amount of floating-rate loans corresponds to their fair value.

        Liabilities under capital leases:    In order to compute the fair value of liabilities under capital leases, the future lease installments are discounted at a rate appropriate to their risk and maturity.

Derivative Instruments

        Forward exchange contracts:    The fair value of forward exchange deals is determined using current balance sheet date reference rates that take account of forward premiums and discounts.

        Interest-rate instruments:    The fair value of interest-rate instruments is determined using discounted anticipated future cash flows based on the market interest rates applicable to the residual maturities of these financial instruments. Options are valued using recognized option pricing models.

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        The book and fair values of derivatives and financial instruments other than accounts receivable, trade payables, cash and cash equivalents and balances due to or from mg for all of which the carrying amount approximates their fair value, are as follows:

			December 31, 2003				December 31, 2002				September 30, 2002				September 30, 2001
$ '000			Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
Assets
Financial instruments Securities			923		923		207		207		183		183		235		235
Derivatives
	Forward exchange contracts		787		787		2,169		2,169		40		40		225		225
	Interest-rate instruments		28		28		86		86		121		121		298		298
Liabilities
Financial instruments
	Debt		415,058		432,388		331,180		349,266		202,211		219,036		261,510		284,720
Derivatives
	Forward exchange contracts		1,945		1,945		3,045		3,045		293		293		593		593
	Interest-rate instruments		6,383		6,383		8,412		8,412		7,712		7,712		2,982		2,982
	Commodity derivatives		—		—		31		31		271		271		237		237

c)    Nominal values of derivative instruments and credit risk

        The nominal value of derivative instruments is obtained by multiplying their notional amount by the agreed contract prices. The aggregate notional amounts include offsetting buy and sell agreements.

        The notional amounts of derivatives are as follows:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Forward exchange contracts		169,071		225,365		243,273		203,355
Interest-rate instruments		160,664		196,855		193,699		152,313
Commodity derivatives zinc (copper at September 30, 2001 only)		—		4,811		6,415		3,083

        Potential credit risk arises from the non-performance of contractual agreements by the counterparties. Until mid-2003, the counterparties were all banks with investment-grade ratings. In 2003, forward exchange contracts were also concluded with mg as part of its treasury activities. The general credit risk attaching to forward exchange contracts and interest-rate instruments was

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therefore not material in any of the years presented. The counterparties with respect to commodity derivatives are all counter parties located outside of Germany.

d)    Management of foreign-exchange, interest-rate and other price risks

        Management of foreign-exchange risk:    The international dimension of the company's business gives rise to a foreign-exchange risk that has an impact on its operating results and cash flows. Foreign-exchange risk exists, for example, if sales are billed in a currency other than that of their related costs. In order to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations, foreign-exchange risk is constantly evaluated and, where necessary, hedged through the use of derivatives (forward exchange contracts). Until mid-2003, Dynamit Nobel was responsible for hedging its own foreign-exchange risk. In doing so, it applied the policies and procedures prescribed by mg.

        Management of interest-rate risk:    Dynamit Nobel monitors its interest-rate risk on an ongoing basis by following changes in its net interest positions that could adversely impact its future cash flows and implementing suitable hedging strategies. Dynamit Nobel enters into interest-rate hedges directly with banks.

        Management of price risk:    Commodity derivatives are used for hedging purposes only. Derivatives contracts are governed by policies and procedures of mg.

e)    Reporting of derivative instruments and hedge accounting

        Management of foreign-exchange risk:    The hedging of foreign-exchange risks inherent in firm commitments and forecasted transactions is accounted for as a cash flow hedge. This requires the foreign-exchange hedge to offset the exposure from the underlying transaction. The effectiveness of the hedge is ensured if the maturity, volume and currency of the underlying transaction and the hedge are identical. The hedge-effective part of the changes in the fair value of derivatives is reported as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss". The accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified into income once the firm commitments or forecasted transactions have been recognized. In the following twelve months, a net gain of US$211 is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/loss to the income statement because the underlying transactions are likely to be recognized in income.

        Sometimes only the net position of a planned transaction is hedged. This macro currency hedge does not qualify for hedge accounting purposes, i.e. changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts are reported in the statements of income as "Other operating income" or "Other operating expenses". As a result, a net figure of US$344 was reported in the statements of income for 2003.

        Hedge accounting is not generally used to hedge recognized foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, as these constitute a natural hedge. This means that changes in the fair value of these derivatives—and those in the carrying amounts of the respective receivables and liabilities—are recognized in income.

        Foreign-exchange gains and losses are reported as other operating income and other operating expenses respectively.

