PPG Acquires World's Leading Maker of Nonprescription Sunlenses

PITTSBURGH--April 28, 2006--PPG Industries has acquired Intercast Europe, S.p.A. - the world's leading manufacturer of nonprescription hard resin sunlenses - and related manufacturing operations in Thailand.

Additionally, PPG agreed to acquire certain related manufacturing and distribution facilities in Italy and Hong Kong. Closing on these assets is expected to occur by the end of May. The terms of both transactions were not disclosed.

"These acquisitions will strengthen PPG's optical products portfolio and expand the global presence of our optical materials group through Intercast's strong international footprint," said Rick Elias, PPG's vice president of optical products. "Our combined offerings, and our research and development capabilities, will further strengthen PPG's technology leadership and help us better serve our customers and the industry."

Based in Parma, Italy, Intercast manufactures and distributes optical sunlenses as well as optically clear sheet products for non-eyewear applications. PPG officials said they will continue to operate the business under the Intercast name. Paolo Baiocchi and Gian Giuseppe Giani will remain managing directors of the business, reporting to Elias.

"We are pleased to join PPG in the pursuit of world-class eyewear solutions," Baiocchi said. "Both companies possess strong leadership positions in the optical market and share a common focus on technological innovation."

In addition, Intercast manufactures nonprescription lenses from NXT, a proprietary monomer based on the same patented polyurethane-based chemistry for impact-resistant ophthalmic applications as Trivex monomer for prescription lenses. PPG was first-to-market with Trivex lens material - the first prescription lens material to offer the combination of excellent optics, impact resistance and ultra light weight.

"These acquisitions will also make PPG the pre-eminent supplier of durable, lightweight and optically clear lens material for the growing impact-resistant lens segment," said Elias.

PPG Industries is the world's leading maker of optical resins and introduced the first hard resin lens material, CR-39 monomer, in 1945. It is majority owner of Transitions Optical, the leading supplier of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide, and owner of International Polarizer, the world's largest manufacturer of sunglass polarizer. In addition to optical coatings and materials, PPG is a leading global supplier of specialty and industrial chemicals, coatings, flat and fabricated glass, and fiber glass. With 110 manufacturing locations and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries, sales in 2005 were US$10.2 billion.

Intercast Europe is the world's largest manufacturer of hard resin sunlenses and supplies products for fashion and performance eyewear to leading sunglass companies worldwide through its manufacturing and distribution units in Italy, Thailand and Hong Kong. Additional information about Intercast can be found at its Web site, www.intercast.it.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained herein relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements reflecting PPG's current view with respect to future events and financial performance. These matters involve risks and uncertainties, as discussed in PPG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Accordingly, many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors include increasing price and product competition by foreign and domestic competitors, fluctuations in cost and availability of raw materials and energy, the ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships and arrangements, economic and political conditions in international markets, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in such rates, and the unpredictability of existing and possible future litigation, including litigation that could result if the asbestos settlement discussed in PPG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission does not become effective. However, it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, while the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on PPG's consolidated financial condition, operations or liquidity. All information in this news release speaks only as of April 28, 2006, and any distribution of this news release after that date is not intended and will not be construed as updating or confirming such information.

CR-39 and Trivex are trademarks of PPG Industries.

NXT is a trademark of Intercast Europe.