Celanese Acquisition of Clariant Emulsion and Powders Business to Take Effect January 1, 2003.

Business Editors

KRONBERG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 2002

Celanese AG (CZZ: FSE; CZ: NYSE) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Clariant AG's European emulsions and global emulsion powders business and will assume control of the business as of January 1, 2003.

European Union authorities approved the transaction on December 16. Celanese announced in September its intent to purchase this business for EUR147 million.

The acquisition builds on Celanese' strong position in the acetyls chemical chain and will be part of the company's Acetyl Products segment. The new business will enable Celanese to offer a comprehensive range of value-added emulsions and emulsion powders that serve as primary ingredients in quality surface coatings, adhesives, non-woven textiles and other applications.

Employing approximately 700 people, the emulsions and emulsion powders business has four production facilities servicing the unique product requirements of customers across Europe. There are also 11 sales offices and seven research and technology centers, all strategically located to provide rapid response to customers. Two of the production facilities are located in Germany and Spain, in close proximity to Celanese plants that supply chemical ingredients for emulsions.

Herve Bellego, the former Head of Clariant's BU Emulsions, will head the emulsions business, which will operate under the name of Celanese Emulsions. Bellego will report to Lyndon Cole, president, Celanese Chemicals. The business will be consolidated in the acetyls segment. A process is underway to integrate the business into Celanese' organization and systems.

Celanese AG is a global chemicals company with leading positions in its key products and world class process technology. The Celanese portfolio consists of five main businesses: Acetyl Products, Intermediates, Acetate Products, Ticona Technical Polymers and Performance Products. Celanese generated sales of around EUR 5.1 billion in 2001 and has about 11,700 employees. The company has 30 production plants and five research centers in 11 countries mainly in North America, Europe and Asia. Celanese AG shares are listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange (stock exchange symbol CZZ) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol CZ). For further information please visit our website (www.celanese.com (http://www.celanese.com)).CZZ) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol CZ).

Forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company.