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        At December 31, 2003, Dynamit Nobel held derivatives mostly with maturities of no more than 12 months in order to hedge the foreign-exchange risk of forecasted transactions.

        Interest-rate instruments:    Changes in the fair value of interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to cover floating-rate bank loans are reported as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss". This requires that the main characteristics of the interest-rate swap and the bank loan are identical. Gains and losses on interest-rate instruments are reported under "Interest expense, net" as interest expense.

        Changes in the fair value of interest-rate options are excluded from calculations of hedges' effectiveness. For the years presented, interest expense (net) includes the following net losses, which arise from some of the financial instruments which have been excluded from calculations of hedges' effectiveness:

$ '000		December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		September 30, 2002		September 30, 2001
Net loss		-66		-36		-190		-461

        At December 31, 2003, Dynamit Nobel held interest-rate derivatives with terms of up to 84 months.

        Commodity derivatives:    All changes in the fair value of commodity derivatives are recognized in income.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

($ '000)					January 1 – June 30, 2004			January 1 – June 30, 2003
Net sales					$	885,499		$	800,002
Cost of sales						-587,000			-524,899
Gross profit						298,499			275,103
Selling, general and administrative expenses						-181,677			-158,119
Research and development costs						-17,757			-16,141
Other operating income						8,282			12,727
Other operating expenses						-3,205			-9,785
Operating income						104,142			103,785
Income from investments						515			760
Interest expense, net and other financial expense						-14,395			-13,561
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests						90,262			90,984
Income taxes						-32,062			-34,165
Minority interests						0			-309
Earnings from continuing operations						58,200			56,510
Income from discontinued operations						0			1,362
	thereof earnings from operations					0			-2,191
	thereof gains on disposal					0			6,287
	thereof income taxes					0			-2,734
Net income					$	58,200		$	57,872

See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 2004
(Unaudited)

Assets ($ '000)
Cash and cash equivalents				$	9,468
Trade receivables					254,246
Receivables from related parties					58,701
Other assets and accounts receivable					60,432
Inventories					275,062
Prepaid expenses					5,797
Current assets					663,706
Investments					40,443
Property, plant and equipment					886,202
Goodwill					402,227
Other intangible assets					19,249
Other assets					10,723
Prepaid expenses					2,617
Deferred tax assets					405,210
Non-current assets					1,766,671
Total assets				$	2,430,377

See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 2004
(Unaudited)

Liabilities and investment by mg ($ '000)
Short-term debt including current portion of long-term debt		$	119,554
Trade payables			109,450
Liabilities to related parties			409,547
Accruals and provisions			126,916
Other current liabilities			45,685
Deferred tax liabilities			5,731
Current liabilities			816,883
Long-term debt			203,340
Provisions for pensions and similar obligations			269,998
Other provisions			37,333
Other liabilities			12,010
Deferred tax liabilities			52,991
Non-current liabilities			575,672
Minority interests			2
Investment by mg			1,037,820
Total liabilities and investment by mg		$	2,430,377

See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

($ '000)		January 1 - June 30, 2004			January 1 - June 30, 2003
Net income		$	58,200		$	57,872
Adjustment of net income from discontinued operations			0			1,362
Depreciation and amortization			51,950			45,664
Change in provisions for pensions			4,172			1,715
Change in other provisions			4,921			8,169
Gains on disposal of non-current assets			-490			-6,947
Change in inventories			-9,177			6,726
Change in trade receivables			-61,670			-26,639
Change in trade payables			-51,871			-41,768
Change in deferred tax assets and liabilities			14,074			14,267
Change in other assets and liabilities			-28,338			-2,865
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities			-18,229			57,556
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets			13,313			14,403
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets			-58,246			-39,442
Purchases of investments and long-term financial assets			-11			-1,191
Purchases of securities			0			-612
Proceeds from disposal of businesses			0			17,801
Net cash used for investing activities			-44,944			-9,041
Principal payments on capital leases liabilities			-1,384			-1,419
Net increase (decrease) in other debt			-76,213			63,429
Net financing provided by (distributed to) mg			149,326			-118,569
Net cash provided by (used for) financing acitivities			71,729			-56,559
Exchange-rate-related change in cash and cash equivalents			-6,920			6,119
Change in cash and cash equivalents			1,636			-1,925
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			7,832			7,007
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	9,468		$	5,082

See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.

F-105

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DYNAMIT NOBEL

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

($ '000)

A)    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

        Description of Business:    The Dynamit Nobel Group (Dynamit Nobel) specializes in advanced technologies in the fields of chemicals and materials engineering. This internationally active industrial group supplies innovative specialty products to niche markets in several sectors such as the life science, chemical, automotive and construction industries. Its business activities are subdivided into its four business units: Custom Synthesis, Advanced Ceramics, Specialty Chemicals, and Pigment Chemicals.

