ChemConnect Launches European Operations.

Business Editors & High-Tech/Science Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2000

ChemConnect Expands With the Opening of Its London Office and

Appointment of Internationally Experienced Industry Leader as Its

Vice-President, Europe

ChemConnect Inc., the world's largest global Internet exchange for all types of chemicals and plastics, today announced the appointment of Paul Hodges as the company's Vice President, Europe. Hodges, who will be based in London, joins ChemConnect from his position as Vice President, Europe/Middle East for Dewitt and Co., a leading consultancy in the global chemicals market. At Dewitt, Hodges developed his expertise in the advantages of Internet-based trading for the global industry. At ChemConnect, Hodges will be responsible for leading the e-commerce, sales and support, and marketing team who will serve the company's clients in Great Britain, as well as overseeing the opening of other company offices throughout Europe.

"Paul's strategic analysis of the future of B2B e-commerce for the chemical industry led him straight to ChemConnect, and we are delighted that it did," said John Beasley, ChemConnect CEO. "Like everyone at ChemConnect, he's a team-player, able to deliver on short-term goals, while keeping firmly in touch with the long-term vision. With Paul's leadership in London, we have taken another major step towards our goal of establishing an international bricks and mortar presence to complement our clicks and mortar exchange."

Prior to working at Dewitt, Hodges had a 17-year career at a number of ICI Group companies. Most recently there, he served as both Managing Director for ICI Watercare, and as Executive Director of ICI Chlor-Chemicals, one of the major chlor-alkali producers in Europe and a global leader in chlorine derivatives. There, he was responsible for introducing new technologies and establishing more effective business processes that decreased product-to-market cycles and increased sales.

He previously worked as Managing Director of ICI Effect Products, as Business Manager-Hydrocarbons for ICI Americas Inc. in Houston, and Product Manager for ICI Hydrocarbons in Teeside, England. He began his ICI career as a Regional Sales Manager in London in 1978.

Before joining the chemicals industry, Hodges worked as a political lobbyist for Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), and the World University Service, both in London.

Hodges holds a BA (Hons) from York University, and IMD, from Lausanne in Managing Corporate Resources.

About ChemConnect

ChemConnect is the Internet's largest global chemical electronic marketplace for all types of chemicals and plastics. Manufacturers, buyers, and intermediaries, around the world, use ChemConnect's World Chemical Exchange, an open, neutral market, to find trading partners, negotiate pricing and complete transactions online. Members of ChemConnect increase profits by gaining access to new markets, save from reducing transaction costs and benefit from up-to-the-minute market information. Founded in 1995, ChemConnect is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Houston, Philadelphia, Singapore and London. Top-tier investment firms including Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), Weiss, Peck & Greer, Goldman Sachs, CMEA Ventures, and Highland Capital Partners back the company. Andersen Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company and Rohm & Haas are also equity investors in ChemConnect. For more information, visit the company's website at www.chemconnect.com.

ChemConnect and World Chemical Exchange are registered trademarks of ChemConnect Incorporated.