HOUSTON and LONDON, June 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, today announced that it has received antitrust clearance from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHLM).

The European Commission's clearance for the transaction satisfies one of the conditions for the closing of the pending acquisition, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of other required regulatory clearances and approvals. Shareholders of A. Schulman voted in favor of the transaction on June 14.

As previously announced on February 15, 2018, LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

The pending acquisition has already been cleared by antitrust regulators in the United States, Brazil, China, Serbia, Turkey and Mexico. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

More information on the transaction can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com/AdvancedPolymerSolutions.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,400 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, Inc. ("Schulman"), including statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of LyondellBasell and Schulman and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, the risk that Schulman shareholders may not adopt the merger agreement, the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated, failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger and the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of LyondellBasell and Schulman to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in LyondellBasell's and Schulman's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither LyondellBasell nor Schulman is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

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SOURCE LyondellBasell

HOUSTON and LONDON, May 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, today announced that it has received unconditional clearance from the Chinese State Administration of Market Regulation ("SAMR") for its pending acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHLM).

SAMR's clearance for the transaction satisfies one of the conditions for the closing of the pending acquisition, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including approval by A. Schulman shareholders and the receipt of other required regulatory clearances and approvals.

As previously announced on February 15, 2018, LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

The pending acquisition has already been cleared by antitrust regulators in the United States, Brazil, Serbia and Turkey. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

More information on the transaction can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com/AdvancedPolymerSolutions.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,400 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, Inc. ("Schulman"), including statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of LyondellBasell and Schulman and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, the risk that Schulman shareholders may not adopt the merger agreement, the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated, failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger and the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of LyondellBasell and Schulman to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in LyondellBasell's and Schulman's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither LyondellBasell nor Schulman is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between LYB and Schulman. In connection with the proposed transaction, Schulman plans to file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). SHAREHOLDERS OF SCHULMAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT SCHULMAN WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. Shareholders and investors will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available) and other documents filed by Schulman at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement (when they become available) and the filings that will be incorporated by reference therein may also be obtained, without charge, from Schulman's website, aschulman.com, under the heading "Investors" or by contacting Schulman's Investor Relations at 330-668-7346 or jennifer.beeman@aschulman.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

LYB, Schulman, their directors, executive officers and certain employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger. Information regarding LYB's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 11, 2018. Information regarding Schulman's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 27, 2017. Other information regarding persons who may be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation, including their respective interests by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the definitive proxy statement that Schulman has filed with the SEC in connection with the special meeting of stockholders to be held on June 14, 2018. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

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SOURCE LyondellBasell

HOUSTON and LONDON, March 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, today announced that the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act"), with respect to its pending acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHLM).

The termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act satisfies one of the conditions for the closing of the pending acquisition, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including approval by A. Schulman shareholders and the receipt of other required regulatory clearances and approvals.

As previously announced on February 15, 2018, LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

More information on the transaction can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com/AdvancedPolymerSolutions.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,400 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, Inc. ("Schulman"), including statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of LyondellBasell and Schulman and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, the risk that Schulman shareholders may not adopt the merger agreement, the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated, failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger and the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of LyondellBasell and Schulman to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in LyondellBasell's and Schulman's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither LyondellBasell nor Schulman is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and Schulman. In connection with the proposed transaction, Schulman plans to file a proxy statement with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF SCHULMAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT SCHULMAN WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. Shareholders and investors will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available) and other documents filed by Schulman at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement (when they become available) and the filings that will be incorporated by reference therein may also be obtained, without charge, from Schulman's website, aschulman.com, under the heading "Investors" or by contacting Schulman's Investor Relations at 330-668-7346 or jennifer.beeman@aschulman.com.