        Basis of presentation:    The preparation of these Dynamit Nobel condensed combined financial statements is due to the sale of Dynamit Nobel to companies affiliated with Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. (Rockwood), Delaware, U.S.A., under the Sale and Purchase Agreement of April 19, 2004. Dynamit Nobel is part of the mg technologies ag Group, Frankfurt am Main (mg or mg Group). The Dynamit Nobel segment included in mg's consolidated financial statements is not identical to these condensed combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel since in addition to the companies included herein, the Dynamit Nobel segment includes the Plastics business unit, the Industrial Ignition Systems business, and the Defense Technology business. Rockwood has not acquired these activities.

        These condensed combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel include only the assets, liabilities and transactions of the activities that Rockwood has acquired, constituting a carve out from mg's consolidated financial statements and as such the excess of assets over liabilities is reflected as mg's investment in Dynamit Nobel. The condensed combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel include expenses that have been incurred by mg on behalf of Dynamit Nobel.

        Despite the adjustments made, these condensed combined financial statements do not present the net assets, financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Dynamit Nobel as if it had existed independently of mg. Consequently, the condensed combined financial statements are not indicative of Dynamit Nobel's future development.

        Purchase accounting adjustments including the recognition of goodwill arising from mg's acquisition of Dynamit Nobel are reflected in the condensed combined financial statements of Dynamit Nobel (push-down accounting). These adjustments are accounted for at the reporting unit level.

        The main German operations of Dynamit Nobel are included in the combined tax return of mg technologies ag (mg) for both corporation income tax and local trade taxes. Under the terms of the profit-and-loss transfer agreement between Dynamit Nobel and mg, the taxable income of the Dynamit Nobel entities was transferred to mg and subject to taxation at the parent level. For purposes of these condensed combined financial statements, income taxes were recognized for the German subsidiaries as if Dynamit Nobel had been a separate taxable entity, excluding the tax-sharing agreement with mg. The distribution due to mg as part of the profit-and-loss transfer agreement has been reflected as a distribution from the investment by mg and shown as a liability to related parties.

        Principles of combination:    These condensed combined financial statements include the assets and liabilities and transactions of the combined Dynamit Nobel entities as defined in the Basis of Presentation. In addition, certain variable-interest entities for which Dynamit Nobel is considered to be the primary beneficiary are also included.

F-106

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        The interim condensed combined financial statements included herein are unaudited. The condensed combined financial statements are presented based upon accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"), except that certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP, have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the combined financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere herein as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, September 30, 2002 and 2001, and the three months ended December 31, 2002. Management believes the disclosures herein are adequate and the condensed combined financial statements reflect adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Dynamit Nobel as of June 30, 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.

        Currency Translation:    Assets and liabilities of foreign entities where the functional currency is not the US dollar are translated into the reporting currency (US dollar) at year-end exchange rates and income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

B)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Revenue recognition:    Revenue is generated primarily from the sale of products and is recognized once title to the products has passed to the customer, provided the consideration has been contractually agreed or can be determined and collectibility is reasonably assured. If formal customer acceptance is required, revenue is not recognized until it has been obtained. Revenue under service agreements is realized when the service is performed. Customer incentives, discounts, rebates and other allowances reduce the amount of revenue recognized. Freight and shipping costs borne by Dynamit Nobel do not reduce the revenue recognized but are reported as selling expenses. If these costs are passed on to the customer, they are included as part of revenue.

        Comprehensive income:    Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income, summarized as follows:

		Six months ended June 30,
		2004			2003
Net income		$	58,200		$	57,872
Other comprehensive income			6,842			54,144
Comprehensive income		$	65,042		$	112,016

        Other comprehensive income is primarily composed of translation gains and losses, the change in the minimum pension liability and the gains and losses on derivative transactions.

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        Stock-based compensation:    mg has established a stock option and employee stock ownership program for its managers and staff. The compensation cost of the options issued under the stock option and employee share ownership program has been recognized in these combined financial statements if this cost is attributable to the managers and staff of the companies included in these combined financial statements. The cost of these options is accounted for at their fair value at the grant date in accordance with SFAS 123 ("Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation") and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The cost of the options is reported under "Selling, general and administrative expenses".

        Aggregate compensation expense recognized for the stock option program and the employee share ownership program amounted to $160 and $252 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Upon the closing of the sale of Dynamit Nobel to companies affiliated with Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. all such options effectively expired unexercised.

        Estimates:    The preparation of these condensed combined financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Estimates include assessing the impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets, valuation allowances on deferred income taxes, the collectibility of accounts receivable, the use and recoverability of inventory, product warranty claims and environmental remediation liabilities, among others.

