CLEVELAND, December 16, 2003 - ICI Paints, a worldwide leader in marketing and manufacturing respected paint and coating brands, today announced that its North American division has acquired eight architectural paint stores in the San Joaquin Valley from the Wilshire Paint Company of Fresno, California.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens ICI Paints' position in the area, allowing the company to better serve the local professional paint market through additional service locations. ICI Paints now has 75 company-owned stores in California.

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 company stores, national/retail outlets and independent dealers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.icipaints.com/NA.