Celgard Acquires Yurie-Wide, Expands Technology Offerings

05/20/2008

Charlotte, N.C., May 20, 2008 – Celgard, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polypore International, Inc. (NYSE:PPO), and a leading global supplier of separator material for lithium-ion batteries, has acquired Yurie-Wide Corporation, a South Korean company that has developed technology for the manufacture of polyethylene (PE) separators for lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the primary power source for notebook computers, mobile telephones and other personal electronic devices.

For Celgard, the world’s leading manufacturer of polypropylene (PP) and multi-layer (PP/PE/PP) lithium-ion battery separators, the acquisition adds polyethylene product technology to what is already the separator industry’s broadest product portfolio.

The move strengthens the company’s ability to supply major Korean battery manufacturers, reinforces its support of other customers worldwide, and provides opportunities to serve new customers.

“The acquisition of Yurie-Wide is an investment in membrane technology that enhances our already strong product platform,” said Celgard vice president and general manager Mitch Pulwer. “Gaining new product technologies enables us to meet a wide range of customer preferences.”

Celgard will begin immediately to introduce its manufacturing and supply-chain systems, processes and technologies to the Korean facility to align its operations with the company’s world-class, global standards.

The acquisition, which represents a Celgard investment of approximately $23 million, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to expand capabilities and capacity to meet the diverse needs of lithium-ion battery makers in a growing global market for mobile power. It follows a nearly completed expansion of Celgard’s Charlotte, N.C., facility, which was announced last August.

A lithium-ion battery separator is an ultra-thin microporous plastic membrane that separates the battery’s positive and negative electrodes and facilitates ion flow.

Celgard, LLC is a global leader in the development and production of specialty microporous membranes, including separators used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronic devices such as notebook computers, mobile telephones, digital cameras, and other high performance applications such as power tools, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cells.