CP Kelco Announces Pending Acquisition by J.M Huber Corporation

Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II L.P and J.M. Huber Corporation (Huber) have entered into a definitive agreement for Huber to acquire CP Kelco from Lehman Brothers. Huber currently owns a minority position in the company which it acquired from Hercules Incorporated in February 2004.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Lehman Brothers Inc. acted as financial advisor to the company. CP Kelco anticipates the transaction, subject to regulatory approval, will close September 30, 2004. Upon closing, it is expected that CP Kelco will become part of Huber's Engineered Materials Sector, which includes Huber Engineered Materials (HEM) and Noviant.

"I believe this news is excellent for our customers and for our company's future," says Robert B. Toth, CP Kelco's president & CEO. "Huber is very much aligned with our strategic direction and committed to growing our business. As part of this dynamic organization, we will be even better positioned to serve our customers with an increased number of functional products, greater global reach and enhanced technical capabilities."

About CP Kelco:
CP Kelco is a leading global producer of xanthan gum, pectin and carrageenan. The company has more than 2,000 customers in over 100 countries, with facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. For more information on the company, please visit www.cpkelco.com.

About J.M. Huber Corporation:
With reported sales exceeding $1 billion and operations in 18 countries, J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest family-owned companies in the U.S. It is a diversified multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to markets ranging from paper and energy to plastics and construction. The company offers total solutions in inorganic chemistry, engineered wood composites and other specialties. See www.huber.com.

Contact:
Kathy Broska
636-939-9041