Arnhem, the Netherlands - The European equivalent of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in the United States (on which Akzo Nobel was listed last year), the FTSE4Good indexes - which are used extensively by investors worldwide - measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognized CSR standards.

"We are very proud of this listing, which is further acknowledgement of our commitment to making CSR a fundamental component of Akzo Nobel's business strategy," said CEO Hans Wijers. "Conducting our activities in a sustainable manner is key to our success and we will continue to set ambitious CSR targets in order to meet the demands of the future."

The FTSE4Good selection criteria cover areas of environmental sustainability, developing positive relationships with stakeholders and upholding and supporting universal human rights. Akzo Nobel already complied with a number of criteria and was included on the list after recently meeting two additional requirements: human rights criteria for companies with a "significant presence" in countries of concern and countering bribery criteria for "high risk" companies.

"Social responsibility is an integral part of our growth strategy and it's important that our efforts to embed CSR into all our businesses and processes are being recognized," continued Wijers, who added that Akzo Nobel will be publishing its 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Report in early April. "This FTSE4Good listing helps to enhance our reputation for overall operational excellence and highlights the fact that we are fully committed to the continued improvement of our sustainability performance."

Commenting on the index, Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive of FTSE Group, said: "The FTSE4Good index is a driving force in encouraging companies globally to be more aware of criteria used for socially responsible investment. We are committed to working with investors, companies and other interested parties to develop and encourage corporate responsible behavior, which enhances shareholder value."

A world leader in the creation and management of indexes, the FTSE Group also operates several other globally recognized indexes, including the FTSE All-World Index, the FTSEurofirst Index series and the prominent FTSE 100.

Note for the editor
Akzo Nobel is a Global Fortune 500 company and is listed on both the Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ stock exchanges. It is also listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. Based in the Netherlands, we are a multicultural organization serving customers throughout the world with human and animal healthcare products, coatings, and chemicals. We employ around 61,500 people and conduct our activities in four segments - human and animal health, coatings and chemicals - subdivided into 13 business units, with operating subsidiaries in more than 80 countries. Consolidated revenues for 2005 totaled EUR 13.0 billion. The financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 20, 2006.

Internet: www.akzonobel.com

Not for publication - for more information
Akzo Nobel nv
Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 43 43
Contact: Patricia Janssen

Safe Harbor Statement*
This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, progress of drug development, clinical testing and regulatory approval, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please see our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which can be found on the company's corporate website www.akzonobel.com. The 2005 Annual Report on Form 20-F will be available in the second quarter of 2006.

* Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995.

AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel

Akzo Nobel is a Global Fortune 500 company and is listed on both the Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ stock exchanges. It is also included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and FTSE4Good Index. Based in the Netherlands, we are a multicultural organization serving customers throughout the world with human and animal healthcare products, coatings, and chemicals. We employ around 61,500 people and conduct our activities in four segments - human and animal health, coatings and chemicals - subdivided into 13 business units, with operating subsidiaries in more than 80 countries.

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