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): August 20, 2003
ASHLAND INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kentucky
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-2918 61-0122250
(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
Item 5. Other Events
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On June 30, 2003, Ashland Inc. ("Ashland") filed a Form 8-K disclosing
that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the net assets of its
Electronic Chemicals business and certain related subsidiaries (the
"Transaction") to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. ("Air Products").
Ashland subsequently disclosed that Honeywell International Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Honeywell"), and GEM Microelectronic Materials
L.L.C. ("GEM"), a joint venture between Honeywell and Texas Ultrapure Inc.,
filed suit against Ashland and Air Products seeking, among other remedies,
a preliminary and permanent injunction preventing the consummation of the
Transaction. Ashland also disclosed that Teamsters Local Union No. 773 in
Allentown, Pennsylvania ("Union") filed suit seeking a preliminary and
permanent injunction preventing the consummation of the Transaction.
The Union's injunction request was dismissed with prejudice on August
20, 2003. On August 21, 2003, the Delaware Chancery Court in New Castle
County, Delaware denied Honeywell's and GEM's request for a preliminary
injunction preventing the consummation of the Transaction. Ashland expects
the Transaction to close on August 29, 2003.
SIGNATURES
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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: August 22, 2003 /s/ J. Marvin Quin
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Name: J. Marvin Quin
Title: Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer
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