        Additionally, factors that may cause these amounts to differ from projections are deterioration in the global economy, movements in exchange rates and interest rates, significant litigation, and changes in environmental or other statutory regulations. Production errors, the loss of key customers, and changes in funding can also impair Dynamit Nobel's future performance.

        Although such estimates are based on management's best judgment, due to the inherent uncertainties in the estimating process, actual results could differ from these estimates.

        Recent Accounting Pronouncements:    No new accounting pronouncements have been adopted nor issued during 2004 that would have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

C)    Disposal of Business

        Effective June 10, 2003, the Glazing Sealing Compounds business belonging to the Specialty Chemicals business unit was transferred to KÖMMERLING CHEMISCHE FABRIK GmbH, Pirmasens, Germany, as part of an asset transaction. The disposal generated a gain of US$6,427, which forms part of the income from discontinued operations.

        The assets and liabilities belonging to this business are each reported separately at December 31, 2002 as current assets and liabilities in "Other assets and accounts receivable" (US$13,332) and "Other current liabilities" (US$3,860), respectively. The assets held for sale at December 31, 2002 include goodwill of US$5,408, property, plant and equipment of US$2,364 and inventories of US$5,389. The liabilities consist of trade payables, accrued liabilities and provisions.

F-108

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D)    Notes to the Condensed Combined Financial Statements

1)    Inventories:

        Inventories are comprised of the following as of June 30, 2004:

2)    Goodwill:

        Below are goodwill balances and activity:

3)    Other Intangible Assets:

        Other intangible assets as of June 30, 2004 consist of:

Patents, licenses, trademarks and similar assets		$	50,816
Less accumulated amortization			(34,695	)
Patents, licenses, trademarks and similar assets, net			16,121
Software			18,439
Less accumulated amortization			(16,314	)
Software			2,125
Intangible pension assets			1,003
Other intangible assets, net		$	19,249

        Amortization of other intangible assets was $2,612 and $3,066 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

4)    Employee Benefit Plans:

        The following represents the net periodic pension benefit costs and related components in accordance with SFAS 132:

		Six months ended June 30,
		2004			2003
Service cost		$	3,756		$	4,156
Interest cost			8,649			8,968
Expected return on plan assets			(505	)		(3,671	)
Amortization of unrecognized transitional amount			0			1,378
Net amortization of prior experience losses			2,026			615
Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,926		$	11,446

F-109

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5)    Contingencies:

        Dynamit Nobel is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. However, Dynamit Nobel does not believe that there is any such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, that is likely to have a material adverse effect on their business or financial position except that Dynamit Nobel is party to legal proceeds involving a number of product liability and warranty cases, the outcome of which is unclear at present and for which Dynamit Nobel is unable to predict the outcome or the extent, if any, of possible loss exposure.

6)    Accounts Receivable from and Liabilities to Related Parties:

        Current accounts receivable from related parties as of June 30, 2004 consist of the following:

        Current liabilities to related parties as June 30, 2004 consist of the following:

F-110

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        No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Prospectus Summary		1
Risk Factors		16
Forward-Looking Statements		33
Use of Proceeds		34
Dividend Policy		36
Capitalization		37
Dilution		39
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information		40
Selected Financial Data		47
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		53
Dynamit Nobel Acquisition		115
Business		118
Management		163
Principal Stockholders		174
Related Party Transactions		176
Description of Capital Stock		182
Description of Indebtedness		185
Shares Eligible for Future Sale		194
Certain United States Federal Income and Estate Tax Consequences To Non-U.S. Holders		196
Underwriting		199
Legal Matters		204
Experts		204
Market Share and Industry Data		204
Where You Can Find Additional Information		205
Index to Financial Statements		F-1

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        Through and including               , 2005 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

              Shares
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.

Common Stock

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Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Credit Suisse First Boston

Lehman Brothers

UBS Investment Bank

Deutsche Bank Securities

First Analysis Securities Corporation

JPMorgan

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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13.    OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

        The following table sets forth the costs and expenses in connection with this offering. All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee:

SEC Registration Fee		$	58,850.00
Printing and Engraving Expenses			*
Legal Fees			*
Accounting Fees			*
NYSE Listing Fees			*
NASD Filing Fee			50,500.00
Miscellaneous			*
Total		$	*

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*

to be filed by amendment

ITEM 14.    INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        Rockwood Holdings, Inc., or the Registrant, is a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the "DGCL", grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation or enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of being or having been in any such capacity, if he acted in good faith in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

        Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL enables a corporation in its certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for violations or the directors' fiduciary duty of care, except (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.

