Texel Inc., a unit of technical nonwoven and composite materials company ADS, Canada, is planning a
large expansion of its nonwovens capacity.Texel will install state-of-the-art capacity to make as
much as 12,000 tons of advanced spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. Its technology will produce a variety
of differentiated spunlaced nonwovens. The company will be the only producer of spunlaced in
Canada.Simultaneously, Texel will invest to expand its technical needlepunched nonwovens capacity.

October 2000

Bayer Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Project Toledo Acquisition Corp.,
have entered into a definitive agreement with Sybron Chemicals Inc., Birmingham, N.J., to acquire
all of Sybrons outstanding shares at $35 per share, payable in cash. Any shares not purchased in
the tender offer will be exchanged for cash in the amount of $35 per share in a merger of Sybron
and Project Toledo Acquisition Corp. The acquisition is subject to approvals from regulatory
authorities in the United States and in Europe as well as other customary conditions.This
acquisition will provide Bayers Coatings and Colorants Business Group (Polymers segment) and
Special Products Business Group (Chemicals segment) with access to new technologies and products
and will enable them to expand their market positions in the NAFTA region. “Sybron Chemicals Inc.
offers us an excellent opportunity to strategically augment and strengthen important business
sectors and thus continue to enhance the value of our business” said Dr. Manfred Schneider,
chairman, Bayer Management Board.

October 2000

Germany-based Lurgi Zimmer will supply the technology, equipment and complete engineering to build
a plant for the U.S. polyester producer TIEPET Inc., Asheboro, N.C. The two companies have signed
an agreement for a polyester plant designed to produce 65,000 tons per year of PET granulates,
based on Zimmers continuous polycondensation process. Lurgi Zimmer will also be responsible for
supervising the erection and commissioning of the plant, scheduled for start-up in June/July 2002.

October 2000

EcomTextile Inc, Fullerton, Calif., announced a strategic alliance with Atlanta-based eSASA.com.
The working agreement between the two companies will provide users with direct links between the
two sites. Visitors to eSASA.com can click on the EcomTextile.com link to arrive at the EcomTextile
site, allowing them to explore and and utilize its features to buy and sell their products.
Conversely, users of EcomTextile.com can select its machinery option to experience a transfer to
the textile equipment segment of eSASA.com.In addition to the links on their sites, eSASA.com and
EcomTextile are planning a number of joint efforts to introduce the services and functions provided
by each party to the global fibers, textiles and sewn products industry. This includes a presence
at upcoming trade shows, as well as joint sponsorship of industry events, conferences and
seminars.EcomTextile Inc. has also created an alliance with CIT Commercial Services, New York City.
Under the agreement, CIT will be a resource to provide factoring and financing services to
EcomTextile.com users.

October 2000

Shaw Industries Inc., Dalton, Ga., has announced that Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Omaha, Neb., has
offered to purchase between 80.1 and 86 percent of the outstanding shares of Shaw Industries for
$19 per share in cash. The offer is subject to approval of Shaws Board of Directors and is not
subject to any financing contingencies.Robert E. Shaw, CEO and chairman of the Board of Directors,
Shaw Industries, and Julian D. Saul, president, Shaw Industries, together with members of their
immediate families, will each retain a minimum 5 percent ownership interest. Other shares not
purchased by Berkshire Hathaway would be owned by other members of management of Shaw Industries.
Shaw will continue to operate under its current management with the corporate headquarters
remaining in Dalton.The Shaw Board of Directors appointed a special committee of non-management
members of the Board, consisting of Thomas G. Cousins, J. Hicks Lanier, Robert J. Lunn and Roberto
Garza Delgado, to consider the offer and make a recommendation to the Board. No time frame was
established for the conclusion of the committees actions, but Berkshire Hathaway is prepared to
consummate the proposed transaction as soon as practicable, according to a spokesman for Shaw
Industries.Both Shaw and Saul expressed to the Board their support in principle for the proposed
transaction.

October 2000

American Fibers and Yarns Co., Cumming, Ga., announced that, subject to completion of true
diligence, it has agreed to buy certain assets associated with the operation of RAM Extrusion,
Dalton, Ga. The purchase includes the filament yarn-related business but does not include any
staple or carpet yarn.Frank G. Andrusko, president and CEO, American Fibers and Yarns, said, “Our
strategy is clearly focused on the expansion of our leadership position in olefin filament yarn for
home and commercial furnishings, apparel, automotive and industrial applications. The acquisition
of RAMs assets dovetails nicely with our current market and customer base and also supports our
growth plans.”

October 2000

Sapona Manufacturing Co., Cedar Falls, N.C., and Celanese Acetate, New York City, have announced
the joint creation of new Celanna brand yarns that will be available globally. Celanna is an
air-entangled combination of cellulose acetate with various other fibers, resulting in a yarn with
enhanced physical properties. Garments made from Celanna blends offer comfort and performance; feel
smooth against the skin; and have a flattering drape and a soft, fluid hand, according to Sapona.
Initially, the companies will offer fabric blends of Celanese acetate and nylon fibers. Easy-care
Celanna blends open new markets for acetate, such as seamless bodywear, because they are washable
in some constructions. Other end-use markets for Celanna knits and wovens include tailored mens and
womens sportswear, dresses, sweater knits and upholstery.”Under agreement with Celanese Acetate,
Sapona will be the sole source for several acetate blends under the Celanna trademark. Sapona has
put forth extensive development effort and capital expenditure to produce new Celanna quality
yarns,” said Dean Lail, president, Sapona. “Together they are developing yarns, fabrics and
processes that will help speed up the introduction of a broad range of new knit and woven apparel
products.”

October 2000