Norsk Hydro - Acquisition of VAW completed

Norsk Hydro ASA, the Norwegian Oil and Energy, Aluminium and Agri group, has as of today completed the acquisition of the German aluminium company, VAW aluminium AG. The closing in Düsseldorf today comes just a little over two months after Hydro entered into the agreement with the German utility and industry group, E.ON, to acquire VAW. The completion of the transaction is to be followed by a rapid integration of Hydro and VAW, which will create Hydro Aluminium - an innovative global force in the aluminium industry.

"VAW and Hydro represent an excellent strategic fit. The combination of our strengths in rolled products and extrusions enable us to offer customers a broader product range and move closer to aluminium end users. We will also be able to increase our recycling activities. The combination open significant value creation opportunities," stated Jon-Harald Nilsen, Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Aluminium and Executive Vice President in the Norsk Hydro Group.

Hydro Aluminium will be one of the top three global aluminium suppliers, and market leader in important market segments. Hydro Aluminium will have a total business volume within primary aluminium cast house products of approximately 2.8 million tons. The combined group will have strong positions in markets for rolled and extruded products, and will be a global leader in aluminium applications for the building and automotive industries.
Hydro will be the leading aluminium company in Europe and have significant positions in North America and Asia/Pacific.

Integration planning in advance of the closing has prepared the ground for a rapid integration. Top management in Hydro Aluminium has been identified. Business sector managements will be appointed during April and the combined company will be fully operating as one from July 2002.

The acquisition will be funded through drawing on existing cash funds. VAW aluminium AG will be consolidated into Hydro's accounts as of the closing date.

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Certain statements in this press release are or may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not in the nature of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements and may contain identifying words such as "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects" and similar expressions. These forward looking statements are based on Hydro's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the company and the industries in which it engages in business. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. For a detailed description of factors that could cause Hydro's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements, please refer to its annual report on Form 20-F for the year-ended December 31, 2000 and subsequent filings on Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.