Pre-close Statement

Yule Catto & Co PLC 08 December 2004 Yule Catto & Co plc Pre-close Statement In keeping with best practice, Yule Catto & Co plc makes the following pre-close statement ahead of entering its close period on 31 December 2004: The double digit volume growth in the Polymer division reported at the half-year has continued, highlighting the benefit of the investment made in additional manufacturing capacity across the world. The impact of the price of oil remains an issue and although it has fallen from recent peak levels, it continues to be reflected in high downstream monomer costs. Coupled with an environment of tight monomer supplies, this will impact upon margins for the division, which are expected to be lower in the second half compared to the first six months of 2004. Growth in the global proton pump inhibitor market, combined with pipeline filling for the launch of ZegeridTM in October in the USA, has resulted in strong sales of omeprazole. With sales of other products at predicted levels, profit in the Pharma and Fine Chemical division will exceed expectation. Overall, earnings for the year are anticipated to be in line with market forecasts. 8 December 2004 ENQUIRIES: Yule Catto Tel: 01279 442791 Alex Walker, Chief Executive Sean Cummins, Finance Director College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 Gareth David Crawford Burden NOTES TO EDITORS Yule Catto is an international producer of speciality chemicals, which are supplied to global customers, ranging from manufacturers of medical gloves, paint and adhesives to the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. The group is based in Harlow, Essex, employs a total of 3,500 people and has operations in the UK, continental Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Middle East and South Africa. Yule Catto comprises three divisions: Polymer Chemicals, Pharma and Fine Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. ZegeridTM is the patented immediate release formulation of omeprazole launched by Santarus Inc (www.santarus.com) for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange DDLFBZLBBFBV