NEW YORK, February 24, 2009 — The Bank of New York Mellon , the global leader in asset management and securities servicing, has been selected by K+S Aktiengesellschaft (K+S) as depositary bank for its sponsored Level I American depositary receipt (ADR) program. Each K+S ADR represents 0.5 ordinary shares. The ADRs trade on the over-the-counter market under the symbol "KPLUY," and the ordinary shares trade in the Prime Standard on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "SDF."

The K+S Group is a supplier of specialty and standard fertilizers as well as plant care and salt products. The K+S Group employs 12,000 people and posted revenues of approximately 3.3 billion euros for 2007. The K+S share is listed on all German stock exchanges and the only German raw materials company to be listed on the DAX German share index.

"We believe that our sponsored Level I ADR program will help expand our investor base and increase our visibility in the U.S.," said Christian Herrmann, head of Investor Relations of K+S. "The Bank of New York Mellon, as the market leader in the depositary receipts business, is best positioned to help us achieve these goals."

"By selecting The Bank of New York Mellon as its depositary bank, K+S Aktiengesellschaft is confirming its commitment to attracting more investment from the U.S. market," said Michael Cole-Fontayn, chief executive officer of The Bank of New York Mellon's Depositary Receipt Division. "We look forward to working with K+S on customized outreach initiatives to facilitate market awareness of its new program."

The Bank of New York Mellon acts as depositary for more than 1,300 sponsored American and global depositary receipt programs, acting in partnership with leading companies from 64 countries. With an unrivalled commitment to helping securities issuers succeed in the world's rapidly evolving financial markets, the Company delivers the industry's most comprehensive suite of integrated depositary receipt, corporate trust and stock transfer services. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com/dr.

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. The company is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high net-worth individuals, providing superior asset management and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, clearing services and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $20.2 trillion in assets under custody and administration, $928 billion in assets under management and services more than $11 trillion in outstanding debt. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com.

This release is for informational purposes only. The Bank of New York Mellon provides no advice nor recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or securities. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Depositary Receipts: Not FDIC, State or Federal Agency Insured; May Lose Value; No Bank, State or Federal Agency Guarantee.