Participants in the Solicitation
LyondellBasell, Schulman, their directors, executive officers and certain employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger. Information regarding LyondellBasell's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 6, 2017. Information regarding Schulman's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 27, 2017. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC (when they become available). These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

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SOURCE LyondellBasell

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq. and the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") are investigating the proposed sale of A. Schulman, Inc. ("Schulman" or the "Company") (NasdaqGS: SHLM) to LyondellBasell Industries N.V. ("LyondellBasell") (NYSE: LYB).  Under the terms of the proposed transaction, shareholders of Schulman will receive only $42.00 in cash and one contingent value right for each share of Schulman that they own. KSF is seeking to determine whether this consideration and the process that led to it are adequate, or whether the consideration undervalues the Company.

If you believe that this transaction undervalues the Company and/or if you would like to discuss your legal rights regarding the proposed sale, you may, without obligation or cost to you, e-mail or call KSF Managing Partner Lewis S. Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) toll free at any time at 855-768-1857, or visit  https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-shlm/ to learn more.

To learn more about KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General, visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
206 Covington St.
Madisonville, LA 70447

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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

HOUSTON and LONDON and AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

• Creates an industry-leading compounding business with combined revenue of $4.6 billion¹ and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million² over the last 12 months
• Expects to capture $150 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years, while being accretive to earnings within the first full year following the close, creating significant value for shareholders
• Doubles the size of LyondellBasell's existing compounding business and establishes a platform for future growth with reach into additional high-growth markets
• Complementary strengths and capabilities will provide customers with a full range of innovative products and end-to-end solutions

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, and A. Schulman, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHLM), a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform in this space to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

"The acquisition of A. Schulman is a natural extension of our current platform. This combination will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of innovative solutions while adding the ability to serve high-growth end markets beyond the automotive sector, such as packaging and consumer products, electronics and appliances, building and construction, and agriculture," said Bob Patel, Chief Executive Officer of LyondellBasell. "By leveraging our proven approach to operational, commercial and business excellence, the combined business will create significant value for our shareholders and customers." 

"This transaction, which provides our shareholders with a compelling, immediate cash premium, represents the culmination of a robust assessment of strategic alternatives undertaken by our Board of Directors," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of A. Schulman, Inc. "We are delighted to join forces with LyondellBasell, an industry leader we have admired for many years. LyondellBasell not only shares our commitment to meeting customers' demanding requirements, but with its scale and resources, the combined business will be better positioned to address a broader range of customer needs by integrating across applications and offering customers a wider range of solutions in attractive and growing markets. We also expect this combination to create significant opportunities for A. Schulman employees, whose professionalism and expertise will be integral to advancing LyondellBasell's vision, values and commitment to making a positive global impact."

Transaction Terms
Under the terms of the agreement, LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. LyondellBasell will purchase 100 percent of A. Schulman common stock for $42 per share in cash and one contingent value right per share and assume outstanding debt and certain other obligations. In addition, the contingent value rights generally will provide a holder with an opportunity to receive certain net proceeds, if any are recovered, from certain ongoing litigation and government investigations relating to A. Schulman's Citadel and Lucent acquisitions.

LyondellBasell is using cash-on-hand to finance the acquisition. LyondellBasell expects to achieve $150 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years, primarily by leveraging its well-established approach to cost discipline and productivity, as well as its culture of operational, business and commercial excellence. Further, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings within the first full year following close.

The combined businesses had revenues of $4.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million over the last 12 months.

The proposed acquisition, which has been unanimously approved by the respective boards of LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by A. Schulman shareholders. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

More information on the transaction can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com/AdvancedPolymerSolutions

Shearman & Sterling LLP is serving as LyondellBasell's legal counsel, while J.P. Morgan and Dyal Co. are serving as co-financial advisors. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as A. Schulman's legal counsel, while Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. is serving as financial advisor.

Conference Call

LyondellBasell will host a conference call on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 8:45 a.m. EST. Participants on the call will include Chief Executive Officer Bob Patel, Chief Financial Officer Thomas Aebischer and Director of Investor Relations David Kinney.

The toll-free dial-in number in the U.S. is 800-475-8402. A complete listing of toll-free numbers by country is available at www.LyondellBasell.com/teleconference for international callers. The passcode for all numbers is 6934553.

