PRESS RELEASE Berli Jucker PCL and The East Asiatic (Thailand) PCL join forces in Soda Ash distribution BJC Specialties, a subsidiary of Berli Jucker PCL, and EAC Thailand have agreed to establish a joint venture, Berli Asiatic Soda Company Limited to market and distribute soda ash in Thailand on behalf of Magadi Soda Company of Kenya. The initial focus of the joint venture is the container glass industry. It is envisaged that the float- & plate glass industries as well as the general chemicals industries will constitute increasingly important market segments as the Thai economy improves. The joint venture combines the strength of EAC and BJC Specialties in the importation and distribution of raw materials to industry. Berli Asiatic Soda Company Ltd. will provide its customers with cost effective logistics facilities, assurance of supply and cost competitive Soda Ash. Magadi Soda Company ("Magadi") extracts and refines natural sodium carbonate from the vast deposits in Lake Magadi, Kenya, East Africa. Over the past years the Magadi operation has expanded and improved logistics and production facilities in Kenya. Due to the proximity, South East Asia is the key market for Magadi, and during the past 50 years, Magadi has been a major supplier to the glass industry in Thailand. The joint venture provides a basis for expanding Magadi' s position in Thailand. The glass industry is seen to offer long term sustainable growth opportunities. Date: 7 December 1999 For further information contact: ---------------------- ------------------------------ Berli Jucker PCL EAC (Thailand) PCL ---------------------- ------------------------------ - David J. Nicol, President & CEO - Ole P. Wissing, Tel. No. 367-1023 Commercial Director Email: davidnicol@berlijucker.co.th Tel. No. 679-7444 ext. 3072 - Peter E. Romhild, Managing Director Berli Jucker Specialties Ltd. Tel. No. 367-1095 Email: p.romhild@berlijucker.co.th