Ferro Confirms Prior Receipt and Rejection of Unsolicited Proposal from A. Schulman

Advises Shareholders to Take No Action at This Time

Ferro Corporation (NYSE: FOE, the “Company”) today confirmed that its Board of Directors had previously received and rejected an unsolicited proposal from A. Schulman, Inc. (SHLM) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ferro common stock for $6.50 per share in cash and stock.

Ferro’s Board of Directors, in consultation with financial and legal advisors, unanimously determined that the A. Schulman proposal is not in the best interests of Ferro shareholders and that continued execution of the Company’s value creation strategy will deliver greater value to Ferro shareholders.

TPC Group Inc. Receives Non-Binding Proposal From Innospec Inc. and Blackstone

TPC Group Board Determines That the Proposal is Reasonably Expected to Lead to a Superior Proposal

TPC Group Inc. (TPCG), a leading fee-based processor and service provider of value-added products derived from niche petrochemical raw materials, today announced that it has received a non-binding proposal to be acquired by Innospec Inc. (IOSP) ("Innospec"). As part of this proposal, Innospec would pursue an acquisition of all of TPC Group's common shares for an all-cash purchase price in the range of $44--46 per share. The proposal is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, securing requisite debt financing, completion of due diligence and receipt of internal approvals. Equity financing for the proposed acquisition will be provided by a fund, Blackstone Capital Partners VI, L.P., managed by Blackstone on behalf of its private equity investors.

China Direct Industries Receives Contract From Beijing Tianrun Construction Co., Ltd. Valued at Over $70 Million for Its Basic Materials Segment

CDI Beijing Subsidiary to Provide Reinforcing Steel Rods Over the Next 12 Months

China Direct Industries, Inc. ("China Direct Industries") (NASDAQ:CDII), a U.S. owned holding company operating in China in two core business segments, pure magnesium production and distribution of basic materials, announced today that its subsidiary, CDI Beijing International Trading Co., Ltd., has received a contract from Beijing Tianrun Construction Co, Ltd. for the delivery of various types of reinforcing steel bars having the potential to generate over $70 million in revenue over the next 12 months. Delivery dates will be determined by parties over the term of the contract.

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.