Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI)

Previously disposed businesses may expose the Group to costs that could have an adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flow and/or financial condition.

In recent years, the Group has carried out a programme of strategic disposals, in the course of which it has given to other parties in those transactions certain indemnities, warranties and guarantees, including indemnities, warranties and guarantees relating to known and potential latent environmental, health and safety liabilities. There are also a number of contracts relating to businesses that ICI exited as part of its disposal programme which have not been novated to the purchasers of these businesses.

The extent to which ICI will be required in the future to incur costs under any of the indemnifications, warranties, guarantees or contracts referred to above or any similar contractual provision which the Group entered into in connection with its disposal programme is not predictable and, if the Group should incur such costs, the costs could have an adverse effect on results of operations, cash flow and financial condition. For a more detailed description of these exposures see note 33 relating to the Group accounts.