• Successful development of the company by AURELIUS since acquisition in 2007
• Company valued at 42 million Euros (enterprise value)
• Indorama to combine globally leading businesses in virgin and recycled polyester

September, 21, 2011 – AURELIUS Group is selling its subsidiary Wellman International, headquartered in Mullagh, Ireland, to Thailand-based industrial group Indorama for an enterprise value of 42 million Euros. Wellman has been part of AURELIUS Group since July 2007, when it was acquired from US-based Wellman Inc. Since then Wellman has undergone a comprehensive realignment led by AURELIUS and today is Europe´s largest recycler of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles as well as a leading European producer of polyester staple fibre products. Applications for which fibres produced by Wellman are used are diverse, ranging from home furnishings and personal care items such as baby diapers to technical applications such as automotive, insulation and filtration products. Wellman operates three production sites. The recycling plants are located in Spijk, The Netherlands and Verdun, France while headquarters and fibre production are located in Mullagh, Ireland. In 2010 Wellman achieved sales of 124 million Euros.

Successful realignment by AURELIUS

Since becoming part of the AURELIUS Group, business structure and operations of Wellman have been improved significantly. In addition to the introduction of new and efficient controlling systems, quality assurance and sales activities have been strenghtened and the product portfolio was upgraded towards high end fibres for application in the hygiene industry. Important investments made include a new flake laser sorting machine and the newly installed bulk delivery bay.

At this years industry tradeshow "Heimtextil", Wellman furthermore announced the launch of its new divisional business structure. This new organization incorporates three new separate divisions, namely Wellman Smart Fibres, Wellman Hygiene Fibres and Wellman Essential Fibres. This re-organisation of the business reflects an increasing emphasis on new technical developments within the company and more clearly defines the nature and direction of the business moving into the new decade. The new structure further supports the sharing and development of new technological advances and innovative concepts with its customers.

"Our intense restructuring efforts over the last four years have been paying off. Selling the company to Indorama now demonstrates the success of our business model," says Gert Purkert, Member of the Board of AURELIUS AG and in charge of this business.

Indorama Group is the largest vertically integrated polyester producer in the world and a leading global manufacturer of wool yarns. Headquartered in Bangkok; Thailand, Indorama has three polyester verticals, namely PET resin, PTA and Polyester. Fibres and Yarns are manufactured in 12 countries on 4 continents. Indorama Group generated revenues of more than 4.6 billion US-dollars in 2010 and is listed on the Bangkok Stock Exchange. The acquisition of Wellman by Indorama offers an opportunity to combine a global leader in virgin polyester with a leader in recycled polyester. This combination will be of considerable strategic benefit to both Indorama and Wellman as well as to the common clients who will benefit from increased innovation and knowledge sharing between the two organizations.

About Wellman International Limited

Wellman International is Europe`s leading producer of high quality polyester staple fibers. It manufactures high quality polyester products from recycled post consumer PET bottles. The company is Europe`s largest PET recycler, processing 1.6 billion post consumer PET bottles annually. It also leads the industry in the development of new fiber technologies. Wellman International offers premium products which deliver efficient throughputs. The company has 40 years of expertise across a diverse range of markets with guaranteed service provision and technical support. It has a dedicated research and development function driving innovation.

About Indorama Ventures

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB) is a leading producer in the polyester value chain in Thailand with strong global network and manufacturing across Asia, Europe and North America. Its products serve major players in diversified end use markets, including food, beverages, personal and home care, health care, automotives, textile, and industrial. The company`s main products are PTA, PET and Polyester fibre, which are distributed across the world. IVL has approximately 7,996 employees worldwide and last 12 months consolidated revenue of 4.6 billion USD.