        Article SEVENTH of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1) provides that except as otherwise provided by the DGCL, no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

        Article IV of the Registrant's By-laws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify directors and officers of the Registrant as specified in the Certificate of Incorporation. In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Registrant shall indemnify any current or former director or officer of the Registrant and may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, indemnify any current or former employee or agent of the Registrant against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding brought by or in the light of the Registrant or otherwise, to which he was or is a party by reason of his current or former position with the

II-1

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Registrant or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving, at the request of the Registrant, as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

        The Registrant's By-laws also provides that expenses incurred by a person who is or was a director or officer of the Registrant in appearing at, participating in or defending any such action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Registrant at reasonable intervals in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant as authorized by the Registrant's By-laws. If a claim under the Registrant's By-laws is not paid in full by the Registrant within ninety days after a written claim has been received by the Registrant, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Registrant to recover the part, the claimant shall be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim.

ITEM 15.    RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

        Within the past three years, the Registrant has issued securities in the following transactions, each of which was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. There were no underwriters involved in connection with the sale of the below securities. All of the below-referenced securities are deemed restricted securities for the purpose of the Securities Act.

        From January 2002 to May 2003, the Registrant issued 700 shares of its common stock par value $.01 per share, or its "common stock," to certain of its employees for an aggregate consideration of $350,000 under its 2001 management equity program. Such sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as a transaction pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701.

        On July 23, 2003, the Registrant issued 25,000 shares of its redeemable convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase 28,000 additional shares of Common Stock to an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., or KKR, for an aggregate consideration of $25.0 million in connection with the refinancing of certain of its long-term debt. Such sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.

        On July 31, 2004, the Registrant issued 531,250 shares of common stock to affiliates of KKR for an aggregate consideration of $265.625 million and 318,750 shares of common stock to DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P. and its affiliated funds for an aggregate consideration of $159.375 million in connection with the financing of the acquisition by the Registrant's subsidiaries of four businesses of Dynamit Nobel. Such sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.

        From September 24, 2004 to December 15, 2004, the Registrant issued 13,950 shares of common stock to members of management and certain other employees for an aggregate consideration of approximately $7.0 million under its 2004 management equity program. 8,900 shares of common stock were issued to certain of its employees for an aggregate consideration of approximately $4.5 million. Such sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as a transaction pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. 5,050 shares of common stock were issued to members of management and a key employee who

II-2

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were "accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a)(4) of the Securities Act with respect to the members of management and Rule 501(a)(6) of the Securities Act with respect to the key employee) for an aggregate consideration of approximately $2.5 million. Such sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.

        From January 2002 to May 2003, the Registrant granted 3,650 options to purchase common stock to certain of its employees for an aggregate consideration of $1,825,000 under its 2001 management equity program. Such grants were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as a transaction pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701.

        From September 24, 2004 to December 15, 2004, the Registrant granted 61,120 options to purchase common stock to certain of its officers and employees for an aggregate consideration of approximately $30.6 million under its 2004 management equity program. Such grants were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in reliance on Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as a transaction pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701.

ITEM 16.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

Exhibit Index

        A list of exhibits filed with this registration statement on Form S-1 is set forth on the Exhibit Index and is incorporated in this Item 16(a) by reference.

(b)

Financial Statement Schedule

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SCHEDULE I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Rockwood Holdings, Inc.:

        We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 and have issued our report thereon dated May 13, 2005; such consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Rockwood Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries, listed in Item 16 (b). This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth herein.

/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP    

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Parsippany, New Jersey
May 13, 2005

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)

		Year ended December 31,
		2004			2003			2002
EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED LOSSES OF SUBSIDIARIES		$	216.1		$	91.7		$	68.2
NET LOSS		$	(216.1	)	$	(91.7	)	$	(68.2	)

These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries.

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions, except share amounts)

			December 31,
			2004			2003
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	—
	Total current assets			—			—
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES				643.4			141.0
DUE FROM AFFILIATES				15.2			15.2
OTHER ASSETS				0.8			0.8
TOTAL ASSETS			$	659.4		$	157.0
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	0.1		$	0.8
	Total current liabilities			0.1			0.8
	Total liabilities			0.1			0.8
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK ($.01 par value, $30.8 and $26.7 aggregate liquidation preference at December 31, 2004 and 2003; 50,000 shares authorized; 25,000 shares issued and outstanding)				34.3			30.1
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
	Common stock ($.01 par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized, 1,472,693 shares issued and 1,469,943 shares outstanding at December 31, 2004; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 608,743 shares issued and 605,993 shares outstanding at December 31, 2003)			—			—
	Paid-in capital			688.5			291.4
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			402.0			84.4
	Accumulated deficit			(463.4	)		(247.3	)
	Treasury stock; at cost			(1.4	)		(1.4	)
	Other			(0.7	)		(1.0	)
	Total stockholders' equity			625.0			126.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY			$	659.4		$	157.0

These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries.

