Stake in Singapore Aromatics Plant Sold

BP Amoco PLC 8 December 1999 BP AMOCO SELLS STAKE IN SINGAPORE AROMATICS PLANT TO EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL AFFILIATES Today the shareholders of Singapore Aromatics Company Private (SAC) announced an agreement in principle for ExxonMobil Chemical affiliates to purchase all of the SAC shares owned by affiliates of BP Amoco and China American Petrochemical Company (CAPCO). SAC is a 350,000 metric ton annual (KTA) paraxylene joint venture located in Singapore. Although detailed contracts are still pending, a completed transaction is expected shortly and will include a long term paraxylene offtake agreement between affiliates of ExxonMobil Chemical and affiliates of BP Amoco. Due to the current market conditions for both paraxylene and motor gasoline, SAC plans to temporarily shut down its manufacturing facilities within the next month. A firm shutdown duration has not been established. During the shutdown period,care will be taken to preserve assets for the time when conditions are right for a restart. Paraxylene is used to make intermediate chemicals including purified terephthalic acid (PTA) for the production of polyester. Established in 1995, SAC began production in January of 1997. 'Full ownership of SAC will allow integrated operation of these assets with those of the new Singapore Chemical Complex,' said Ken Robertson, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. 'It will also allow for integration and optimisation with Esso Singapore's refinery.' 'BP Amoco Chemicals views paraxylene as a core business and, together with its affiliates, remains the world's largest consumer and producer. In Singapore, we are converting our equity position in SAC to a long-term supply arrangement with an ExxonMobil Chemical affiliate,' said Mark Noetzel, Group Vice President, BP Amoco Chemicals. 'In Belgium, we are continuing construction of a new 420 KTA paraxylene plant at Geel adjacent to our PTA plants. The Geel paraxylene unit is scheduled to start in the first quarter 2000.' SAC is a joint venture between Exxon Chemical Singapore Private Limited (50 per cent). BP Amoco Chemical Singapore Holding Company (40 per cent) and China American Singapore Company Private Limited (10 per cent). Further information: Prem Nair ExxonMobil Chemical tel: (65) 530 7213 Scott Dean BP Amoco press office tel: (44) 207 496 4344

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