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 the purchase of the company’s own shares based on the authorization granted by the annual general meeting of shareholders on 3 April 2001. In accordance with the authorization granted, Kemira Oyj is authorized to purchase a total maximum of 6,118,000 shares (i.e. 5 % of the company’s total number of shares outstanding) on the Helsinki Exchanges at the prevailing market price.

The shares to be purchased can be used in payment of bonuses through personnel funds operating within the Group provided the Board of Directors decides to introduce such a compensation system. The shares can be used also as consideration in acquisitions.