Akzo Nobel strengthens position in the U.S. woodcare market

Arnhem, the Netherlands, August 1, 2006 — With the acquisition of The Flood Company—the biggest independent woodcare business in the United States— Akzo Nobel has taken a significant step to strengthen its position in the North American wood coatings market. Established in Ohio in 1847, The Flood Company specializes in high quality exterior wood finishes. The deal will substantially increase Akzo Nobel’s existing share of the U.S. woodcare market. Flood’s annual sales turnover is about USD 55 million. ”Following on from the acquisition of Sico, Canada’s leading decorative coatings company, this transaction allows Akzo Nobel to exploit another attractive segment of the North American coatings market,“ explained Hans Wijers, Akzo Nobel CEO and member of the Board of Management responsible for Coatings. “We are already firmly established in wood coatings in North America through our renowned Sikkens brand. Acquiring Flood and its successful portfolio of products will now enable us to create a focused retailer, dealer, professional contractor and consumer woodcare business and reinforce our current market position in the U.S., making us one of the leading players in this sector.” Flood’s exterior product line accounts for around 90 percent of its sales, with the company’s pioneering Penetrol® technology—a paint additive with unique penetrating properties—is an important component in many of its exterior wood finishes and paint additives. Flood also produces a range of products for the restoration of vinyl siding and shutters marketed under the Restora® brand. Added Anthony Ciepiel, Flood’s President and COO: “The Flood Company will now benefit from the scale and the power of a multi-billion dollar global brand in the diversified businesses of coatings and chemicals. This position coupled with the financial resources of the world’s largest coatings company will allow the Flood brand to take on a leadership position in the premium exterior woodcare and specialty coatings industry.” A family-owned paint contractor business established more than 160 years ago, Flood’s manufacturing facilities are located in Hudson, Ohio, a southeastern suburb of Cleveland. Its products are actively marketed throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia. Akzo Nobel – Global Leader in Coatings Akzo Nobel is the world’s largest coatings manufacturer. The company achieved global sales in coatings of EUR 5.56 billion in 2005 and commands leading market positions in nearly all its coatings businesses. Akzo Nobel develops, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality products and services for most market segments. The company’s extensive portfolio includes decorative paints; products for industrial applications such as powder, wood, coil and specialty coatings; automotive refinishes; marine, protective and aerospace coatings; and coatings related products such as wood and building adhesives. Brands include global and household names such as Crown®, International®, Sikkens®, Interpon®, Levis® and Sadolin®. - - - Not for publication – for more information Akzo Nobel nv Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 43 43 Contact: Holger Ebbighausen Note for the editor Akzo Nobel is a Global Fortune 500 company and is listed on both the Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ stock exchanges. It is also included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and FTSE4Good Index. Based in the Netherlands, we are a multicultural organization serving customers throughout the world with human and animal healthcare products, coatings, and chemicals. We employ around 62,440 people and conduct our activities in four segments − human and animal health, coatings and chemicals − subdivided into 13 business units, with operating subsidiaries in more than 80 countries. Consolidated revenues for 2005 totaled EUR 13.0 billion. The financial results for the third quarter will be published on October 18, 2006. Internet: www.akzonobel.com Safe Harbor Statement* This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel’s growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical 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, progress of drug development, clinical testing and regulatory approval, 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which can be found on the company’s corporate website www.akzonobel.com. * Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995.