The slides that accompany the call will be available at https://www.LyondellBasell.com/investorevents

A replay of the call will be available from 2:00 p.m. EST February 15, 2018, until March 18, 2018, at 12:59 a.m. EST. The replay dial-in numbers are 800-879-5513 (U.S.) and 402-220-4734 (toll). The passcode for each is 4587.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,000 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.

About A. Schulman
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The company's customers span a wide range of markets, such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The company employs approximately 5,100 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

Information Related to Financial Measures
This presentation makes reference to certain "non-GAAP" financial measures as defined in Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The non-GAAP measures we have presented for LyondellBasell include adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented for LyondellBasell Polypropylene Compounding (PPC) business, is calculated based upon a standard inventory costing methodology. For GAAP purposes, we present EBITDA for our Olefins and Polyolefins Americas segment, which includes PPC based upon last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory costing methodology. To date, we have not allocated a 'LIFO effect' to PPC as it is not available. As such, we are unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We calculate PPC Adjusted EBITDA in this presentation as income from continuing operations, with cost of goods sold valued at standard cost, plus interest expense (net), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation & amortization. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to profit or operating profit for any period as an indicator of our performance, or as an alternative to operating cash flows as a measure of our liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented herein, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of A. Schulman or as reported by other companies due to differences in the way the measure is calculated.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
The statements in this communication relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the business cyclicality of the chemical, polymers and refining industries; the availability, cost and price volatility of raw materials and utilities, particularly the cost of oil, natural gas, and associated natural gas liquids; competitive product and pricing pressures; labor conditions; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, supplier disruptions, labor shortages, strikes, work stoppages or other labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks); the supply/demand balances for our and our joint ventures' products, and the related effects of industry production capacities and operating rates; our ability to achieve expected cost savings and other synergies; our ability to successfully execute projects and growth strategies; legal and environmental proceedings; tax rulings, consequences or proceedings; technological developments, and our ability to develop new products and process technologies; potential governmental regulatory actions; political unrest and terrorist acts; risks and uncertainties posed by international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; and our ability to comply with debt covenants and service our debt. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.

Additionally, this communication includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, Inc. ("Schulman"), including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of LyondellBasell and Schulman and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, the risk that Schulman shareholders may not adopt the Merger Agreement, the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated, failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger and the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of LyondellBasell and Schulman to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in LyondellBasell's and Schulman's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither LyondellBasell nor Schulman is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between LyondellBasell and Schulman. In connection with the proposed transaction, Schulman plans to file a proxy statement with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF SCHULMAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT SCHULMAN WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. Shareholders and investors will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available) and other documents filed by Schulman at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement (when they become available) and the filings that will be incorporated by reference therein may also be obtained, without charge, from Schulman's website, aschulman.com, under the heading "Investors" or by contacting Schulman's Investor Relations at 330-668-7346 or jennifer.beeman@aschulman.com.

Participants in the Solicitation
LyondellBasell, Schulman, their directors, executive officers and certain employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger. Information regarding LyondellBasell's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 6, 2017. Information regarding Schulman's directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 27, 2017. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC (when they become available). These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

¹ Represents LyondellBasell's Polypropylene Compounding (PPC) business revenues of $2.1 billion for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, plus A. Schulman revenues of $2.5 billion for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2017. A. Shulman revenue information obtained from publicly available quarterly release data.

² Represents LyondellBasell's Polypropylene Compounding (PPC) business adjusted EBITDA of $241 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, plus A. Schulman adjusted EBITDA of $205 million for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2017. A. Shulman adjusted EBITDA information obtained from publicly available quarterly release data.

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SOURCE LyondellBasell

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM), a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and powders will present its complete product range and recent innovations at Fakuma on October 17-21, 2017 in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

A. Schulman will be presenting its latest innovations and comprehensive product range of Masterbatches, Engineering Plastics, Engineered Composites, Specialty Powders and Distribution Services.

