ALCAN INC

Alcan Sells Distributor Almet France to Amari Metal France

Alcan Sells Distributor Almet France to Amari Metal France

MONTREAL, April 20/PRNewswire/ -- Alcan Inc. (NYSE: AL , TSX: AL) announced today that it has completed the sale of Almet France to U.S.-based Amari Metal France Ltd., which specializes in distributing aluminum, stainless steel and cuprous metal products. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

'The acquisition by a major international multi-metal distributor is a good opportunity to ensure a bright future for Almet France, with an approach and resources adapted to its market,' said Michel Jacques, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Engineered Products. 'Alcan's strategy involves channelling its investments toward more specialized activities, which means withdrawing from non-specialized distribution,' he added.

Alcan retains and will develop the French company Alcan CMIC (based in Ozoir la Ferrière, Nantes and Chassieu/Lyon), which operates service centres specializing in aerospace products, shipbuilding alloys and mechanical applications. Alcan CMIC is a part of Alcan's Engineered Products service center business unit, which continues to meet its customers' needs and maximize value by expanding its finishing-service business through its international network.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty 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 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.

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Source: Alcan Inc

For further information: Media Contact: Chrystèle Ivins, +33-(0)1-56-28-24-18, chrystele.ivins@alcan.com; Anik Michaud,
+1-514-848-8151, media.relations@alcan.com; Investor Contact: Corey Copeland, +1-514-848-8368, investor.relations@alcan.com

21 apr 05 09:10