HOUSTON — The KRATON™ Polymers Business celebrates its independence from Shell as it embarks on a future under new ownership. U.S.-based, private-investment firm Ripplewood Holdings LLC successfully concluded its deal to purchase the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of styrenic block copolymers (SBC) from the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies in New York on Feb. 28, 2001.

John Georges, managing director of Greenwich Chemical Partners and an affiliate of Ripplewood Holdings, is chairman of the new KRATON™ Polymers Business, with former vice president Steve Wood taking the chief executive position.

The KRATON™ Polymers Business pioneered SBC technology in the 1960s. Its high-performance KRATON™ polymers are manufactured in six countries — Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States. Research centers in each region support international sales, marketing and distributor networks serving customers in more than 120 countries.

From enhancing grip, appearance and long-term performance to improving production efficiency, KRATON polymers benefit a wide range of applications and industries including automotive, construction, footwear, high-tech communications, packaging and personal hygiene.

For more information on the KRATON™ Polymers Business, visit www.kraton.com.