The product highlights at Fakuma will be:

• A silver metallic product range for automotive and household appliances
• Schularec^TM grades – a new concept which fills the demand for recycled materials
• A complete product range of low-emission solutions for interior automotive applications
• Icorene^® 9005 polyamide for use in rotomolded automotive tanks
• LYTEX^TM styrene-free Sheet-Molding-Compounds
• Schulamid^® 6 and 66 Carbon Fiber-Reinforced (CF) Compounds

In addition to product innovations, A. Schulman has over the last months gone a step further in enhancing customer service. The Company scaled up several new production lines in order to improve product availability with shorter lead times.

• Recent opening of a new masterbatch production site in Turkey
• Increased capacity at its existing masterbatch sites in France, Poland, Italy, Hungary and Spain
• First successful trials at the new Joint Venture plant in Yanbu / Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The production of Polyfort^® and Polyflam^® polypropylene compounds will ramp up over the months to come.
• Production start-up of a new production line for sheet-molding compounds in Germany is foreseen for January 2018.

New distribution agreements and a partnership with 3M to accelerate time-to-market for lightweight and insulating components are completing the Company's offer for its customers in central and northern Europe.

"Our efforts go beyond product innovation and improved service with increased capacity", states Heinrich Lingnau, Senior Vice President & General Manager EMEA. "We have also implemented a new simplified and streamlined structure of our sales and customer service teams, which gives our customers easier access to a broader array of innovative products. It's all about helping our customers being more successful. Because our definition of success is helping our customers achieve theirs."

Meet A. Schulman experts at Fakuma, Hall B1, booth 1112.

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,800 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM), a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and powders has received the prestigious 2016 Global Supplier Award from Robert Bosch GmbH.

A. Schulman received the award in recognition of our worldwide contribution to Bosch's success as an outstanding supplier of raw materials and components for the past two years. The award, presented during a July 2017 ceremony, marked the 12th time A. Schulman participated in the annual event, held this year under the theme "Partners in Success".

"We are honored that we have again won this prestigious award. This recognition rewards and confirms our efforts in the areas of customer focus and innovation," says Heinrich Lingnau, Senior Vice President and General Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa at A. Schulman. "At Bosch, suppliers are true partners and A. Schulman works collaboratively with Bosch to nurture mutual innovation processes."

Dr. Karl Nowak, president of the Bosch corporate sector for purchasing and logistics states, "Bosch's success is based in no small part on competitiveness, innovative strength, and agility – qualities we can achieve only with fruitful international partnerships."

In all, Bosch has given awards to 44 suppliers from eleven countries. This marks the fifteenth time the supplier of technology and services has honored outstanding performance in the manufacture and supply of products or services. Bosch presented the coveted awards before an audience of some 100 representatives of the supply industry.

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,800 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHLM) today announced the appointment of Allen A. Spizzo and Carol S. Eicher to its Board of Directors ("the Board"), effective immediately. In connection with these appointments, the Board size will be increased to ten directors, nine of whom will be independent. Mr. Spizzo will serve on the Board's Audit, Finance, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, and Ms. Eicher will serve on the Compensation, Audit and Executive Committees. Both Mr. Spizzo and Ms. Eicher will stand for re-election to the Board at A. Schulman's 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

A. Schulman also announced today that Dr. William H. Joyce has been appointed Senior Advisor to the Board, effective immediately. In this capacity, Dr. Joyce will serve as a consultant to the Company and as an advisor to the Board for a term of two years.

"Carol, Allen and Bill each have a deep understanding of the global chemicals industry and we are excited that they will contribute their time, energy and experience to the A. Schulman Board," said Joseph M. Gingo, A. Schulman Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "In particular, their collective industry knowledge will help support our planned leadership succession as it relates to our CEO search. These appointments are in line with a number of important governance steps our Board has taken over the past year to refine the Company's focus and improve its execution of sustainable value creation for the benefit of our shareholders. Lastly, I'd like to personally extend my thanks to Keith Rosenbloom and Charlie Rose from Cruiser Capital for their professionalism as we negotiated this cooperation agreement."

These appointments follow a cooperation agreement among A. Schulman, Cruiser Capital Advisors, LLC, and Kingdon Capital Management, L.L.C., which collectively own 9.83% of A. Schulman common stock. The Joyce Trusts, in which Dr. Joyce has a pecuniary interest, own 2.55% of A. Schulman common stock.

