SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): July 15, 2005
ASHLAND INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kentucky
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-32532 20-0865835
(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
P.O. Box 391, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391
(Mailing Address) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (859) 815-3333
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of
the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 2230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.04. Temporary Suspension of Trading Under Registrant's Employee
Benefit Plans
On July 15, 2005, Ashland Inc. (the "Company") sent a notice to
the Company's executive officers and directors informing them that the
blackout period relating to the Company's 401(k) plan, which was expected
to end during the week that started July 10, 2005, was being extended with
a new expected end during the week that starts July 24, 2005. The notice,
which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by
reference, was provided by the Company to its executive officers and
directors in accordance with Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
During the blackout period and for a period of two years
thereafter, a security holder or other interested persons may obtain,
without charge, information about the actual beginning and ending dates of
the 401(k) blackout period by contacting Ron Griffith, c/o Ashland Inc. at
the following address: 3499 Blazer Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509 (Tel: (859)
357-7314; rrgriffith@ashland.com).
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(c) Exhibits
99.1 Important Notice to Directors and Exective Officers
Regarding the Prohibition of Your Ability to Purchase or
Sell Ashland Inc. Securities Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 Update
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ASHLAND INC.
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(Registrant)
Date: July 15, 2005 /s/ David L. Hausrath
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Name: David L. Hausrath
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
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