Valent's Trevor Thorley Appointed Executive Officer of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd.

August 8, 2008

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (August 8,  2008)—Valent U.S.A. Corporation announces the promotion of President and Chief  Operating Officer (COO) Trevor Thorley to executive officer for parent company  Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd.

Thorley's new Sumitomo Chemical position  was confirmed on June 20, 2008, at the Shareholders Annual Meeting in  Tokyo.

"It is both an honor and privilege to  become the first non-Japanese executive officer of this committed, global leader  with its growing portfolio of innovative products for food, health and the  environment," Thorley said. "This announcement sends a strong message to our  employees and customers that Sumitomo Chemical is committed to globalization and  future growth."

Thorley will continue his roles as  Valent president and COO as well as general manager for Region Americas crop  protection business for Sumitomo Chemical in the United States, Canada and Latin  America.

Valent markets and sells fungicides,  herbicides, insecticides, miticides, nematicides and plant growth regulators for  the agricultural, horticultural, turf and ornamental markets.

For more information about Valent  products, Valent U.S.A. Corporation or the full product line, call 800-6-VALENT  (682-5368) or visit the Valent Web site at www.valent.com.

As a chemical company, Sumitomo works to  capitalize on its research and development capabilities, technological prowess,  and ability to supply quality products to yield benefits for people, society and  the world. Today, the Sumitomo Chemical Group includes some 100 companies  operating around the world in six business sectors: basic chemicals,  petrochemicals and plastics, fine chemicals, IT-related chemicals, agricultural  chemicals and pharmaceuticals.