"I see incredible opportunity to improve the operations at A. Schulman. I'm excited to work with Joe and the Board to help A. Schulman's talented workforce create better outcomes for associates, customers and shareholders. As a significant owner of A. Schulman's common stock, I am focused on ensuring that the Company maximizes value for all shareholders," said Dr. William Joyce.

"We invested in A. Schulman because it is a resilient business in an industry with excellent long-term prospects, and our productive, collaborative dialogue with the A. Schulman team has reinforced our confidence in the Company. We believe the additional contributions from Bill Joyce, Carol Eicher and Allen Spizzo will assist A. Schulman in dramatically improving its margins and cash flow through innovation and increased capacity utilization," said Keith M. Rosenbloom, Cruiser Capital's Managing Member.

"We are pleased to reach this agreement and believe that these additions to the Board and Bill's appointment as Senior Advisor represent a continuation of meaningful changes A. Schulman has taken to deliver attractive returns while positioning the Company for future success. Importantly, this collaboration demonstrated to us a willingness by management to be open to different opinions and ideas," said Mark E. Kingdon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kingdon Capital Management. 

Pursuant to the agreement, the parties have agreed to certain customary standstill and voting provisions. Cruiser Capital and Kingdon Capital have agreed to vote in favor of the Company's slate of nominees recommended by the Board at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The agreement will be filed on a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Carol S. Eicher
Carol Eicher is the non-executive chairman of Innocor, Inc., where she is the past President and CEO. She serves on the Board of Directors and is the current Chair of the Governance Committee for Tennant Company. She brings over thirty years of manufacturing, commercial and executive leadership experience in the chemical industry to the Board with previous positions at Dow Chemical Co., where she was Business President for Coatings and Construction, a $5 billion global business, as an executive officer at Rohm and Haas and Ashland, Inc. as well as in manufacturing leadership roles at DuPont. Ms. Eicher obtained her Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and her MBA from York College of Pennsylvania.

About Allen A. Spizzo
Allen Spizzo currently serves on the Board of Directors as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees for Ferro Corporation, and on the Board of Directors of Global Specimen Solutions, Inc., a privately held informatics company. He previously served on the Board of Directors of OM Group, Incorporated, a global specialty chemicals and materials company. He is the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hercules Incorporated, an S&P 500 specialty chemical company and has been a management consultant focused on the chemicals, materials, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries since 2008. He also serves as an investment advisor and asset management trustee. Mr. Spizzo received a BS in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from University of Akron.

About William H. Joyce
Dr. Joyce is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Fusion Systems LLC. He is also the retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Nalco Holding Co., Hercules Inc., Union Carbide Corporation and former Vice Chairman of Dow Chemical Co. He is an active member of scientific bodies and panels, was awarded the National Medal of Technology, and was selected as one of the hundred most successful engineers of the century by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Dr. Joyce received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA with distinction and a PhD in Business, both from New York University.

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,800 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

About Cruiser Capital Advisors:
Cruiser Capital Advisors, LLC is an investment management firm that concentrates its investments in companies it believes trade at public market values substantially different from what strategic buyers would pay for the enterprise. Cruiser often utilizes a constructivist approach to help bring customers, personnel and strategic thinking in an effort to collaborate with management teams to help drive equity value.

About Kingdon Capital:
Kingdon Capital Management, LLC is a New York based alternative investment firm founded in 1983.  Kingdon employs a research-driven process, investing across geographies, industries and asset classes, and maintains a collegial, collaborative culture that enables the investment team to work together across disciplines.

