ALCAN

Alcan Committed to its Packaging Business

Alcan Committed to its Packaging Business

MONTREAL, December 15/PRNewswire/ --

Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that recent reports stating that its Packaging business is for sale are false.

'It is Alcan's practice to not comment on rumours, but we find that we must do so at this time, since recent speculation is not only wrong but could also be damaging to the interests of our customers, employees and shareholders,' said Travis Engen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan. 'Our Packaging business is not for sale and any speculation to the contrary is unfounded. It is a high value-added, high-growth business that will continue to create value for our shareholders,' he added.

'Alcan is focused on continuing the integration of the Company's and Pechiney's Packaging businesses, which is on schedule and proceeding well.' concluded Mr. Engen.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminium and packaging, as well as aluminium recycling. With world-class operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium as well as flexible and speciality packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 88,000 people and has operating facilities in 58 countries and regions.

Source: Alcan Inc

Media contact: Anik Michaud, +1-514-848-8151,
media.relations@alcan.com; Investor contact: Corey Copeland,
+1-514-848-8368, investor.relations@alcan.com To request a free copy of this organisation's annual report, please go to http://www.newswire.ca and click on reports@cnw

16 dec 04 09:30