KEMIRA WILL BEGIN PURCHASING THE COMPANY'S OWN SHARES THROUGH THE HELSINKI STOCK EXCHANGE

The Kemira Oyj Board of Directors has decided to start a programme for purchase of the company's own shares based on the authorization granted by the annual general meeting of shareholders on 11 April 2000. In accordance with the authorization granted, Kemira Oyj is authorised to purchase a total maximum of 5,440,000 shares (i.e. 4.2% of the company's total shares outstanding), on the Helsinki Exchanges (HEX) at the prevailing market price at any given time.

The shares to be purchased are to be used for the payment of bonuses to personnel funds operating within the Group or for the payment of incentive compensation to company management in lieu of cash, provided that the Supervisory Board/Board of Directors decides to introduce such an incentive compensation system for management, as well as for consideration in acquisitions.