Cautionary Statements
A number of the matters discussed in this document that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments and may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and relate to future events and expectations. Forward-looking statements contain such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which management is unable to predict or control, that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect the Company's future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions, including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the Company's major product markets or countries where the Company has operations;
• the effectiveness of the Company's efforts to improve operating margins through sales growth, price increases, productivity gains, and improved purchasing techniques;
• competitive factors, including intense price competition;
• fluctuations in the value of currencies in areas where the Company operates;
• volatility of prices and availability of the supply of energy and raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of the Company's products, particularly plastic resins derived from oil and natural gas;
• changes in customer demand and requirements;
• effectiveness of the Company to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements, growth and other benefits anticipated from acquisitions and the integration thereof, joint ventures and restructuring initiatives;
• escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;
• uncertainties regarding the resolution of pending and future litigation and other claims;
• the performance of the global automotive market as well as other markets served;
• further adverse changes in economic or industry conditions, including global supply and demand conditions and prices for products;
• operating problems with our information systems as a result of system security failures such as viruses, cyber-attacks or other causes;
• our current debt position could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations; and
• failure of counterparties to perform under the terms and conditions of contractual arrangements, including suppliers, customers, buyers and sellers of a business and other third parties with which the Company contracts.

The risks and uncertainties identified above are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risk factors that could affect the Company's performance are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. In addition, risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the Company's 2017 Annual Meeting. The Company plans to file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the 2017 Annual Meeting (the "2017 Proxy Statement"). STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE 2017 PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL FILE WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants, none of whom, other than the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph M. Gingo, and the Company's independent director, James A. Mitarotonda, in each case who beneficially own in excess of one percent 1% of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the 2017 Proxy Statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting. Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 2016 annual meeting of stockholders (the "2016 Proxy Statement"), filed with the SEC on October 28, 2016. To the extent holdings of the Company's securities by such potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the 2016 Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3 and 4 filed with the SEC.

Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the 2017 Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and any other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) when filed by the Company with the SEC in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting at the SEC's website http://www.sec.gov, at the Company's website http://ir.aschulman.com/ or by contacting the Company's Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor relations by mail at A. Schulman, Inc., 3637 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333, by phone at (330) 668-7346 or by email at Jennifer.Beeman@aschulman.com.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.

AKRON, Ohio, July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHLM) announced today that it is lowering its full-year 2017 adjusted net income guidance range to $1.60 to $1.70 per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA to $200 to $204 million. This revision is driven by margin compression in the Company's European business as well as weakened operating results from previous forecasts in certain other regions.

"While our volumes in Europe remain on track with our expectations, we are incurring significant margin pressure in the region due to the magnitude and timing of raw material cost increases," said Joseph M. Gingo, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This compression compounds the macroeconomic headwinds and previously disclosed operational challenges thus making our full-year guidance unattainable, despite the continued progress we are making in this reset year.

"We have taken further steps to recover the raw material costs more effectively, and I believe we will succeed, but the rate at which we can do so is dependent upon competitive pressures," said Gingo. "Typically, we experience a lag in our ability to recover raw material increases. Given this timing, our margin recovery should build momentum as we head into fiscal 2018."

In the Company's fiscal 2017 third quarter news release and earnings call, management reiterated the potential negative effects on its full-year financial performance from foreign currency translation and the continued complexity in the Evansville, Indiana consolidation.

The initial guidance provided by A. Schulman on October 26, 2016 of $2.08 to $2.18 per diluted share assumed a Euro rate of $1.13 and no major shifts in other major world currencies.  The negative foreign currency effects on adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA compared with the Company's guidance plan level are expected to be $0.12 per diluted share and $6 million, respectively, and are reflected in the revised guidance. 

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 53 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

Cautionary Statements
A number of the matters discussed in this document that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments and may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and relate to future events and expectations. Forward-looking statements contain such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which management is unable to predict or control, that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect the Company's future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions, including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the Company's major product markets or countries where the Company has operations;
• the effectiveness of the Company's efforts to improve operating margins through sales growth, price increases, productivity gains, and improved purchasing techniques;
• competitive factors, including intense price competition;
• fluctuations in the value of currencies in areas where the Company operates;
• volatility of prices and availability of the supply of energy and raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of the Company's products, particularly plastic resins derived from oil and natural gas;
• changes in customer demand and requirements;
• effectiveness of the Company to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements, growth and other benefits anticipated from acquisitions and the integration thereof, joint ventures and restructuring initiatives;
• escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;
• uncertainties regarding the resolution of pending and future litigation and other claims;
• the performance of the global automotive market as well as other markets served;
• further adverse changes in economic or industry conditions, including global supply and demand conditions and prices for products;
• operating problems with our information systems as a result of system security failures such as viruses, cyber-attacks or other causes;
• our current debt position could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations; and
• failure of counterparties to perform under the terms and conditions of contractual arrangements, including suppliers, customers, buyers and sellers of a business and other third parties with which the Company contracts.

