Barry Callebaut to buy a 60%-stake in KL-Kepong Cocoa Products Sdn Bhd from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad in Malaysia

31 maart 2008 * Barry Callebaut to acquire from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad a 60% stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary KL Kepong Cocoa Products Sdn Bhd (KLK Cocoa) to further expand its footprint in Asia * KLK Cocoa is one of Asia's leading cocoa and chocolate manufacturers and has annual sales of RM 500 million (USD 150 million) * Partnership will allow Barry Callebaut to tap into KLK Cocoa's strong local expertise and established cocoa business in Asia while KLK Cocoa will be able to leverage its business to a broader and global platform Zurich, Switzerland / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 31, 2008. - Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), a Malaysia-based multinational company involved in plantations, manufacturing, retailing and property development, today announced that they have entered into an agreement whereby KLK will sell 60% of its wholly-owned subsidiary KLK Cocoa to Barry Callebaut. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Ministry of International Trade & Industry of Malaysia and is expected to close by the end of April 2008. KLK Cocoa will then change its name to Barry Callebaut Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Barry Callebaut). The experienced management team of KLK Cocoa will transfer to Barry Callebaut, and Barry Callebaut will assume responsibility for Barry Callebaut Malaysia. The partnership will allow Barry Callebaut to benefit from KLK Cocoa's strong local expertise and to tap into its established cocoa business in Malaysia while KLK Cocoa will be able to leverage its business to a broader and global platform. Contacts Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad for investors and financial analysts and the media: David Chong, General Manager Corporate Division Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad Phone: +60378842755 david.chong@klk.com.my Barry Callebaut for investors and financial analysts: for the media: Daniela Altenpohl, Head of IR Gaby Tschofen, VP Corp.Communications Barry Callebaut AG Barry Callebaut AG Phone: +41 43 204 04 23 Phone: +41 43 204 04 60 daniela_altenpohl@barry-callebaut.com gaby_tschofen@barry-callebaut.com The news release can be downloaded from the following link: