The success of the first share capital increase underlines the personnel’s confidence in and commitment to Arkema’s industrial project aimed at creating value over the long term. Some 4,000 employees from 19 countries have subscribed to 618,462 shares in total, thereby doubling the quota of employee shareholding to over 2 %.

With the aim of involving its personnel in the Group’s development, less than two years after its stock market listing, Arkema launched a share capital increase program reserved for its employees. The operation took place from March 25th to April 13th 2008, with a subscription price of € 30.42 per share, as fixed by the Board of Directors on March 4th 2008. This price corresponds to the average of the opening market price at the Paris Bourse over the 20 trading days preceding the Board of Directors' meeting, minus a 20 % discount.
"This initial share capital increase has truly been a success, reflecting the confidence of Arkema’s personnel in their Group and their commitment to its development strategy" comments Michel Delaborde, Arkema Executive Vice President Human Resources and Communication.

Following this operation, Arkema’s share capital has increased to € 610,722,850 divided into 61,072,285 shares, and employee shareholding from 1 % to over 2 %.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three strategically related businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 5.7 billion euros in 2007. Arkema has 15,200 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.