Akzo Nobel N.V. — M&A Activity 2008

May 9, 2008

Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Communications Strawinskylaan 2555 P.O. Box 75730 1070 AS Amsterdam T +31 (0)20 502 7833 F +31 (0)20 502 7604 www.akzonobel.com

Press release

May 9, 2008

AkzoNobel strengthening Specialty Chemicals portfolio

AkzoNobel is to reinforce its Specialty Chemicals portfolio by acquiring businesses in Europe and Asia. The company has signed two agreements which will strengthen both its paper and polymer chemicals activities.

The first deal involves AkzoNobel's Pulp & Paper Chemicals business, Eka Chemicals, acquiring Levasil, the silica sol business of Germany's H.C. Starck Group. Meanwhile, AkzoNobel Polymer Chemicals has agreed to purchase two organic peroxides product lines from China's Jiangsu QiangSheng.

"These two transactions underline our strategic commitment to grow our existing portfolio," explains Rob Frohn, Akzo Nobel's Board member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. "They will further improve our capability to serve customers in key markets where we already hold strong global positions."

Located in Leverkusen, H.C. Starck supplies its Levasil silica sol brand as a raw material – mainly to markets in Europe – with the plant's production capacity totaling around 30,000 tons a year. The business employs approximately 50 people. Silica sols are used in various manufacturing industries, including paper, electronics and construction.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to be completed no later than the third quarter of 2008.

Jiangsu QiangSheng is China's largest manufacturer and supplier of organic peroxides. AkzoNobel is acquiring two of the company's organic peroxides product lines, which are used mainly in keyboard pads and for the production of silicone rubber. Customers are located primarily in China, Taiwan and Korea.

Completion is expected in the second quarter of 2008.

Financial details were not disclosed. ----

Note to editors – not for publication

AkzoNobel is proud to be one of the world's leading industrial companies. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we make and supply a wide range of paints, coatings and specialty chemicals – pro forma 2007 revenue totaled €14.4 billion. In fact, we are the largest global paints and coatings company. As a major producer of specialty chemicals we supply industries worldwide with quality ingredients for life's essentials. We think about the future, but act in the present. We're passionate about introducing new ideas and developing sustainable answers for our customers. That's why our 60,000 employees – who are based in more than 80 countries – are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today.

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AkzoNobel Contact: Heleen van de Lustgraaf Contact: Dick Luijckx

Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7833 Corporate Investor Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7854

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, changes in the final purchase price allocation for ICI, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business, please see our latest Annual Report, a copy of which can be found on the company's corporate website www.akzonobel.com.