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

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ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)

				Year Ended December 31,
				2004			2003			2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
		Net loss		$	(216.1	)	$	(91.7	)	$	(68.2	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
		Equity in undistributed losses of subsidiaries			216.1			91.7			68.2
		Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of foreign currency translation and acquisitions:
		Accrued expenses and other liabilities			0.7			(3.1	)		(1.1	)
		Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			0.7			(3.1	)		(1.1	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
		Investment in subsidiaries			(431.6	)		(25.0	)		—
		Net cash used in investing activities			(431.6	)		(25.0	)		—
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
		Issuance of common stock			431.9			0.1			0.2
		Repurchase of common stock			—			—			(0.9	)
		Issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock			—			25.0			—
		Other changes to stockholders' equity			(0.3	)		(0.6	)		1.3
		Net cash used in financing activities			431.6			24.5			0.6
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS					0.7			(3.6	)		(0.5	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR					(0.8	)		2.8			3.3
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR				$	(0.1	)	$	(0.8	)	$	2.8

These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries.

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

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Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

        The accompanying condensed financial statements of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. (the "Registrant") should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries included else where in this prospectus.

1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        Pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the unconsolidated condensed financial statements of Rockwood Holdings Inc. (the Company) do not reflect all of the information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the prospectus.

        Accounting for subsidiaries—The Company has accounted for the losses of its subsidiaries under the equity method in the unconsolidated condensed financial statements.

2.     REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

        The Company issued $25.0 million of its redeemable convertible preferred stock to an affiliate of KKR in July 2003. See Note 13—Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock to the consolidated financial statements.

3.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The Company has in place an Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan. See Note 12—Stock-Based Compensation to the consolidated financial statements.

4.     DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

        Under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries, certain subsidiaries may not, subject to certain exceptions, (i) declare or pay any dividends, other than dividends payable solely in its equity interests; (ii) redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any of its or its parent companies' equity interests; (iii) make any principal payment on or otherwise acquire or retire for value any subordinated indebtedness; or (iv) make any loan or capital contribution to, or purchase any securities or assets of, any person. So long as no default exists, the Company's subsidiaries may make certain otherwise restricted payments, such as (i) redeeming capital stock with the proceeds from concurrent equity contributions; (ii) repurchasing shares of their capital stock pursuant to employee stock plans or shareholder agreements; (iii) paying dividends to any parent company; (iv) paying taxes; (v) making certain permitted investments; or (vi) redeeming or refinancing certain other debt obligations; however, some of these permitted payments are subject to certain limitations and others may only be made subject to compliance with certain financial covenants, such as Debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined).

        Generally, under the terms of the 2011 Notes and the 2014 Notes, the Company's subsidiaries may not (i) declare or pay any dividend on their equity interests other than dividends payable solely in equity interests or in options, warrants, or other rights to purchase such equity interests; (ii) redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any of the Company's subsidiaries or the Company's equity interests; (iii) make any principal payment on or otherwise acquire or retire for value any subordinated indebtedness; or (iv) make any loan or capital contribution to, or purchase any securities or assets of, any person. These restrictions do not apply if, at the time of taking any of these actions, (a) no Default or Event of Default exists under the Company's debt obligations, (b) immediately after taking such action, the Company could incur additional indebtedness without

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violating the Company's debt covenants, and (c) the total amount of payments made pursuant to the above actions does not exceed the sum of (1) 50% of net income, (2) the proceeds of any capital contributions or equity offerings, and (3) the fair market value of any unrestricted subsidiary redesignated as a restricted subsidiary. Numerous exceptions to these general prohibitions exist that permit the Company's subsidiaries to make certain restricted payments without compliance with (a), (b) and (c).

ITEM 17.    UNDERTAKINGS

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        (1)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

        (2)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

        (a)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

        (b)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offering therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Rockwood Holdings, Inc. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Princeton, State of New Jersey, on May 13, 2005.

		Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
		By:
				/s/  THOMAS J. RIORDAN       Name: Thomas J. Riordan Title: Senior Vice President, Law &           Administration

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 13, 2005.

