Rockwood Press Release

For Immediate Distribution June 30, 2008

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Contact: Axel Markens Phone: +49 2066 22-2623

Sachtleben announces price increases for titanium dioxide and barium sulfate.

Diusburg, Germany (June 30, 2008) – Sachtleben Chemie GmbH, of Duisburg, Germany, today announced that it is increasing its prices for pigmentary titanium dioxide grades (rutile and anatase types) and for all synthetic barium sulfate grades with effect from July 15, 2008. The move is intended to balance out at least partially the drastic recent increases in costs for raw materials, energy and transport.

The continuing immense cost-pressure for all basic requisites and, in particular, for feedstocks, sulfur/sulfuric acid, energy, transport, logistics and maintenance/labour has obliged Sachtleben to increase its prices for all titanium dioxide products on a global basis by € 120/US $ 180 per tonne with effect from July 15, 2008. Prices for the various particle grades that make up Sachtleben's broad range of synthetic barium sulfate products are to be increased by 15% in each case. All market segments, extending from man-made fibers via paper and plastics, up to and including paints and coatings, will be affected by this increase.

This step had long been necessary, in order to at least partially correct the extremely tense profit situation experienced by the entire titanium dioxide industry. Only in this way will it remain possible to continue conducting extensive - and vitally necessary - programs of investment in Research & Development, highly demanding environmental and quality standards, and in the latest plant hardware. These investments form the foundation stone for reliable and sustainable assuredness of supply of innovative white pigments and functional additives for discerning customers in all market segments around the globe.

Rockwood Holdings, Inc. is a leading global specialty chemicals and advanced materials company. Rockwood has a worldwide employee base of approximately 9,500 people and annual net sales of approximately $3.1 billion. The company focuses on global niche segments of the specialty chemicals, pigments and additives and advanced materials markets. For more information on Rockwood, please visit www.rocksp.com.