Microcrystalline Cellulose Antitrust Litigation

If you purchased Microcrystalline Cellulose directly from defendant FMC Corporation during the period from January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1997, you may be eligible to participate in a settlement reached in this class action lawsuit.

There were two defendants initially named in this litigation, FMC Corporation (“FMC”) and Asahi Kasei Corporation, formerly known as Asahi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation (“Asahi”). The allegations are that FMC and Asahi conspired to divide the international market for non-Avicel MCC in restraint of trade in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act during the period from January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1997.

Both Asahi and FMC deny the allegations and have raised a number of defenses.

In February 2004 the Class was notified of the existence of this class action, the definition of the Classes, and the nature of the claims.

In April 2005 the Class was notified of a partial settlement of $25,000,000 with Defendant Asahi. A settlement has now been reached with the remaining Defendant, FMC. The settlement, if approved by the Court, will provide an additional $25,000,000 to pay the claims of direct purchasers of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from Defendant FMC in the United States during the period January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1997. This brings the total settlements in this class action to $50,000,000, plus interest earned.

The settlement with FMC, if approved by the Court, will terminate this litigation.

Claim Forms must be filed with the Settlement Administrator postmarked no later than October 30, 2006. Your legal rights are affected whether you act or don’t act.

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