Signature		Title
* Seifi Ghasemi		Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
* Robert J. Zatta		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
* James T. Sullivan		Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
* Brian F. Carroll		Director
* Todd A. Fisher		Director
* Edward A. Gilhuly		Director
* Perry Golkin		Director
* Alex Morey		Director

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* Susan Schnabel		Director
* Fredrik Sjödin		Director

*By:

/s/  THOMAS J. RIORDAN       Attorney-in-fact

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibit
1.1	(A)	Form of Underwriting Agreement
2.1	(C)	Business and Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated September 25, 2000 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Laporte plc
2.2	(D)	Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated April 19, 2004 among mg technologies ag and MG North America Holdings Inc., as Sellers and other parties named as purchasers therein.
3.1	(A)	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
3.2	(A)	By-Laws of Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
4.1	(A)	Form of Certificate of Common Stock
4.2	(B)	Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2003, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and KKR Millennium Fund L.P.
4.3	(B)	Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2000, among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., KKR 1996 Fund L.P. and KKR Partners II, L.P.
4.4	(B)	First Amendment, dated as of July 23, 2003, to the Registration Rights Agreement, among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., KKR 1996 Fund L.P., KKR Partners II, L.P. and KKR Millennium Fund L.P.
4.5	(C)	Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2003, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
4.6	(B)	Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
4.7	(C)	Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2003, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as Initial Purchasers
4.8	(B)	Stockholders Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2004, among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., KKR 1996 Fund, L.P., KKR Partners II, L.P., KKR Millennium Fund, L.P., KKR Partners III, L.P., KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P., DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V., DLJ MB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG, Millennium Partners II, L.P. and MBP III Plan Investors, L.P.
4.9	(E)	Indenture, dated as of November 10, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
4.10	(E)	Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited, Goldman, Sachs & Co., UBS Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, UBS Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., ING Financial Markets LLC, NatCity Investments, Inc., Rabo Securities USA, Inc. and WestLB AG, London Branch, as the Initial Purchasers
4.11	(B)	Investors' Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2000, among K-L Holdings, Inc., KKR 1996 Fund L.P., KKR Partners II L.P. and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation

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4.12	(B)	Amendment and Supplement No. 1 dated as of February 7, 2001 to the Investors' Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2000,among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., KKR 1996 Fund L.P., KKR Partners II, L.P., Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation and Allianz Lebensversicherungs—AG, Stuttgart
4.13	(B)	Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 14, 2005 to the Investors' Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2000, among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation and SPCP Group, L.L.C.
4.14	(B)	PIK Bridge Loan Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2000, among Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc., the lenders named therein, Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation and Merrill Lynch International.
4.15	(A)	Amendment dated as of May     , 2005 to the PIK Bridge Loan Agreement dated as of November 20, 2000 among Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc. as borrower, SPCP Group, L.L.C., as Lender, and Allianz Lebensversicherungs—AG, Stuttgart, as Noteholder.
5.1	(A)	Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
10.1	(F)	Credit Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Limited, Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent and Collateral agent, and UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Co-Syndication Agents
10.2	(G)	First Amendment, dated as of October 8, 2004, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Limited, Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent and Collateral agent, and UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Co-Syndication Agents
10.3	(H)	Second Amendment, dated as of December 10, 2004, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Limited, Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent and Collateral agent, and UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Co-Syndication Agents
10.4	(F)	Security Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., as US Borrower, the Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent
10.5	(F)	Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., as U.S. Borrower, the Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent
10.6	(F)	Guarantee, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties International, Inc., Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., as U.S. Borrower, the Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent
10.7	(F)	Guarantee, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the Subsidiaries of Rockwood Specialties Limited named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative agent

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10.8	(F)	Senior Subordinated Loan Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Lead Arrangers, Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as Documentation Agent
10.9	(F)	Guarantee, dated as of July 30, 2004, among the Subsidiaries of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. named therein and Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands Branch, UBS Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as Agents
10.10	(C)	Deed of Tax Covenant dated September 25, 2000 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Laporte plc
10.11	(C)	Environmental Deed dated September 25, 2000 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Laporte plc
10.12	(C)	Form of Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2001, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and each Management Stockholder (as defined therein)
10.13	(B)	Form of Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2004 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and each Management Stockholder (as defined therein)
10.14	(B)	Form of Amended and Restated Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of October     , 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and each Management Stockholder (as defined therein)
10.15	(C)	Form of Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2001, among Rockwood Holdings, Inc., each Management Stockholder party to the Management Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2001, KKR Partners II L.P. and KKR 1996 Fund L.P.
10.16	(B)	Form of Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2004, among KKR 1996 Fund L.P., KKR Partners II L.P., KKR Millennium Fund, L.P., KKR Partners III, L.P. and KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership and each Management Stockholder (as defined therein)
10.17	(B)	Form of Amended and Restated Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of October     , 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and each Management Stockholder (as defined therein)
10.18	(C)	Form of Pledge Agreement in favor of Rockwood Specialties, Inc. made by an executive officer in connection with 2001 management equity program
10.19	(C)	Form of Promissory Note made by an executive officer in connection with 2001 management equity program
10.20	(I)	Amended and Restated Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifollah Ghasemi
10.21	(I)	Amended and Restated Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2004, among Seifollah Ghasemi, KKR 1996 Fund L.P., KKR Partners II, L.P., KKR Millennium Fund, L.P., KKR Partners III, L.P. and KKR European Fund, Limited Partnership
10.22	(I)	Time Stock Option Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifollah Ghasemi (included as Exhibit A to the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement listed as Exhibit 10.36 herewith)

