Avantor Performance Materials Completes Acquisition of POCH S.A., Polish Leader in Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Chemicals Manufacturing

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ--(Marketwire - Jun 30, 2011) - Avantor™ Performance Materials has completed its acquisition of POCH S.A. from Kulczyk Holding S.A. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The POCH acquisition complements Avantor's strategy of growing into new markets and geographies, both organically and through acquisition. Avantor announced its intent to acquire POCH S.A. in April, 2011.

Avantor, formerly Mallinckrodt Baker, manufactures and markets high-performance chemistries and materials around the world under several well-respected brand names, including the J.T.Baker^®, Macron™, Rankem™ and Diagnova™ brands. Avantor products are used in a wide range of industries including biotechnology and pharmaceutical production; electronics and photovoltaic manufacturing; and in research, academic and quality control laboratories. The company is owned by an affiliate of private equity firm New Mountain Capital.

Based in Poland, POCH S.A. manufactures products designed for use in classic and instrumental analysis, filtration and microbiology. POCH S.A. also sells laboratory equipment and laboratory glass. In addition, the company manufactures solvents for liquid and gas chromatography and spectroscopy as well as anhydrous solvents. Its markets include pharmaceuticals; food and feed; chemical and petrochemical; environmental protection and research and analytical chemistry.

"POCH is a perfect fit for Avantor because it strengthens our capabilities in Eastern Europe with its expansive manufacturing presence and distribution facility already in place," said Avantor President and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gilson. "As we formally integrate POCH into our organization, we plan to build upon that strong foundation by enhancing our products, support and services to customers in the region."

"Working closely with Avantor presents us with a unique opportunity to collaborate on an enriched product portfolio while also leveraging our proven manufacturing and distribution capabilities," said POCH S.A. Chief Executive Officer Jarosław Bieszczad. "Becoming part of an established global leader also benefits our customers, who will now have access to Avantor's high-quality product line and global support system."

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Wardynski & Partners acted as legal advisors to Avantor and New Mountain Capital.

DC Advisory Partners acted as the sole financial advisor and Clifford Chance as legal advisor to Kulczyk Holding.

Visit www.avantormaterials.com or www.poch.com.pl for more information.

About Avantor™ Performance Materials -- formerly Mallinckrodt Baker
Avantor Performance Materials manufactures and markets high-performance chemistries and materials around the world under several respected brand names, including the J.T.Baker^®, Macron™, Rankem™ and Diagnova™ brands.

Avantor products are used in a wide range of industries. Our biomedical and life science solutions are used in academic, industry and quality control laboratories for research, pharmaceutical production and medical lab testing, while our electronics solutions are used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, photovoltaic cells and flat panel displays. Based in Phillipsburg, New Jersey (USA), Avantor is owned by an affiliate of New Mountain Capital, LLC. For additional information please visit www.avantormaterials.com or follow www.twitter.com/avantor_news.

About New Mountain Capital
New Mountain Capital is a New York-based private equity firm investing for long-term capital appreciation through direct investment in growth equity transactions, leveraged acquisitions, and management buyouts. The firm currently manages private and public equity funds with approximately $9.0 billion in aggregate capital commitments. New Mountain seeks out the highest-quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit www.newmountaincapital.com.

About POCH S.A.
POCH S.A. is a leading and innovative supplier of professional chemicals, equipment and analytic services and innovative solutions. Our offering is directed towards a wide range of industrial trades, for example: pharmaceutical, food, chemical or research laboratories, and covers high quality products as well as professional services.

Products designed for use in classic and instrumental analysis, filtration and microbiology. POCH S.A. also sells laboratory equipment and laboratory glass. Moreover, POCH S.A. also manufactures high purity solvents for liquid and gas chromatography, and spectroscopy as well as anhydrous solvents. For more information on POCH S.A., please visit www.poch.com.pl.

About Kulczyk Holding
Kulczyk Holding is an international investment company, focused on the creation of investment opportunities in global emerging markets. The company's chosen strategic industries are oil and gas; mineral resources; infrastructure; power generation, as well as power and gas distribution and trading. It holds significant assets in the real estate, brewing and automotive industries. For more information, please visit www.kulczykinvestments.com.

Trademarks are owned by Avantor Performance Materials, Inc. or its affiliates unless otherwise noted.
© 2011 Avantor Performance Materials, Inc.