The risks and uncertainties identified above are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risk factors that could affect the Company's performance are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. In addition, risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.

AKRON, Ohio, June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHLM) today announced earnings for the quarter ended May 31, 2017 of $0.47 per diluted share, compared with $0.53 per diluted share in the prior year period. On an adjusted basis, reported earnings per share were $0.63 in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with $0.79 in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The fiscal 2017 third quarter adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.63 includes the negative effect of foreign currency of $0.04 over the prior year period.

Joseph M. Gingo, chairman, president and chief executive officer stated, "I am very pleased with our strong performance in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Engineered Composites. Our consolidated results were largely influenced by two factors. In our U.S and Canada region, while operations improved, our sales and profitability are still hampered by the complexity of the business consolidation in Evansville, Indiana. In Europe, a significant mid-quarter drop in polyolefin raw material prices interrupted our sales cycle and adversely impacted profitability. We have seen our sales cycle normalize in May and continue into June."

Consolidated net sales for the fiscal 2017 third quarter were $645.8 million, compared with $650.4 million in the same prior-year quarter. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 of $16.3 million, net sales rose 1.8 percent from a year ago.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $32.2 million, compared with $31.6 million in the prior year period. Adjusted operating income margin was 5.7 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with 7 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. On a year-to-date basis, the adjusted operating margin was 5.5 percent compared with 5.9 percent in the prior year.

Net income in the fiscal 2017 third quarter was $13.9 million, compared with $15.5 million in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $18.5 million, compared with $25.2 million in the prior year period. Fiscal 2017 third-quarter adjusted EBITDA was $56 million, compared with $66.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. 

Cash Flow/Debt Reduction
Cash provided from operations was $73.6 million in the nine months ended May 31, 2017. During the quarter, the Company reduced its net debt position by $20.3 million to a balance of $880.4 million as of May 31, 2017. Net leverage at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was 4.13x.

Business Update and Outlook
Gingo stated, "Currency translation, although improving, is a continuing headwind. If the dollar stays at the end-of-May level for the duration of the fourth quarter this would further impact the Company's earnings by as much as two cents in the quarter and would result in 12 cents for currency impact compared with the Company's guidance for the full fiscal year.  

"With the return to a more normal sales pattern in Europe and strong performances in Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Engineered Composites, we foresee stronger year-over-year performance in our fiscal 2017 fourth quarter as we anticipate operational improvement in the U.S. and Canada region. Therefore, excluding the potential 2017 currency translation as noted above, we are maintaining our initial fiscal 2017 guidance of $2.5 billion to $2.6 billion in sales, adjusted EBITDA of $225 million to $230 million, adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.08 to $2.18 on an operating basis. Likewise, we continue to expect to achieve a return on invested capital of 11 percent to 12.5 percent in fiscal 2017.

"The trends that are starting to take shape in the fourth quarter are encouraging and will create added momentum as we progress into fiscal 2018," he said.

Please refer to the reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures for the types of items excluded from the Company's business outlook.

Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of A. Schulman's conference call regarding fiscal 2017 third-quarter earnings can be accessed at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 29, 2017, on the Company's website, www.aschulman.com. An archived replay of the call will also be available on the website.

Investor Presentation Materials
Senior executives of the Company may participate in meetings with analysts and investors throughout the fiscal year. The Company has posted presentation materials, portions of which may be used during such meetings, in the Investors section of its website at www.aschulman.com. The presentation will remain on the website as long as it is in use.

