IHDG Acquires Anaglypta and Lincrusta Manufacturing, Marketing and Distribution Rights Globally; New Brands Round out a Strong Product Mix.

Business Editors

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 30, 2001

Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc. (IHDG), the world's leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of wallcoverings, has reached a licensing agreement with Akzo Nobel Decorating Coatings Limited (ANDC).

This agreement gives IHDG the rights to manufacture, market and distribute the Anaglypta and Lincrusta lines of wallpaper globally.

Within the next few weeks the manufacturing of all Anaglypta(R) and Lincrusta(R) products will be transferred to IHDG's factories in Darwen, Lancashire, England and Morcambe, Lancashire, England and Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. This shift will be handled seamlessly from the retailer and consumer perspective.

"These consumer recognized brands in the paintables wallpaper category will provide us with another key market leading product line," said Douglas Kelly, President and CEO of IHDG. "We are excited about being the supplier who is now able to bring these products to the marketplace. We are constantly seeking ways to improve and use our role as the industry leader to move the category forward. This additional offering is yet another way that we are trying to simplify the category for our retailers."

The agreement was executed on Friday, October 19, 2001. Bob Watson, Managing Director of IHDG (UK) Ltd., and his senior management team, spearheaded the negotiations. This agreement will have a positive impact on IHDG's UK operations. The transfer of all manufacturing to IHDG's plants will be completed by the end of 2001. This transition plan will allow for an orderly hand-over ensuring continuity of supply into the marketplace.

Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc. (IHDG) is the world's largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of residential wallcovering products. IHDG also markets commercial wallcoverings and is a premier supplier of poly-vinyl used in the production of pool liners through the Vernon Plastics operating division. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, IHDG supplies home centers, national chains, independent dealers, mass merchants, design showrooms and specialty shops.

IHDG markets their products under the Imperial, Katzenbach & Warren, Albert Van Luit, Sterling Prints, Imperial Fine Interiors, Sunworthy and Colorfields brand names. The company was created in 1998 through the merger of Imperial Wallcoverings and Borden Decorative Products.