BASF makes direct contact with Engelhard shareholders

29-May-06

BASF has sent a letter to Engelhard’s shareholders, soliciting proxies for use at Engelhard's 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, to vote in favor of BASF's nominees identified in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 12, 2006, and to vote on any other matters that shall be voted upon at Engelhard's 2006 annual meeting of stockholders. BASF may also solicit written consents of Engelhard stockholders to -Amend the bylaws of Engelhard to increase the number of directors on Engelhard’s Board to 12 and provide that any newly created vacancies on Engelhard’s Board of Directors shall be filled by Engelhard’s stockholders -To appoint individuals selected by BASF to fill the vacancies created thereby.