NORTHLAKE, IL - December 15, 2004 - Kohl & Madden, a member of the Sun Chemical group of companies, announced price increases of 4 to 8 percent on its commercial printing inks, effective Jan. 1, according to Brad Bergey, president, Kohl & Madden. “Due to the current imbalance in the supply and demand of many of the raw materials used in the formulation of printing inks and varnishes, Kohl & Madden has had to accept multiple price increases over the last months while also dealing with shortages and allocations on some raw materials,” Bergey said. “The underlying factors of this imbalance include strong worldwide demand for specialty chemicals, high oil prices, inflation, poor profitability of the chemical industry and as a consequence, a lack of investment in new capacity. This problem is further compounded by the fact that we are facing increasing cost pressure from environmental compliance, transport, packaging, healthcare and other inflationary operating cost increases. ” Bergey noted that Kohl & Madden continues to make considerable efforts to reduce cost in all controllable activity areas, however “we are unable to make up for the rising costs outlined above.” At the same time, he added, Kohl & Madden continues to offer the highest levels of local service, and remains committed to providing innovative technology and services to the Commercial industry.