Axens and GENTAS to Build Hydroprocessing Catalyst Manufacturing Plant in Saudi Arabia

Paris, France - July 5^th , 2011 - Axens and GENTAS of the Shoaibi Group, announced today they have signed a Letter of Intent to build a world scale hydroprocessing catalyst production plant in Saudi Arabia. The plant will be designed to produce latest generation catalysts able to satisfy customer needs for the production of clean fuels that meet the most stringent environmental specifications.

This plant will serve the local market but will also support the global supply chain of Axens in the field of hydroprocessing catalysts.

"We are excited to invest in a region with one of the highest growths in refining and petrochemicals capacities and move closer to our clients in order to better serve them" - said Jean Sentenac Chairman and CEO of Axens.

Khalid Suhayl Al Shoaibi, GENTAS, Chairman & CEO said, "We are extremely pleased in entering into this manufacturing joint venture with Axens, as it further re-instates our commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia's local content and its petrochemical, manufacturing capabilities".

-Ends-

Axens
Axens, www.axens.net, is an international provider of advanced technologies, catalysts, adsorbent and services, with a global reputation for basic engineering design excellence. The main scope of Axens' business is focused on the conversion of oil, coal, natural gas and biomass to clean fuels as well as production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates. Axens' global offer is based on: highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and extensive commercial feedback from plants using our processes and catalysts all around the world.

Press Contact:
Corinne Garriga,
Communications Manager
Tel.: +33 1 47 14 25 14
Fax: +33 1 47 14 25 43
corinne.garriga@axens.net

GENTAS
General Technology & Systems Company Ltd. ("GENTAS") is a member of the Shoaibi Group undertaking joint ventures with its partner Saudi Trading and Research Company ("STARC").

GENTAS' objectives are to pursue opportunities in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals products and services sectors in Saudi Arabia. By pooling resources, the Shoaibi Group and STARC are able to provide foreign partners with unparalleled local market support and market intelligence. This partnership has proven extremely effective with joint ventures such as Tenaris, Topaz, Techint, Subtech, and others.

For more information please visit www.shoaibigroup.com, or www.starc.com

Press Contact:
Mae Chami
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +973 17566 499
Fax: +973 17587 699
Mae.chami@shoaibigroup.com