If you were a Hercules “shareholder of record” (i.e., your shares were registered directly in your name and not held by a broker/bank) at the close of business on Nov. 13, 2008, a letter of transmittal and instructions for exchanging your Hercules shares for shares of Ashland stock and cash consideration were mailed on Nov. 26, 2008. If you do not receive these materials within a reasonable time, please contact the Exchange Agent, National City Bank Shareholder Services, at 800-622-6757.

If you were a “street name” holder (i.e., your Hercules shares were held on your behalf by your broker/bank) at the close of business on Nov. 13, 2008, your Hercules shares were automatically exchanged for shares of Ashland stock, and this, plus the cash consideration, was sent to your broker/bank. It is the responsibility of your broker/bank to reflect the exchange on your behalf on its records. If you did not receive any communication from your broker/bank confirming this transaction, you must contact your broker/bank directly for assistance.