Lonza Finalizes the Selling of the Majority of its Shares in Polynt S.p.A.

14/02/08 Lonza Group announces the closing of the selling of approximately 90% (~28.50 million shares) of its holding in Polynt S.p.A. for Euro 3.67 per share to Polimeri Speciali S.p.A., an Italian company indirectly controlled by Investindustrial, as of February 12, 2008. Lonza remains a shareholder of Polynt S.p.A. with a total stake of approximately 3.39%.

This transaction represents the next milestone in Lonza’s strategy to focus on its life science operations, following the transformational changes to its portfolio implemented over the last year. Over 90% of Lonza’s sales now relate directly to the life sciences.

Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Its products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Lonza is also a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.