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10.23	(L)	Time/Performance Stock Option Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifollah Ghasemi
10.24	(J)	Amended and Restated Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.25	(J)	Time/Performance Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.26	(J)	Performance Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.27	(J)	Amended and Restated Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.28	(B)	Amendment to Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.29	(J)	Amended and Restated Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.30	(J)	Time/Performance Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.31	(J)	Performance Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.32	(J)	Amended and Restated Sale Participation Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.33	(B)	Amendment to Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2004, between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.34	(K)	Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan for Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
10.35	(B)	First Amendment to Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Purchase and Option Plan for Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
10.36	(C)	Employment Agreement dated as of September 28, 2001 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifi Ghasemi
10.37	(I)	First Amendment, dated as of August 9, 2004, to the Employment Agreement dated as of September 28, 2001 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifi Ghasemi
10.38	(I)	Second Amendment, dated as of September 24, 2004, to the Employment Agreement dated as of September 28, 2001 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifi Ghasemi
10.39	(C)	Employment Agreement dated as of March 21, 2001 between Rockwood Specialties, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.40	(J)	Amendment, dated as of October 19, 2004, to the Employment Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2001 between Rockwood Specialties, Inc. and Robert J. Zatta
10.41	(C)	Employment Agreement dated as of October 14, 1994 and amended as of August 26, 1999 between Laporte Inc. and Thomas J. Riordan
10.42	(C)	Profit-Sharing/401(K) Plan for Employees of Rockwood Specialties, Inc.
10.43	(C)	The Rockwood Specialties, Inc. Money Purchase Pension Plan
10.44	(C)	Supplementary Savings Plan of Laporte Inc.

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10.45	(C)	Rockwood Specialties, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
10.46		Management Services Agreement dated as of July 29, 2004 between Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P. and Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
10.47		Termination Agreement dated as of May 13, 2005 between Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III, L.P. and Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
10.48		Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement effective as of November 1, 2001 between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and Seifollah Ghasemi
10.49		Form of 2001 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2001, between K-L Holdings, Inc. and an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.
10.50		Form of 2004 Stock Option Agreement between Rockwood Holdings, Inc. and an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.
11.1	(A)	Statement regarding computation of per share earnings
21.1		List of Subsidiaries
23.1	(A)	Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included as part of its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
23.2		Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.3		Consent of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschftsprüfungsgesellschaft
24.1	(B)	Powers of Attorney

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(A)

To be filed by amendment.

(B)

Previously filed.

(C)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on October 14, 2003.

(D)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on May 4, 2004.

(E)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on November 12, 2004.

(F)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on August 4, 2004.

(G)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on October 12, 2004.

(H)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on December 14, 2004.

(I)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on September 30, 2004.

(J)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on October 19, 2004.

(K)

Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on December 18, 2003.

(L)

Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. filed on April 29, 2005.

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QuickLinks

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Our Company
Acquisitions
The Offering
Risk Factors
Rockwood Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data
Dynamit Nobel Summary Financial Data
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
USE OF PROCEEDS
DIVIDEND POLICY
CAPITALIZATION
DILUTION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Information for the Year Ended December 31, 2004
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Information
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
DYNAMIT NOBEL ACQUISITION
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End/SAR Values
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
UNDERWRITING
Paid by Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
MARKET SHARE AND INDUSTRY DATA
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in millions except per common share data)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in millions)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002 (Dollars in millions)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNAMIT NOBEL COMBINED INCOME STATEMENTS
DYNAMIT NOBEL COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
DYNAMIT NOBEL COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
DYNAMIT NOBEL COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
DYNAMIT NOBEL COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN INVESTMENT BY MG TECHNOLOGIES AG
DYNAMIT NOBEL NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ '000)
DYNAMIT NOBEL CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
DYNAMIT NOBEL CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET JUNE 30, 2004 (Unaudited)
DYNAMIT NOBEL CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET JUNE 30, 2004 (Unaudited)
DYNAMIT NOBEL CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
DYNAMIT NOBEL NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) ($ '000)
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in millions)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in millions, except share amounts)
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in millions)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

SIGNATURES