CLEVELAND, January 6, 2003 - The Glidden Company, which does business in North America as ICI Paints, was dismissed last week from a lead paint lawsuit filed in February 2000 by the City of Saint Louis.

The complaint generally alleged that lead paint was a known hazard and that the defendants did nothing to prevent its use or warn the public of potential harm to children. Plaintiffs' counsel dismissed Glidden after it found that the company never manufactured or sold lead products for use in paint.

In the past year, Glidden has been dismissed from 17 lead paint lawsuits in California, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas.

"The growing consensus among respected plaintiffs' lawyers throughout the country is that Glidden simply has no role in lead paint lawsuits," said John Haggerty, Vice President and General Counsel for ICI Paints. "It is gratifying to see them taking the appropriate step of dismissing the company from pending litigation."

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 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 or www.glidden.com