press release 02.03.2007

Avantium doubles R&D capacity to accommodate strong business growth

Avantium Technologies B.V. has announced the expansion of its R&D facilities in Amsterdam to accommodate the strong growth of its high-throughput R&D business. The expansion involves that Avantium will double its capacity with the addition of 2,500 metres squared (27,000 feet squared) of laboratory and office space. Avantium anticipates it will start using the new facilities by the first quarter of 2008.

Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer of Avantium said: "Avantium has made excellent progress over the past years, with our revenues increasing by over 40% per year. The expansion will provide us with sufficient capacity to accommodate the anticipated growth of our business in the coming years. Our site in Amsterdam is an attractive location because of its close proximity to Schiphol Airport, which makes it easy to reach for our global customer base. In addition Amsterdam is a good area to attract highly educated scientists and creative people, which we need to further strengthen our team."

About Avantium
Avantium Technologies is a privately held, innovation-based research company located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Avantium provides high-throughput experimentation services and technologies to enable chemicals and life science companies to accelerate Research & Development. Avantium's proprietary platforms and skill sets reduce the time-to-market and improve the economics and success rate of research.

For further information about this press release please contact:
Tom van Aken: Tel +31-20-586 8003, email: tom.vanaken@avantium.com