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 53 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release includes certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures include segment gross profit, SG&A expenses excluding certain items, segment operating income, operating income before certain items, net income excluding certain items, net income per diluted share excluding certain items and adjusted EBITDA, as discussed further in the Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures below. These non-GAAP financial measures are considered relevant to aid analysis and understanding of the Company's results and business trends. However, non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, nor are they a substitute for, GAAP measures, and tables included in this release reconcile each non-GAAP financial measure with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measures for these purposes are gross profit, SG&A expenses, operating income, net income and net income per diluted share. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures, and should be read only in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors, there are very significant limitations associated with their use. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, may not be reported by all of the Company's competitors and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of the Company's competitors due to potential differences in the exact method of calculation. The Company compensates for these limitations by using these non-GAAP financial measures as supplements to GAAP financial measures and by reviewing the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures.

Cautionary Statements
A number of the matters discussed in this document that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments and may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and relate to future events and expectations. Forward-looking statements contain such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which management is unable to predict or control, that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect the Company's future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions, including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the Company's major product markets or countries where the Company has operations;
• the effectiveness of the Company's efforts to improve operating margins through sales growth, price increases, productivity gains, and improved purchasing techniques;
• competitive factors, including intense price competition;
• fluctuations in the value of currencies in areas where the Company operates;
• volatility of prices and availability of the supply of energy and raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of the Company's products, particularly plastic resins derived from oil and natural gas;
• changes in customer demand and requirements;
• effectiveness of the Company to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements, growth and other benefits anticipated from acquisitions and the integration thereof, joint ventures and restructuring initiatives;
• escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;
• uncertainties regarding the resolution of pending and future litigation and other claims;
• the performance of the global automotive market as well as other markets served;
• further adverse changes in economic or industry conditions, including global supply and demand conditions and prices for products;
• operating problems with our information systems as a result of system security failures such as viruses, cyber-attacks or other causes;
• our current debt position could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations; and
• failure of counterparties to perform under the terms and conditions of contractual arrangements, including suppliers, customers, buyers and sellers of a business and other third parties with which the Company contracts.

The risks and uncertainties identified above are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risk factors that could affect the Company's performance are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. In addition, risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

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1 - Accelerated depreciation is related to restructuring plans in the Company's USCAN and EMEA segments.

2 - Costs related to acquisitions and integrations primarily include third party professional, legal, IT and other expenses associated with successful and unsuccessful full or partial acquisition and divestiture/dissolution transactions, as well as certain employee-related expenses such as travel, one-time bonuses and post-acquisition severance separate from a formal restructuring plan.

3 - Restructuring and related costs include items such as employee severance charges, lease termination charges, curtailment gains/losses, other employee termination costs and charges related to the reorganization of the legal entity structure. Refer to Note 12 in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

4 - Lucent costs primarily represent legal and investigation costs related to resolving the Lucent matter, product manufacturing costs for reworking existing Lucent inventory, obsolete Lucent inventory reserve costs, and dedicated internal personnel costs that would have otherwise been focused on normal operations.

5 - CEO transition costs represent charges for deferred compensation granted to Bernard Rzepka.

6 - Write off of debt issuance costs are related to prepayments of $56.0 million of Term Loan B. Refer to Note 3 in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

7 - Tax (benefits) charges represent the Company's quarterly non-GAAP tax based on the overall estimated annual non-GAAP effective tax rates.

8 - Asset impairment relates to the discontinuation of information technology assets in the USCAN segment and future cash settlement of a commitment to a local government.

9 - Convertible special stock dividends have been added back as the 2.4 million shares of convertible special stock were considered dilutive to the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

10 - Gain related to sale of assets that had previously been classified as held for sale.

(1) - Other includes Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses and Other (income) expense, net.

(2) - For details on Non-GAAP adjustments, refer to "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures", items (2) - (8).  Amounts are included in Operating Income. Accelerated depreciation on the "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures" has been excluded as it is already included in Depreciation and amortization above. The three months ended May 31, 2017 exclude additional depreciation expense which is in restructuring and related costs as it has already been included in Depreciation and amortization above. The nine months ended May 31, 2016 also include additional amortization expense which is in SG&A in the "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures". This expense has been added back to adjusted EBITDA.