Cereplast, Inc. Strikes Deal with RI.ME. Masterbatch to Supply Bioplastics Resins for European Market

Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERP) (“Cereplast,” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, announced today that it has entered into a multi-million dollar contract with RI.ME. Masterbatch S.r.l., (“RI.ME.”) based in Mozzate (CO), Italy, to supply bioplastic resins for use in its masterbatch process for adding colorant to bulk, uncolored resins. The new agreement supports RI.ME.’s commitment to offering its customers sustainable, environmental solutions in the design and production of masterbatches.

“We are excited that RI.ME. has chosen Cereplast to provide bioplastic resins for use in its masterbatching process for its clients throughout Europe,” said Mr. Frederic Scheer, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast, Inc. “This was made possible by RI.ME.’s success in using our materials in its masterbatching process, and by the excellent performance of Cereplast resins on extrusion lines designed for HDPE, LDPE or PVC without any kind of technical investments.

Gerdau S.A. Proposes to Acquire the Minority Shares in Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation

(Note: all dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars)

Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation (NYSE: GNA, TSX: GNA) and Gerdau S.A. (Bovespa: GGBR, NYSE: GGB, Latibex: XGGB) announced today that Gerdau S.A. has delivered to the Board of Directors of Gerdau Ameristeel a proposal to acquire all of the shares of Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation that Gerdau S.A. does not already own for US$11.00 cash per share.

This proposal values Gerdau Ameristeel's minority held shares at approximately US$1.6 billion. Gerdau S.A. already owns 66.3% of the outstanding shares of Gerdau Ameristeel and intends to fund the acquisition and related expenses through its existing cash resources and committed financing.

A. Schulman Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire ICO, Inc.

-- Acquisition would enhance A. Schulman's position in global rotomolding and masterbatch markets
-- Combined stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $191.4 million
-- Transaction requires approval from ICO shareholders and customary regulatory approvals

A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding stock of ICO, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICOC), pending approval of the transaction by ICO shareholders and receipt of customary regulatory approvals.

IPIC and NOVA Chemicals Announce Friendly, Recommended All-Cash Acquisition of NOVA Chemicals

International Petroleum Investment Company ("IPIC") and NOVA Chemicals Corporation ("NOVA Chemicals") (NYSE:NCX)(TSX:NCX) announced today that they have entered into an agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") providing for the acquisition by IPIC of all of NOVA Chemicals' outstanding common shares (the "Shares") for a cash consideration of US$6.00 per Share. The acquisition will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "Arrangement").

The consideration per Share represents a 348% premium over the February 20, 2009 closing price of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and a 204% premium over the combined and currency-adjusted 30-day volume-weighted average price of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and NYSE up to and including February 20, 2009. The total value of the Arrangement, including assumption of NOVA Chemicals' net debt obligations, is approximately US$2.3 billion.