CLEVELAND, December 17, 2002 - ICI Paints, a leading provider of decorative paints, today announced that its North American division has acquired the architectural paint stores operating under the Hancock Paint banner in the Boston region.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The stores were previously owned by a subsidiary of Sico Inc. (SIC/TSE), headquartered in Quebec city. The expansion strengthens ICI Paints' position in the greater Boston area, allowing the company to better serve the professional paint market in the area through additional service locations.

ICI Paints is part of the ICI Group (NYSE: ICI), one of the world's largest producers of specialty products and paints. ICI Paints worldwide has 49 manufacturing sites in 25 countries and more than 15,000 employees. Headquartered in Cleveland, ICI Paints' North American operations produce decorative coatings brands such as Glidden, Dulux, Ralph Lauren, Devoe, Fuller-O'Brien, Sinclair, C-I-L paint, Color Your World and Liquid Nails caulks and adhesives. Products are sold through more than 660 Company stores, national/retail outlets and independent dealers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.icipaints.com.